Unique and Meaningful Experiences in Sri Lanka

Perhaps one of the most iconic experiences in Sri Lanka is joining the friendly locals on a scenic train ride through the lush, green countryside from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. As the train winds through tea plantations and cascading waterfalls, you can enjoy the fresh mountain breeze from the open windows. You’ll be sharing the journey in second class with the locals, sharing smiles and snacks as the vendors pass by and getting an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Sri Lanka.

One of the most authentic ways to connect with Sri Lankan culture is by sharing a meal with a local family. You’ll be warmly welcomed into your host’s home to help prepare a traditional meal together, communicating with smiles and broken English. This experience is part of a World Fair Trade-accredited social enterprise that supports local families and allows them to directly benefit from tourism in Sri Lanka.

More than just a place to sleep, support a project built on community, equality and empowerment by staying in a hotel run entirely by women. With fewer than 10% of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka being female employees, this is a groundbreaking initiative where women, mostly from rural backgrounds, are equipped with the skills allowing them to reach their potential and build sustainable careers in hospitality.

Glide across Sri Lanka’s largest lake on a boat safari through the wild Gal Oya National Park. Watch elephants gracefully swim between islands and crocodiles basking in the sun, as colourful birdlife soars above. Gal Oya is one of the least-visited national parks in Sri Lanka, so you can explore this untouched wilderness with hardly another person in sight, making every wildlife encounter even more special.

If you’re ready for an early start in exchange for an unforgettable experience, then we can arrange a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Sri Lanka’s lush, green countryside. Rising above the trees just as the sun starts to rise, you’ll float over vast fields, emerald lakes and dense jungle as locals wake up and start their day. After the flight, you’ll be welcomed back on land with a tasty picnic breakfast.

Swap the usual hotel for a few nights at The Mudhouse, a collection of simple, open-sided huts tucked away among the forests and lakes of rural Sri Lanka. Built from natural materials, the huts bring you right into the surrounding nature, with birds, frogs and other wildlife just outside your door. Spend your days exploring jungle trails by bike, kayaking across the lake or learning to cook a traditional Sri Lankan curry, before settling into the peaceful surroundings as the sun goes down.

Take your family on an adventure of a lifetime and hit the water for an exhilarating rafting adventure in Kitulgala. Alongside an expert guide, you’ll glide along rainforest-lined riverbanks, surrounded by misty hills and birds singing. The Kelani River has lots of gentle waters, where you can soak in the scenery and enjoy the serenity, with a few more playful rapids thrown in for just the right amount of thrill and excitement for families.

The rafting is suitable for children aged 7 years+

Sleep in a handcrafted treehouse nestled deep within the forest, near Sigiriya Rock. Built to blend in with the forest, the treehouses are made of traditional materials that allow the sounds of the jungle to drift in. You and your kids will love waking up to birdsong, spotting monkeys swinging through the trees and the feeling of being completely immersed in the heart of Sri Lanka’s wilderness.

The shallow bays of Weligama are the perfect place for families to learn to surf in Sri Lanka. You’ll join a friendly local instructor who will show you the basics before you hit the water and catch your first wave. Aside from the fact that you’re learning a new skill together, you’ll also be connecting with the local surf community, many of whom make their living from teaching these lessons and passing on their love for the ocean with visitors.