Experiences
Half day
When you’re balanced on stilt above the ocean fishing can be quite an exhilarating experience! Today you will join the local fishermen in the daily task of perching themselves on top of stilts in the shallow waters and trying to catch their daily meal. You can choose to fish during sunset, noon, or sunrise. Take your elevated position and balance about 2 meters above the water. You will see a vertical pole engrafted into the seabed, attached to it is a cross bar, called Petta, on which the fishermen do the balancing act. So with one hand, you hold the stilt and on the other hand, you have a fishing rod or a line to catch spotted herrings and small mackerels, which are then kept in a plastic bag tied around your waist or the pole.
Afterward accompany them to the fish market, purchase all the ingredients you need for you meal, including a fish if you haven’t caught one, and learn how to grill up a tasty fish – Sri Lankan style!
Half day
Sri Lanka, a country with a rich history that goes back for over 3000 years tells us of great sports that were enjoyed by the kings who ruled this wonderful land. Unarmed combat among champions had been the pinnacle of all events. In the past ages, where the law of “survival of the fittest” prevailed, this tiny nation had to hold its own, mostly against the mighty India. The kings of India many a time thought to have this “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” to decorate their crowns and invaded the island. But invariably, each time, they were driven back. Such was the invincible might of the fighting techniques practiced by the people of Sri Lanka and they called it the Angam Satan Kalawa (Fighting Art Named Angam). On this exclusive activity, these trained warriors will demonstrate their skills, and invite you to participate, if you dare!
Half day
The best way to see the beauty of the area surrounding the cultural triangle is with a bird’s eye perspective. Breath-taking aerial views are on offer from your quiet, peaceful vantage point. Due to the dependence on wind moving the dirigible, each tour takes a different path and each tour is unique.
The fun starts in the early morning, where you will meet at the starting point and assist the crew get the 350,000 cubic foot envelope filled with hot air. All pilots are trained and licensed by the Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Authority and will brief you on the necessary safety precautions. The season is from November to April every year.
Half day
The Udawattekele Sanctuary is an area of rainforest rich in species that have still been protected. The sanctuary consists of 160 acres of tropical rainforest and provides a home for flora, fauna, birds and monkeys. Some of the birds that inhabit the Udawattekele Sanctuary are the Layards Parakeet, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Yellow Fronted and Ceylon Small Barbets, Black Capped Bul Bul, Brown Capped Babbler, Emerald Dove, and many more. Trekking through this magical rainforest is a fantastic experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Full day
Perched on the very edge of the hill country midway between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale, Horton Plains National Park covers a wild stretch of bleak, high-altitude moorland bounded at its southern edge of the hill country. This morning you’ll depart on a trek to the famous World’s End, where the escarpment falls sheer for the best part of a kilometer to the lowlands below. Arriving at the end of the world your porter will have set up a sumptuous English tea and breakfast for you. Enjoy this little taste of luxury as you look out over the distance into the world beyond.
After breakfast head down into the plains in a 4x4 jeep and continue your adventure beyond the end of the world! You will feel the cool, wet climate that has fostered the growth of a distinctive range of flora, including various rhododendrons, bamboos, tree ferns and many endemic species of plants, making the Plains an area of great biological value. The Plains'' wildlife attractions are relatively modest. Leopards still visit the park, but one has to be incredibly lucky to see one. The park's most visible residents are its herds of deer and bear-faced monkeys. The plains are also one of the best places in the island for bird watching and an excellent place to see montane endemics such as the dull-blue flycatcher, bush warble.
Full day
Climb Adams Peak standing at 7,360 ft. (2,243 meters) high. This is the country's holiest mountain. Its name derives from a claim by the early Muslims that it is the place where Adam first set foot on earth, thus indirectly claiming that Sri Lanka is the original Garden of Eden. However, the more popular name is ''Sripada'' or the sacred footprint, in the belief that Buddha’s foot print is found at the summit. The ideal climb should be at night so as to reach the top early morning and see the almost supernatural spectacle of the magnified triangular shadow of the peak, superimposed on the countryside at dawn.
Half day
The wild cinnamon that grew in this area was reputed to be the best in the Universe, and for extended periods in Sri Lanka’s history attracted a succession of foreign powers and traders. Extending 120km, these canals were the means by which the Dutch maneuvered their precious cargo to the sea, and also the source of many brutal conflicts between the occupants and the King of Kandy. Beginning your excursion at 08:30AM you’ll boat through the canals in the direction of the delta. There is a great opportunity to spot a myriad of birds, water monitors, mangroves, local farms and traditional coconut pickers. After the boat safari you’ll also visit a Dutch Fort build in 1672, Negombo city, a lagoon, and experience the hustle & bustle of a local fish market.
