If You Like - Sri Lanka - page 39

Beach, Batticaloa lighthouse
BHAGIRAJ SIVAGNANASUNDARAM / GETTY IMAGES ©
Diving & Snorkelling
Sri Lanka's diving scene is developing along with its tourist scene. Excellent places for
diving and snorkelling can be found right around the coast but most are still seldom vis-
ited. The west coast south of Colombo has been the centre of diving but other, better areas
like the South and East are coming on strong.
Bar Reef Little-exploited and near-pristine reefs where dolphins play in their hundreds.
Great Basses Reefs It's tricky to access and conditions are fickle but this might be the
finest dive site in Sri Lanka.
Pigeon Island National Park A shallow coral reef with tons of fish and sharks that's equally
satisfying to snorkel or dive.
Batticaloa The HMS Hermes, a WWII-era wreck, is for Tec divers, but the rock dives around
here are for everyone.
Walking
Sure it's a bit hot during the day and it might rain, but there are oodles of places where you
can stretch your legs and appreciate Sri Lanka's remarkable natural beauty, rich culture
and ancient monuments.
Colombo The main streets may be choked but other roads in the capital are tree-lined and
have a genteel charm. Stroll the buzzing neighbourhoods from Cinnamon Gardens to Galle
Face Green.
Polonnaruwa The ancient monuments here are in a lush park-like setting that rewards
walkers ready to explore.
Adam's Peak On Adam's Peak you can walk in the footsteps of the Buddha with hundreds
of pilgrims.
Knuckles Range Rain soaked and densely vegetated, the Knuckles Range is no walk in the
park, but it offers the most exciting hiking in the country.