Srilanka

Sigiriya Rock Fortress – The Sky Palace of Ancient Kings

Overview: Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This 5th-century fortress sits atop a 200-meter rock, built by King Kasyapa as a royal citadel and palace.

Must-Do Activities:

• Climb the 1,200 steps to the summit for panoramic jungle views.
• Admire the frescoes of the Sigiriya Maidens halfway up.
• Explore the Water Gardens and Mirror Wall at the base.

Offbeat Tip: Visit Pidurangala Rock nearby for a less crowded sunrise view of Sigiriya itself – perfect for photos.

Ella – Tea Hills, Misty Mountains, and Hidden Trails

Overview: Ella is a serene hill town known for its laid-back vibe, tea plantations, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Must-Do Activities:

• Hike to Little Adam’s Peak or the more challenging Ella Rock.
• Take the world-famous Kandy to Ella train ride through lush valleys.
• Visit Nine Arches Bridge – best seen at sunrise or when the train passes.

Offbeat Tip: Try a forest yoga retreat or hidden waterfall hike to Ravana Falls and Diyaluma Falls, the second tallest in Sri Lanka.

Galle Fort – Colonial Elegance by the Sea

Overview: Galle Fort is a well-preserved colonial fort built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch, offering cobbled streets, galleries, and ocean breezes.

Must-Do Activities:

• Walk the fort ramparts at sunset.
• Explore quaint cafés, boutique shops, and art galleries.
• Visit Galle Lighthouse and Dutch Reformed Church.

Offbeat Tip: Take a bike ride through the nearby paddy fields or enjoy a local cooking class inside a 200-year-old colonial home.

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy – Sacred Spiritual Hear

Overview: This revered Buddhist temple in Kandy houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It’s one of the most spiritual places in Sri Lanka and a center of annual processions.

Must-Do Activities:

• Attend the evening puja ceremony with chants and drumming.
• Stroll around Kandy Lake and the Royal Palace Complex.
• Visit the International Buddhist Museum.

Offbeat Tip: Explore the Udawattekele Sanctuary, a forest reserve behind the temple with monkeys, birds, and old meditation caves.

Yala National Park – Wild Encounters on Safari

Overview: Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park and offers thrilling safaris across diverse habitats — from lagoons to grasslands.

Must-Do Activities:

• Spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, especially in Block 1.
• Observe elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and exotic birds.
• Book a sunrise or sunset safari for best sightings.

Offbeat Tip: Try a less-crowded park zone like Block 5 or Kumana National Park (next door) for a more private wilderness experience.

Bentota & Mirissa – Coastal Paradise for Leisure and Marine Life

Overview: Bentota offers golden beaches and luxury resorts, while Mirissa is known for laid-back vibes and marine life excursions.

Must-Do Activities in Bentota:

• Jet ski, banana boat, or windsurf at Bentota Lagoon.
• Take a Madu Ganga river safari to see mangroves and cinnamon gardens.
• Visit Brief Garden, the former estate of landscape artist Bevis Bawa.

Must-Do Activities in Mirissa:

• Join a whale and dolphin watching tour (best from November to April).
• Surf at Weligama Bay, just nearby.
• Chill at Parrot Rock or try fresh seafood at beachside cafés.

Offbeat Tip: Book a private stilt fishing session with locals near Koggala for a photo and cultural experience.