Medirigiriya is a tiny hamlet off the World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa and is best known for its imposing Medirigiriya Vatadage, an ancient temple that still stands today. This architectural masterpiece is almost two millennia old and was, at its pomp, much admired by ancient visitors from around the world.

The town and the Medirigiriya Vatadage can be reached from the closest city, the World Heritage site Polonnaruwa.

One of the most archaeologically important sites in Sri Lanka, the Belilena is a large cave that houses evidence of pre-historic civilization from as early as 30,000 years ago. This anthropological delight requires effort to get there, however; situated deep inside the Kitulgala jungles, the trek is slightly challenging, and requires protective clothing from insects and leeches. But the sight of the cave is truly worth the endeavour to get there.

Inside, you’ll find examples of ancient tools and even a few skeletal remains.

Even if this is a visitor’s first time in Sri Lanka, there is a likelihood he has seen the Kitugala Bridge before; it was here, the director David Lean filmed his WWII epic The Bridge on the River Kwai. Visitors in the Kitulgala area for white-water sports can use a guide to take them to the bridge, which is a kilometre inside this forest town.

A truly distinctive looking waterfall, Bopath Ella is named after the leaf of the sacred Bo Tree whose shape it seemingly takes. The falls has been mentioned in written and oral folk lore, as well as in history texts - Gods, Goddesses, Royalty have all flocked here to experience its supposedly healing waters.

The Bopath Ella Falls is closest from Ratnapura, Sri Lanka’s gem capital.

Gregory Lake is a renowned man-made reservoir in the midst of Nuwara Eliya, the jewel of Sri Lanka’s hill country crown. Built in 1873, Lake Gregory is today an aesthetic delight - with its lush fields of green and cows grazing around it - it seems like something out of Middle Earth’s The Shire, but don’t be fooled; the waters are directed into a tunnel that hosts a hydro power station which in turn supplies electricity to the town to this day.

One of the oldest bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka, the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is home to around 150 species of birds. Visitors going to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary can enjoy bird watching via a boat safari, hike through jungle paths, and climb rocks - a truly tactile experience that isn’t typical of most safaris that ask you to stay inside a vehicle at all times. 

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is located in the deep south, after the southern resort town of Tangalle.

Off the coast of Sri Lanka’s northern peninsula, Delft Island is among the lesser-known attractions in the island that has, since 2009, become an essential stopover for visitors to Sri Lanka. This tiny island is home to a small population of people, a string of wild horses, and a window into Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

The Delft Island Fort was built by the Portuguese before the Dutch fortified it using limestone and coral. The area is mostly ruins but a visit is still recommended for those visiting the Jaffna peninsula.

While visiting this islet, be prepared for the sight of the amazing wild ponies galloping free in the open arid plains of the island.

Visitors must use the Sri Lankan Navy-operated ferry to visit the island.

The Southern Coastal Belt of Sri Lanka is renowned for its incredible beaches, and abundant marine life that venture close to these shores. One of the best ways of experiencing the rich marine bio-diversity is via Hikkaduwa National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s three national marine parks.

Visitors to Hikkaduwa travel to its National Park for scuba diving among the coral reefs, and for an opportunity to interact with marine life from a safe distance.

Arguably one of the most important parks in Sri Lanka - especially when it concerns diversity of bird life - the Bundala National Park is a beautiful expanse of forest that migratory birds fleeing from winter weather, briefly, call home. It is why UNESCO has declared this area a Biosphere Reserve.

Accessed from the southern coastal city of Hambantota, the Bundala National Park is characterized by five lagoons and dry-zone temperatures that extend between May and September. This landscape is a hive of activity during this period as birds - both resident and migratory - bask in the warm weather. The attention of visitors will surely be drawn to the large flocks of Greater Flamingos - standing almost five feet in height, their incandescent pink plumage glowing in the bright sun, is a sight that is for sore eyes.

The Bundala National Park is in Sri Lanka’s south eastern parts and is accessible from the Southern Coastal Belt.

