sri lanka | The Adventure Travel Site

A First-Timer’s Guide to Kandy: What to See and Do – Add a Different Flavour to Your Tropical Island Getaway

When discussing tropical destinations, the focus is always on beaches and the ocean, but Sri Lanka is different. It’s a tropical destination well known for culture, history, and gardens, as much as for beaches. Kandy is where you’ll find this diversity. It’s the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, inviting you to enjoy a holiday amidst mountains. Visit temples, stroll through gardens, and unwind with a delicious cup of Ceylon tea. Here’s what to see and do in Kandy.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is one of the most important religious sites for Buddhists on the island. It houses a tooth relic that belongs to Buddha, so you can imagine how revered and loved the temple is. If you decide to visit, get there in time for the evening ceremony.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

Located just outside Kandy, the Royal Botanic Gardens promises a peaceful escape among colourful blooms. Take a walk through exotic plants and vibrant flowers along well-kept pathways, enjoying invigorating fresh air.

You can find several accommodations close to the garden too. If you’re interested in a luxury hotel in Kandy, you will find Kings Pavilion Kandy just 15 minutes away from the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Udawatta Kele

Located in the heart of Kandy, Udawatta Kele is a forest reserve. With trails running through the thick bushes, where wildlife thrives, the forest is visited by both locals and foreigners for hiking and birdwatching.

Ceylon Tea Museum

A tea lover, are you? You and most Sri Lankans! To learn about Sri Lanka’s tea industry, visit the Ceylon Tea Museum. Take your time touring the museum, and you can conclude your visit with a delicious cup of Ceylon tea.

Discover Sri Lanka’s Agro Treasures

5 Must-Explore Experiences

Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful beaches and lush landscapes, but there’s an often-overlooked side to the island—the rich world of agriculture. From spice plantations to organic farms, Sri Lanka’s agro scene offers a sensory journey you won’t want to miss. Here’s how you can experience this green paradise.

Walk Through Spice Gardens

Herbal_Garden — Image by Cherubino via wikimedia commons

Sri Lanka is famous for its spices, especially cinnamon. A visit to a spice garden lets you witness the art of spice cultivation and experience the fragrant beauty of cardamom, pepper, and nutmeg. These gardens are scattered across regions like Matale and Kandy, where you can get a hands-on look at how these aromatic plants are grown and harvested.

Explore Tea Plantations

No trip to Sri Lanka would be complete without exploring its iconic tea plantations. Head to Nuwara Eliya or Kandy to see how Ceylon tea is made, from the fields to the cup. The verdant hills, dotted with tea pickers, provide an unforgettable sight, and a tour of a local factory gives insight into the meticulous process behind Sri Lanka’s beloved brew.

Discover Organic Farming in Kalutara

For a taste of sustainable agriculture, visit Kalutara’s organic farms. With a growing trend in eco-friendly farming, the region showcases how local farmers are cultivating produce without synthetic chemicals. The lush, green fields offer a chance to indulge in the region’s fresh and organic flavours. Consider staying at hotels in Kalutara, such as the well-known Turyaa Kalutara, to enjoy freshly prepared local dishes.

Tour the Coconut Plantations

Sri Lanka’s coconut trees are an iconic feature of its agricultural landscape. A walk through these plantations offers a fascinating look at the production of coconut products—from oil and milk to delicious snacks. The coastal regions like Negombo and Galle are perfect spots to witness how these plantations thrive under the tropical sun.

Delve Into Rice Cultivation

Rice is a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, and the island’s traditional rice fields are an essential part of its agricultural heritage. Visit places like Anuradhapura to explore paddy fields and learn about the traditional methods still in practice.

All Aboard: A Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Highlands

Sri Lanka’s scenic train rides aren’t just a means of transport; they’re magical journeys that take you through landscapes, each with their own unique stories. Imagine lush green hills rolling past your window, the crisp mountain air rushing in, and the gentle clatter of the tracks beneath you. These train journeys through the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country offer the chance to search for a new meaning to life. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or that perfect Instagram shot, these rides have it all.

Ella_sri_lanka — Yudesh, Ella sri lanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Iconic Kandy to Ella Route: A Moving Postcard

Arguably the most famous train ride in Sri Lanka, the journey from Kandy to Ella is like travelling through a dream. Towering mountains, endless tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls create an ever-changing landscape. Hanging out of the open doors—safely, of course—is practically a rite of passage for visitors. Don’t forget your camera; every twist and turn offers a view more stunning than the last.