Full day
Off limits for years due to the civil war, this island is fantastic to cruise to and visit. You’ll see a 1000-year-old temple, an abandoned Dutch fort, feral ponies, beautiful waters and beaches, sea life, birds, and get to meet the locals. Completely off of the beaten tourist track, this day tour shows you a different side to Sri Lanka.
This exciting excursion will take you from mainland Sri Lanka out to Delft island in the Palk Strait. This island was first named Delft by the Dutchman Rijckloff van Goens, who was governor of Zeyland in the 1660’s. Delft is a flat island surrounded by shallow waters and beaches of coral chunks and sand.Feel free to bring your swimming suit and sun lotion if you’d like to take a dip in the waters!
Half day
Experience a Boat Safari on Gal Oya Lake, which is the biggest in Sri Lanka. A great opportunity to observe the wildlife from the stunning Gal Oya Lake: including crocodiles, deer, elephants, and many rare and endemic species of birds. This experience is the only one in Sri Lanka that enables you to spot wildlife from the water and truly immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats. You may be lucky enough to see elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge. Today you’ll ride through the national park and embark on a boat. Cruising over the lake make sure to keep a sharp eye out for the wildlife!
Half day
Amazing beaches and incredible sunsets provide the perfect way to spend an exhilarating afternoon. Kalpitiya is one of the most beautiful coastal areas of Sri Lanka. This route spans the length of the Puttalam lagoon with the horses and riders trekking the thin strip of lagoon and the vast Indian Ocean. The ride moves on sloping sand dunes alongside fisher villages offering a unique glimpse at the lives of the people of this region. If you’re up for it, your horse will be more than happy to burst into a full gallop over the beach!
Half day
The forest surrounding the Smithsonian research station is prime habitat for the elusive nocturnal Loris. This “solitary” representative of the prosimian (pre-monkey) lineage, that gave rise to modern monkeys, usually can be observed on their feeding hunts with a bit of determination. This animal might look like a harmless, big-eyed baby ewok, but the slow Loris is one of the only poisonous mammals in the world. After dinner transfer from your hotel to the Primates Research Centre and embark on your night safari. After an in-depth wildlife briefing by a trained naturalist, don your lighted headgear and walk off into the dark. Besides the Slow Loris, with luck, you may see other nocturnal wildlife, such as the Indian civet, fishing cat, mouse deer, and certainly the bats.
Full day
This full-day adventure course should see you harnessing the wind to soar of the water! With more than a dozen wind spots, you will be kiting in heaven. Experience un-crowded sessions! The wind blows at an average of 18-20 knots – 24 hours a day for 7 days a week during our kiting season – May to October.
On one side of the peninsula is the Indian Ocean: ideal for free-ride and wave riding; on the other side is Kalpitiya Lagoon: perfect for beginners and freestylers. In between: The Puttalam Lagoon, with perfect flat water, is great for downwind trips, camping on islands and freeriding. There is something for everyone, allowing you to come in groups with different levels.
Half day
If you are at the right place at the right time, the spinner dolphins of Kalpitiya will give a dazzling show in their hundreds as they leap in and out of view to keep you entertained for hours. After transferring to the docks you’ll board a boat and cruise over to where these highly intelligent creatures play around.
Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling commission’s protected zone in the Indian Ocean. Of the 80 species of cetaceans identified worldwide, 26 are found in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Whale and dolphin watching is a seasonal activity in Sri Lanka dependent on the two monsoon seasons that affect the island at opposing times of the year. Kalpitiya is a fantastic location in Sri Lankan waters to see a great many species of acrobatic dolphins. With water and snacks on board, you’ll surely have a fun day!
Half day
This is a must-see! Galle is a town rich in history and in fact, was the center of Dutch rule in the 17th century. The majestic Galle Fort bears ample testimony to that fact. The city of Galle is one of the best-preserved colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia and has been declared a World Heritage City. Galle had been a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians, and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. During today’s activity, you will bike through the ins and outs of this important historical town as your guide explains all the historical memories these stones hold.
Half day
Today will take you to two magnificent sites. Maligawila has the world’s largest free-standing Buddha statue. At over 11 meters in height, this towering statue, which was discovered in the 1950s and restored between 1989 and 1991, is believed to have been commissioned by the 7th-century prince Agghabodhi.
