Sri Lanka's 103 fabulous rivers, wealth of swamps, lagoons, reservoirs, tanks and ancient man-made canals provide a host of exciting canoeing and kayaking opportunities for the activity bounty hunter. As a completely different way to view the slowly passing scenery you may find yourself paddling from the centre of the island right down to the coast and into the Indian Ocean itself as you witness an exciting array of flora and fauna, admire the ever-changing scenery and local habits of villagers going about their day to day life. On this leisurely ride, there will be no end to your appreciation of exploring the spectacular scenery of this majestic little island.
Experienced local guides and all safety equipment such as helmet and lifejacket are provided.

 

Kalu Ganga

This relatively slow moving river, whose name translates as black river, flows from the heart of the island and into the sea at the western town of Kalutara. The Kalu Ganga will play host to a fabulous canoeing experience as you leisurely pass little settlements and admire the stunning scenery on your way to the Indian Ocean. You'll paddle to the sounds of birdsong and gurgling water past the magnificent city of gems, Ratnapura and silently witness an exciting array of undisturbed flora and fauna before finally reaching the coastal town of Kalutara famous for its Buddhist shrine, the Gangatilaka Vihara and highly edible fruit, the mangosteen!

Bentota

The slow water of the Bentota lagoon is an ideal place to canoe or kayak as you meander upriver past little villages, beside leafy forests and aside little islands full of scented cinnamon or little Buddhist shrines. Bentota's calmer coastal waters also provide a great place to begin your sea kayaking adventure that may take you to little inlets and coves allowing you to see the island from a totally different perspective.

Kalpitiya

This fantastic location to the north west of the island is magnificently unspoilt and untouched by tourism though there are so many things to see. You can canoe on the lagoon and explore the coastline in a most peaceful way as you watch the fishermen haul their boats in and out of the water and excitedly compare their catch while the desert landscape of the beaches is breathtaking. Sea kayaking is the latest exciting activity addition to the area and will allow you to explore even more of this amazing coastline.

Hanwella

This tropical location is a natural paradise of rivers scenically backed by mountains and forests of which you may explore by kayak or canoe. Paddle out on the Kelani River whose frontage is lined with a beautiful pebbled beach before heading off to observe and absorb the river's twists and turns whilst absorbing the rich beauty and floral diversity of the region.

Kitulgala

Though Kitulgala is most famously known as the location for fabulous white water rafting trips, many exciting canoeing and kayaking trips are also organised from here. Travelling down the wide Kelani River, a tributary that carves its way down through a southern strip of low rolling hills covered with lush vegetation, you will paddle towards Karwanella along a slow moving stretch of water just perfect for a relaxing adventure to see Sri Lanka's hidden natural gems.

Belihuloya

Belihuloya is simply a paradise for the nature lover. A rich biodiversity spot, the area consists of moist semi-evergreen forest, tropical savannah forests, dry patana grasslands and montane temperate forests that hide a wealth of flora and fauna. In this location you can canoe atop the still Samanalawewa Reservoir and take in the exciting bird life and breathtaking views of surrounding mountains. The reservoir is named after the butterfly on account of its shape however you'll see many a colourful one in reality swooping above the water.

 

When the water levels are low you may also be able to paddle around the tip of a dagoba that was submerged along with a whole village when the reservoir was created.