Hikkaduwa is a popular seaside destination in Sri Lanka that offers a plethora of activities for visitors of all types. Narigama beach is the best stretch of sand to take a walk on the beach at sunrise, get your tan on during the day and catch the sunset over martinis. You can explore the wondrous beauty of the ocean at Coral Reef Gardens, scuba diving or snorkelling amongst colourful fish in clear blue waters. The islets off the beach are home to pockets of wildlife. Go diving to explore the shipwrecks underwater or engage in a variety of water sports in the lagoon and sea. The waves off Hikkaduwa are considered to be one of the best for surfing in Sri Lanka with a clear hot water base and waves of varying sizes. November to April, when rain is rare, is the best time for surfing.

Hikkaduwa also serves up amazing food and fantastic beverages, from delicious curries and seafood dishes to cocktails and cold beer, as well as vibrant beachside shopping such as colourful sarongs, wide brimmed hats, cute flip flops, well cut swimsuits and cool sunglasses.

Yala National Park is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and a designated wildlife sanctuary. Situated in the southeast, it is bordered by the Indian Ocean and is a prime spot for spotting leopards.

A hunting ground during British rule, the wildlife reserve is still home to a plethora of animals including 44 species of mammal and over 200 bird species of which 7 are endemic to the park. Housing a mix of habitats such as grasslands, brush scrub, thorn forest, brackish lagoons, watering holes and lakes, you can find elephants, leopards, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, buffaloes, sloth bears, bee-eaters, crested serpent eagles, peacocks, wild boar and so many more.

Visitors are allowed into the park at 6am and 2pm, with the average tour taking about 4 hours. Many consider the dry season (February to June) to be the best for spotting animals with February and March the best to catch sight of leopards. The park is generally closed during September for maintenance.

Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) is a soaring mountain in Sri Lanka that has an important place in the nation’s history. It is also a much celebrated place of pilgrimage. The legendary summit is best known for the depression at its summit that resembles a footprint that has been laid claim to by people of many faiths. Buddhists believe the sacred footprint to be that of Lord Buddha, made at the request of the local deity God Saman. Christians and Muslims believe it to be that of the Adam who is said to have first set foot on earth here after being cast out of heaven. Meanwhile Hindus believe the footprint to be that of Lord Shiva.

Every year, pilgrims and other enthusiasts climb the mountain between the months of December and May. The ascent is traditionally made at night so you can reach the summit by dawn and witness the truly spectacular sunrise and extraordinary views sans cloud cover.

Packed with archaeological treasures including ancient sculptures, shrines, temples, palaces and ruins, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second oldest capital of Sri Lanka, established after the destruction of the Anuradhapura Kingdom in 993, the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa reigned from 1070 until 1232. The highly successful reign was characterised by engineering and technological innovation which led to rice cultivation at enormous scale, Sri Lanka’s prominence as the Granary of the Orient as well as advances in healthcare and surgery.

Today you can explore the royal palace of King Parakramabahu I of which impressive walls, lion sculptures, intricate carvings and royal swimming pool remain well persevered; Shiva Devale II, the oldest Hindu temple in the area, tucked away in a forest clearing; the large stupa of Rankot Viharaya; the 55ft high Buddha statue in Lankatilaka; and so much more.

The small town of Kitulgala, where the 1957 Oscar winner ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ was filmed, is now best known for its adventure sport offering. The mighty Kelani River runs through the hill forest town, providing a great location for white water rafting. The five kilometre stretch of water comprises seven rapids of different difficulties and is thus able to accommodate both beginners and experienced rafters.

Atlas Lanka takes safety seriously and ensures all our instructors are certified and globally recognised safety protocols are followed, including safety gear, modern rafts and comprehensive safety briefings. Enjoy a fun day of adventure while basking in the enchantment of nature.

You can also engage in other adventure sports like stream sliding, waterfall abseiling and jungle trekking at Kitulgala.

Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to spot blue whales, which can be observed off the coast of Mirissa in the southwest between December and March and Trincomalee in the northeast between March and July. Blue whales are not the only type of whales who call the waters off Sri Lanka home for half the year however. You can also spot a number of other species including the humpback, sperm, Bryde’s, minke and fin whiles as well as plenty of dolphins. The waters off Kalpitiya in the northwest coast is another popular location for whale watching with the exception of the blue whale.

As a responsible travel organisation, Atlas Lanka offers whale watching tours that comply with all conditions stipulated under the Sea Mammals Regulations Act (2012) ensuring the safety of both humans and whales.