Located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya is known for its spectacularly scenic natural environment. It is a mecca for kitesurfers and sunseekers on Sri Lanka’s western coast. Visitors can look forward to a boat trip to see dolphins and whales, watch a beautiful sunset and relax on pristine beaches including Alankuda and Kudawa - the two best beaches in Kalpitya. Other popular activities include: windsurfing, kitesurfing on the vast flat lagoons, kayaking in the lagoon and mangrove forests as well as snorkelling and diving at the incredible Bar Reef and St. Anne’s Reef.
Situated in the northern Matale District of Sri Lanka, the small village of Sigiriya is best known for its proximity to the magnificent Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’. The village offers some comfortable accommodations and a variety of restaurants for visitors to enjoy when stopping over to view the famous rock. This ancient rock fortress rises abruptly from the lush landscape and reaches over 200 metres in height. Crowning this massive outcrop are the ruins of an ancient civilisation, which are considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can walk through the lily-dotted moats, lush gardens and cave shrines, through the grand lion-paw entrance, and climb the series of steep staircases passing beautiful murals painted on the sheer rock walls, and enjoy exploring the ruins and soaking up spectacular views of the surrounds.
Situated approximately 257 km north-east of Colombo, Trincomalee is a major port and resort city on Sri Lanka’s east coast, renowned for one of the world’s finest natural deep-water harbours. Its surrounding coastline is home to the sandy beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli, while nearby Pigeon Island National Park offers opportunities for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Whale watching is also a popular activity, particularly during the east coast’s seasonal period for marine wildlife. The city and surrounding Trincomalee District, historically known as Gokanna, are rich in cultural and historical sites, including ancient Buddhist ruins and the clifftop Koneswaram Temple. About 8 km from the city, the seven natural hot springs at Kanniya attract visitors to their warm, mineral-rich waters. Trincomalee combines beaches, marine activities, history and cultural attractions.
Situated on Sri Lanka’s breathtaking eastern coast, in the Ampara District, Pottuvil boasts a wonderful combination of amazing surfing waves, culture, and holiday atmosphere. Surfers flock here to try the gorgeously turquoise swells, with their vacationing friends happy to swim and frolic in the ocean and magnificent lagoon. However, it is the town’s numerous astonishing temples and sacred places which take pride of place. Highlights include the atmospheric fifth-century Magul Maha Vihara, with its moonstone, elephants, and stupa; the Mudu Maha Vihara, half-submerged in sand dunes, featuring a three-metre-high Buddha; and hilltop Kotawehera, offering jaw-dropping views of forests and wetlands around the lagoon from its heights. There are plenty of services and restaurants to make Pottuvil a comfortable stay.
Weerawila is a tranquil rural destination in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, near Tissamaharama and Hambantota. Surrounded by lakes, reservoirs and wetlands, it appeals to nature lovers, birdwatchers and travellers exploring the island's southern wildlife region. The Weerawila-Tissa Wildlife Sanctuary attracts a variety of resident and migratory birds, making early mornings particularly rewarding for wildlife observation and photography. Visitors can enjoy peaceful lakeside views, watch waterbirds feeding along the shoreline and experience the slower pace of rural Sri Lankan life. Weerawila also makes a convenient stop on a wildlife-focused itinerary, within reach of Yala National Park, renowned for leopard and elephant sightings, and Bundala National Park, celebrated for its rich birdlife and coastal wetlands.
Ella is a picturesque hill-country town in Sri Lanka's Uva Province, surrounded by lush tea plantations, forested mountains and misty valleys. A popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, it combines scenic viewpoints, rewarding hikes and a relaxed atmosphere. The iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era railway viaduct framed by tropical greenery, is a highlight, particularly when a train crosses its stone arches. Visitors can hike to Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views across the hills, tackle the more challenging trail to Ella Rock, or visit nearby Ravana Falls. Tea estates offer opportunities to discover Sri Lanka's tea-growing heritage, while the scenic train journey through the central highlands adds another memorable experience. Ella's blend of mountain scenery, tea-country charm and views across the Ella Gap makes it a worthwhile stop on a Sri Lankan itinerary.
Sandwiched between the bustling capital of Colombo and the thriving city of Kandy in Sri Lanka's central highlands, the attractive town of Kegalle serves as the main commercial centre of the Kegalle District and the gateway to the naturally beautiful central hill-country. The town offers panoramic views of the lush rolling hills, which are dotted with an array of unusual temples - many of which have been built around natural caves. Other popular attractions in the area include the exquisite Algama Falls, which feature lovely natural swimming pools; the gorgeous Wewaladeniya Viharaya temple, located in the middle of town; a number of beautiful spice plantations; and the nearby village of Molagoda, which is renowned for its traditional clay-based handcrafts.
Located in the northern Maldives, the Male Atoll consists of two separate coral atolls, North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll. South Male Atoll offers spectacular diving on its abundant coral reefs, while sun-worshippers will be in their element on its exquisite white sand beaches. It is situated conveniently close to the international airport on Male Island. Owing to the strong currents, the marine life in South Male Atoll is mostly of the larger variety, so visitors may spot eagle rays, turtles, grey sharks, reef sharks, mantas, whale sharks, schools of fusiliers, barracuda, trevally, and even hammerhead sharks (from May to November). Smaller marine life includes anemones, shrimp, lionfish, squirrelfish, soldierfish, unicornfish, morays, and batfish.
