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Mad About Malaysia |
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Mad About Asia |
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Sri Lanka >
Things to do |
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THINGS
TO
DO
I
WHAT
TO
SEE
I
WHERE
TO
GO |
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Canoeing
&
Kayaking
Sri
Lanka
has
an
abundance
of
rivers,
lagoons,
reservoirs
etc
which
provides
the
relaxing
setting
for
canoeing
or
kayaking.The
Kalu
Ganga
which
flows
from
central
hills
snakes
its
way
to
the
west
coast
town
of
Kalutara
and
a
canoe/kayak
ride
on
this
river
is a
chance
to
see
the
banks
which
are
dotted
by
rare
fauna
and
flora.
The
many
reservoirs
in
the
island
mainly
the
Samanalawewa
reservoir
in
the
Sabaragamuwa
province
( in
Belihul
Oya)
has
hotels
which
provide
canoes
and
kayaks
and
a
guide
on
request.
The
sport
of
kayaking
is
two
fold
as a
kayak
ride
on a
river,
reservoir,
sea
or
lagoon
is a
relatively
relaxing
form
of
recreation
but
another
facet
of
kayaking
is
white
water
kayaking
which
is
an
adrenalin
fuelingactivity.This
is a
relatively
new
sport
around
the
world
rated
as
the
epitome
of
adventure
sports,
it
involves
descending
a
stream
as
it
drops
over
waterfalls
and
boulders.
Can
you
handle
700
ft
waterfalls?
That's
what
we
can
offer
you.
We
do
have
lower
ranged
waterfalls
with
the
equal
measure
of
breathtaking
scenery
for
the
faint
hearted.
Many
hotels
and
agents
in
Kitulgala,recognized
as
the
birhplace
of
whitewater
rafting
in
Sri
Lanka,
is
approximately
80km
from
Colombo
on
the
A7 -
the
road
to
Nuwara
Eliya
via
Avissawella. |
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White
Water
Rafting
Sri
Lanka’s
boulder
stream
rivers
are
the
ideal
setting
for
white
water
rafting.
A
thrilling
way
to
experience
the
spectacular
environs
of
this
region.
Many
tours
in
this
area
inevitably
include
the
adrenalin
soaring
sport
of
white
water
rafting.
This
pastime
is
ideal
for
the
amateurs
who
wish
to
'take
the
plunge'
and
for
experts
as
well.
The
vista
along
the
river
is
worth
experiencing.
Rafting
has
become
a
very
popular
and
exciting
adventure
sport.
Approximately
80km
from
Colombo
on
the
A7 -
the
road
to
Nuwara
Eliya
via
Avissawella
is
Kitulgala.
The
name
is
derived
from
a
special
tree
called
'Kitu.'
The
fruit
of
the
kitul
tree
is
surprisingly
used
to
make
honey
and
juggery.The
city
of
Kithulgala
had
a
bout
of
fame,
when
it
was
chosen
as a
prime
location
in
the
filming
of ,
David
Lean's
1957
award
winning
film
'Bridge
on
the
River
Kwai.'
The
Kelani
River
(
one
of
the
main
river's
of
Sri
Lanka)
flows
through
the
Kitulgala's
rock
strewn
sections
and
the
rapids
provide
ample
pleasure
for
the
adventure
sport
of
white
water
rafting.main
tours
begin
at
Kithulgala
and
many
promise
a
view
or a
chance
to
'go
pass'
the
actual
location
of
the
filming.
Many
tours
are
organized
for
a
minimum
of
01
hour
or a
maximum
of
half
a
day.
he
actual
run
takes
about
90
minutes
to
complete
with
encounters
of
grade
2
and
3
rapids,
bearing
unique
names
such
as
Butter
Crunch,
Killer
Falls,
Head
Chopper
and
Virgin's
Breast
!
Although
there
are
rafting
spots
for
the
more
experienced
in
the
Sitawaka
river
off
Avissawella
which
lasts
for
2
hours
with
grade
3
and
4
rapids
it
requires
a
higher
degree
of
skill.
