Horse Riding Holidays, Sri Lanka

Based off of the Southern coast of India, Sri Lanka is an island of such outstanding natural beauty that it has earnt itself the nickname 'The Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. It features lush tropical forests, sandy white beaches and a diverse landscape with a rich biodiversity. These features make it an exciting holiday destination and a wonderful location to put a horse through its paces.

Sri Lanka is unique in the opportunities it offers its travelers. The related distances and ease of travel from the misty hills to the sandy beaches, and rolling plains allow the riders the opportunity to ride in varying landscapes during a short space of time.

Now called "Sri Lanka" since 1972, its name means the "resplendent land" in Sanskrit...and people were right to call it so!

If you are looking for spectacular landscapes, this tropical island will definitely please you!
Each location offers an entirely different riding experience, from the loping canters on the beaches to the blistering stamina required for climbing the hills in the tea estate. We have outlined a unique set of trails for the experienced rider, that explore the rural life of Sri Lanka, seldom seen in many regular tours.

Based off the Southern coast of India, Sri Lanka is an island of such outstanding natural beauty that it has earnt itself the nickname 'The Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. It features lush tropical forests, sandy white beaches and a diverse landscape with a rich biodiversity.

Filled with cultural and natural treasures, Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their mark here, making for a delightful mix of ancient cities, monuments and atmospheric colonial architecture. These features make it an exciting holiday destination and a wonderful location to put a horse through its paces.

Its palm-fringed beaches are never far away and mountainous greenery beckons inland. It's clear to see why Marco Polo proclaimed Sri Lanka to be one of the best islands in the world. Whether it’s a trail elephant crossing the highway, a literary festival in Galle, leopard sighting in Yala National Park, tasting an exceptional cup of tea at a plantation, stumbling upon vast ancient ruins in the middle of the jungle or discovering a deserted beach, Sri Lanka is a series of unexpected delights.

Ride the Marwari horse, renowned for their amazing versatility and endurance. An endearing breed, they were imported from Rajasta. Now in a time of fallen kingdoms they still inspire the imaginations of poets and hearts of normal men. These majestic horses, are quick in their movements and are well known for their dexterity. Unique to the breed is the fifth gait - the revaal. This is a surprise to many a rider but by far the most comfortable ride over long distance.

The Marwari are desert breed that is now thriving in a tropical climate, the Marwari have amazing stamina in all terrain; adapting with ease to galloping on the golden sands of Sri Lanka, trotting in the high mountains amongst the tea estates and leading you through paddy fields in the lowlands.

Together you can explore the cool mountains that are home to lush tea plantations, traditional villages and former colonial strong holds. Be amazed by the cave temples at Dambulla and the imposing 5th Century rock fortress at Sigiriya. See the abundance of wildlife on a visit to a national park; you will be lucky enough to see elephants, leopards, monkeys or even a sloth bear. Take time to simply relax at a luxurious beach resort overlooking the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

This opportunity of a riding holiday in Sri Lanka offers the once in a lifetime chance to experience the sights, sounds and aromas of one of the most scenic islands in the world whilst riding the impressive Marwari horse - and should not be missed!

See our horse riding holidays in Sri Lanka below.