Top 10 Adventure Places in Sri Lanka to Explore

Written by Ruwani Madushani | Created on 5th Jan 2023

Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean and is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and stunning natural beauty. But did you know that it is also a paradise for adventure seekers? From white-water rafting and rock climbing to trekking and wildlife safaris, there's no shortage of exciting activities to try in this tropical paradise.

Here are the top 10 adventure places in Sri Lanka that you should add to your bucket list:

01. Adam's Peak

This is a sacred mountain located in the central region of the country and is known for its distinctive conical shape. The mountain is home to a sacred footprint believed to be that of Lord Buddha, and it is a popular destination for pilgrims and trekkers. The trek to the summit, which is about 7,000 feet above sea level, is quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness. But the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking and well worth the effort.

 

 

 

 

02. Horton Plains National Park

Located in the central highlands, this national park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including sambar deer, leopards, and giant squirrels. The park is also home to the second highest waterfall in the country, known as Baker's Falls. The most popular trek in the park is the World's End hike, which takes you to a cliff with a drop of over 4,000 feet. The views from the top are absolutely stunning and not to be missed.

 

 

03. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

This ancient rock fortress is located in the central region of the country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress is located on top of a massive rock column and is home to a series of ancient frescoes and rock-cut temples. The climb to the top of the rock is quite challenging, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it.

 

 

 

04. White-water rafting in Kithulgala

Located in the central region of the country, Kithulgala is a popular destination for white-water rafting. The Kelani River, which flows through the town, is known for its challenging rapids and is a great place to try your hand at rafting. The town is also home to several waterfalls and is a great place to relax and unwind after a day of rafting.

 

 

 

05. Yala National Park

This national park is located in the south-east of the country and is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and crocodiles. The park is a great place to go on a safari and spot some of the amazing animals that call the park home.

 

 

 

06. Rock climbing in Arugam Bay 

Located on the east coast of the country, Arugam Bay is a popular destination for surfers and rock climbers. The area is home to several rock climbing routes of varying difficulty, making it a great place for climbers of all levels.

 

 

 

07. Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range

Located in the central region of the country, the Knuckles Mountain Range is a popular destination for trekkers. The area is home to a variety of flora and fauna and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape

 

 

 

08. Diving in Hikkaduwa 

Located on the south coast of the country, Hikkaduwa is a popular destination for scuba diving. The area is home to a variety of colorful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, making it a great place to explore the underwater world.

 

 

 

09. Surfing in Unawatuna 

Located on the south coast of the country, Unawatuna is a popular destination for surfers. The area is home to several great surf spots, including Jungle Beach and Whale Rock, and is a great place to catch some waves.

 

 

 

10. Elephant orphanage in Pinnawala

Located in the central region of the country, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a great place to see these majestic creatures up close. The orphanage is home to a large herd of elephants, including several orphaned babies, and offers the chance to feed and interact with the elephants.

 

 

 

 

Sri Lanka is a true adventure paradise, with something for every type of adventurer. Whether you're into white-water rafting or rock climbing, or prefer a more relaxed activity like trekking or wildlife safaris, there's something for everyone in this stunning tropical nation.