Nanu Oya to Haputale: Tea Country at Its Finest

For those who want a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Nanu Oya to Haputale route is pure magic. Misty peaks rise above sprawling tea estates, with quaint villages tucked between them. A stay at a boutique hotel in Sri Lanka, such as the Aarunya Nature Resort, is the perfect way to soak in the tranquillity after a long but mesmerising ride through the hills.

Badulla’s Hidden Gems: A Slow-Paced Escape

Few travellers continue past Ella, but the Badulla stretch offers a peaceful, untouched side of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Here, the train slows, weaving through ancient forests and rustic villages. It’s the ideal route for those who love a quiet, scenic ride with fewer crowds and more space to breathe.

Riding in Style: First Class or Open Doors?

Whether you choose first-class comfort, second-class charm, or third-class adventure, each has its own appeal. First class offers reserved seats and air conditioning, while second class provides the classic open-window experience. For the truly adventurous, third-class seating, though crowded, lets you mingle with locals and immerse yourself fully in the journey.

Get a Unique Kiteboarding Experience with Kalpitiya Kite Boarding

If you’re on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind kiteboarding adventure, Kalpitiya in Sri Lanka is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With consistent winds, beautiful beaches, and thrilling water adventures, Kalpitiya Kite Boarding offers the perfect blend of action and paradise. Here’s a sneak peek into what makes this destination so special.

Perfect Winds and Pristine Waters
Kalpitiya boasts some of the most consistent winds, which makes it ideal for kiteboarders of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the shallow, turquoise waters offer a safe environment to practice your skills. The wind season runs from May to October and again from December to March, making it a year-round haven for kiteboarding enthusiasts.

Stay at a Relaxing Resort
When you’re not chasing the wind, relax and unwind at a property such as Dolphin Beach Resort. This cosy resort offers beachfront cabanas where you can recharge while enjoying spectacular ocean views. With easy access to the best kiteboarding spots, it’s the perfect home base for your adventure.

Kite Safaris
For those craving a kite safari in Sri Lanka, kitesurfing is offered across scenic lagoons and mangroves. You’ll explore the wild beauty of Sri Lanka while kiteboarding through untamed areas where nature and sport collide.

Learn with the Best Instructors
New to kiteboarding? No worries! Kalpitiya’s top-notch instructors are here to help, offering lessons that cover the basics and beyond, ensuring a safe, exciting experience tailored to your skill level.

Conquer the Clouds: An Adventurer’s Guide to Trekking Hantana – The Stunner of the Upcountry

Maybe it was the allure of the beaches and the ocean that compelled you to visit Sri Lanka. After all, Sri Lanka is known as a tropical country extending an invitation for adventurers seeking fun in the water. But there’s another side to this island nation: the upcountry, dotted with mountains and streaked with hiking and trekking trails. Hantana is one of the most beautiful and serene places you will find anywhere, with sprawling mountains shrouded in mist and mild weather that’s the perfect tonic for sun-weary souls.

Best Time to Go

The best time would be the dry season from December to April when there’s no risk of rainfall and therefore the trails are not slippery. Plus, the dry season brings the most spectacular views, ensured by the clear skies. The monsoon months add a lush vibrancy to the green tracks, but trekking can become a bit challenging.

Accommodations

You can choose from a range of accommodations, including budget, mid-range, and luxury, catering to all budgets and taking into account all preferences. Consider what you want to do during your time in Hantana and ask yourself if you’d like to include some sightseeing in Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka that’s close by, in your itinerary, and then pick a place. Those enthusiastic about exploring the fringing destinations as well as trekking in Hantana might want to check out Theva Residency.

Trails

Hantana offers several trekking trails, from easy to advanced.

The Hantana Peak Trail is the most popular; it leads you to the summit and takes about four hours to complete. The Hantana Tea Estate Trail, on the other hand, is a more leisurely trek that leads you through beautiful tea plantations. Meanwhile, there’s a scenic trail that passes by waterfalls within the Hantana range.

Tips

Make sure you’ll be at ease during the trek by wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Don’t forget to bring water or wear sunscreen – even though the climate is mild, you still need sunscreen. Do not litter the trails or disturb the wildlife. Consider joining a guided tour if it’s your first time trekking in Hantana.

