1. Jaffna Peninsula
Eerie islands, half-submerged churches and a proud Tamil culture open for the first time in two decades.

2. Anuradhapura and Mihintale
Mighty dagobas, the holiest tree, and Sri Lankan Buddhism’s birthplace.

3. Aukana
Exquisitely carved Buddha colossus hewn from a single rock.

4. Kandy
Home to the worshipped Tooth and the island’s grandest festival.

5. Peradeniya
The finest botanical garden in Asia

6. Colombo
Buzzing capital and a food paradise

7. Kitulgala
Prehistoric caves, white water rafting and the location for the film, ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’.

8. Adam’s Peak
Perfectly conical, a holy mountain worth climbing

9. Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve
This reserve, criss-crossed with trails feathered friends

10. Galle
UNESCO protected Dutch old town

11. Uppuveli and Nilaveli
Beautiful beaches with hardly a soul around

12. Kaudulla National park
An ancient tank where herds of elephants in their hundreds can be seen

13. Sigiriya
Spectacular ‘Lion Rock’, bare breasted damsels and a fifth century playboy’s penthouse.

14. Polonnaruwa
Well preserved and compact ancient city in a peaceful shaded park

15. Nuwara Eliya
Eccentric former British hill station in the cool climes of tea-growing country.

16. Ella
Mountain walks, waterfalls and vistas

17. Arugam Bay
The island’s best surf and its latest beach hotspot

18. Kataragama
Hindu pilgrimage site famed for the water-cutting and fire-walking ceremonies

19. Yala West (Ruhuna) National Park
The best chance of spotting the elusive leopard

20. Mirissa
A picture perfect stretch of palm backed sandy beach