Traveling on to Buduruwagala, meaning 'Buddha image', you will see rock-cut Buddha statues carved on a cliff located in the area. This 7-statue complex, which is of the Mahayana Buddha School, comprises the huge standing Buddha figures traced back to the 8th - 10th centuries AD.
Load up your scuba gear for a very exciting day diving among colonial-period shipwrecks. This site consists of a vast array of ships that dates all the way back to when the silk route was flourishing. 250km offshore the British built a lighthouse in 1873 to prevent their ships from crashing on the outstanding rocks. However, before that time a myriad of ships has already come to ruin there.
From goods ships to warships, you’ll dive among the wooden ruins and canons strew over the rocks. From eels to tuna, to mackerel, you might even have come into contact with a whale! Both shallow dives and deep dives are possible, but deep dives are recommended.
Half day
Recently named one of the top eco-sites in the world because of the important turtle conservation work taking place here, this stretch of beach is one of Sri Lanka’s most important turtle-nesting sites. Protected by the Turtle Conservation Project since 1996, the sanctuary itself is quite distinct from the turtle hatcheries as it protects the various nesting sites from predators, instead collecting the eggs when they are about to hatch, and looking after the baby turtles for a few days. You can visit the hatchery either during the day or in the evening. Depending on the time of year you might see turtles crawling up onto the sand to lay eggs, see eggs hatching and scores of newborns frantically rush down into the sea or simply have an educational experience with the young turtles that are temporarily retained at the hatchery to increase their chances of survival.
Half day
Have you ever seen the largest mammal on the planet? Well, this is the perfect opportunity to do so! As one of the best locations in the world to see a gigantic Blue Whale, Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling commission’s protected zone in the Indian Ocean. Of the 80 species of cetaceans identified worldwide, 26 are found in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Whale and dolphin watching is a seasonal activity in Sri Lanka dependent on the two monsoon seasons that affect the island at opposing times of the year. Dondra Head is one of the best locations in the world for seeing blue and sperm whales together. Sea turtles and dolphins in pods numbering a hundred or more are also spotted frequently accompanying the boat
Full day
Dense, dark, wet and mysterious; the 11,187-hectare Sinharaja pre-medieval forest is a treasure trove of nature and is home to a great diversity of eco-systems inhabited by a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1989, this lowland evergreen rainforest is one of the few remaining virgin rainforests in the world; the total vegetation density is estimated to contain a staggering 240,000individuals (trees, shrubs, herbs and seedlings) per hectare. As many as 95% of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds are found in Sinharaja. There is also a high degree of endemism among butterflies, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Many woody plants are also endemic to the region that is also famous for its fossil-age plants.
Half day
Sri Lanka's indigenous inhabitants, the Veddas ('forest-dwellers') preserve a direct line of descent from the island's original Neolithic community dating from at least 16,000 BC. With the impending extinction of the Wanniya-laeto culture, we stand to lose a rich body of indigenous lore and living ecological wisdom.
Tripfusion invites the Chief of Sri Lanka’s indigenous Vedda tribe to take you on a walk through the jungles of his ancestors. Enjoy nature as he brings the forest alive by explaining his tribes uses of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds, cave dwellings, and insight into how the hunter-gathers lived in the jungles of Gal Oya. Tripfusion and Gal Oya donate proceeds from this tour into a fund to support the local tribe in an ethical and community needs based manner.
Half day
Often referred to as the 'pearl in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers world-class Snorkeling activities. A multitude of turtles, starfish, tropical fish, magnificently colorful coral reefs, and fascinating shipwrecks can be explored at several locations off the east coast of Sri Lanka. The country's 'piece de resistance, Pigeon Island, is a paradise of turquoise-colored waters where abundant fish and coral life make it the ultimate underwater experience.
Half day
Leopards are perhaps the most elusive and hard to spot wild cats on the planet. As Sri Lanka has the highest density of them this is an excellent opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures. Embark on an exciting 4x4 jeep safari in search of leopards and bears! Be sure to stay in your vehicle, as the animals outside the car are wild and can be dangerous.
Situated 176 km north of Colombo, Wilpattu is approximately 1,908 sq. km in extent. It has a dense jungle cover, which makes it a very exciting park as animals have to be tracked. There are numerous delightful little lakes - known as villus - and the leopard and sloth bear are likely to be spotted drinking at these. A large variety of birds are also found in this park, and you hear them chirping all around you. We recommend that you safari either in the early morning or late afternoon, as these are the times when the animals are at their most active.
