Rock climbing adventures in Sri Lanka

Rock climbing is a relatively new activity on the island but going by the potential that Sri Lanka offers, rock climbing excursions are developing quite fast. The Knuckles Forest Reserve, easily reachable from Kandy or Matale, offers numerous rock faces for all levels, some of which are yet to be explored fully.

However, the most popular destination for rock climbing remains the 263 metre high rock face of Bambarakanda, incidentally Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall, and just a few hours journey from Nuwara Eliya. Alternatively, Avissawella offers a natural rock climbing location complete with climbing safety bolts. Here, there are three bolted rock faces to test your mettle and fifteen different routes of varying difficulty. You can opt to go here if you plan to halt in Ratnapura.

Alternatively, you can do a day-long excursion from Negombo or Colombo, or on your way to Kandy. Bear in mind however that rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, and thus, only genuine adventure seekers should go for it. The more professional climbers can enjoy discovering fresh climbing routes as the country’s potential remains largely unexploited. Specialized tours at discounted rates (depending upon location and skill level) are on the offer from tour operators.