Kumu Beach

There’s something about riding a wave that makes you forget everything else. If you’re brand new to surfing or have tried it before, a surf lesson on Sri Lanka’s southern coast is a great way to have fun, move your body and feel completely present.

Surfing is part of everyday life in this part of the island. Since the 1970s, Sri Lanka has drawn surfers from all over the world thanks to its warm water, friendly surf breaks and consistent waves.

The south coast is where you want to be between December and March, and Kumu Beach puts you right near the action.

Just 20 minutes away, Hikkaduwa Beach is ideal for beginners. But if you want something even gentler, head to Dewata Beach. Its shallow, white-water waves are perfect if you’re starting out or simply want to take it easy.

Your lesson starts on the beach with 30 minutes of basics: board handling, paddling, popping up and how to stay safe in the water. After that, it’s time to get in the ocean.

You’ll have a full hour with an instructor by your side, helping you catch your first waves or refine your technique if you’re already comfortable on a board.

It’s all about learning a new skill and being in the moment. Surfing connects you to the ocean and forces you to focus, which can be surprisingly calming.

Even when you fall (and you will), you’ll find yourself laughing, letting go and trying again.

Lessons can be tailored to your level, whether you’re a child, an adult or somewhere in between. And when it’s all over, you’ll feel both energised and relaxed, just the way a good coastal morning should end.

Ready for a walk on the wild side of Sri Lanka? Join a guided rainforest trek through one of the world’s official biodiversity hotspots.

Located in a protected area that spans over 5,000 hectares, this rainforest was marked as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2004 and it’s easy to see why.

You’ll start your two-hour trek with a local tracker from a nearby village who knows the forest like the back of his hand. As you walk under tall canopies and follow narrow trails, he’ll introduce you to a variety of plants and trees, including rare herbs and medicinal roots.

If you’re lucky, you might spot a few of the 86 species of mammals that live here or maybe a flash of colour from one of the 20 endemic birds native to this region.

The forest is also home to snakes, amphibians, butterflies and over 500 types of trees. You’ll stop at the beautiful Anagimale Waterfall along the way, a quiet spot where the sound of rushing water replaces the forest tunes for a moment.

This amazing experience doesn’t end with the walk. After the trek, you’ll head to the tracker’s home where his wife will be waiting with a traditional Sri Lankan lunch – warm rice and a variety of vegetable and meat curries, all cooked fresh.

The meal is served right by the lake, with your feet in the water if you like. It’s as relaxing as it is rewarding.

This trek is a chance to experience the rainforest with people who live alongside it every day. You’ll learn, move, eat and connect with nature and with locals who know how to live in harmony with it.