Explore the sun-drenched edges of the island with Palm and Peak Journeys. From the getaway of the West to the surf breaks of the East, we have handpicked the finest coastal escapes for your itinerary.
For those seeking a blend of luxury and adrenaline, Bentota offers the best of both worlds. Nestled between the sea and the Bentota River, this destination is a playground for water sports, from jet skiing to peaceful river safaris through mangroves. It’s the ultimate spot for a “lush” getaway.
Vibrant and full of life, Hikkaduwa is a marine sanctuary famous for its exotic coral gardens and the giant sea turtles that frequent its shores. Whether you are diving into the crystal clear reefs or enjoying the eclectic nightlife along the beach, Hikkaduwa delivers an energetic island rhythm.
Frequently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Unawatuna’s turquoise waters are protected by a coral reef, making it one of the safest spots for a tranquil swim. Take a short hike to the Japanese Peace Pagoda for a panoramic perspective of the bay that truly captures the “peak” of coastal beauty.
Galle is where history meets the ocean. Walk the ramparts of the UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort, where boutique shops and galleries are tucked into 17th-century colonial buildings. Just minutes away lie hidden coves like Jungle Beach. Offering a secluded escape from the bustling fort life.
Mirissa is the premier destination for marine enthusiasts, known globally as a hotspot for Whale and Dolphin watching. It offers a rare chance to see Blue Whales in their natural habitat. Spend your afternoon at the “Secret Beach” or climb the iconic Coconut Tree Hill for the most Instagrammable view on the island.
Located on the remote East Coast, Arugam Bay is the undisputed surfing capital of Sri Lanka. With its laid-back, off-the-beaten-path vibe, it attracts those looking for world-class point breaks and wild adventures. It is the perfect destination for the traveller who wants to experience the island’s untamed spirit.
If you’ve ever wanted to walk out into the ocean for hundreds of meters with the water only reaching your waist, Pasikuda is your dream come true. It’s home to one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world. The bay is calm, glass-like, and crystal clear, making it feel more like a giant, natural swimming pool than an ocean. It’s the ultimate place to slow down, paddleboard in the morning stillness, and let the rest of the world fade away.
Trincomalee is where the island’s deep history meets the deep blue sea. It’s home to the majestic Koneswaram Temple, which clings to a cliffside high above the waves, a place where you can feel the salt spray and ancient spirituality all at once. But the real magic lies just offshore. Whether you are snorkelling among the colourful coral gardens of Pigeon Island or heading out into the deep to spot Blue Whales and playful dolphins, “Trinco” always feels like a grand adventure.
Weligama feels like a postcard coming to life. It is most famous for its iconic stilt fishermen, who balance with incredible grace on single poles above the crashing waves, a tradition passed down through generations. The bay itself is a surfer’s paradise, especially for those just finding their feet on a board. With its soft sandy bottom and gentle, rolling waves, it’s the perfect spot to spend a morning catching your first wave and an afternoon enjoying the freshest seafood right on the sand.
Ideally located just a heartbeat away from the international airport, Negombo is the perfect introduction or farewell to your Sri Lankan odyssey. Known for its vast golden sands and vibrant fishing heritage, you can watch the traditional “Oruwa” sailing boats dot the horizon at sunset or explore the historic Dutch canals that weave through the town.
Sri Lanka’s history isn’t just found in books; it is etched into giant granite boulders and hidden in quiet cave monasteries. We’ve curated a selection of cultural sites that offer a profound look into the island’s royal and spiritual past.
Sigiriya is a masterpiece of ancient urban planning and engineering that still baffles experts today. It is a massive “Lion Rock” that surges out of the jungle. As you climb the 1,200 steps, you’ll pass the vibrant “Heavenly Maiden” frescoes and the famous Mirror Wall, covered in graffiti from visitors who stood where you are over a thousand years ago. At the summit, the ruins of King Kashyapa’s palace offer a 360-degree view of the jungle plains, which is a true “peak” experience.
For over 1,300 years, this was the beating heart of Sri Lankan civilisation. Anuradhapura is home to massive brick stupas that rival the pyramids of Giza in scale. It is a living sacred city where you can sit in the shade of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest human-planted tree in the world and watch white-clad pilgrims offer lotus flowers in a tradition that hasn’t changed for centuries.
When the capital shifted to Polonnaruwa, it became a showcase for mediaeval South Asian art and architecture. The best way to explore this “open air museum” is on a bicycle, pedalling between the ruins of royal palaces, massive man-made reservoirs, and the Gal Vihara. Here, four magnificent Buddha Statues are carved directly into a single granite face, capturing a sense of peace that is almost tangible.
Tucked away in the emerald hills, Kandy was the last stronghold of the Sri Lankan kings. Its centrepiece is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses a relic of the Buddha. The city feels different from the dry plains, cooler, mistier and deeply spiritual. If you visit during the evening Thewava (ceremony), the sound of traditional drums and the scent of jasmine will stay with you long after you leave.
