Best Places for Kayaking in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a paradise for kayaking, thanks to its tropical beauty, calm waters and diverse ecosystems. Whether you’re paddling through mangrove forests, coastal lagoons or scenic rivers the island has so much to offer. Here are some of the best places to go kayaking in Sri Lanka, including Bentota, Galle and beyond.

Bentota and Madu River

Bentota on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is one of the island’s most popular water sports hubs. At the same time, it is also a serene kayaking haven, with the Madu River (Madu Ganga) located a short distance away.

This vast wetland estuary with over 60 small islands is a protected Ramsar site. Kayaking on this river will take you through tunnels of mangroves. Visitors can spot kingfishers, herons and sometimes even water monitors or monkeys along the banks.

It’s best to go early in the morning or during sunset for the best wildlife sightings and lighting. Book guided tours that often include stops at cinnamon islands and Buddhist temples. Kayak rentals and guided eco-tours are widely available in Bentota.

Kayaking in Bentota is ideal for beginners and those seeking a more peaceful, laid-back adventure. Afterwards, travellers can unwind in the best hotels in Bentota such as Jetwing Saman Villas.

Galle and Koggala Lagoon

Galle, the historic city famous for its Dutch fort, is surrounded by beautiful coastal waters and inland lagoons, perfect for kayaking. The most popular spot near Galle is Koggala Lagoon, just 15-20 minutes from the city.

Paddling through Koggala Lagoon brings you face to face with mangrove fringed islands, local fishing communities and calm open waters that reflect the changing skies. Some islands like Madol Doova are famous from Sri Lankan literature adding a cultural touch to the journey.

It’s ideal for both solo kayaking and guided eco-tours and the lagoon is rich in birdlife and mangrove diversity. The calm, shallow waters make it one of the best places to go kayaking.

You can also kayak along the Gin Ganga River which flows into Galle Bay. It’s quieter and more rural, winding through rice fields and village life – a great alternative for those who prefer rivers over lagoons. Visitors can relax in style at elegant villas like Jetwing Galle Heritage Home after an excursion.

Kalpitiya

Located on the northwest coast, Kalpitiya Lagoon is perfect for kayakers looking for open spaces and birdwatching. It’s known for windsurfing and dolphin watching but its vast brackish lagoon also offers peaceful kayaking routes.

Kalpitiya is great for spotting migratory birds like flamingoes and pelicans and its wide open waters are perfect for longer kayak trips. The sunsets here are stunning with reflections across the lagoon. Kalpitiya is less commercialised than southern destinations, making it one of the best kayaking spots in Sri Lanka.

Bolgoda Lake

Just outside Colombo lies Bolgoda Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Sri Lanka. Despite being so close to the city the lake is quiet for kayaking especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

The lake is accessible and peaceful, great for weekend getaways. It’s surrounded by mangroves, lakeside homes and birds. You can get kayak rentals and guided tours, which are available year round.

Bolgoda is perfect for travellers staying in or near Colombo who want a short, relaxed paddle without travelling too far.

Belihuloya & Samanalawewa Reservoir

For something really unique head inland to Belihuloya, a small village in Sri Lanka’s hill country. The nearby Samanalawewa Reservoir offers kayaking amidst mountain ranges, waterfalls and forested hills – a totally different experience to the coast.

It has a cool climate and amazing highland views and can be combined with camping or nature trails. Since it’s less commercial, it’s ideal for nature lovers and couples.

This is one of the few places on the island where you can kayak in a misty, alpine-like setting – a perfect place for adventure travel in Sri Lanka.

Kayaking in Sri Lanka offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or wildlife, these stunning water routes reveal the country’s hidden natural gems—one paddle stroke at a time.