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 about 250km to the north east of the capital Colombo, the major resort and port city Trincomalee has one of the finest natural deep-water harbours in the world. The beaches of Nilaveli, Uppaveli and the off-shore Pigeon Island are major attractions, and in recent years, whale watching has become a popular pastime for visitors and locals alike. Dive centres allow for diving and snorkelling, and plenty of swimming. Visit the Trincomalee District, also known as Gokanna, to see a multitude of ancient Buddhist temple ruins, now major archeological sites. About eight kilometres out of the city are the hot springs at Kanniyai that draw regular crowds for their therapeutic value.
Located on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast, Arugam Bay is a beachside town within the bay of the same name. This laid-back surfer's paradise is renowned for its legendary beach parties, and also offers excellent surfing opportunities. It is said to be one of the world’s top surfing destinations, with surfers flocking here from all corners of the globe. It also serves as a great base from which to explore a number of attractions in the surrounding area, including the scenic Panama Tank route, and the Kumana National Park, where elephants, leopards, and crocodiles can be spotted. Discover Main Point, one of Sri Lanka's most famous surf spots, enjoy a variety of local beachside bars and restaurants, or join a yoga class overlooking the sea.
Tissamaharama, also known as Tissa, is a major starting point for wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, Yala, officially known as Ruhuna National Park. Surrounded by rice paddies and ancient temples, Tissamaharama is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural surrounds. Aside from its plentiful cultural and religious offerings, it is also a nature lover’s paradise. The Tissa Lake attracts flocks of roosting egrets, and a safari in the Yala National Park is a must. It covers an area of 1 260 square kilometres, but only one fifth is open to visitors. The remainder is designated as a natural reserve home to various wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffalos, wild boars, golden jackals, and spotted deer.
Resting on the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s picturesque Hill Country, the small, sleepy village of Ella is known for its exceptional natural scenery, its wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, and its pleasantly moderate climate. This popular backpacker-hub has become a well-established, must-see tourist destination and an ideal base for travellers exploring the idyllic surrounding countryside cloaked in tea plantations and lush forest. With only a handful of essential stores and tourist facilities, Ella has managed to retain its rural charm and visitors will find a single street winding its way down the hillside past a few quaint cafés, guesthouses and cottages enclosed in neat, flower-filled gardens. At the edge of the escarpment, you will find a classic view past the renowned Ella Rock on the right and through a cleft in the hills – the so-called Ella Gap – to the plains far below.
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.