Experiencing wildlife

Exploring wildlife in Sri Lanka offers an enchanting journey into the heart of one of the world’s most biodiverse islands. Home to an array of habitats, from lush rainforests and sprawling savannas to pristine beaches and misty mountains, Sri Lanka boasts an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can encounter iconic species such as the majestic Sri Lankan elephant, elusive leopards, and vibrant birds in numerous national parks, including Yala and Udawalawe.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park, located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its stunning lowland dry scrub and rocky coastline, making it the premier national park in the country and arguably one of the best for mammals in Asia. With around 30 Sri Lankan leopards, a sub-species endemic to the island, the park offers an impressive leopard density of up to one cat per square kilometer in certain areas. During the palu tree fruiting season in June and July, sloth bears can often be spotted. Visitors may also encounter a variety of wildlife, including sambar and spotted deer, buffalo, wild pigs, mongooses, langur and toque monkeys, golden jackals, and Indian palm civets.

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park, located just south of the central mountains, was established to protect the watershed of the expansive Udawalawe Reservoir. This park features vast grasslands, scrub jungle, and riverine forests, making it the best place on the continent for observing Asian elephants in their natural habitat, with sightings nearly guaranteed even on a single game drive. While the park offers limited opportunities for viewing other mammals, it is a delight for birdwatchers.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Located in the wet southwest of Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country’s premier rainforest, characterized by towering canopies that reach heights of up to 45 meters. Over half of the tree species found here are unique to the world, contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity. A notable highlight of Sinharaja is the mixed-species bird flocks, which can include around six endemic birds in a single group, such as the red-faced malkoha, green-billed coucal, and Sri Lankan blue magpie.

Wilpattu Park

Image via Wikimedia Commons – Chamrith, ‘Kotiya’ Wilpattu National Park, SriLanka, CC BY-SA 4.0

Wilpattu, the largest national park in Sri Lanka, is located in the dry lowlands of the island’s northwest and features a network of lakes, known as villus, which exhibit varying levels of freshness and salinity. The park reopened in 2003 after being closed for nearly 15 years, and wildlife is expected to gradually recover to its previous abundance. If you’re looking for things to do in Sri Lanka, or places to go, consider partnering with the Cinnamon Air brand.

Encountering Giants of the Deep: The Blue Whale Experience at Mirissa

If you’re looking for unforgettable outdoor excursions in Sri Lanka, a whale-watching tour should be at the top of your list. While we all know that blue whales are the largest animals in the world, getting to experience these gentle giants is a truly humbling and awe-inspiring experience. One of the best places in Sri Lanka to witness blue whales is Mirissa a quaint beach town on the island’s southern coast.

Why Choose Mirissa

When it comes to Mirissa, Sri Lanka whale watching is one of the top activities to enjoy due to the town’s coastal location. It is one of the island’s best areas for spotting various marine life, especially blue whales which frequent the nearby waters between November and April. As a result, Mirissa has several whale-watching tours that are ethical and conscious of respecting the ocean and its wildlife.

What Marine Life Will You Find

While the focus lies on spotting whales, there are several species that you’re likely to encounter on a tour. Keep an eye out for various whale species including blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, sperm whales and more. You might also see dolphins, manta rays, turtles and flying fish.

How to Book a Tour

While there are several tour operators in Mirissa it is important to select the right one. Do some research to identify companies that follow ethical methods and approaches to whale watching. If you happen to be staying at a nearby resort in the area like The Fortress Resort & Spa, you can likely organise a tour through them.

Tips for Whale Watching

It is better to book your spot on a tour in advance as whale watching is quite popular in Mirssa and you might not be able to join in last minute. If you’re new to whale watching or being out at sea, make sure to take an anti-sickness tablet as the Indian Ocean waters can be turbulent. Also, make sure to bring your camera or lens to take your own photos of the ocean’s magnificent giants

Adventures Down South – A Pro’s Guide To Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast

A landscape of endless sun and surf, southern Sri Lanka’s coastline is a dream holiday. Discover the best beaches and sites around the region, for an unforgettable tropical getaway.

Natural Landscapes & Tropical Modernism in Kalutara

One of the very first stops on the journey down the southern coast, Kalutara is a lush meeting place of river and sea, dotted with historic temples and famed gardens. Notably, the landscape was the muse of 2 pioneers in tropical modernist architecture, the Bawa brothers. Tour the riverside Lunuganga Estate, and the nearby Brief Gardens, for a tranquil getaway of manicured topiaries and terraced fountains, with excursions available through Anantara Kalutara Resort.

Historic Sites in Galle Fort

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort, one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka. Discover the beautifully preserved colonial town, decorated in Dutch architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming boutiques. Visit the Galle Fort Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture.

