Good times together

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Established in 1975, with the noble intention of providing care for orphaned elephants, today it serves as a nursery and a captive breeding ground for Asian elephants. Countless visitors from all over the island and the world visit this charming attraction throughout the year.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is known to be the best-preserved and largest cave temple complex that is found in Sri Lanka. With over 80 documented caves spread across the vicinity, the Dambulla Cave Temple has rightfully earned its name as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 153 statues of Lord Buddha can be found in this temple which is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla.

Situated along Sri Lanka’s east coast, Trincomalee has long been a favourite location. Rest your weary feet and join our naturalist aboard an 18-foot, fibreglass motorboat. Enjoy a three hour cruise, touring the town’s highlights. Feast your gaze on attractions such as the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery and Swami Rock located within the 17th century fort.

See if you can make out the scattered remnants of an almost 2,000 year old Hindu temple which was demolished by the Portuguese in the fort’s making. The tour begins either at 07:00am, during the cool morning hours or at 04:00pm, and concludes with a spectacular setting sun as it paints the sky pink and orange.

Visit the Suriyakantha Centre for Art and Culture, and delve deep into the fascinating annals of European and Sri Lankan history. Housed in the Naranwala Walawwa, an 18th century Dutch-style colonial manor house, the centre represents a unique effort between a Frenchman and Sri Lankan, to showcase talent from eras past.

Explore the vast repository of local and European works over the course of two to three hours and understand the richness of Kandyan culture. Observe the various manuscripts, furniture, handicrafts, artworks and photographs on display. Located near the town of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Suriyakantha is open to visits between 08:00am and 04:00pm, throughout the year.

Did you know? The waters off Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts are along the annual migration route of the Humpback, Sperm and colossal Blue Whale. Towns such as Mirissa, where our excursion begins, are considered global hotspots for whale sightings. The best time to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the sea is between December and March.

Set off on your whale watching adventure at 06:00am in the morning with a snack of a selection of nibbles and beverages while you scan the waters for your prize. Keep an eye out for playful Spinner Dolphins, a common sight. You will be out at sea for around four to five hours. An onboard washroom will be available for your use.

Colombo's amazing Fort district still has the energy like in the late nineteenth century when the streets were teeming with ox carts and alive with the sounds and whiffs of the sea, as rubber, tea, cinnamon, kittul treacle, rope and peacocks were loaded aboard ships.

• Take a walking tour of the Colombo's historic Fort district
• Learn about the city's colonial past and pick up some photography tips
• Sample some fiery street food!
• Recap your walk over iced cold beers at the Dutch Hospital Complex

Taking a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Colombo city and Mark and his colleagues, natives from Colombo, have hosted walks in Colombo for several years under the Colombo City Walks banner.Starting at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex in Fort and walk along the old colonial streets, away from your usual tourist spots, and seek out the colonial Dutch mansions and be a part of the history that is now commercial hub of Colombo. Explore the old Cargills building, visit the New Chinese shop, snap a picture outside the Pagoda Tea Rooms where Duran Duran filmed their iconic music video, Hungry Like The Wolf, and enjoy a cup of Ceylon Tea on the balcony of the Grand Oriental Hotel while taking in the sunset views of the Colombo Harbour.End your walk back at the Dutch Hospital, formerly a hospital during the 17th century, the complex is now host to high-end restaurants, bars and shops.  Relax, take a breather, admire the architecture, and have a drink… or two.

Location : Colombo.
Duration : 2 Hrs.
Best time to visit  : Morning or Evening

Conquer the cascading rapids in Kitulgala, Sri Lanka’s premier white-water rafting destination. Located in the island’s wet zone, the town lies on the scenic banks of the Kelani River. Navigate your way along a 6.5 km stretch, past the river’s seven, grade two and three rapids. Catch your breath, with a leisurely swim in the slow-flowing waters between the falls.

White-water rafting can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the months from May to December are ideal. Seasoned rafters may prefer the monsoon season when the waters swell significantly. Sessions last two hours and take place in the morning and afternoons.