Best destinations to travel in Sri Lanka – where the pageantry unfolds

What was once a part of the Ruhuna Kingdom, the Yala National Park comes across as a great way to discover the wilder side to Sri Lanka. For within its premises, reside around 32 species of mammals and a further 125 bird species and in short, is arguably the best place in the country to witness large mammals in one demarcated area. The largest concentration of leopards finds its home here while scenes of elephants roaming about will never be too far away for the prying eye. Yala is also the 2nd largest national park in Sri Lanka and is located some 190 miles from the capital of Colombo.

Found at the southwestern tip of the country, the historic city of Galle beckons history buffs and leisure travellers to its welcoming environs. Well known for the fort that was initially constructed by the Portuguese settlers in 1588, travellers can take their time exploring various sections of the fort which showcases stunning ramparts, a clock tower and an array of eateries & souvenir shops. Further, the Christian Reformed Church and its old gravestones give light to the fact the locale is filled to the brim with delightful expanses, each waiting to be explored and appreciated.

Perched on the southeastern shore of Sri Lanka is the action-packed escape of Arugam Bay which is known mostly for the surfing opportunities that one can engage in. The Main Point as its name suggests is where you should be taking your trusty surfboard as the stone-reef base in its immediate vicinity adds to the appeal of catching some of the biggest waves that come barreling towards the country's east coast. Not to be outdone are Elephant Rock, Whiskey Point, and Pottuvil Point which collectively afford mesmeric experiences out on these waves.

In terms of misty hills and tea gardens, none quite captures the attention of the thrill-seeker much how like Ella does. For avid hikers, Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock will serve as the perfect launch pads for a day where you will come into contact with mesmeric vistas that encompass deep ravines, lush green mountains, and romantic sunsets. Train travel is by far the most resorted to means of commuting with trains beginning from Colombo and Kandy being one's 'go-to' options.

The charming fishing hamlet of Bentota which is 65 km south of Colombo along the southern coastal belt is where travellers of all ages with varying levels of adventure commune in their numbers to set about enjoying a beach holiday in sunny Sri Lanka. Be it a leisurely boat ride on the waters of the Bentota River where numerous reptilian species can be caught sight of to learning the ropes of a water sport such as surfing or banana boat riding out near Bentota Beach, one will surely be able to lay claim to an outing which will leave you rejuvenated and re-energized. Also, when in Sri Lanka you will need to have access to pleasing and comfortable modes of accommodation. One such example is Browns Hotels & Resorts Sri Lanka which has some great hotel offers. In Sri Lanka, such deals must be made use of during the course of your journeys.