White Water Rafting
The main location for white water rafting is Kitulgala, which is about 80 kilometres from Colombo on the A7 - the road to Nuwara Eliya via Avissawella.
The town is situated on a beautiful stretch of the Kelani River that incorporates rock-strewn sections and rapids. These are frequently enclosed by high banks of tall bamboo creating the conditions ideal for the sport of white- water rafting.
The Kitulgala run is 6.5 km long and takes about 90 minutes to complete. Altogether there are seven rapids to tackle with their own unique names. When running down the river you will run into the likes of Virgin's Breast, Butter Crunch, Killer Fall and the Rib Cage.
These names denote their own distinct character. It is important to note that white-water rafting is not a sport that needs enormous physical strength.
An average level of physical fitness and a calm disposition are sufficient. The ability to swim is advantageous but not compulsory, for each rafter is provided with a Personal Flotation Device.
Surfing
Beaches are not just for sunbathing on, as any surfer will tell you. Especially in Sri Lanka, one of the most reliable surf destinations in the Indian Ocean. Since the early 60's Sri Lanka attracts surfers from all over the world.
The best surf points in Sri Lanka are located on the South and East Coast with Hikkaduwa and Arugam Bay being the busiest, but there are many "secret spots" like Unawatuna, Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa or Yala where you still can find uncrowded surf.
While there is a surf season in the South of Sri Lanka (November - April) and one in the East (May - October) you still can find a good swell outside the official seasons as long as you are flexible and listen to local advice.
Hiking
For the keen hiker, there is a plethora of opportunities awaiting you in Sri Lanka's diverse and luscious hill country. The beautiful area of BELIHULOYA provides a superb base from which to try out a wide variety of hikes through jungle, across paddy fields and up mountains.
The river and numerous waterfalls in the area are another key attraction that allow hikers to enjoy a refreshing dip en-route! In the same area the mysterious HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK offer some excellent hikes in its rug When climbing the famous ADAM'S PEAK WILDERNESS SANCTURY (SRI PADA), its best to begin your ascent at night in order to arrive at the top in time for a magical sunrise when the mystical shadow of the peak is perfectly cast across the clouds.
It is one of those surreal moments that live on in memory long after the aches and pains from the climb have gone! The attractive area of BANDARAWELA and the nearby town of Ella are renowned for their many walks, including Little Adam's Peak, Ella Rock and the Namunukula Mountain Range.
If, in the vicinity of Kandy, don't miss out on exploring the beautiful KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE. The region stretches an impressive 155 sq km, with five major forest formations, a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna and some breathtaking mountain scenery.
It is a real paradise for hikers, offering numerous trails that journey across clear rivers, through dense forests, past flowing waterfalls and lush tea plantations, alongside terraced paddy fields and colourful Kandyan home gardens.
A hiking holiday in Sri Lanka wouldn't be complete without a visit to the fascinating SINHARAJA RAINFOREST where a variety of trails can be tailor-made to meet the specific interest/fitness levels of the group.
Hot Air Ballooning
Imagine floating over some of Sri Lanka's dramatically varied landscape ranging from the world heritage sites, Lakes and Rivers ,Cultural sites , Local urban homesteads.... Hot Air Ballooning is a relatively new activity to Sri Lanka, but in response to the ongoing search for new and exciting ways of seeing the country, it provides a remarkable experience never to be forgotten.
With no two flight paths the same, it really will be a unique journey. All hot air balloons are manufactured in the UK, where balloon pilots are also trained by instructors licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.
Throughout the flight, an experienced ground crew (following the flight path in a jeep) are in constant communication with the pilot of the balloon, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. So all you need to do is relax, enjoy the peace and quiet and admire the views of Sri Lanka! The Hot Air balloon flight is made up of a total travel experience of approx 4-hrs duration starting with your arrival, the preparation and inflation of the balloon, flight briefing, takeoff, the flight, landing & retrieval and return to your hotel after a champagne breakfast.
A typical flight is scheduled in the early morning i.e. Sunrise , with flights commencing soon after dawn. The exact start time varies depending on the season and will be nominated when you make your booking. The Pilot will reconfirm with you between 7 pm and 8 pm the day prior to your flight. Generally the arrival time at the launching point is 0630am. On the morning of your flight you should arrange a wake up call from your hotel one hour prior to the meeting time.
If for any reason the flight is cancelled i.e. due to weather, we will contact you. But you must be in reach of a telephone or be able to be reached i.e. via your hotel with room number. On the assumption that Sunrise is at approx 0700hrs then the following would apply as a typical flight.
