During your trip to Sri Lanka, in addition to the must-sees to include in your itinerary, discovering the country off the beaten track is a real pleasure.
The island's tourist boom encourages the arrival of new and original activities, which you can easily find on site. Here are 10 unusual activities to do in Sri Lanka in order to experience a journey unlike any other and which will remain etched in your memory.
Get a massage with oils
Ayurvedic medicine is at the heart of Sri Lankan culture. So you can take advantage of the massages offered by the Ayurveda technique. They are much cheaper than in Europe for a very appreciable quality. A real moment of original relaxation to make the most of your holidays in Sri Lanka.
A word of advice concerning women: have a woman massage yourself, never a man, to avoid certain slippages and for your safety.
Massage original au Sri Lanka
Zipline in the mountains
If you fancy taking to the skies in the mountainous region of Sri Lanka, a large zip line has been installed next to the village of Ella. Located next to the access to Little Adam's peak, enjoy a "zipline" that propels you at 80 km / h above the void! In 2020, the price is 20 US Dollars, but this guarantees you great sensations.
To find the zipline: Flying Ravana Mega Zipline, in Ella. Note that they also offer other unusual activities such as archery, mountain biking and abseiling.
Zipline in Sri Lanka
Play monkeys at the Jungle Playground in Mirissa
By dint of crossing monkeys in Sri Lanka, it is quite logical to want to imitate them during a tree climbing session at the Jungle Playground in Mirissa! This amusement park is located in nature and it is made of "natural" elements (strings, wood, coconut, etc.).
Other unusual activities: you can also try your hand at basketball by making baskets with a coconut, playing mini-golf with a wooden stick or even balancing on ropes. It is an original and fun place for all ages.
Fly over the Cultural Triangle in a hot air balloon
In the Cultural Triangle region, you can gain height and fly over the region. Above Dambulla and Sigiriya, you admire the very "natural" landscapes of Sri Lanka, it's a way of discovering the region differently. From the jungle as far as the eye can see, the Golden Temple or even the Lion Rock, the hot air balloon is a gentle and original way to marvel and see the sun rise.
Note that even if this activity is a bit expensive (from 200 US Dollars), it is still cheaper compared to other countries in Asia.
The Lion Rock in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Le temple d’Or de Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Meet dolphins and whales on a catamaran
If you want to see whales and dolphins in Sri Lanka without disturbing them and while respecting them, we advise you to take a catamaran cruise. Whether for half a day or for a full day, we climb on a magnificent boat 100% made in Sri Lanka.
The staff are very animal-friendly, they pay attention to safety distances and the fact of sailing with the sails does not disturb the cetaceans.
Currently, only one company offers this activity: Sail Lanka. You can find it in the south, in Mirissa, between November and April, then on the east coast (in Nilaveli, Passikudah) between May and October.
Discover marine animals differently in Sri Lanka
Rafting down a river
In the center of the country is Kitulgala. This small village, lost in the middle of the jungle, is a real corner of nature. A large river borders the region and depending on the period (ideally after the rainy season, so in October, November and December), you can go rafting. You go down rapids in a canoe, these are small thrills guaranteed!
For the less adventurous, rest assured: the level of this rafting is beginner and you are accompanied by local guides who know the area by heart.
Finally, after your session, hikes and zip lines are offered in this unknown corner.
Rafting differently in Sri Lanka
Take an original yoga class facing the sea
How to relax more than by doing a yoga class, at sunrise or sunset, facing the sea? In Sri Lanka, Buddhism is the main religion. You will therefore be in the state of mind of the country by making you a short meditation and yoga session while breathing the air of the Indian Ocean. Mats are often provided, you just need to bring your towel, a loose fit and all your flexibility!
Spice up your taste buds with a cooking class
To understand Sinhala or Tamil cuisine, nothing better than learning to cook on the spot with the locals! Very often, they take you to the market early in the morning, before taking you behind the stove. Everything is local and, in many cases, you are directly in your Chef's house. It is an unusual and fantastic activity to discover the people of Sri Lanka. Moreover, they will certainly make fun of you a little bit by making you eat well spiced, but it is always done with kindness.
The best tested cooking classes in the country are run by East'N'West on board, in Batticaloa on the east coast of the country, a responsible agency that takes care of its local partners.
Unusual: cook with the locals in Sri Lanka!
Learn to dance differently in Sri Lanka
In Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, you will certainly come across dancers, dressed in white, red and jewelry. The best known are the Kandyan dancers. If you want to learn a few steps of this sacred dance, do not hesitate to ask your hosts in medium-sized towns, where the dance school is located. They will certainly be very surprised by your request, but you can easily either attend a class or get a private lesson.
Be careful, dancing is linked to religion, so do not take this activity lightly!
A culturally rich moment and in sharing because Sri Lankan dances are very far, very different, from the dances we know in our Western countries.
Dance differently in Sri Lanka
Winding up Ambuluwawa tower in Kandy
If you want a nice viewpoint with an original ascent in the central Kandy region, Ambuluwawa tower is for you! The tower, located at the top of a hill, twists to its full height, which gives a magnificent perspective to your photos.
Access is a bit winding (you will have to walk for about 1h30 or take a tuk tuk). But the view of the Kandy countryside is sumptuous, in addition to climbing a very original monument!
Ambuluwawa tower in Kandy, Sri Lanka
An unusual and original trip
You can now make your trip unusual and unforgettable in Sri Lanka thanks to its 10 activities! The least we can say is that you will not travel like the others! And they perfectly complement the list of must-see attractions in Sri Lanka during your trip.
And you, what unusual activity do you prefer? Leave us a comment !
