Balloon flight
While on holiday in Sri Lanka you can get a lot of new impressions and admire the incredible beauty of the island from a bird's eye view. Hot air balloon flights are organized in the Kandalama/Dambulla area. Hot air balloon pilots have a license to fly, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. During the flight, an experienced ground crew follows the course of the balloon in a jeep, constantly maintaining radio contact with the pilot. Hot air balloon flights directly depend on weather conditions and are usually organized early in the morning (from 05:45-06:00). The season for flights is from October to April, when light winds blow and there is little rain. The basket of the balloon holds 4 passengers. The duration of the flight is 1 hour. The flight ends with a traditional glass of champagne.
Helicopter excursion
The opportunity to take a helicopter ride has appeared quite recently. It is a very expensive entertainment, but there are still those who want it. The helicopter base is located at Rathmalana Airport, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia (departures are also possible from Bentota, Koggala, Negombo). From here you can fly to almost any point in the country. The maximum number of tourists allowed in the cabin of one helicopter is four people. The most popular excursion to Sigiriya will cost $1710 per helicopter.
Fishing
The coastal waters of Sri Lanka are rich in fish and other representatives of the underwater world. The richness of plankton attracts a large number of different species – from tuna to sharks. Excursion deep-sea fishing usually begins early in the morning. Tourist groups are taken out to fish several dozen kilometers from the coast. Vacationers are accompanied by experienced local fishermen, and all the necessary gear is included in the price of the excursion.
Rafting
Rafting on mountain rivers, also known as rafting, is carried out on the Kelaniya Ganga River, in the Kitulgala area, depending on the water level during the rainy season. Rafting is an opportunity to admire the mountain landscapes of the island from the river, enjoy the delight after passing the rapids and feel the «sense of elbow» of your comrades. The rafting distance of the Kelaniya Ganga is not difficult, six short rapids are separated by sections with a calm current. Rafts are six-seater, operated by Sri Lankan guides. All necessary equipment is provided on site, the rafting takes about an hour.
Safari
When on holiday in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the most famous and oldest national park, Yala. This nature reserve is located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, on the very shore of the Indian Ocean. Here you can observe the natural life of monkeys, buffalo, elephants, deer, crocodiles, wild boars, and bears. Also here lives a subspecies of leopard listed in the Red Book, Panthera pardus kotiya (Ceylon leopard), which is found exclusively in Sri Lanka. In total, Yala is home to five species of turtles, forty-six species of reptiles, forty-four species of mammals, as well as a large number of birds, insects, and fish, some of which can only be found on the island. Safari is the only possible way to get acquainted with the amazing nature of the Yala National Park. Safaris are conducted in open jeeps in groups that accommodate up to 4-6 people. It takes 4-5 hours. Getting out of the jeep during the safari is prohibited.
Trekking in Sri Lanka.
The word «trekking» is borrowed from the English language and means «hiking across rough terrain». For people who actively engage in it, trekking is of great importance. This is a kind of philosophy. As a rule, a trekking day is full of unforgettable events and incredible adventures. Usually the duration of transitions during the day is five to seven hours. It only seems a lot. In fact, time flies on the way. After all, every moment you discover something new in nature: new colors, sounds, you observe the life of previously unknown birds and the splendor of the plant world.
Sri Lanka is rich in hiking trails. And for an unprepared person it may be a bit difficult. There are sights on the island that can only be reached by overcoming eleven kilometers of continuous steps. Few are able to simply walk such a distance, and here you still have to climb a mountain. We are talking about Adam's Peak, a holy place for representatives of all religions, since according to legend it was from this mountain that Adam descended after his expulsion from paradise. A small temple was built on its top, in which the imprint of his foot in stone is kept. Other interesting trekking routes: Horton Plateau Trek (to the “End of the World” Escarpment), Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation Trek, Ella Trek.
Whale Watching.
The waters of Sri Lanka are a unique place for whale watching of all shapes and sizes. Of the 80 known species of cetaceans, 26 can be seen in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka. The whale migration period from November to April sees whales come here in search of warm water. To admire these giant beauties, you need to take a boat trip.
The whale watching season here lasts from November to April. January is the best time to watch whales and dolphins in Sri Lanka. Mirissa, Trincomalee and Kalpitiya are the most popular departure points for sea tours.
Boats leave early in the morning at 6.30 – 7.00am. The chances of seeing animals depend on the skill of the captain. The whole trip usually takes about 5 hours.
Diving in Sri Lanka
Divers from all over the world are attracted to Sri Lanka by the variety of corals, marine life with unusual names and appearance (angel fish, Moorish idols, parrot fish), dolphins and whale sharks, which can be seen from March to April. But the main feature of diving in Sri Lanka is visiting underwater rocks, grottoes and sunken ships. About 20 sunken ships from the 19th and 20th centuries are open for inspection at depths from 8 to 30 m. These are tankers, steamships, dry cargo ships, merchant ships and even a modern cargo ship. Many of them are well preserved. Dive centers located on the southwest coast, at the resorts of Bentota, Beruwela, Negombo, Unawatuna, Weligama, Hikkaduwa work from October to April. Dive centers on the north-east coast are open from March to October.
Surfing
Wave riding using special boards. Surfers have taken a liking to many areas of Sri Lanka. Picturesque landscape, relaxed atmosphere of the resort and, of course, good high waves make the island ideal for this sport. In summer May-October in Arugam Bay, Mirissa and in winter October-April in the Hikkaduwa area.
Windsurfing
Wave riding with a board equipped with a sail. This sport can be practiced in Negombo, Trincomalee, Bentota. Equipment is rented at specialized rental points. Some hotels specialize in windsurfing and offer tourists all the necessary equipment. The gathering place for experienced athletes was the bay – Arugam Bay.
At Golden Holidays you can book accommodation in the best hotels in Sri Lanka.
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