Snorkelling and Diving The Indian Ocean is inhabited by groupers , barracuda , manta rays and sea turtles as well as a host of tropical reef fish – creating a colourful kaleidoscope in the clear waters of the calm season . Snorkelling gear and glass bottom boats are available for viewing the reefs at Bentota / Beruwela and Hikkaduwa , where you can see shoals of tropical fish , although the coral here is damaged . The south coast is good for snorkelling and the hotels usually have snorkels and masks available . The dive centres at Unuwatuna and Mirissa also have snorkelling equipment for hire . Sri Lanka is not known for its diving sites although there are opportunities for diving off shore . Diving centres with PADI qualified instructors can be found in Bentota , Hikkaduwa ( coral reef and marine life ), Negombo ( wrecks and reef ) and Unuwatuna / Mirissa in the south .
Soft adventure holidays For those who want a more adventurous and active holiday , we can also design holidays that offer daily adventurous activities such as walking , cycling and / or canoeing , whilst discovering the beauties of Sri Lanka . You will be transported some of the route by vehicle and will be accompanied by trained staff , enabling you to enjoy thrilling adventure in hidden corners as well as see some of the cultural sights .
For those who are prepared to rough it and would like to spend 2 to 5 days doing soft adventure activities , we offer the option to stay in a mountainous area in the heart of Sri Lanka and use it as a base for trekking , canoeing and mountain biking .
Yala National Park
Hot air ballooning Experience the unique and fun sensation of hot air ballooning as your balloon floats for about an hour over the picturesque landscape at sunrise . In the south , the flight commences a few miles inland from Galle , affording views across the Galle District . In the Cultural Triangle , the flight commences between Kandalama , Dambulla and Sigiriya where you can view the rock fortress , ancient temples and the wilderness of the central plains in peaceful solitude . The balloon basket holds up to 16 passengers , in four sections . Daily scheduled flights operate at sunrise between October and April , subject to favourable weather conditions and a minimum requirement of 5 passengers . The hot air balloons can also be booked for exclusive charter flights for a special occasion .
Horse-riding from the Elephant Corridor
Elephant rides Discover the farmland and forests at a leisurely pace from the top of an elephant , swaying with the rhythm as it swaggers deftly along the tracks . The watering holes may well provide some playful fun . Elephant back safaris are usually found in the Cultural Triangle , but can be offered elsewhere . Some of the Heritance hotels have their own resident elephants . Guests can enjoy an elephant ride through the jungle forest at Kandalama .
Horse-riding Horse-riding is available at Heritance Kandalama , Elephant Corridor , and Ulagalla Resort , all situated in the Cultural Triangle with their own extensive grounds , well-kept horses and equipment . There are also riding stables near the golden beaches of Bentota on the south-west coast . The Victoria Saddle Club , near the Victoria golf course ( one hour east of Kandy ) is run by an ex-trotting jockey . You can take riding lessons or , if you know how to ride , enjoy a trek amidst stunning scenery .
Air ballooning in the Cultural Triangle
Cycling in the Cultural Triangle
Spectator sports Local sporting events give an entertaining and fascinating insight into Sri Lankan life , and sometimes you can even take part . Cricket is by far the most popular sport in Sri Lanka and you could well be playing an impromptu game of cricket with the locals one day , then watching an international or district match the next . If you have a special interest in cricket , either watching or playing in Sri Lanka , we will be pleased to set something up for you . Kite flying is also a favourite pastime , particularly between July and September along the south-west coast , whilst Elephant Polo must surely rank as Sri Lanka ’ s most unusual sport .
Diving in the Indian Ocean
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