Sri Lanka
Top Tips
Cultural
Highlights include the ancient ruins and Buddhist temples of the
Cultural Triangle - Dambulla is the best
base, and the awesome rock fortress of Sigiriya (a World Heritage
site) is unmissable. A little further south, take in the festivals
and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. On
the southwest coast, Galle's historic fort is a UNESCO World
Heritage site, with no shortage of superb
places
to stay in and around town.
Hiking
In the Hill Country, head to Adam's Peak (2,224m high) and Horton
Plains or World's End for jaw-dropping views. For trekking among
the tea plantations, you can't beat Ceylon Tea
Trails.
Wildlife
Three National Parks stand out (check opening seasons before
travelling!): Yala in the south east for elephants, deer, birds,
crocodiles, sloth bears and elusive leopards; Uda Walawes, perhaps
the best place in Asia to see elephants in the wild; and Wilpattu
on the northwest coast, for a high density of leopards and
elephants. Throughout, birdwatchers will be in heaven: Sri Lanka
has 426 species, including the delightful bee eater. Other
highlights include the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage near Kandy, the
turtle hatcheries on the southwest coast, whale-watching on the
southern tip of the island, and dolphin trips from
Alankuda.
Beaches
The best beaches are along the southwest coast, from Bentota to
Galle and round the southern tip to Tangalle. Not all are suitable
for swimming. Unawatuna is good for beach shack nightlife; for
quiet, unspoilt sandy stretches head south of Bentota - there are
some great
places
to stay too. You'll find great surfing near Tangalle -
Talalla Retreat offers surf lessons - and on the east
coast.
Watersports
Dive and snorkel on coral reefs along the southwest coast, go
waterskiing and windsurfing at Bentota, or surfing at Hikkaduwa and
Arugum Bay. There's superb dolphin watching and sailing along the
northwest coast.
Yoga
One of the world's most special yoga retreats, Ulpotha, a
wonderfully relaxed paradise, is located in the hills north of
Kandy.