Just like any other adrenaline junkie paradise, with its wide, open seas and breathtaking mountainous zones, Sri Lanka is home to a growing range of extreme sports. From white water rafting down the rapid currents of Kitulgala, to rock climbing the mountains of Avissawella, there’s plenty of activities and adventures to be had on this sunny side of the Indian Ocean. If you’re planning a holiday here and are looking for equal measures of RnR by the beach and more adrenaline pumping activities, you’re in for a treat. Check the article below for a comprehensive list of extreme sports available in the country, your vacation to-do list for the thrill-seeker in you!

Kitesurfing

An exciting blend of windsurfing and wave boarding, kitesurfing has exploded in popularity in the country over the last few years. Given the island’s abounding ocean resources, this can be undertaken in a number of locations around the country. The most convenient of these is however Negombo, given both its proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport and because the Kitesurfing Centre’s presence in the area. Equipment can be rented and beginners courses also undertaken for those keen to get a feel of the sport before hitting the seas. More seasoned kitesurfers can also join an exciting ‘Kite-Safari’, organised by a number of different hotels and various other extreme sport centres. These can be planned to suit your itinerary and covers the best kitesurfing destinations in Sri Lanka, including the breaktaking Kalpitiya Lagoon in Puttalam.

Rock climbing

For adrenaline junkies looking for a more strenuous activity a little more on the edge, rock climbing is the perfect pastime. Generally lasting around 4 hours, this can be undertaken in Avissawella, a convenient spot located along your journey to more tourist friendly parts of the country such Kitulgala, or the famed hills of the Central Province. Outfitted with climbing safety bolts with around 15 different routes of varying level of difficulty, this activity is suited even for beginners with no prior experience. With high quality rock climbing equipment and expert climbers on site to guide you along, the activity can be undertaken with the utmost confidence that your safety is almost guaranteed along the way.

White water rafting

If you’re more inclined to water activities, you’ve done well to choose Sri Lanka as your travel destination. Apart from a range of sports that can be undertaken on the open seas, the country’s winding rivers are as good a place as any for extreme sports. The Kelani River in Kitulgala in particular is a hotspot for white water rafting enthusiasts, with its 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. Begin your journey with a relatively calm paddle through the river and then progress to the Killer Faller with its exhilarating rapids and a whopping 90 degree drop. If you’re keen for a destination a little off the beaten track, the Sitawaka River in Avissawella is also ideal for white water rafting, albeit for slightly more experienced teams given the greater number of rapids in the water.

Sea Kayaking

This is another popular activity undertaken by a great number of tourists who visit the country. Most often conducted in the tourist hotspots of Bentota, Galle and Weligama, among others, you’d be remiss to skip on engaging in this rewarding open sea experience. Most often these can be easily arranged with the help of the hotel you’re staying at, who will be more than happy to help you see more of the wonders of the island and its ocean resources. In Weligama and Bentota you can even be taken to some of the smaller islands in the area, replete with its own sights and attractions. This includes the famous Taprobane island in Weligama, once the home of an exiled count from France who built a lavish villa there. Weligama is also a paradise for surfers; flip your kayak for a surfboard if you’re tempted by the glittering azure waters characteristic of this paradise island.

Windsurfing

If you’re keen to hit the waves in a slightly different manner, windsurfing is the perfect option for thrill-seeking adventurists. The best locations for these include Negombo, Trincomalee or Bentota, where windsurfers can catch the best of winds and waves for this exhilarating experience. With Bentota and Negombo located close to commercial capital Colombo, windsurfing is a must-do if you’re to truly experience the magnificent Indian Ocean surrounding the island. Given the country’s monsoon weather patterns, prime season for the activity lasts for a significant part of the year depending on which coast of the country you head to. At Fernando Travels, we aim to please. Contact us for more information and we’ll give you the best of travel tips and guidance, making your holiday in Sri Lanka an experience you’ll never forget!