Must-See Places in Sri Lanka: A Journey Through Heritage, Wildlife & Hill-Country Charm 

Situated near the southernmost tip of the island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past. The fortified city was originally built by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century, shaped over time by other colonial influences and traders from across the ocean. Meticulously maintained cobblestone streets are lined with captivating Dutch-era architecture, situated side-by-side with historic mosques, museums, quaint shophouses and colonial hotels. The fort itself is composed of imposing bastions and the iconic Galle Lighthouse, a majestic sentinel standing guard over the Indian Ocean for over 150 years, only steps away from restaurants and street-food stalls serving the freshest seafood, fried delicacies and international cuisine.

Due to the close proximity between Sri Lanka's Southern coastal towns, the Fort is only a few kilometres away from some of the best beaches in the country. Visitors can opt to stay at luxury seaside hotels and family-friendly resorts by major hotel chains nearby, including internationally acclaimed properties from the Minor Hotels group, situated along the road to Galle. 

Sri Lanka's most renowned wildlife sanctuary, Yala National Park encompasses diverse landscapes, from arid plains to lush jungles, home to diverse fauna and flora. Located amidst lagoons, enormous boulders and the coastline, the park hosts year-round jeep safaris led by experienced naturalists, facilitating guided tours and sightings of Asian elephants, sloth bears and a plethora of birdlife, as well as the endemic Sri Lankan leopard.

The park is also home to a sizeable population of mugger crocodiles, prehistoric predators commonly found by the watering holes. Additionally, a variety of comfortable and luxurious accommodation options are available, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife encounter amidst the wilderness.

Tucked away amidst the verdant hills of central Sri Lanka, Ella offers a refreshing escape from the year-round high temperatures characteristic of the island. Scenic trains and railways carve through the mountains, offering panoramic vistas of rolling plantations and cascading waterfalls. Breathtaking hiking trails pass through hilltop villages and grasslands, cloaked in the crisp mountain air. Sacred mountain peaks and colossal rocks are also popular among hikers and the backpacking community of Ella, with mild to moderate levels of difficulty. Ella's charming picturesque town is packed with quaint shophouses and cafes, and a lively community set against the backdrop of impressive waterfalls and colonial-era rail tracks. 

Another notable UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient 5th-century fortress rises dramatically from the surrounding plains, showcasing remarkable feats of engineering and architectural prowess. Aptly named the "Lion Rock", carvings of mythical lion paws cradle an imposing staircase leading to the very top, accompanied by frescoes of celestial maidens adorning the rock face. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress, including the Lion Platform and innovative water gardens, remnants of a bygone era that offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history and the ingenuity of its ancient civilisations. 

Once the island's capital for over a millennium, the ancient city of Anuradhapura showcases a vast collection of well-preserved ruins, stupas (pagodas), and monasteries. Explore sacred sites including one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka, the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, and the Jetavanarama stupa, a brilliantly designed imposing brick structure. Ascend the ancient steps of the Abhayagiri Dagaba, surrounded by expensive views of the city, and marvel at the intricate carvings adorning the ruins of the once-grand monastic complexes. Anuradhapura is a living museum, that whispers tales of Sri Lanka's glorious past and offers a profound historical experience.