At 220 m (720 ft) in height, Diyaluma is among the most picturesque and inviting. Located in Kosalanda, close to Badulla, Diyaluma is derived from the Sinhala phrase Diya Haluma or ‘liquid light’. What an apt name for this gorgeous natural wonder. With the help of a guide, visitors can traverse up the steep rocks to reach the top of the fall. The trek up is incredible as Diyaluma treats its visitors to natural infinity pools along the way - each with an outstanding view. This is best experienced during the dry season in March and April as the rocks leading to the ledge are known to be very slippery.

Ever savoured a cup of Pure Ceylon Tea and wondered whence it came from? Scattered across Sri Lanka’s misty-top mountains, lies the answer in the form of tea estates. These tea estates are popular stopovers for tourists eager to know how their favourite brew was made. The most renowned tea estates to visit are Handunugoda Tea Estate, where the guides will be happy to explain the types of tea leaves, the history of the plantation sector in Sri Lanka, among other notable factoids. It is highly recommended that visitors to such tea estates try a cup or two along with a slice of home-made chocolate cake - simply divine.

Badulla is among the larger cities in Sri Lanka’s famed hill country. Though it isn’t a traditional tourist spot, Badulla does provide easy access to a large number of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls. One such is Dunhinda Falls. Situated about 5km away from Badulla town, the falls is named after the misty ambience it creates (Dun means mist in Sinhala).

The falls measures approximately 64 metres and is a beautiful sight on sunny days.

World War I was raging away in Europe and steel was of utmost importance to the British’s war efforts. Meanwhile, their Indian Ocean colony had plans for expanding its railway systems, including building access through the island’s dense mountains and tropical forests. A bridge had been planned over Demodara, a sleepy outpost, and its close neighbour Ella. How does one build a bridge without metal and steel? The locals switched to concrete, rock and cement. Today, the nine arches span 91 m, reaching a height of 24 metres. One of the little joys of approaching the bridge is to time your arrival with a train passing over the bridge - beautiful and timeless, you’ll be sharing the same feeling locals have had viewing the same scene countless times.

The tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka is a 240m (709ft) can be accessed from the hill town havens that are Haputale or Kalupahana and is best visited during the months of March and April.

Some have likened it to a fantasy world, but Gal Oya, we assure you, is very much real. Located close to Ampara, the Gal Oya National Park attracts visitors wanting to experience an unspoilt natural wonderland. The park is characterized by its three mountains, and the year-round gathering of wild elephants that roam around its surroundings.

The park is also a window into Sri Lanka’s past - the Dighavapi stupa found in the park was built in the 2nd century BCE, and is believed to have been where The Buddha meditated during his visit to Sri Lanka.

Mahaweli River, literally meaning the Great Sandy River, is at 335 km (208 miles) the longest river in Sri Lanka. From its beginnings in the little hamlet of Polwathura near Nuwara Eliya before joining the Hatton Oya and Kotmale Oya, the Mahaweli covers about one fifth of all Sri Lanka until it drains at the Bay of Bengal in the eastern coast near Trincomalee. The bay's connection to the Mahaweli, along with the many submarine canyons along its seaboard, is among the many reasons why Trincomalee is considered one of the world's great natural harbours.

The Mahaweli's journey from humble beginnings to epic meeting with the Indian Ocean is a journey is providing ecological and economic benefits to man and beast. The river is dammed in several places, including at the Victoria Dam, in order to provide for farm irrigational needs as well production of Sri Lanka's hydro-power electricity. Further, the Mahaweli is also the source of water for elephants and feeding grounds for large water birds migrating from colder climates.

Colombo’s western oceanfront is spectacularly opened up close to its commercial hub. This promenade is about a half a kilometre in length and 12 acres in size, and is the most popular public park in Colombo. On any given evening, the park is filled with Colombo residents, tourists and school kids from outside the city taking a walk, breathing in the fresh ocean air, and helping themselves to the assortment of food and drinks being sold there. Early mornings are a great time for a jog from one end to another while night time is a good for trying out hot, fresh street food. Some visitors do go swimming though it isn’t recommended as some parts the water contain strong currents.

Situated close to St. Clair’s Falls, Devon Falls is a 97m tiered water fall. Named after an English coffee planter named Devon - supposedly because his plantation was close by - Devon Falls is today the sight of the self-proclaimed The World’s Largest Tea Shop: the Mlesna Tea Centre. From this Scottish-inspired bungalow, visitors can admire the magnificent scenery while shopping for premium tea. The falls is situated on the A7 leading to Nuwara Eliya.

