Equatorial tropical climate moderated by two monsoons; central highlands rise to 2 400 m. Dense rainforest, tea terraces, and reef-fringed coasts. Activities: surf on alternating monsoon coasts (Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa), white-water rafting in Kitulgala, multi-day hill treks on the Knuckles and Horton Plains, wildlife paddle safaris in mangrove estuaries, and kite-surf on the Kalpitiya Lagoon.