North West

When heading north of Colombo, you will enter a region that consists of coconut plantations, vast sand dune beaches and pristine lagoons, sparkling in the sun. The remote coastal towns, Kalpitiya and Mannar, remain untouched by mass tourism, are a perfect destination for anyone who wants to enjoy peaceful sceneries and colourful local life, and discover the wonders of nature.

North and North West The North West coast, rich with cinnamon and spices, have attracted Arab, Chinese and Roman traders since the 5th century. With the colonisation, the coastal towns of Negombo, Chilaw and Kalpitiya saw the construction of forts and churches established by both the Portuguese and the Dutch. As a result, the population of the region is diverse with the majority being Catholics.

The seas off the coast of Kalpitiya are home to dolphins, whales, stingrays and several species of Marine turtles. Watersports are also available here. The lagoons and waterways in Mannar are a haven for flamingos and other migrant birds from October to March, while Wilpattu National Park has the most scenic landscapes with numerous lakes, diverse wildlife and fairy tale forests.

Kalpitiya

Set in between the deep lagoon of Puttalam to the east and the magnificent Indian Ocean to the west, Kalpitiya Peninsula is an exquisite coastal region located in the Western coastal belt, north of Colombo. It is an unrivalled marine sanctuary with a diversity of habitats ranging from bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangrove swamps, salt marshes and vast sand dune beaches.

Despite its natural beauty, Kalpitiya is remarkably untouched by tourism. Here, the visitors can get a real insight into the close-knit fishing community, and enjoy the various activities this region can offer. With the near-constant strong winds, Kalpitiya has the best kitesurfing conditions in South Asia.Or go snorkeling or scuba diving in Sri Lanka’s largest coral reef and discover an incredible variety of tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks and even turtles. Canoe in the lagoon, or observe the large schools of dolphins playing in the offshore waters. Or visit the Dutch Fort and St. Peter's Kerk Church, and learn about Sri Lanka's colonial past.

National Parks and Nature Reserves

Sri Lanka may be small of an island, but the rich biodiversity would do justice to a country many times its size.

Boasting an impressive array of national parks, big herds of elephants, elusive leopards, hundreds of colourful birds, reefs teeming with rainbow-coloured fish as well as great locations for whale and dolphin watching, Sri Lanka is is one of the finest wildlife destinations in South Asia.

Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of biological endemism (16% of the fauna and 23% of flowering plants are endemic) in the world. The island’s isolation from the mainland, the heavy rainfall of the two diagonally blowing monsoons, and the country’s wide range of altitudes have given Sri Lanka a variation in climate and biodiversity normally found only across an entire continent.

East Coast

Slowly emerging from civil war and tsunami, the Eastern parts of Sri Lanka still retain a traditional, local feel with small fishing villages and sandy lanes. Here, a visitor will find a fascinating mixture of cultures - Muslim communities, impressive Hindu temples, astonishing colonial structures and vibrant marketplaces - along with the most gorgeous coastline a coast of superbe surfing spots, hidden bays and kilometres of pristine white sand.

Arugam Bay

Situated on the South-East Coast of Sri Lanka 320 km from Colombo, Arugam Bay is a charming little town with unspoiled tranquility and white beaches. Unlike many other coastal areas, Arugam Bay is unaffected by South-West and North-East monsoon seasons which makes it an excellent year around destination. It is also one of the top ten surf points in the world. The season is at its best between May and November, when Arugam Bay receives Antarctic winter swell.

Arugam Bay consists of three villages and the main settlement, locally known as Ullae, is predominantly Muslim, but there is also a significant Tamil and Sinhala population in the southern parts of the village. Ullae and its calm seas are very popular among the local fishermen.

In addition to surfing, it offers beautiful beaches and forests with abundant wildlife as well as fascinating cultural sights. For example, the 2000-year-old Buddhist Temple named “Muhudu Maha Viharaya” is well worth a visit.

West Coast

Thrill-seekers will delight in the coastal town of Bentota. Famed for its reputation as the water sports hub in southern Sri Lanka Bentata. Famed for being the water sports hub of southern Sri Lanka, Bentota offers all water enthusiasts a full range of thrills and spills including surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, water skiing and scuba diving.

West coast

While scuba diving can be enjoyed only during the months of November until April on Sri Lanka’s western coast, all other activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. Due to mild weather conditions in the Bentota Lagoon, water sports take place in this naturally sheltered area even during the monsoon.

Bentota

Bentota is famed as the prime beach destination of the south-western coast of Sri Lanka. During the winter season from November to April, the calm seas make the golden sands of Bentota beach a glorious holiday sun-and-fun playground. Bentota Beach is ideal for snorkelling, diving, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and deep-sea fishing on a traditional outrigger canoe.

Cultural Triangle

Stretching from green hills of Kandy to the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura in the north and Polonnaruwa in the east, the Cultural Triangle - traditionally referred to as Rajarata, or “The King’s Land” - was the heart of Sinhalese civilisation whose grandiose monuments have encapsulated the golden age of ancient kingdoms and Buddhist art.

Cultural Triangel Many of the temples, sculptures, monasteries and stupas lying within the Cultural Triangle date back to over 2000 years. The spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most extraordinary sight, whereas the ancient city of Anuradhapura, one of medieval Asia’s great metropolises, is dotted with a large number of elaborate palaces, enormous tanks and monumental dagobas. Further south, Polonnaruwa, the island’s second capital, boasts impressive archaeological relics and monuments.

Other notable attractions include the impressive cave temples of Dambulla, and the sacred mountain of Mihintale, scene of the introduction of Buddhism to the island.

Anuradhapura

Founded in the 377 BC, Anuradhapura is renowned as one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Today, with large number of ancient monuments and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is one of the best places to discover the great Sinhala civilization that flourished in this region. This truly archeological city was the first established kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka, and several kings left a legacy of architectural and engineering marvels.

In Anuradhapura, you can see some of the most famous as well as the tallest Dagoba in Sri Lanka known as “Ruwanweli Maha saya”. The remains of historical palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo-tree (Sri Maha Bodhi) in also in this historically significant city. The Sri Maha Bodhi Bo tree was grown from a branch of the tree under which "The Buddha" attained enlightenment while he was meditating, more than 2500 year ago.