Known as ‘Little Niagara’, St. Clair’s Falls is located close to Nuwara Eliya and often one of the most idyllic, picture postcard-perfect landscapes in Sri Lanka. The falls gets its name as a large pool runs through the St. Clair’s Estate, and is made up of two falls - Maha Ella (The Greater Fall), which is approximately 80m in height, and Kuda Ella - and is easily sighted from the road leading to Talawakele from Hatton, both in the greater Nuwara Eliya district. There’s a viewing point from which visitors can safely view this magnificent Water Fall.

Home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna - 94 species of plants, 21 fish, 12 amphibians, 33 reptiles, and 43 mammals - Udawalawe National Park is a scenic sanctuary, and one of the most popular destination in the country for wildlife-viewing. Spread over 120 square miles, the Udawalawe National Park was set up in 1972 to provide sanctuary for animals that had been displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. Today it attracts countless visitors hoping to catch glimpses of iconic Sri Lankan mammals including leopards and elephants, but also Asian Water Monitors, the crested serpent-eagle and axis deer.

The park can be reached from Colombo via Ratnapura, and usually takes a four hour drive.

Everyone loves the sight and smells of a rampaging waterfall - seen from a safe distance, they are magnificent examples of the many dramas nature stages in front of us. Ramboda Falls may qualify among Sri Lanka’s prettiest as two tributaries combine to form a lovely Y-shape at the base.

To reach the falls, visitors will have to approach Ramboda Pass from the A5 Highway in the Pussellawa area near Nuwara Eliya. The Ramboda Falls roughly 100m in height, and ranks as the 11th tallest in Sri Lanka - therefore, depending on the weather and availability of local guides, it is possible to hike to a vantage point that gives visitors a better view of the spill.

Thoppigala, literally translated means ‘hat shaped rock’, is a bio-diversity hotspot that has enjoyed a renewed interest since being reopened in the last decade. From the peak, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings, which are achingly beautiful.

Kanniya Water Springs have a history that is lost in the mists of time, but visitors today can still experience the ritualistic draw that brought - and continues to bring - thousands to experience a sense of cleansing. Located near the incredible natural harbour Trincomalee, Kanniya Water Springs is a short half-day excursion. Those visiting are encouraged to go early and to take a change of clothing.

One of the jewels of Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, Trincomalee has long been sought after by navies around the world. This deep natural harbour is one of the world’s largest and is characterized by terraced highlands, two headlands, and an entrance channel that is 500m wide.

Visitors to Trincomalee find themselves drawn to the harbour and the harbour’s beautiful surroundings - within short walk is the famous Koneswaram Temple; perched on a cliff, the temple is overflowing with architectural, archaeological and mythological history. From the temple, one can view the entire city of Trincomalee, its harbour and the magnificent Indian Ocean.

Located in the midst of the magnificent Knuckles Mountain Range, Riverstone Mountain is a nature-lover’s dream come true. The mountain itself is home to cloud forests that are ideal for all-day hikes while the areas surrounding the mountains offer other spectacular experiences. Chief among the attractions are the waterfalls Sera Ella, Rathinda Waterfalls, Pathana Falls, and the mythical Meemure Village. From Meemure, locals have attempted to scale Lakegala, a large rock that gives the village its character.

 Riverstone is best accessed through the Kandy - the World Heritage city, via Hunnasgiriya.

A narrow, but crucial plot of land that connects mainland Sri Lanka to the northern peninsula, Elephant Pass is also home to Sri Lanka’s largest salt field. The name comes to modern parlance from the mists of the past: between the 3rd Century BCE and the 19th century AD, this strip of land was used to herd elephants on their way to India. Today, it is home to war monuments, military bases and by large wading birds that are attracted to the white sandy shores.

Elephant Pass is a brief stopover on the way to the Jaffna Peninsula.

This mythical mountain, another supposed remnant from The Ramayana, offers Galle’s most panoramic view. The Rumassala Kanda (Kanda is Sinhala for Mountain or Hill) is home to a variety of bird and plant life, as well as an important cultural and religious hub.

