Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage that dates back over 2,500 years, and this island is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The country is known for its rich nature and wildlife. Despite its relatively small size, Sri Lanka is incredibly biodiverse, boasting a wide range of flora and fauna, including many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Here are some destinations you may like to visit.

Sri Lanka has roughly 1,600km of beautiful palm-shaded beaches, and Negombo – conveniently close to the airport – boasts one of the best. Other popular resorts include Beruwela, Bentota, Mount Lavinia and Hikkaduwa. Meanwhile Unawatuna near Galle claims to be among the top 15 beaches in the world. The beaches of the south are less populated and often more beautiful, but be aware that swimming can be dangerous in many areas.

Wonder at the extraordinary civilization that ruled from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura thousands of years ago. Its majestic remains testify to an advanced city carefully planned and filled with beautiful palaces, temples and giant stupas.

Sri Lanka's adventure capital is tucked away amid the ravines of the hill country. It offers an array of activities for adrenaline junkies, including kayaking, mountain biking and rainforest trekking. For a real rush, book yourself onto a beginner level or advanced white-water rafting experience on the wild Kelani River.

Explore Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife-viewing destination, Yala National Park, on the southeastern coast. It is home to the world's highest density of leopards, as well as a wealth of other species – from elephants to birds. Another great place to do a bit of leopard spotting is in the Wilpattu National Park.

Visit Kandy, a picturesque town that was the last stronghold of the Kandyan Kings. It is now a cultural sanctuary where age-old customs, arts, crafts, rituals and ways of life are well preserved. Its fabulous UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth (also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa) shelters the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Kandy hosts the annual Esala Perahera, an annual festival featuring parades of glittering elephants, dancers and drummers.

This delightful colonial village in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country is a focus for the tea trade. Inhale the fragrant aromas of Victorian-era tea factories, drink their finest teas, and roam the lush plantations that extend for miles around. The Nuwara Eliya hill station is also a popular destination.

This southern port town would be just another tropical beach resort - were it not for the pod of blue whales recently discovered living just offshore. Now Mirissa is rightly famous as one of the best places in the world to spot the biggest mammal of them all. Whale watchers often see sperm whales, dolphins, flying fish and even orcas.

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to witness majestic elephants up close! Enjoy feeding sessions, river baths, and a unique connection with wildlife, all while supporting conservation. A must-visit for nature lovers!

Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travelers—but don’t be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, a popular beach, or explore some nearby wetlands, which many travelers say is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling streets of the city.