Things to do in Sri Lanka

Ascend the 5th-century citadel atop a massive rock pillar, surrounded by water gardens and frescoes, for panoramic jungle views.

Join pilgrims on a night ascent of the conical mountain to watch dawn break over the shadow of the peak, a sacred multi-faith site.

Wind through emerald tea plantations, misty valleys and pine forests on one of the world's most scenic rail journeys.

Walk among towering dagobas, ancient monasteries and the sacred Bodhi tree in this UNESCO-listed capital of early Sinhalese kingdoms.

Traverse dry scrub and coastal lagoons in search of Sri Lanka's highest density of leopards, plus elephants, sloth bears and birds.

See the golden casket believed to house Buddha's tooth, set within the royal palace complex by Kandy Lake.

Swim, sunbathe or sip coconut water on a crescent-shaped palm-fringed beach famous for its laid-back vibe and sunset views.

Enter five rock caves adorned with hundreds of Buddha statues and vivid ceiling murals, perched above the surrounding plains.

Trek across misty grasslands to a sheer escarpment plunging 880 metres, offering views over tea-country valleys below.

Dine on enormous, hand-picked lagoon crab cooked in pepper, garlic or chilli style, made famous by international food shows.

Stroll along colonial ramparts, past Dutch-era churches and chic boutiques in this perfectly preserved 16th-century fortress by the sea.

Embark on an open jeep safari through grasslands and wetlands, home to hundreds of elephants, water buffalo and prolific birdlife.

Experience the grand 10-day festival of fire dancers, whip-crackers and lavishly adorned elephants carrying the sacred tooth relic.

Trek up this lesser-known rock at dawn to a temple cave and summit boulders, gaining an unrivalled profile of Sigiriya across the forest.

Browse food stalls and gift shops set over the Beira Lake, a modern market blending local flavours with city skyline views.

Wander among 4000 plant species, including a giant Javan fig tree, orchid house and palm avenues in this historic riverside garden.

Pedal past 12th-century palaces, moonstone carvings and the iconic Rankoth Vehera dagoba in this vast archaeological park.

Uncover British and Dutch heritage buildings, from the Old Dutch Hospital to the clocktower, within Sri Lanka's commercial heart.

Observe fishermen perched on narrow crossbars above the surf, a unique traditional method practised mainly along the southern coast.

Bathe in seven ancient square wells of varying temperatures, believed to have been created for royalty and still used for relaxation.

Explore sprawling Portuguese-Dutch ramparts with sweeping views over the Jaffna lagoon, now a symbol of post-war reconciliation.

Hike rugged trails past cloud forests, terraced rice paddies and remote villages in a biodiversity hotspot shaped like a clenched fist.

Learn about sea turtle conservation and release baby turtles into the ocean at sunset along the sandy southern shoreline.

Tour a colonial-era tea factory and sip high-grown orange pekoe surrounded by rolling green carpets of tea bushes.

Watch the iconic blue train glide across a stone viaduct framed by dense jungle, built without steel during the colonial era.