The Ridiyagama Safari Park is Sri Lanka’s first safari park, and was open to the public in 2016. This 500 acre property close to Sri Lanka’s southern coastal belt is divided into six zones, segregating carnivores and herbivores, and includes Sri Lanka’s only dedicated African Lion Zone.

It is accessible from Sri Lanka’s southern coastal belt with the closest city being Hambantota.

The seas off Sri Lanka’s southern coast are teeming with life - whales and dolphins attract large number of tourists who are interested in getting up close to these magnificent aquatic mammals. But it is another marine resident who ventures closest to the shore, waddling in the sandy beaches to perform an aeon-old ritual: laying their eggs. Marine biologists haven’t quite figured out why turtles come to these specific coastal areas to lay their eggs, but laymen - both residents and tourists - continue being hypnotised by this biological act.

Much of Sri Lanka’s coastal beach resorts are now home to turtle hatcheries. Whether you are in Kosgoda, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna or Mirissa, you can watch these tiny little miracles hatching from their eggs before making their way, instinctively, to the sea. It is a wondrous sight to behold, and one every visitor to Sri Lanka’s southern coastal belt has to experience.

Another one of Sri Lanka’s lesser known national parks, Lunugamvehera is renowned for being home to a variety of migratory birds, its layered vegetation, and for being the corridor that elephants use to cross from Yala National Park to Udawalawe National Park.

Commonly sighted fauna at this 58 acre national park include the Sri Lankan elephant, buffalo, Sri Lankan Sambar Deer, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Mugger Crocodiles, Grey Heron, Asian Openbill, and the Spot-Billed Pelican; while the arid landscape, meanwhile, is home to numerous grass species, and large trees including Teak and Eucalyptus.

The park is located in the South West part of Sri Lanka, and can be accessed from the Southern Coastal belt via Hambantota.

It isn’t surprising that Sri Lanka, upon first sight, comes across as something out of a fairytale - much of the island is referenced throughout the Ramayana, the ancient text that speaks of the God Ram’s quest to free his wife from Ravana. The latter, myth tells us, was a Lankan demigod king who had styled the island to his vision.

The modern hill town resort of Ella - like much of Sri Lanka’s hill country - carries a lot of this Ramayana/Ravana heritage to this day. A short drive from Ella is Ravana Falls - it is a majestic site for those who stop from their journeys to bask in its cool surroundings. Closer to Ella are the Mythical Ravana caves. Visiting the site requires a hike to get to the entrance of the cave - travellers should wear appropriate hiking clothing as the final bits of the climb require some degree of fitness.

The Hakgala Botanical Gardens are a stone’s throw away from Nuwara Eliya - arguably the most beautiful, idyllic hill town in the country – and is home to a wide variety of botanical species from around the world. The park’s history dates back to the early 19th century when it was constructed by the British. Local folklore also tells that it was in the surrounding areas that the Ramayana’s most incendiary incident took place - it was here Ravana had imprisoned Sita. Therefore, moulded as it is by myth, history and science, Hakgala offers something for everyone.

The cooler temperature of this mountain town is ideal refuge from the scorching temperatures of Sri Lanka’s dry zone and beaches. Here over 10,000 species of flora are displayed, including a wide range of orchids and roses.

The British, upon viewing this distinctive range of mountains, likened it to a clenched fist; the peaks looked like the knuckles of this fist. The locals called it Dumbara Kanduvetiya or ‘The Mist-Laden Mountain Range’. The Knuckles is home to 34% of Sri Lanka’s endemic trees, shrubs and herbs - and found nowhere else in the island. The range is, therefore, of great scientific value in addition to its ecological importance and its aesthetic beauty.

When trekking the range, visitors can experience rapid weather changes, and brushes with exotic wildlife.

The Knuckles range can be explored via Kandy, the hill country capital.

Close to the World Heritage city of Kandy, the Hanthana Mountain Range is a favourite among Sri Lanka’s mountaineering and hiking communities. It is a protected area, coming under the National Environment Act, and climbers - even relatively inexperienced ones - can climb to the top of the highest peak, Uura Kanda, and experience a panoramic view of the Sri Lanka’s hill country capital.

