Negombo is a lively coastal town on Sri Lanka's west coast, located just north of Colombo and within easy reach of the country's main international airport. Best known as a traditional fishing hub, it combines colonial heritage, bustling local life and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for the start or end of a Sri Lankan holiday. Visitors can explore the vibrant fish market, cruise the historic Dutch Canal and nearby lagoons, or discover centuries-old churches that reflect the town's multicultural history. Fresh seafood restaurants, beachfront cafés, and activities such as boat trips and kitesurfing add to Negombo's appeal, while its long sandy beach and colourful sunsets provide an enjoyable setting for unwinding.
Situated in the Central Province's Matale District, of Sri Lanka, Dambulla is a large town famous for its 2000-year-old rock cave temple known as ‘Dambulla Cave temple’ (or ‘Golden Temple of Dambulla’). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is said to be the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, encompassing numerous caves filled with a collection of religious statues and colourful murals. The surrounding area boasts the most extensive rose quartz mountain range in South Asia. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Ibbankatuwa Ancient Burial Site - a significant and fascinating archaeological site.
The second major city in Sri Lanka (the other being Colombo) lies at the centre of the Kandy Plateau, an area of beautiful tropical tea plantations. A magnificent must-see feature of the area is Kandy Lake, to the north of which lies the golden-roofed Temple of The Tooth (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important place for Buddhist worship, as it is said to house a tooth relic of Buddha). Other fascinating places to visit include the Ceylon Tea Museum, the Buddhist Publication Society, the Ayurvedic centre in the Amaya Hills nearby, the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre, where craftspeople can be seen at work, and the Kandy Muslim Hotel, which offers the finest spiced curries served with naan or Rotis.
Special note - If you're exploring the hill country, especially during the rainy season, please be aware of the presence of leeches in the region. These are common in damp areas such as forests, tea plantations, and trails. While they are harmless, encountering them can be uncomfortable.
If you are visiting similar locations, you may use leech socks to avoid leaches getting on you, which are pulled over the trousers to prevent leeches reaching the exposed skin of the legs. In addition to leech socks it is advisable to apply soapy water on your arms and legs before starting the trekking. For leeches, a good remedy is to apply soap and left to dry or apply lime to exposed areas.
Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful mountain station town in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Sometimes referred to as ‘Little England’, the city is well-kept and features British-style red-brick walls, mock-Tudor half-timbering, and a very English country club. The surrounding areas offer breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains, and greenery, and most importantly a wonderful break from the heat and humidity of the coast. Tea Estates, waterfalls, and mountains complete the picture. Visitors can take guided tours of the tea plantations, meander through the roses, take the picturesque path to the ‘Lovers’ Leap’ waterfall, and walk through orchids and giant cypresses at the Hakgala Gardens. Other highlights include the Seetha Amman and Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Temples, and the Galway's Land National Park.
Special note - If you're exploring the hill country, especially during the rainy season, please be aware of the presence of leeches in the region. These are common in damp areas such as forests, tea plantations, and trails. While they are harmless, encountering them can be uncomfortable.
If you are visiting similar locations, you may use leech socks to avoid leaches getting on you, which are pulled over the trousers to prevent leeches reaching the exposed skin of the legs. In addition to leech socks it is advisable to apply soapy water on your arms and legs before starting the trekking. For leeches, a good remedy is to apply soap and left to dry or apply lime to exposed areas.
Galle sits on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, around two hours from Colombo, where the Indian Ocean meets a city shaped by centuries of maritime trade. It is a historic coastal town best known for the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a walled old town built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch. Travellers are drawn by cobbled streets lined with colonial buildings, boutique shops, galleries, and cafés, all overlooking the sea. Beyond the fort, palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs offer swimming, snorkelling, and sunset walks, while nearby tea plantations and wildlife reserves add depth to day trips. Galle appeals to visitors seeking a blend of history, culture, and relaxed coastal living, balanced by gentle exploration rather than fast-paced sightseeing.
Situated in the beautiful Maldives, North Male Atoll makes up the northern part of the larger natural Male Atoll. It is home to the city of Male which serves as the national capital of the Maldives and the transport hub of the islands. The well-developed North Male Atoll is known for its many resorts and activities. Visitors can look forward to swimming in blue lagoons, diving and snorkelling through abundant coral reefs, lazing on pristine white-sand beaches, and enjoying excellent surfing along its eastern coast which is said to have the best waves in the Maldives.
