Extraordinary Destinations

The Lion Rock of Sigiriya soars 200 m above the jungle — an ancient sky-palace built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century. Climb through galleries of world-famous frescoes, water gardens and boulder pathways to a 360° panorama that leaves every visitor speechless.

Nestled among misty hills, Kandy is the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and guardian of Buddhism's most sacred relic — the Tooth of the Buddha. Explore the serene Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya and be captivated by the electrifying Kandyan dance performances each evening.

Ella is Sri Lanka's most charming highland village, wrapped in emerald tea estates and mountain mist. Stroll across the iconic Nine Arches Bridge as the blue train passes, hike Little Adam's Peak for sunrise views, and cool off beneath the thunder of Ravana Ella Falls.

Yala National Park holds the world's highest density of wild leopards. Early-morning private game drives through dry-zone jungle reward guests with sightings of leopards, sloth bears, elephants and crocodiles, while flamingos gather in shimmering lagoons at dusk.

Known as "Little England", Nuwara Eliya sits at 1,868 m among rolling tea estates and Victorian-era bungalows. Enjoy crisp mountain air, visit century-old tea factories, walk the shores of Gregory Lake and explore the dramatic World's End cliff-drop at Horton Plains National Park.

Mirissa's crescent of golden sand and crystalline turquoise water is one of the most photographed beaches in Asia. From November to April the calm Indian Ocean hosts the annual blue whale and spinner dolphin migration — a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter just offshore.

Step inside the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and wander 400-year-old Dutch colonial streets lined with boutique hotels, art galleries, spice shops and candlelit restaurants. The sunset from the ramparts, with the lighthouse glowing and the ocean stretching to the horizon, is simply unforgettable.

Sri Lanka's dynamic capital is a sensory feast of colonial heritage, world-class cuisine and modern skyline energy. Stroll the Galle Face promenade at sunset, explore the vibrant Pettah bazaars, dine at rooftop restaurants overlooking the harbour, and discover the ornate Gangaramaya Temple.

Bentota is Sri Lanka's premier Ayurvedic and beach-resort destination. Luxury five-star properties line the wide, calm shores of the Bentota River mouth. Enjoy a river safari among mangroves, a traditional Ayurvedic massage, colourful water sports, or simply bask in the golden afternoon sun.

Trincomalee's vast natural deep-water harbour has awed seafarers for centuries. Today its Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches offer powder-white sand, exceptional coral diving, snorkelling among turtles, and the chance to spot blue whales in one of the world's top marine wildlife corridors.

Arugam Bay is rated one of the top 10 surf breaks on earth by Lonely Planet. The legendary Point break peels for hundreds of metres through warm, clear water. Beyond the surf, explore elephant-filled Kumana National Park, paddle through tranquil lagoons and lose yourself in the bay's unhurried, barefoot atmosphere.