For centuries, this forest reserve was the pleasure garden of Sri Lankan Royalty, but today Udawattakele Forest Reserve is an ecological marvel that attracts tourists and biologists alike. The forest is found on a ridge above The Temple of the Sacred Tooth and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Its cocoon-like ambience is among the many reasons that Udawattakele continues to be a place of quiet refuge for meditating monks.

Avifauna that can be viewed at this forest reserve include Common Hill Mynah, the rare Three-Toed Kingfisher, Blue-winged Leafbird, and the Emerald Dove; while the non-winged include Indian boar, the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, and the Greater False Vampire Bat.

The forest was then subject to British colonial control, the impact of which can be seen in walking pathways named after eminent personalities of the time: Lady Horton, Lady Gordon, Gregory Path, and Russell path are among the remnants that hint at Sri Lanka’s past as a British colony.

Pidurangala is the lesser-known cousin of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. While the latter is steeped in history and beguiling art, Pidurangala is a more strenuous climb that is sure to attract enthusiastic climbers. The rock is only a few kilometres from Sigiriya and it isn’t unusual for visitors to catch the sunrise from atop Pidurangala before they climb the stairs of Sigiriya.

There is a rock temple during the ascent, hinting at the generations that have walked these very paths countless times.

Pidurangala, like Sigiriya, can be accessed from Dambulla and most cities within the Cultural Triangle.

Another paradise for bird-watching, Anawilundawa is unique in that the park owes its existence to three different eco-systems crashing into one another - zoological residents of the coast, mangroves and freshwater lakes all call this ecological wonder, home.

Located between Chillaw and Puttalam, the Anawilundawa is among the best kept secrets among Sri Lankan bird-watchers. In here, visitors are likely to see exotic birds - endemic, resident and migratory - as well as larger mammals including the Slender Loris Fishing Cat, and the Indian Otter.

The park can be accessed from Colombo via Chillaw.

Located in the Ampara district, and once known as Yala East National Park, Kumana National Park is an ornithological wonder. Avifauna species that can be seen here include the rare black-necked stork, painted storks, spoonbills, herons, egrets, and countless cormorants - well close to 200 distinct species - spread over the 80,000 acres of the park make this Sri Lanka’s favoured destination for bird-watching. In addition, large numbers of migratory birds also use the park as a temporary home.

The park is also a site of historical interest as rock inscriptions going back to the 3rd BCE can be seen. Access to Kumana National Park is through Panama ((not to be confused with the Central American nation) but visitors in the Southern Coastal Belt can also access the park through Hambantota.

One of two national marine parks in Sri Lanka, Pigeon Island is a gateway to an underwater kingdom. Visitors coming to Pigeon Island via Trincomalee will have a chance to snorkel with a variety of marine life including turtles, sharks and other reef fish float around humans as pigeons circle above - a more idyllic sun-kissed, post card perfect moment will be hard to come by.

The park is made up of two islands, Large Pigeon Island and Small Pigeon Island, which can be explored in their own right.

The waters off Sri Lanka’s southern and south-western coast is feeding ground for dolphins and whales - and is a must-see for visitors who are enthralled by nature. These parts of the Indian Ocean are best explored via Sri Lanka’s southern coastal belt, especially Mirissa, Kalpitiya, Weligama and Trincomalee. Boat tour operators are available for day-time excursions into the sea.

Located within the Hurulu Forest Reserve, the Hurulu Eco Park offers visitors jeep safaris within the park. The park is home to a number of species endemic to Sri Lanka including elephants, leopards, rusty-spotted cats, Sri Lankan jungle fowl, and the Indian star tortoise. The park can be accessed via its nearest city, the World Heritage site Anuradhapura

Spanning the Matale and Polonnaruwa districts, the Wasgamuwa National Park is home to abundant wildlife and endemic plants. Wasgamuwa, roughly translated, means ‘sloth bear woods’, and is characterized by a topography that is fairly flat, with the highest elevation of 500m at the Sudu Kanda Hill. This flat landscape, combined with two rivers acting as borders - the Mahaweli Ganga is the park’s eastern border while and Amban Ganga in the western border - makes this an ideal camping ground: camping sites scattered across the park give visitors an opportunity to experience the park’s grandeur up close.