An
optional
run
and
that
too
for
the
experienced
rafter
is
the
run
which
takes
place
on a
higher
elevation
offering
a
grand
scale
view
of
the
mountains
and
the
feel
of
refreshing
cold
water
beating
against
one's
self
is
the
run
which
takes
place
on
the
Kotmale
river
near
the
Hatton
Nuwara-
Eliya
Road
Kitulgala
holds
the
predominat
status
of
choice
due
to
the
facilities
and
its
fame
as a
main
tourist
destination.
The
best
period
for
white
water
rafting
in
Kitulgala
will
be
during
may
through
December.
Those
who
have
an
adventourous
streak
and
long
to
try
their
hand
in
the
unknown
could
opt
for
Black
Rafting
which
is
conducted
in
the
night
during
three
days
prior
to
or
after
the
Full
Moon
poya
Day.
The
rafter's
are
provided
with
a
head
light
as
well! |
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Hiking
&
Trekking
There’s
no
better
way
to
explore
the
natural
scenic
beauty
of
this
island
which
is
blessed
with
diverse
climatic
zones.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.
All
measures
are
taken
to
ensure
local
community
benefit
and
nature
conservation
in
keeping
with
all
international
camping
guidelines.
The
possibilities
are
endless
as
one
has
the
option
of
hiking
or
trekking
in
cities
and
towns
which
are
in
close
proximity
to
Colombo
(
the
business
capitol)
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
(a
cluster
resembling
the
knuckles
of a
hand
)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
(
Sri
Lanka's
native
folk)
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.
An
exhilarating
trek
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.
On a
clear
day
one
can
view
the
Balangoda
Town
( in
'Lilliputian'
form)
which
s
directly
below.
The
many
paths
within
the
cultural
triangle
such
the
old
path
from
Minneriya
to
Sigiriya
(
27km
probability
9
hrs)
give
a
glimpse
of
the
irrigation
system
and
the
uninhabited
jungle
life
of
the
dry
zone.
Trekking
in
the
Peak
Wildreness
Sanctuary
in
close
proximity
to
Adam's
Peak
offers
a
diversified
experience
as
it
is
home
to a
plethora
of
rare
birds,
leapord,
deer
and
jackal.
The
possibilities
of
hiking
and
trekking
cannot
be
summed
up
in
one
page
as
Sri
Lanka
presents
bountiful
oppurtunities
for
the
adventurous
persona.
There
are
a fw
words
of
advise
which
is
to
ascertain
the
ideal
time
for
hiking
or
trekking
in
the
varied
location;
it
is
wise
to
avoid
the
monsoon
rains
due
to
muddy
terrain
and
leeches.
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Mountain
Biking
Sri
Lanka's
mountainous
terrain
is
among
the
finest
of
the
world's
biking
sites.
Among
the
slopes,
valleys
and
the
tea
plantations
are
tracks
and
trails
that
will
beckon
the
avid
mountain
biker.
Tours
range
from
lush
tea
estates
to
caves,
rain
forests,
ancient
temples
,
reservoirs
etc.slopes,
valleys
and
the
tea
plantations
are
tracks
and
trails
that
will
attract
any
mountain
biker.
Tours
range
from
lush
tea
estates
to
caves,
rain
forests,
ancient
temples
,
reservoirs
etc.
Most
Hotels
and
tour
operators
offer
mountain
biking
holidays,
alternatively
the
guest
has
the
option
of
contacting
a
smaller
'adventure'
based
operation
for
the
purpose
of
selecting
his/her
own
trip.
The
national
cycle
trail
network
provides
the
rider
with
dedicated
roots
marked
with
signs
for
convenience.
Many
tour
operators
such
as
Sri
lankan
Expeditions
market
tailor
made
mountain
biking
tours.
The
majority
of
mountain
biking
tours
are
conducted
in
the
Knuckles
range
with
its
verdant
hills
and
challenging
trails.
Kital
Ella
near
Bandarawela,
a
very
attractive
mountainous
region
overlooking
the
‘Namunukula'
mountain
range.
At
an
altitude
of
1230
metres,
the
mountainous
area
has
an
extremely
pleasant
climate,
with
warm
(but
not
humid)
days
and
cool
nights.
