Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a picturesque beach town on the south-east edge of the island, internationally renowned for being one of the best surfing spots in the world. Soak up the slow-paced, laidback atmosphere here and explore your rural surroundings – head to Kumana National Park, or climb to Kudumbigala Monastery – or just loll on the beach and indulge in some exciting water-sports.

Why go here?

• One of the top ten surf spots worldwide
• Escape the stresses of city life

Bandarawela

Bandarawela might not be as rich in tea leaves as its tea country siblings, but it was still the second most important hill station under the Brits who singled out its cool yet dry climate as the perfect place to live and recuperate. Today, travelers are drawn here because of the excellent walking opportunities offered by Bandarawela’s lush hills, which provide sensational views across the rest of the tea country. Perched at an altitude of over 1,200m, Bandarawela’s fresh climate is ideal for outdoor activities: discover the delight of hiking up Poonagala Hill and passing tea estates, paddy fields and wooded jungle glens.

There are a limited number of hotels in Bandarawela, but The Dutch House is a beautiful 18^th century villa which provides magnificent views and has the unusual feature of an indoor swimming pool which may be preferable in the town’s cooler temperatures.

Why go here?

• Gaze out at sensational hill views
• Wander along Sri Lanka’s best walking trails

Bentota

Bentota used to be a place to rest on the way to the nearby medieval Galapatha Temple, which legend claims is linked by a maze of subterranean tunnels with all other temples in the area. Today this coastal town is a popular holiday destination for those seeking to do sea sports and other water-based activities: go jet-skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and canoeing on the Bentota Lagoon, or take a boat trip up the river and look out for wildlife hiding in the mangroves on either side. Bentota is a fantastic choice for families travelling with older children.

There are several hotels in Bentota that were designed by the revered Geoffrey Bawa, who has been named as ‘the father of Asian architecture’. The Villa Bentota and Club Villa – once both part of the same property – feature beautiful internal courtyard areas and long gardens which slope down to the sea. Travellers can also visit Lunuganga, Bawa’s country house and landscaped gardens, which lies a little way inland from the beach, and discover the details of Bawa’s past and his influence on Sri Lankan architecture.

Why go here?

• Indulge in exhilarating water-sports
• Beautiful beaches close to Colombo

Colombo

Sri Lanka’s coastal capital is a wonderful confusion of old and new, traditions and modernity, a multicultural hubbub of people and influences from all over the world. International brands and new restaurants line the streets, sitting beside colonial-period buildings and small stalls spilling with exotic vegetables. It is a thriving urban metropolis with much to explore, from historic temples to tranquil parks, and is one of the most clean and compact capital cities in Asia. Wander through the busy streets and absorb Colombo’s delightfully chaotic, juxtaposing sights, sounds and smells.

Why go here?

• See the historic Galle Face Hotel
• Eat at two of the top 50 restaurants in Asia
• Experience Sri Lanka’s modern-day multiculturalism
• Discover the island’s colonial history

Galle

One of the island’s most historic and entrancing destinations, Galle is a famous town on Sri Lanka’s south coast which boasts: a fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; old colonial buildings with beautiful architecture; a selection of unique shops, art galleries, restaurants and boutique hotels, and a vibrant multicultural society. Many hours can be spent wandering Galle’s narrow streets, or visiting the beaches of Unawatuna and Thalpe nearby.

Why go here?

• Explore Sri Lanka’s colonial history
• Shop for gifts and souvenirs

Hatton

Hatton is one of the most picturesque parts of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Endless rolling tea fields cover the undulating hills, and majestic mountains stand proudly on the horizon. Go walking around this beautiful landscape, visiting nearby tea factories and Castlereagh Lake, or relax in the garden of your planter’s bungalow and indulge in a traditional English high tea whilst taking in the beautiful views.

Why go here?

• Beautiful walking trails
• Stay in an old planter’s bungalow
• Explore Sri Lanka’s tea country
• Escape the stresses of urban life

Jaffna

One of the newest holiday destinations in Sri Lanka, Jaffna is not yet part of the main tourist trails and offers travelers an insight into authentic local life in the island. Its proximity to South India means that Jaffna shares many of its cultural aspects, including language, religion, traditions and cuisine, and therefore is a cultural microcosm within Sri Lanka. Explore the brightly-colored Hindu temples; cycle through the busy streets; learn how to make Jaffna crab curry, and visit the lively market.

Why go here?

• Experience Jaffna’s unique culture
• Learn to make mouth-watering curries

Kandy Victoria Golf

The Kandyan foothills are some of the most scenic parts of Sri Lanka: rolling lush green hills covered with glimmering tea plants; paths lined with colorful flowers, waterfalls and rivers; small rural villages with brightly-painted houses mountain peaks – all framed by towering mountain peaks covered in cloud forest. Head an hour out of Kandy and you will reach Victoria Golf and Country Resort, which not only boasts one of the most beautiful golf courses in Asia, but also has spectacular views and an alluringly tranquil atmosphere.

Why go here?

