Soft adventure Tourism in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone. It has the potential to become one of the great adventure destinations in the world. A rocky, mountainous core rises in three peneplains, or steps, from the centre of the island. Sheer rock faces abound in an island dissected with ridges and mountain ranges. No less than 130 rivers cascade down to the ocean, allowing plenty of scope for canoeing and white-water rafting. Anything from easy, grade one stretches, to hair-raising grade six rapids, to make even a seasonal rafter’s heart pump fast, is available. Sri Lanka’s potential for scuba diving is probably understated. In addition to the well known reefs, several others lie unexplored, off the routine diving-circuit.
It is probably in trekking that, Sri Lanka has the potential to stake a claim as a premier soft-adventure destination. Being a relatively compact island, it is not too difficult to design a trekking circuit that will run from the cool highlands to the humid, lowland rain-forest, or the parched dry lowlands dotted with ancient lakes and the remains of grand ancient civilizations. A trek can start at altitudes where temperatures drop below freezing point, and end only a few days later, in an almost desert-like environment. The mountainous core and two seasonal monsoons work to produce markedly different climatic zones in a relatively small area. Trekkers can experience montane forests, alpine grasslands, tea estates, paddy fields and scrub jungles, all in the space of a week. Sri Lanka the land yet unexplored can easily be the innovative adventure tourism destination.
The adventure season now covers almost the entire year. Sri Lanka being blessed with rolling meadows, jagged rock faces, verdant valleys, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and hospitable people, blessed with a rich culture is a land perfect for adventure. People from all over the world have rapidly begun to realize the potential of this island as a premium adventure sport destination. The wide choice of adventure sports ranges from daring to exotic tours that mix various activities.
Camping, mountain biking, biking, white water vaulting and canoeing also give visitors a refreshing glimpse of lesser travelled parts of the country. Those who want to see man and nature surviving in each other’s arms is rediscovering one’s own self.
Mountain Biking
Sri Lanka's mountainous terrains are among the finest of the world's best biking sites. Among the slopes, valleys and the tea plantations are tracks and trails that will lure any mountain biker. Tours range from lush tea estates to caves, rain forests, ancient temples , reservoirs etc.
Mountain Climbing
Standing on the summit of a mountain is only part of the total enjoyment and satisfaction that one achieves from mountaineering. Mountaineering is an adventure sport that requires skills and levels of fitness that few other adventure sports can match. For those fascinated by the explored, the mountain ranges offer breath taking, enthralling, climbing routes. Climbing is all about discovering the natural world around and with you. Join Sri Lanka's climbing expeditions for spine tingling encounters combining with rafting and sailing
Trekking / Camping
There’s no better way to explore the natural scenic beauty of this island 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 possible steps are taken to ensure local community benefit and nature conservation in keeping with all international camping guidelines.
Cycling
Cycling must be one of the most challenging and physically demanding adventure sports you have ever indulged in. Cycling arguably offers the best way to explore Sri Lanka and a great way to see the real country and gives the proximity to people, culture and landscape that is unparalleled. Cycling through rice fields and villages to see 700-years-old temples is an absorbing experience.
White Water Rafting
Lanka’s boulder stream rivers are the ideal setting for white water rafting. This is the best way to see the stunning environment what this region has to offer. Many tours are arranged and it begins with days of action, rafting the white waters. This high adventure is suitable for fish time ‘go for it’ rafters and experts alike. Along one ride you can pass the scenic location outside. Rafting has become a very popular exciting get safe adventure sport option.
By Dhanushka Wijeyekoon
Assistant Marketing Manager - NKAR travels & Tours Sri Lanka