Half day
Enjoy a Jeep Safari in the Minneriya National park, which boasts an unusually wide range of habitat types, from dry tropical forests to wetlands, grasslands, and terrain previously used for slash-and-burn agriculture. For most visitors, the principal attraction here is elephants. Minneriya forms part of the elephant corridor which joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa national parks, and up to 200 of the beasts can be found here at certain times of year during their migrations between the various parks. Other mammals found in the park include Sambur, spotted deer, sloth bears, and leopards, and there’s also a good chance of seeing macaque and purple-faced languor monkeys. In addition, an enormous number of birds have been spotted at Minneriya, including endemic species such as the Sri Lankan hanging parrot and the crimson-fronted barbet. Do remember to stay in the jeep, as wild animals can be dangerous if you’re on foot!
Half day
Dambulla Rock temple was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s many cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure carved out of granite rock and spanning 14 meters. You’ll explore the site with your knowledgable guide who will explain the history behind these impressive murals, as well as provide you with in-depth knowledge of the significance behind these Buddhist symbols.
Half day
The trek through the archetypal Sri Lankan Typical village. The trek begins with an awesome walk along a bund of a Wewa or manmade reservoir. The reservoir itself, the surrounding scrub jungle, marshland and village are a hive of early morning or evening activity. The amazing birdlife, butterflies, and possible sightings of crocodiles only add to the charm of seeing the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing, or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. You’ll spend time with a Sri Lankan family, learning how to cook traditional recipes, how to eat with your hands, and in general, be immersed in their different lifestyle.
Half day
Sri Lanka, a country rich with culture & tradition offer/s a very vibrant and unique show of Sri Lankan traditional dances, in the form of a Kandy cultural show. The dance form "Salupliya" depicts several demons, "Thelme" is a vibrant expression of low country rhythm, Fire and Harvest dances are accompanied by Ceremonial Drums and the Drum Orchestra rises and falls to a lively tempo. As many as 12 different folk and traditional dances are performed by the Kandy lake club dance troop within the span of one hour. Afterward, take a step away from the crowds and go behind the stage to meet the dancers who you saw on stage this evening..
Half day
Historians agree that Sri Lanka is the cradle of the ancient spice trade, and you’re in the very heart of it. The History of Sri Lanka and the History of Spice are interwoven to the extent that it leaves one to wonder whether Sri Lanka was discovered because of spice, or Spice was discovered because of Sri Lanka. Visit a spice garden in Matale to see many different types of spices Sri Lanka is famous for. Just 25 km from the hill capital of Kandy, the Matale spice gardens are among the best on the island. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. In the shade of high jungle trees, you will harvest several of the spices before trying your hand at cooking with them.
Full day
Knuckles Range covers a rugged and still largely untouched area of great natural beauty and biodiversity. The steeply shelving mountain terrain, reaching 1863m at its highest point, includes stands of rare dwarf cloud forest, and is home to Leopard, various species of deer, monkeys and giant squirrels. The areas of range above 1000m have recently declared a World Heritage conservation Area.
Half day
This thrilling adventure on the white water section of the Kelani River is suitable for amateurs as well as professionals alike. During the run, you will experience the thrill of shooting rapids and the euphoria of making it through. The river’s clear water is born in the heart of the peaks wilderness reserve and tumbles through a rocky gorge just above Kithulgala. As the river widens, you will pass the scenic location used to film - "Bridge over the river Kwai" which was filmed in 1956, a good place to jump in for a refreshing swim. On a clear day, you may even dive to see the remains of the actual bridge and the carriages used for the film (only for experienced divers with proper equipment).
Half day
Ceylon tea is perhaps the most well-known and famous tea in the world. As the most important export of Sri Lanka, we’ll take you behind the scenes of this world-renowned product. You’ll meet the people who pick it, learn about their lives, walk through the tea plantations, visit a processing factory, and enjoy a cup straight from where it’s made. With your guide as a translator feel free to ask them questions about their lives and what it’s like to work on a tea plantation.
Nuwara Eliya meaning "the city of dawn" is the town at the highest elevation (about 2000m above sea level) in Sri Lanka and its tallest peak, Piduruthalagala (2555m) can be seen from here. The city was established by the British in the nineteenth century, known as "Little England" and is a popular holiday resort for Sri Lankans & tourists due to its cool climate and quaint colonial feel with its little bungalows surrounded by hedgerows.
