Thing to do

Diving

A wide coral reef surrounds Sri Lanka’s coast at intervals, from north to south, providing excellent sites for skin-diving. The discovery of the natural beauty of the underwater world in Sri Lanka is sure to fascinate and keep one spellbound. The turquoise and aquamarine waters are home to a burgeoning populace of magical and mysterious world of coral reef, shells and vibrant shoals of fish.

Some of the diving hot spots are Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Dodndra, Tangalle and many more in the south and south -east coast; Negombo, Bentota and Beruwala in the West and Pigeon Island ( Nilaveli), Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Passekudah, Kattankudy on th east coast. The above areas are a mere handful compared to the plethora of cities which are equiped to give a memorable diving experience.

Conveniently rostered monsoons ensure that one half of the island's coastal waters remain in season for aquatic pursuits. The west coast from December through March and the north and east coast from March to September. Underwater visibilty is good and range from 50 to 100 feet.

Hiking and Trekking

Trekking is an excellent way to explore a country, people, their traditions and beliefs. Paths and campsites have been selected to give nature lovers the experience of a lifetime.

The possibilities are endless as one has the option of hiking or trekking in cities and towns which are in close proximity to Colombo such as Gampaha which is ideal for an easy hike. It offer the chance to view tiny hamlets and farms. For the more challenging hiker's the Knucles range looming 1,863m above the Dumbara Valley. Offers the rarest and most beatiful sights and the option of camping, or one has the option of visiting the Wasgamuwa National Park and the Veddah territory known as Dambana in Mahiyangana. The Knuckles range consists of a few alloocated trails such as the Alugallena Montane Forest Nature Trail ( a 5-6 hour trail which covers a distance of 8km starting at Thangappuwa and ending at the Alugallena cave), Dekinda stream nature trail ( approximately 2km of walk through the hill slope of Naela ending at Dekinda stream) are some. Since the Knuckles range is a protected area you must obtain prior permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest.

Trekking which takes approximately 6 hrs is highly recommended starting from Belihul-Oya with its magnificient environs leading to the Horton Plains which is also a nature reserve dotted with unique fona and flaura, wild life and waterfalls. It is situted 2,134m above sea level climaxing in the Worlds End an amazing encarpment which drops 328m vertically and faals away a further 1.312m.

Other things to do

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