Back of Beyond – Activities

There is immense contenment in being rowed into the centre of a lake or a river and to sit quietly surrounded by beauty. Looming over the waters of the lake at Pidurangala are the rocks of Sigiriya and Pidurangala. At our Wellness Retreat you will board the boat from our property and go down river towards the lagoon and sea. While we provide the life-vests and training in safety, the boat rides are handled by the villagers. It is also an opportunity to observe the bird life of these habitats and if you are lucky you may find a monitor lizard swimming beside you.

There is something incredibly exciting about setting out in the silence of the night on this guided tour through a jungle tract that is transformed by moonlight into a mass of almost indistinguishable shapes. Equipped with infra-red lights so as not to cause blindness to animal life, you will encounter the nocturnal birds – the nightjar and the owls, while you search for this elusive and strange animal, the slender loris. It is a bewitching moment when this rare primate is spotted moving slowly through the branches and when it looks at you with its enormous eyes that seem to dominate its little body. The walk is led by one of our in house naturalists and is open to our guests and other visitors in the area of Pidurangala.

A safari is a journey that takes travellers into natural habitats to observe animals and birds in their natural environment. It is not only about spotting wildlife, but also about experiencing the beauty and the different moods of being surrounded by tall forests, open grasslands and waterways. We believe in being of benefit to the community around our properties and therefore for our safaris, we hire jeeps and drivers/guides from a trusted and reliable source. Beyond adventure, safaris also promote conservation by helping people appreciate the importance of protecting ecosystems and wildlife. In the interests of  protecting wild life, we try to minimise our intrusion by taking the roads less travelled by. We refrain from chasing behind elephant, leopard and bear and from gathering enmasse in noisy melee whenever an animal is spotted. We have also funded training programmes for national park guides on ethical behaviour and conservation practices.

Nature walks, mountain hikes and birding are outdoor activities that allow you to connect deeply with the natural world. Strolling at one’s own pace, our guide will talk to you about the terrain and the flora as well as the dragon flies, the birds and the creatures that you see along the way, and show you hidden spots where the birds nest. The walks will give you a greater  appreciation of Sri Lanka’s bio-diversity and you will learn to recognise the different eco-systems ranging from the coastal and dune jungles of Yala to the montane forests of Ulapane, the dry zone forests of Pidurangala and the riverine environment of Dehigaha Ela.

Ride through quiet village roads, lush paddy fields, and scenic trails, experiencing nature and local life up close. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride or a more active exploration, cycling is an eco-friendly way to connect with the back of beyond and the village people you meet along the way.

Wander through peaceful village paths, meet local communities, and experience their traditional way of life. Explore paddy fields, home gardens, and ancient irrigation tanks that sustain daily living. End your journey with a warm, home-cooked meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients — a true taste of village hospitality and culture.