Half day
The East Coast of Sri Lanka is rated as one of Asia's top dive sites. As the island essentially sits atop a huge sandbank that drops 1500m into deep ocean you'll usually find shallow sand or rock bottoms, but you can also dive on walls and drop-offs. Because you're seldom far from deep water, opportunities for encounters with pelagics, sharks and other inhabitants of the open ocean abound.
Wrecks are a particular attraction on the East Coast. The island has long been on international trade routes - including the spice and tea runs between Europe and East Asia - and over the centuries its treacherous coastline has claimed many ships, including the word’s first aircraft carrier, the World War II HMS Hermes. Diving among these shipwrecks is an otherworldly magical experience. You’ll be provided with quality scuba gear and accompanied by a professional dive master.
Half day
The boundaries of the park are no barrier to the animals in Yala who roam free. This nighttime safari will take you along the buffer zone outside the park perimeter. You will be picked up after dark from your hotel and scout along jungle trails in the vicinity of Yala. Elephants, leopards, and bears are known to roam around in the dark along with most other animals of prey. As you shine the light in their direction they tend to freeze in place. The night safari adds a unique perspective that most travelers wouldn’t otherwise see! After you’re satisfied with your adventurous desires, head into the forest where a luscious BBQ has been set up. With torches surrounding your table, wet your palate on an ice-cold beer with the sound of birds in the dark forest beyond.
Half day
Visit the sacred Bo Tree, which is the world's oldest tree on record, and has been guarded by monks for over 2000 years. The tree is said to have sprung from a sapling of the tree that the Buddha himself meditated under in India. In addition to this there are many other historical and religious sites found in Anuradhapura.
For over 1000 years Sinhalese Kings with occasional South Indian interlopers ruled from the great city of Anuradhapura. It is the most extensive and important of the Sri Lankan ancient cities and today you’ll get to see it extensively. Anuradhapura was found in the 4th century BC and is famous for its Dagabas (Temples), Reservoirs, and beautifully landscaped gardens, the ruins of which still remain to this day.
Half day
Unconquered for centuries, this capital city held the Sinhalese culture and sacred Buddhist relics safe against the unsuccessful onslaught of Dutch and Portuguese invasions, before finally falling to British political tricks at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Walking around this picturesque city is a beautiful experience in itself. With your guide, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the UNSECO world heritage city of Kandy, and gain fascinating insights into the history and culture that made Kandy a bastion of security. Amongst other fascinating sights, Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. You’ll end the city tour at the Queen’s Hotel for a cup of tea, which is where the Queen of England used to reside when in Kandy.
Half day
Great for kids! Explore the mighty 10th century Polonnaruwa ruins while witnessing firsthand the soap-opera lives of famous monkey characters starring in the Discovery Channel and Disney productions. You'll see three primate species: toque macaques, hanuman langurs, and purple-faced langurs. This is a great educational activity for families, and guides trained by the American Smithsonian Research Institute will lead you. We’ll show you the variety of social behaviors and organization, maternal care, play, food competition, grooming, a rich repertoire of facial gestures, body postures, and vocal signals. You may also see territorial disputes (warfare) and learn how monkeys differ as individuals, about their family and friendship relations, and their often-dramatic social histories.
Half Day
This is a must see! After an ancient prince killed his father to claim the throne, he was forced to flee to his pleasure palace and convert it into a fortress to guard against his opposition. The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya built on a giant rock rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains below. Climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock fortress that is a UNESCO world heritage site. As you ascend you’ll stop for a stylish rest in two shaded locations where your porter will have laid out cushions and various tasty Sri Lankan delicacies! This remarkable 5th century archeological site is made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. A moat, rampart, extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock and the frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya.
Full day
Until recently this city has been hard to get to for foreigners, given the recent civil war, but is now opening up as a perfect destination for travellers wanting to get off the beaten track. We’ll take you on a discovery tour and explain the fascinating history of this key strategic northern city. A city brimming with remnants of history, Jaffna was hotly contested by numerous powers. As the largest northern city and just across the narrow sea to India, this city was fought over by the Indians, Muslims, Portuguese, Dutch, English, Tamil Tigers, the Sri Lankan Army and various medieval kingdoms.
Half day
Enjoy a city tour of Colombo. The largest city and former administrative capital of Sri Lanka, it is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and remnants of a bygone colonial era. Due to its large harbor and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, ancient traders knew Colombo 2,000 years ago. However it was only made the Capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. On this tour you will visit many of the historical, religious and commercial sites of Colombo including the historic and bustling Fort and Pettah, the elite residential Cinnamon Gardens, the Galle face Green, a church where Dutch tombstones constitute the floor panels, and much more.
