Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka may be small, but this tiny island is full of things to see and do, and a trip here is incomplete without visiting the fabled Sigiriya Rock.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 5th century and once housed a fortress owned by a powerful king. Climb the winding staircases to the top of this huge boulder and you’ll not only see first-hand this incredible feat of ancient Sri Lankan engineering, but you’ll also get to enjoy breath-taking views of the island’s emerald-hued hillsides and valleys.

While there is a seemingly endless number of temples and historical sites in Sri Lanka, the most distinguished of these is certainly the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy.

Famous for its origin story, visitors will be humbled by the magnificent shrines, astounded by the exquisite artwork displayed, and stunned by the exotic flowers and gardens dotted around the temple. With artistic, intricate interior design and unique architecture, there is no shortage of beauty to be found here. Hear the enchanting rhythm of the drums, witness offerings and visit the museum to learn the fascinating history of this sacred site.

Can’t make it North? Fear not, as the Yala National Park is not only located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, it is also home to the largest collective of leopards in the world.

Boasting over 321,000 acres of land comprised of various different landscapes, Yala has an incredibly diverse range of wildlife. Explore the labyrinth of jungles, lagoons and sand dunes, and you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring sights. Spotted dear, sloth bears, crocodiles, owls and a wondrous array of reptiles and insects, to name just a few, all await visitors here.

For visitors looking to experience an up close and personal encounter with the incredible wildlife of Sri Lanka, a trip to the Minneriya National Park in the North Central province is an absolute must.

Hop in a Jeep and experience a safari like no other, with lush landscapes heavily populated by all manner of exotic animals. From the majesty of leopards to the magnificence of peacocks, from colossal elephants to delicate hummingbirds, animal lovers will find nothing but pure delight while observing a unique amalgam of creatures in their natural habitats.

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC.

As soon as you arrive you'll see the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex. Head inside and you'll find the incredible ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves, and visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. Explore two of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-listed highlights on a privately guided day trip to Dambulla and the Sigiriya Rock from Kalutara; take the Cultural Triangle route!

Sri Lanka isn’t only home to the biggest of the land mammals, it is also home to the largest sea mammal – the blue whale. You could get a first-hand view of one on a truly unforgettable boat trip.

Mirissa, on the south coast of the island, is world-famous for whale watching excursions. Journey out to sea and encounter blue whales as they surface for air: expert operators will take you to different spots where these gargantuan animals are often spotted, and most operators guarantee sightings. While waiting for the main event, you may also be treated to a warm-up show from the mesmerising spinning dolphins that also populate the waters!

Stunning views are in no short supply on this idyllic island, and one of the most popular ways to experience them is, surprisingly, by train. The journey from Kandy to Ella is an essential trip for anyone looking to enjoy rich landscapes and tremendous beauty while travelling Sri Lanka.

Journeying through the hill country, the entire train ride takes around six hours. While this may seem like a long time, when you’re confronted with dream-like views of vast tea plantations, enchanting waterfalls, misty mountains and fine, white-clouded skies, the journey will be over in what feels like no time at all.

Sri Lanka is known all over for the world for its legendary Ceylon tea, so a trip to this gorgeous island would not be complete without visiting the tea terraces and plucking your own batch straight from the source.

Begin your experience with a trip to the island's sprawling emerald tea terraces, and learn from the experts how to pull the tea leaves from the paddies. After this you can visit a working tea factory and witness how they turn create the black tea we have come to know and love, and then round off the visit with a truly unforgettable afternoon tea.