Dan arndt, Galle National Museum 003, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bentota, A Premier Resort Town

Relax and unwind in the popular resort town of Bentota. Enjoy a variety of water sports, such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, or relax on the golden shores of the town’s beaches. Visit the Bentota Ganga, a popular river for boat tours and fishing.

Coral Gardens & Marine Life of Hikkaduwa

This charming seaside town is home to some of the best coral reefs in the country. A designated marine reserve, and one of Sri Lanka’s only marine parks, Hikkaduwa’s shoreline welcomes rare sea turtles and fascinating coastal birds, steps away from a thriving coral and reef life.

A Greener Paradise: Sustainable Tourism in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes, from lush jungles to serene beaches, draw in travellers from around the globe. But with the rise of tourism comes the responsibility to protect its natural beauty. Sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka is flourishing, offering eco-conscious travellers the chance to explore while minimising their environmental footprint. Here are five ways Sri Lanka is leading the charge toward a greener paradise:

Eco-Friendly Lodging and Resorts

More eco-lodges and green hotels are emerging in Sri Lanka, incorporating sustainable building materials, solar energy, and waste-reduction practices. Many resorts, like Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa, are setting benchmarks with their CSR and sustainability initiatives, including wastewater management, solar electricity, and local community projects, ensuring tourism gives back to both the environment and the people.

Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Sri Lanka is home to remarkable biodiversity. Sustainable tourism helps support wildlife conservation initiatives, from protecting endangered species like the Sri Lankan leopard to reducing the impact on delicate ecosystems. By supporting ethical safari experiences, visitors contribute to the preservation of the island’s rich fauna while enjoying stays at a nature resort in Sri Lanka.

Promoting Local Communities

Sustainable tourism isn’t just about nature; it’s also about people. Eco-tourism initiatives work hand-in-hand with local communities, providing them with jobs and promoting traditional crafts and food. This economic boost helps preserve local culture and heritage.

Reducing Plastic and Waste

Sri Lanka has introduced eco-conscious policies like banning single-use plastics and promoting biodegradable alternatives. Travellers are encouraged to adopt these practices by bringing reusable water bottles and bags, helping keep Sri Lanka’s beaches and forests pristine.

Sustainable Transport Solutions

From cycling tours to electric tuk-tuks, green transportation options are growing. These alternatives help reduce carbon footprints while allowing travellers to experience the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka in a slower, more immersive way.

Conquering the Knuckles: A Hiking Adventure in Sri Lanka

The Knuckles Mountain Range, a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site, is an adventurer’s paradise nestled in central Sri Lanka. This rugged mountain range offers much more than just an average hike — it’s a passage through misty peaks, dense forests, and unspoiled wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a nature enthusiast, conquering the Knuckles is a must for those seeking both challenge and serenity.

Climb the Iconic Knuckles Five Peaks

The Knuckles Range derives its name from its resemblance to a giant clenched fist, with five peaks forming the “knuckles.” These jagged peaks, often shrouded in mist, offer spectacular views for those willing to scale their heights. Reaching the top is a physical challenge, but the reward is a panoramic view of lush greenery stretching endlessly below.

Biodiversity Hotspot

The Knuckles Range is home to a diverse ecosystem. As you hike, you’ll encounter endemic species like the Knuckles pygmy lizard and rare birds, such as the Sri Lanka whistling thrush. The range’s biodiversity adds an extra element of wonder to the hike, making each step a journey through a living natural museum.

Cultural Encounters on the Trail

Beyond the natural beauty, the Knuckles Range also offers the opportunity to connect with local villages along the trails. Many routes pass through small farming communities where you can learn about traditional Sri Lankan farming techniques and enjoy local hospitality. This cultural immersion adds a rich layer to your hiking experience.

Breathtaking Panoramas

The winding trails offer countless panoramic viewpoints that provide sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Among the most stunning locations to admire the Knuckles from afar is Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa. Perched high in the hills, this eco-luxury boutique hotel in Sri Lanka, offers breathtaking views of the range, allowing you to experience the mountains in all their glory, even when you’re not on the trails.

Discover Hidden Waterfalls

Mini World's End — Mini World’s End – Image via Flickr

The Knuckles Range is dotted with cascading waterfalls that remain hidden from the average tourist. As you hike deeper into the heart of the mountains, you’ll stumble upon these serene water spots — perfect for a refreshing dip after a long trek. The sound of water tumbling over rocks provides a soothing backdrop as you soak in the natural beauty.