Saddle up to experience the diverse beauty of Sri Lanka, from golden sandy beaches to stunning lakes, to tea plantations, to paddy fields, to tropical jungles, surrounded by rich landscapes from a lesser known point of view. The true magic of horseback riding in Sri Lanka lies in having to experience little pockets of nature that typical tourists often do not get to see. It is an experience reserved for true paradise lovers.
The saddle of a “Marwari” horse, an adorably friendly breed known for its endurance and quick movements, is one of the best seats one could treat their eyes with spectacular scenery, inhale the scents of nature, explore the historic culture, and meet the ever so welcoming people of Sri Lanka. Fun fact, “Marwari” is a desert breed brought to Sri Lanka from Rajasthan, India many centuries ago and has now adopted and is thriving in the island’s tropical climate.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, Sri Lanka offers a wide variety of scenic equestrian-friendly destinations spanning across the island, with a diverse range of experiences from riding lessons, riding tours, to professional horse races. You name it, Sri Lanka has it all.
1. Golden beach of Bentota
Mount up to enjoy a comfortable ride on the back of a Marwari horse along the golden sandy beach of the southern coast. A stretch of coconut trees standing tall on one side, with the deep blue ocean on the other side beaming with golden rays of warm sunlight, the sands of Bentota covered with seashells, occasional peaks by tiny crabs and blue skies smiling down at you as the salt air tugs your hair back is a ride that will leave you speechless.
2. Central highlands of Nuwara Eliya
Known as the “little England” for its gorgeous cottage views and soothing climate, Nuwara Eliya by far is the equine capital of Sri Lanka. Carried forward from the British colonization era, Nuwara Eliya offers it all. From annual horse racing season in April to horseback riding tours along tea plantations surrounded by mountain views with an opportunity to explore and learn about the Ceylon tea culture. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Nuwara Eliya is also the best place on the island to fall in love with horseback riding. Besides all, this little town with cozy cottages offers joyous pony rides along the banks of Gregory lake, enjoyed by kids throughout the year.
3. The kingdom of Sigiriya
A rare opportunity to ride along the trails where “King Kashyapa” and his men are known to have ridden horses themselves many centuries ago. Ride along scenic routes through the villages and jungles with the spellbinding view of Sigiriya rock standing proud in the distance to finally arrive at the fortress itself.
Sigiriya, the 8th wonder of the world, was once a kingdom of power, with lavish luxury and a fortress with inexplicably wondrous waterworks, which later became a battlefield with many horses known to be involved. Therefore, to experience a horseback ride at a place with such historic significance is one of the scarce expediences.
4. Rubber Estates of Mathugama
Ride along shady gravel roads on inclined hills with stunning 360-degree views of rows and rows of rubber trees spanning across for miles and miles. Sunrise falling on rubber leaves turning them golden, with surrounding sounds of birds chirping, along with the sights of farmers busy doing their daily rounds of tapping, is truly a wholesome experience.
5. Historical city of Dambulla
Saddle up to ride across the local villages with breathtaking views of paddy fields, grassy green plains with streams of water running across the trail, and scenes of children playing in the distance in a historic city. Famous for its caved temples, a true monument of Buddhism, a horseback ride on gravel and muddy paths of Dambulla is historically beautiful experience with plenty of learning and exploring to do.
From golden sandy beaches with seductive blue ocean views, stunning lakes with clear water that can put crystals to shame, tea plantations with cloudy mountain views, paddy fields surrounded by lush vegetation, to trails of ancient kingdoms with historic significance, this paradise island has it all to make you fall in love with horseback riding over and over again.
