Initially built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the fort was later conquered and fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century and then later fell to the might of the British. For hundreds of years Galle was a crucial trading port for spices and other goods, and today you have the pleasure of soaking up all this history in a living fort. The Galle Fort offers stunning architecture, beautiful boutiques, an array of mouthwater restaurants and iconic views from the ramparts. For many travellers the Galle Fort, and the surrounding tropical beaches, are a highlight of the time on the island.

This is one of the most magical and mystical National Parks in Sri Lanka, located at an elevation of over 2000 meters. It encompasses mountainous grasslands and cloud forest, the combination of which you are likely never to have seen before. To add to the mystical (and often misty) ambience, the area is home to large herds of Sri Lankan sambar deer. The sheer precipices of Worlds End and Bakers Falls are a must visit for those ready to explore and soak up the magic of the Horton Plains National Park.

Also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, this temple is a world renowned place of worship. The left canine tooth of Lord Buddha is enshrined here, and for centuries it was said that whoever holds the tooth relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kingdom, and the temple was designated a world heritage site in 1988. Sacred rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings, and as a visitor you can witness this. On Wednesdays there is a symbolic bathing of the Sacred Relic with a blessed mixture of scented water and fragrant flowers, called Nanumura Mangallaya. This holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed among those present. Don’t forget you must always have your shoulders and knees covered in places of religious significance.

Located in the Peradeniya suburbs of Kandy, these world famous botanical gardens date back to 1371. The history, from Kandyan queens to World War 2 headquarters, is remarkable. Today you can stroll around, in the cooler climate and marvel at over 4000 species of plants. The huge area is beautifully manicured and lovingly cared for, and if you are a keen botanist or would like more information a specialist botanical guide can accompany you during your visit.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphange, an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km (8.1 mi) northwest of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawalla is notable for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 88 elephants, including 37 males and 51 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawalla. The orphanage andwas originally founded in order to afford care and protection to many of the orphaned unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).

This national park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see Asian elephants roam in the natural habitat. With a year round population of around 500 animals, sightings are very consistent and the best times to visit the park are early morning or in the evening, catching an elephant during golden hour is a photo and memory you will treasure forever. Udawalawe is also renowned for its bird life and has a huge number of endemic birds, so get your bird book and binoculars and enjoy the smaller critters too.

Wilpattu National Park is arguably one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful parks, with its name meaning ‘Land of the Lakes’. This park is home to hundreds of ‘willus’, or natural lakes which fill with rainwater. Located on the Northwest Coast of Sri Lanka, Willpattu is one of the largest and oldest parks on the island. From peacocks to leopards, rock pythons to the hornbills, this national park is a must for nature enthusiasts looking for something more ‘off the beaten path’. But of course, never get out of your jeep, or go down random paths while in the park!