The Main Attractions

Home to the largest variety of biodiversity in the whole of Asia, you can spot leopards in Yala National Park and see over 60 species of rare endemic trees in the tropical Sinharaja Forest Reserve. For its size, Sri Lanka’s birdlife is next-to-none and you’re likely to spot your fair share whatever time of the year you choose to visit. Touchdown in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s energetic capital and the main port for the majority of overseas trades. Spend some time here getting to know the country and its welcoming people. From here you can make your way to Anuradhapura for ancient ruins and archaeological treasures. But no trip to Sri Lanka is complete without visiting the ancient rock fortress Sigiriya. Located near Dambulla, it’s probably one of the most historically significant sites you’ll see. You can climb Sigiriya itself, or for something a little different, set off on an early sunrise trek up the nearby Pidurangala Rock and enjoy breakfast overlooking Sigiriya as the sun comes up for the day. Sacred landmarks and rolling tea plantations define the city of Kandy. Colonial architecture and street food vendors line the colourful streets, but steer away from the bustling centre and you’ll find tropical rainforest and mountain ranges for miles. It’s here you can also hop aboard Sri Lanka’s famous steam train to Nuwara Eliya. Dubbed Little England, Tudor-style buildings and a British-style post office offers a glimpse into its colonial past. It’s here you can delve deeper into the world of tea production; after all, Sri Lanka is one of the largest exporters of tea in the world. Surf in the moon-shaped Arugam Bay, retrace the footsteps of Buddha in the town of Ella, or play cricket in Galle, however you choose to spend your time in this magnificent country, you’ll almost definitely come away yearning for more.