• Explore Sri Lanka’s colonial history
• Take the train into the hills
• Witness the annual Perahera procession
• Connect with the island’s traditional arts

Kandy

The last royal kingdom of Sri Lanka and the official capital of the hill country, Kandy is a town with a rich cultural heritage which can be explored in a variety of ways, from walking round the 19^th century Royal Botanical Gardens (which were created by the British) to visiting the iconic Temple of the Tooth. As one of the main cities in the island, life here is fast-paced and engaging, but the spectacular Knuckles Mountain Range is right on the doorstep if you are seeking peace and privacy. Listen to the evening chanting at the Temple of the Tooth; go on a guided walk through the bustling markets, or watch a dramatic display of traditional Kandyan dancing, which ends in a hair-raising ‘fire-walk’.

Why go here?

• Explore Sri Lanka’s colonial history
• Take the train into the hills
• Witness the annual Perahera procession
• Connect with the island’s traditional arts

Negombo

Negombo is a youthful town on the north-west coast just an hour from Colombo. Its proximity to the island’s capital and closeness to the international airport means that it has long-been a popular location for a beach holiday, although its beaches are not as beautiful as those of the south. Here, however, you can observe the local life and watch fishermen dragging their painted catamarans ashore, or fishing on the lagoon. You can also head to the nearby wetlands for birdwatching, or simply relax by the pool and recuperate after a long flight.

Why go here?

• Convenient for the airport
• Water-sports including kite-surfing

Nuwara Eliya

This historic town lies at one of the highest points in Sri Lanka, within the island’s dramatic hill country. A base for the British during the 19^th and 20^th centuries, Nuwara Eliya is home to many tea plantations and planter’s bungalows, as well as other iconic colonial features including the racecourse and golf club. Horton Plains National Park is nearby, a striking landscape of wide plains, waterfalls and patches of forest, or you can explore the surrounding tea plantations and visit a local tea factory. Staying in Nuwara Eliya is like stepping back in time.

Why go here?

• Learn about Sri Lanka’s British colonial history
• Explore the island’s iconic tea industry

Passikudah

Passikudah sits on Sri Lanka’s gorgeous east coast, and is renowned for its beautiful bay which is one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world. You can walk impossibly far out into the ocean until the water reaches your waist, surrounded by nothing but warm waves with the sun beaming down above you. Passikudah is a hotspot for tourists between May and September and is a great location for families – parents can laze on the sand whilst children try a range of exhilarating water-sports, including jet-skiing and snorkeling.

Why go here?

• Perfect for a family beach holiday
• Exhilarating water-sport
• Stunning and tranquil bay

Sigiriya

Home to one of Sri Lanka’s most awe-inspiring historical sites, Sigiriya is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built in 5^th century AD by King Kasyapa, sits atop a towering rock which rises straight out of plains below, accessed by stairways which criss-cross to the summit. The remnants of barracks and stunning water gardens lie at the foot of the rock, whilst ancient cave paintings can be seen during the climb, but the highlight is undoubtedly the breath-taking panoramas at the top. Sigiriya is a protected UNESCO site, an incredible example of ingenious ancient engineering with a wonderfully dramatic design which astonishes all who visit.

Why go here?

• See the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Explore Sri Lanka’s ancient cultural heritage
• See the Elephant Gathering at Minneriya

Tangalle

One of the best romantic getaway destinations in Sri Lanka, Tangalle is a town on the south coast which boasts some of the most peaceful and enchanting beaches in the island. Long stretches of golden sand, fringed by towering palm trees, are gently lapped by the ocean, are interspersed with small coves and private bays, whilst the town itself has a small market and harbour which can be explored. Enjoy long days in the sun with nothing but the sea and sand around you.

Why go here?

• Honeymoon hotspot
• Secluded beaches
• Visit Mulgirigala Rock Temple

Trincomalee

Poised on Sri Lanka’s north-east coast, Trincomalee is a beautiful town with much to explore, including a historic Hindu temple, old colonial fort and spectacular harbour. Trincomalee is a great place for exploring the effects the European colonial powers had on Sri Lanka, and also has many spectacular beaches which rival those of the Maldives.

Why go here?

• Relax on beautiful beaches
• Explore Sri Lanka’s colonial history
• Go snorkeling at Pigeon Island

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is the oldest and largest wildlife park in Sri Lanka, and also one of the most beautiful. Its varied landscapes include coastal cliffs, jungle, grass plains and lakes and it is home to a wide variety of animals, including big game such as elephants, sloth bears and leopards, and many different types of bird, both migratory and endemic. There are also small ancient ruins within the park which date back over 1,500 years. Go on a jeep drive through the park in search of some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife and enjoy the spectacular scenery around you.

Why go here?

• See a wide range of Sri Lankan wildlife
• Enjoy the spectacular scenery
• Quieter than the busy southern parks

How long should you stay?

• 2 Days

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park due to its large size and it boasting the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world. The park’s environments are diverse, although scrub jungle is the most common landscape. Go on a jeep drive in search of leopards, elephants, sloth bear and other Sri Lankan animals such as mugger crocodiles, mongoose and a variety of rare and beautiful birds.

Why go here?

• Spot Sri Lanka’s big game
• Highest chances of seeing a leopard