An island like no other, Sri Lanka offers much to experience; to help you get an idea of what lies in store, here are some of the nation’s key highlights.

Pristine Beaches

The sun-kissed south coast features sublime beaches and thrilling water sports, while you will find some of the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka right by the shore. Popular areas include the beaches at Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna, while for a more secluded escape, scenic Habaraduwa Beach is not to be missed.

Wildlife Safaris

Wildlife Safaris
Wildlife Safaris | Image via flickr

The national parks offer wildlife safaris to encounter stealthy leopards, majestic elephants, graceful deer, mischievous monkeys, lumbering sloth bears and colourful birdlife; two of the best places for such safaris are Yala and Wilpattu and you can consider staying at luxurious camps of the KK Collection close to the borders of these parks.

World Heritage Sites

Amongst the top attractions in Sri Lanka are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each of these, offer something different to discover be it a colonial or cultural heritage or rich natural beauty.

• Galle Old Town and Dutch Fort
• Anuradhapura
• Polonnaruwa
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Sacred City of Kandy
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve
• The Central Highlands

Hill Country

Set amidst mist-shrouded mountains and slopes covered in emerald, the hill country offers an altogether different adventure best enjoyed by a train journey. You can visit the hill country capital, Kandy, home to the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Nuwara Eliya with its tea plantations and Ella where you will find idyllic waterfalls.