Of the fauna, the park is host to many an endemic species including the purple-faced langur and the toque macaque; the park’s namesake, the sloth bear, meanwhile, is a rare sight.

The park can be accessed from several more popular tourist attractions including world heritage sites such as Kandy and Polonnaruwa.

Once upon a time it was among many ancient, man-made reservoirs, the Kaudulla National Park has since become a veritable eco-system for a variety of plants and animals. The area is now an Important Bird Area (IBA), attracting well over 160 distinct species including large water birds such as spot-billed pelicans and lesser adjutants.

The park can be accessed from Colombo via Polonnaruwa.

There’s a place here where elephants gather in hundreds, attracted to the plentiful grasslands that grow on the surface of an ancient man-made reservoir - it is a sight from a postcard. Surely this can’t be a regular occurrence in these parts? But it is. For Minneriya National Park - built around 300 AD - has become a feeding ground just for the large but also the small, the winged, the scaled, and those living under water: over 20 species of mammals, 9 varieties of amphibians, 25 reptiles, 26 fish and over 70 species of butterfly are drawn to this man-made miracle.

The park is situated in the country’s dry zone, in the North Central Province, and can be accessed Colombo via the Habarana - Polonnaruwa Road. Visitors must obtain a permit in order to access the park.

Wilpattu is a national park that borders Sri Lanka’s north western borders, and is best known for its collection of natural lakes - nearly 60 lakes form ecological clusters that sustain a number of species of flora and fauna. Its topographical landmarks include three distinct types of vegetation - salt grass bordering the beach, monsoon scrub, and a thick canopy of dense monsoon forests as you venture further inland.

Hiding in this vegetation and arid landscape is the most renowned resident in this park: the secretive leopard. But Wilpattu is also home to a large collection of migratory and endemic birds, and reptiles including the mugger crocodile and the Indian python.

Accessing Wilpattu is from Colombo via Negombo, Chilaw and Puttalam. You’ll require a permit to access the park.

The transit home for orphaned elephant calves was set up with the intention of rehabilitating and releasing them back into the wild. Dozens of elephants have been looked after and released back into the wild once they were deemed strong enough to survive. Visitors to the Elephant Transit Home can enrol themselves on a Foster Parent Scheme, set up by the Wildlife Conservation Department, which would enable them to name the elephant and be present at the time of its release into the wild.

‘The Swamp of Royal Treasures’, Muthurajawela is a marsh that begins in southern region of the Negombo and measures around 7500 acres, earning a reputation as the country’s largest saline coastal peat bog. It is an area of astonishing bio-diversity and is one of the 12 priority wetlands in Sri Lanka, granted sanctuary status by the government of Sri Lanka. Muthurajawela is home to 192 distinct botanical species as well as 209 species of fauna.

Visiting Muthurajawela requires being accompanied by staff at the office in order to ensure that visitors don’t unintentionally harm eco-systems that are dependent on the marsh.

The marsh can be reached via Negombo Road. A two-hour boat tour with the guide is recommended.

No animal in Sri Lanka is as loved, as essential to the country’s psyche, as crucial in moulding its culture, and as essential to carving the landscape for the benefit of its entire people as the mighty elephant. These great creatures have faced many challenges as a result of deforestation - thus the necessity for a sanctuary dedicated to safeguarding elephants.

Pinnawala was established in 1975 and has since then become a focal point among tourists and locals alike. Over 90 elephants spanning three generations can be seen playing, eating and bathing. Find a guide who will explain to visitors how a herd’s complex social structures work - it is well worth the insight into how these magnificent creatures live.

Pinnawala can be accessed by travelling approximately 7km on Rambukkana Road via the Colombo - Kandy road.

The center opens at 8:30AM and closes at 6:00PM daily. Bottle feeding is at 9:15AM, 1.15pm & 5pm and bathing times at the river is at 10:00AM and 2:00PM. The bathing hours are followed up by the feeding hour at the main center of the orphanage.

Colombo’s most scenic location, next to the Galle Face promenade, is Viharamahadevi. Named after the mother of the legendary King Dutugemunu, but also called ‘Victoria Park’ by the British colonial rulers, it is a respite from Colombo’s metropolis mayhem. It’s located in the centre of the city’s most prominent neighbourhood, Cinnamon Gardens, and is in front of the City Municipal Council building.

