Anuradhapura was built in the 5th century BC and was the first capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC until the 11th century, when invasions from South India forced the capital to shift. Interestingly this ancient city was then abandoned and the surrounding jungle overtook it. It was only in the 19th century that it was rediscovered by the British and has since been a Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Anuradhapura is probably Sri Lanka’s most famous ancient city and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Not to be missed!

Visiting the magnificent cave temple complex in Sri Lanka is a once in a lifetime opportunity. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area and the 5 main caves on the rock are the best-preserved in the whole country, located under the vast overhanging rock. With over 150 Buddha statues, endless murals and still being a functional cave monastery - this is a must see.

Mihintale is a mountain peak near the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The belief is that this mountain is where Buddhism in Sri Lanka began, with the meeting of a Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa. It is said to be one of the 16 places that the Lord Buddha visited and is regarded as one of the most sacred places on the island. Now a major pilgrimage site, Mihintale is home to several religious monuments dating all the way back to the first century BC. Exploring the ancient ruins is an experience you wont forget and we suggest doing the short 20 minute climb in the early morning or the late evening. Note that you must bring something to cover your shoulders and knees and will need to take off your shoes in certain places.

This national park, set in the middle of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, is world renowned for an annual gathering. This is no ordinary gathering, it is one of Asia’s finest wildlife experiences where as many as 300 elephants congregate between June and September. The ancient Minneriya tank (a man-made lake) dates back to the third century and the elephants flock to it during the dry season. Not only can you marvel at these majestic beasts in their natural habitats but it is also a haven for bird lovers, over 170 bird species have been recorded here - how many will you spot?

The history of Pidurangala is truly remarkable, dating back to first and second century BC. With an unparalleled view of her much more famous sister, Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala awaits you. Pidurangala was used as a Buddhist monastery and gained importance during the reign of King Kashyapa (473 - 495 AC). Climbing the rock takes between 30 minutes to an hour depending on fitness levels, and note that the path to the top is well maintained up until you reach the Pidurangala Cave Temple. After the cave temple, the “hike” becomes more of a scramble and you must find your own path to the top over some large rocks and boulders. Remember that as you will be passing through the temple it is essential that you have something to cover your shoulders and knees. We suggest timing your climb to view either sunset or sunrise, and note that the ticket office opens at 5 am and closes at 6 pm, but you can stay up at the rock until dark.

Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned and preserved archaeological relic cities in the country, which explains its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.. This truly shows the discipline and ingenuity of the Kingdom's first rulers. Make sure you grab your sunblock as there are many, many ruins to explore and marvel at. From the ‘Gal Viharaya’, which is 3 incredible statues of Lord Buddha carved out of rock to an incredible tank (man made lake). Little media trivia for you - Polonnaruwa was also used as a backdrop to filmed scenes for the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982!

When you set eyes on the incredible Sigiriya Rock, it is truly awe inspiring. It is easy to understand how this is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited attractions in Sri Lanka. Rising 200m from the scrubland, the true ingenuity and beauty of this world wonder is best absorbed in person. The majestic moat which surrounds the rock and the beautiful water gardens could be an attraction on their own! Let your mind travel back thousands of years as you gaze at the world-renowned frescoes of the heavenly, risque maidens of Sigiriya. Don’t miss them as they are in a sheltered rock cave, as you approach the spiral staircase. All this and you haven’t even reached the unbelieve sights at the top. Make sure you savour the moment, so always allow yourself plenty of time at the top, insider tip - you don’t really want to be descending in the dark!

One of the most famous National Parks in Sri Lanka is Yala, covering a huge part of the southeast corner of the island. This magnificent park is divided into five blocks and stretches from the scrub jungles to the Indian Ocean beaches. Yala is home to crocodiles, deer, bear, elephants and an incredible variety of bird life too. It is also famed as having the highest density of leopards in the world, and has received global fame thanks to publicity by the National Geographic amongst others. Remember, you are a guest in the home of all these creatures, and observing them in their natural habitat is a true privilege.