The
environment
is
remarkably
varied
with
something
to
satisfy
everyone's
taste.
You
can
chose
an
apt
trail
and
ride
to
your
hearts
content.
Longer
tours
are
arranged
along
with
a
supporting
vehicle
for
transporting
luggage.For
those
who
prefer
a
solitary
ride,
a
sense
of
adventure
and
avarage
map
reading
skills
are
sufficient
ingredients
and
satisfaction
is
guaranteed.
Mountain
bikes
can
be
transported
in
buses
and
trainsbut
one
has
to
ensure
that
it
is
dismantled
and
in
carry-on
bags.
Unless
the
rider
is
part
of a
group
witha
support
vehicle
it
is
advisable
to
carry
a
tool
kit
and
a
pump
since
the
local
cycle
repair
shops
may
be
inadequately
equipped
to
repair
a
complex
mountain
bike.
One
could
replenish
ones
energy
from
wayside
shops
but
make
sure
the
drinking
water
is
sealed.'Thambili,'
(King
Coconut
water)
is
an
ideal
choice
as
it
is
naturally
sealed
and
safe
to
drink.
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Rock
Climbing
The
exhilaration
of
standing
on
the
summit
of a
mountain
is
only
a
sliver
of
the
total
enjoyment
and
satisfaction
that
one
achieves
from
mountaineering.
Mountaineering
is
an
adventure
sport
that
requires
assiduous
skills
and
levels
of
fitness
that
few
other
adventure
sports
can
match.
For
those
raring
to
explore;
the
mountain
ranges
offer
breath
taking,
enthralling,
climbing
routes.
Climbing
is
all
about
discovering
nature.
Join
Sri
Lanka's
climbing
expeditions
for
spine
tingling
encounters
combining
rafting
and
sailing.
Most
rock
climbing
expeditions
are
conducted
in
places
viz
the
Knucles
Mountain
Range
with
its
rugged
terrain
and
magical
environs,
Belihul-Oya
, a
very
picturesque
little
hamlet
renowned
for
its
eco
tourism
opportunities,
is
situated
in
the
“Sabaragamuwa”
province,approximately
160
km
from
Colombo
.
This
beautiful
hillside
location
is a
climatically
transitional
area,
linking
both
the
dry
and
wet
zones
and
the
hill
and
low
country
at
an
altitude
of
less
than
1500m.
Many
hotels
and
tour
operators
organize
speciality
tours
for
folk
intersted
in
this
remarkable
sport.
The
Ella
Adventure
Park
situated
in
Ella
in
th
central
region
and
a
majority
of
hotels
located
in
the
following
bio-diversity
hotspots;
Sigiriya,
Habarana,
Polonnaruwa,
Buttala,
Horton
plains
provide
the
rock
climbers
with
necessary
wonderment
and
adventure. |
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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.
The
adventure
of
scuba
diving
can
be
combined
with
activities
ranging
from
underwater
photography,
to
the
study
of
the
varied
types
of
ocean
life.The
coral
world
is
inhabited
by a
profound
number
of
beautiful
species
such
as
rays,
eels,
clown
fish,
porcupine,
moorish
idol,
unicorn
and
moorish
angel
to
name
a
few.
The
common
species
belonging
to
the
families
of
Aroporidae
(Staghorn
Corals),
Poritidae
(Donnie
Corals),
Mussidae
(Brain
Corals),
faviidae
(Ster
Corals)
and
Pocelloporidae
(Flower
Corals).
"
Sri
Lanka's
spectacular
scenic
beauty
is
rivalled
only
by
the
wonders
of
her
underwater
world,"
an
apt
saying
as
the
sea
surrounding
the
pearl
of
the
Indian
Ocean
holds
many
treasures;
The
multi-hued
coral
reef
which
encompasses
the
south
and
east
coast
is
illuminated
by
the
rays
of
the
sun
creating
a
magical
effect
along
with
the
vibrant
tropical
fish,
and
the
submerged
shipwrecks
offer
ample
opportunity
for
underwater
archaeologists,
photographers
and
adventure
seekers
alike.
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.
Apart
from
treasures
of
coral
and
fish,
the
reefs
and
sea-beds
off
shore
offer
an
exciting
attraction
to
skilled
divers.