The park is home to an open air theater, children’s playground and amusement park while grazing elephants and ponies (kids can hire a ride on a pony around the park) provide a unique Lankan flavour to the ambience.

Designed and donated by the wealthy Sri Lankan entrepreneur Charles Henry de Soysa to the city of Colombo during British Rule, it has since become the city’s favourite place to spend a lazy weekend. On such days, families come for picnics, students come to study in peace, while others jog and exercise.

Located in the city of Peradeniya, the Botanical Gardens was conceptualized and created by the British and officially commissioned in 1821. The garden is a treasure trove of botanical delights with over 4000 species of plants spread across 147 acres of land. It is located near the Mahaweli River which runs parallel to the gardens’ boundary.

Species of plants that visitors can marvel at include a wide array of orchids, medicinal plants, spices and palm trees. The garden has an avenue system that allows for easy planning of explorations; these include River Drive, Cook’s Pine Avenue, Palmyra Palm Avenue, Cabbage Avenue, Double Coconut Avenue, and Royal Palm Avenue. Some plants exude historical value - the Cannonball Tree was planted by King George V and Queen Mary in 1901.

Ella Rock is a more challenging, steeper climb in comparison to Little Adam’s Peak. It requires a guide though it is possible to find the walking path that will let you scale the peak. The path is within Ella town limits and requires climbers to follow a rail track for a distance. The final climb is somewhat strenuous but completely worth it.

At the peak, one can view a panoramic view of the Ella’s magnificent surroundings - entire mountain ranges, cloud forests, towns, and even the southern coast – and laze around. The peak is spacious enough to have a tiny Buddhist shrine that looms over tester slope of the rock.

When in Ella, a climb up the welcoming Little Adam’s Peak is highly recommended. A kilometre or so down Passara Road in Ella, the little hill is a fairly easy-moderate climb - even for inexperienced hikers. When climbing, visitors will walk past tea estates or indeed have a bird’s eye view of tea estates and plantations across the area. On a good day, the view will stretch all the way to the southern coast. At the peak, there’s a charming lone tree, under which visitors often have a morning picnic while watching the sunrise.

The highlands of Sri Lanka’s Central Province are Eden-like in its pristine quality. Mountains puncture clouds in the distance and forests seem to encircle eons-old secrets. Horton Plains is one such secret - 30 miles south of Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains’ surrounding forests and Peak Wilderness Sanctuary constitute some of the island’s most ecologically-significant heritage. Here, proto-Lankan civilizations from the Stone Age of the Balangoda culture (Homo sapiens balangodensis) settled in the lowlands (around an altitude of 700m), but frequently ventured higher to mine for valuable minerals. Visitors today can view evidence of this at 1800m altitudes.

Visitors have a range of experiential options - hiking, camping or accommodations at one of three bungalows in Ginihiraya, Mahaeliya and Dometry. Start your experience by taking a walk through the plains and reach World’s End, a cliff that plunges about 800m into what looks like tiny toy-towns. Exercise caution when approaching the cliff. The walking path loops to another location within the park to Baker’s Falls. For the true outdoors type, a camping in the designated camping grounds is highly recommended.

Located in the south eastern part of the island, with one border acting as a shoreline to the Indian Ocean, the Yala National Park is a zoological treasure chest that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The park sprawls two provinces and administrative districts - the Monaragala District in the Uva Province and the Hambantota district in the Southern Province - but accessible via an entrance between Tissamaharama and Kirinda.

Yala National Park is home to an astonishing range of wildlife. From the ornithological - including migrants such as Lesser Whistling Duck, Garganey, Cormorants, Grey Heron, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Asian Openbill, and Painted Stork among others - to the mammals large and small - including leopards and elephants - as well as Herpetological delights in the form of the Sri Lankan krait, Boulenger's keelback, Sri Lankan flying snake, painted-lip lizard, Wiegmann's agama, and Bahir's fan-throated lizard.

Visitors are required to have a permit and a guide to explore the park while those wanting to stay in one of the five bungalows and camping options will need to make reservations in Colombo.