Sri Lanka is a great place to visit for surf and wildlife enthusiasts and a haven for history buffs. And the food’s not bad either! With some of the most pristine beaches on the planet, the southern and eastern coasts do not disappoint with their incredible beaches, natural beauty and amazing people. Not to mention the great food (did we mention that already?!)
In short Sri Lanka offers the best mix of surfing, adventure, nature and culture, all in the laid-back style for which the country is rightly famous.
When to go
Sri Lanka experiences two monsoon seasons, which affect different parts of the country during different months. This means that, at any given time, travellers can expect a sunny climate somewhere on the island.
Why you should go
There are loads of great reasons to visit Sri Lanka on your next surfing holiday, but here are 5 we’ve chosen to highlight.
1. Glorious beaches
Sri Lanka has some of the most pristine coastlines in Asia, with many unspoiled sandy beaches dotted with palm trees and blessed by turquoise waters.
October- March In the South
The southern coast of Sri Lanka is lined with some of the world’s most pristine beaches and incredible towns. This tiny island is packed with not only beautiful beaches but incredible wildlife, rich and diverse culture and many ancient heritage sites and landmarks.
Sri Lanka offers a truly unique surf adventure unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re an experienced surfer, or just starting, you’ll find surf conditions to suit your skills.
Is discovering the natural beauty, wildlife and amazing diversity of Sri Lankan culture more your style? Our 7-night tour will deliver the best mix of beaches, adventure, nature and culture all in the laid-back style that Sri Lanka is famous for.
Your base for this south coast Sri Lanka adventure is the luxurious Anantara Peace Heaven Resort in Tangalle. Spend your days surfing some of the best waves in Sri Lanka, snorkelling or scuba diving, taking nature tours to explore the local countryside … or just chilling out and enjoying all the facilities this 5-star resort provides.
April- September in the East
Whether you’re an experienced surfer, or just starting, Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s East Coast is often regarded as the best surf spot in the country.
Join us for a unique 10 night experience starting in Negombo in the west of the country, travelling via Hikkaduwa to Arugam Bay on the East Coast. Your 10 nights luxury accommodation spans 4 hotels in Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay and Galle.
Surfers on the trip get to experience Arugam Bay, arguably the best and most well-known wave in Sri Lanka. Non-surfers can also enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving on some great reefs, nature tours… or just sitting back and taking it all in at one of the many restaurants and cafes that line the local streets and beaches.
If you're new to surfing, make sure you download our FREE beginners guide to surfing today!
2. The amazing food
Sri Lanka is blessed with a distinctive cuisine flavoured with exotic spices. The famed rice and curry spread includes an intense and fragrant lentil and chicken or fish curry with rice and vegetables on the side. Kottu is a popular street food of Tamil origin with chopped roti flatbread and usually egg, meat, vegetables and salna — a spicy sauce on the side. Make sure you try egg hoppers too.
3. The wildlife
Sri Lanka has 26 national parks and two marine parks. The most well-known, Yala National Park, has the highest density of leopards in the world, 215 species of bird, mugger crocodiles and other reptiles, while the coastline that borders the park is a nesting spot for five species of sea turtle. Adjacent to Yala is Udawalawe National Park, home to herds of elephants and rare birds such as the changeable hawk-eagle and the serpent eagle.
4. Whales and dolphins
Sri Lanka is probably the only place in the world where you can view a species of both the world’s largest land mammal, the elephant, and the largest water mammal, the blue whale. Five species of whale, including the blue whale and the minke whale, are regularly seen in the seas off Kalpitiya. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot spinner dolphins too. The peak months for whale watching in Kalpitiya are between January and March.
5. Gorgeous landscapes and hiking trails
Sri Lanka’s abundance of flora and fauna means it has beautiful nature trails with stunning vistas and waterfalls, misty mountains rising into the clouds and hillsides covered with paddy fields and tea estates. And the occasional peacock or deer crossing your path.
It all adds up to a great adventure
Whether you choose our 7-night stay in the south or our 10-night stay in the east, you’re sure to be blown away by the incredible mix of culture, hospitality, wildlife and cuisine that’s available in this country. We can’t wait to go.