Submerged
wrecks
are
strewn
off
the
thousand
mile-long
coastal
waters,
a
legacy
of
more
than
twenty
centuries
of
mairitme
trade
and
sea-faring.
A
few
treasures
have
been
salvaged
and
are
in
view
at
the
maritime
museums
in
Sri
Lanka
and
a 15
kilogram
mass,
containing
exactly
one
thousand
of
these
coins,
still
in
the
shape
of
their
original
bag
is
now
on
display
in
the
Smithsonian
Institute
in
Washington
D.C.
Diving
in
Sri
Lanka
holds
endless
possibilities,
worth
experiencing.
There
are
many
water
sports
cenres
around
the
Island
enabling
the
visitor
to
rent
diving
equipment
inclusive
of
photogrpahic
material.
Exceptional
dive
-tour
packages
and
underwater
safaris
are
arranged
by
dediacted
agencies
amd
travel
agents
who
employ
professional
diving
guides
and
instructors.
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Paragliding
Paragliding
is
the
latest
aero
sport
to
take
the
world
by
storm.
The
origin
of
the
sport
dates
back
to
the
1940s.
Since
then
,
this
sport
has
been
rapidly
expanding.
Thousands
of
people
all
over
the
world
have
found
this
sport
convenient
,
sheer
fun
and
a
safe
medium
of
soaring
in
the
air.
Sri
Lanka's
physical
features
and
climatic
conditions
are
conducive
to
flying
operations
throughout
the
year.
Paragliding
holds
a
special
attraction
for
the
foreign
tourist.
Flight
time
for
any
average
pilot
with
an
intermediate
level
glide
will
take
25
minutes.
The
exhilarating
sport
of
paragliding
is
offered
at
the
Ella
Adventure
Park,
which
is a
hotel
situated
in
the
wilds
of
Ella
city
(202km
from
Colombo,in
the
central
hilly
region,south
of
Nuwara
Eliya,
in
close
proximity
to
Bandarawela).
This
hotel
is
the
solo
provider
of
Paragliding
in
the
Island
at
present.
Paragliding
is
conducted
over
the
Makaldeniya
ridge,
which
lays
claim
to a
breathtaking
vista
which
the
paraglider
can
admire
and
appreciate.
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Ballooning
Explore
the
natural
beauty
of
the
Island
in a
hot
air
Balloon.
View
the
elephants
in
their
natural
habitat
without
violating
their
privac,
fly
over
the
placid
lakes
or
get
a
bird's
eye
view
of
the
Sigiriya
Rock
or a
historical
ruined
city
without
tampering
with
the
landscape.
We
call
it "
Soft
Tourism
" .
Witness
our
ancient
lakes,
gigantic
ruins
with
a
history
of
2500
years
or
more,forests
with
its
wild
life
from
soaring
hights!
ballooning
is
available
in
the
Island
with
tour
operators
such
as
Red
Dot
Tours
and
they
offer
value
for
money.
The
Red
Dot
has
merged
with
Adevnture
Centre
Asia
which
is
the
leading
balloon
operator
in
the
island.Their
prime
concern
bein
safety,
the
balloon
rides
are
conducted
by a
team
with
a
number
of
years
of
experience.
Many
ballooning
flights
originate
mainly
in
the
culturul
triangle,
taking-off
close
to
Dambulla.A
varied
options
are
available
such
as
group
bookings
for
14-16
people
and
luxury,
wedding
and
chartered
flights.
The
success
of
Hot
Air
Ballooning
largely
depends
on
weather
conditions,
therefore
the
ideal
season
is
earmarked
from
October
to
April.
The
packages
offered
are
attractive
and
reasoble
offering
the
most
spectacuar
aerial
view
of
the
cultural
sites
viz
Polonnaruwa,
Sigiriya,
Dambulla..
the
wildife
parks
Yala
National
Park,
Udawalawe
National
Park,
the
south
coast
,
the
central
hills
and
many
more.
Packages
are
available
for
a
time
span
of
3-4
hrs,
sufficient
to
admire
the
vista
of
the
island
without
interruption.
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