Carved into a massive rock outcrop, the Dambulla Cave Temples have been a place of worship for over 2,000 years. Inside five separate caves, you’ll find 153 Buddha statues and intricate ceiling frescoes that cover every inch of the rock. The transition from the bright, hot sun outside to the cool, quiet, gold hued interior of the caves is a sensory experience that feels like stepping into another dimension.
We believe that adventure should be more than just a rush; it should be a well-engineered journey that challenges your limits while connecting you to the landscape. From the white water rapids of the west to the high altitude winds of the northwest, we’ve mapped out the island’s ultimate playgrounds.
Yala is a place of dramatic contrasts, where monkey-riddled shrub jungles meet the sandy shores of the Indian Ocean. It is world-renowned for its high leopard density. Keep your eyes on the massive, sun-baked granite boulders, the preferred lounging spots for these apex predators. Beyond the big cats, Yala is a sprawling sanctuary for sloth bears, massive herds of elephants, and over 200 bird species.
As Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park, Wilpattu offers a more “off the beaten path” experience for the true explorer. The park is dotted with nearly 60 “Villus” (natural, sand-rimmed lakes) that fill with rainwater and attract wildlife during the dry season. Because it is less crowded than other parks, your safari here feels more intimate, like a private audience with the leopards and bears that roam its wooded forests.
Few things in nature are as awe-inspiring as “The Gathering” at Minneriya. During the dry season, as many as 300 Asian elephants migrate from miles away to congregate around the ancient Minneriya Tank. It is the largest gathering of its kind in the world. Watching these gentle giants socialise, bathe and play against the backdrop of a 3rd-century reservoir is a powerful reminder of the island’s ancient ecological balance.
Step into the “Kingdom of the Lion,” Sri Lanka’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a dense, emerald treasure trove where over 60% of the trees and 95% of the birds are found nowhere else on earth. Exploring Sinharaja on foot allows you to hear the forest breathe from the calls of the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie to the rustle of endemic lizards in the undergrowth.
Whose name is derived from “Walas Gamuwa” or “Woods of the Bear,” Wasgamuwa is a sanctuary for the rare and elusive Sri Lankan Sloth Bear situated in the heart of the island. This park features a rugged landscape of riverine forests and the Sudu Kanda Mountain. It is one of the best places to see elephants in their natural state, as they remain largely unhabituated to vehicles, offering an authentic glimpse of their untamed behaviour.
We believe that adventure should be more than just a rush; it should be a well-engineered journey that challenges your limits while connecting you to the landscape. From the white water rapids of the west to the high altitude winds of the northwest, we’ve mapped out the island’s ultimate playgrounds.
For those who find their peace in the wind and waves, Kalpitiya is a shallow-water paradise. As the premier kitesurfing destination in Sri Lanka, its massive lagoons offer perfect flat water conditions for both beginners and freestyle experts. Beyond the kite, the peninsula ‘s 14 islands are thriving hubs for dolphin watching and deep-sea diving, making it the ultimate frontier for marine adventure.
Ella is where the hills truly come alive. At the Flying Ravana Adventure Park, you can soar over lush tea estates on the country’s first Mega Zip Line, reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h. If you prefer to stay on the ground, the rugged terrain is perfect for ATV rides, rock climbing and abseiling. For a more meditative perspective, the hike up Little Adam’s Peak offers a panoramic view of the iconic Ella Gap.
Perched 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains is a silent, windswept plateau of grasslands and cloud forests. The 9.5km circular trek leads you to “World’s End,” a sheer precipice with a drop of nearly 880 meters that offers views stretching all the way to the southern coast on a clear day. It is a place where engineering and nature meet, from the cascading Baker’s Falls to the headwaters of three of Sri Lanka’s major rivers.
Named for its resemblance to a clenched fist, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of rugged peaks and mist-shrouded valleys. With 34 peaks to explore, it offers everything from the moderate Mini World’s End trail to the challenging 32km Duwili Ella hike. Whether you are navigating through pygmy forests or hidden caves once used to make gunpowder, every trail is a lesson in the island’s diverse biodiversity.
Kithulgala is the undisputed capital of adventure in Sri Lanka, famous as the scenic backdrop for the classic film The Bridge on the River Kwai. Here, the Kelani River offers an exhilarating white-water rafting experience through class 2 and 3 rapids, with names like “Killer Fall” and “Head Chopper”. For those who want to go deeper, the surrounding rainforest is a hub for waterfall abseiling, canyoning and jungle trekking, offering a raw, sensory immersion into the wild.
We believe that nature is the world’s most sophisticated architect. These destinations aren’t just pretty views; they are complex, living ecosystems we invite you to explore with curiosity and respect.
Ella is a hub for the eco-conscious soul, where the air is thinner, and the greenery is deeper. Beyond its famous “Nine Arch Bridge” .A colonial-era engineering feat built entirely of stone and brick, without steel. Ella offers trails that wind through family-run organic tea gardens. Whether you are catching the sunrise at Little Adam’s Peak or standing at the top of Ella Rock, the sweeping views of the Ella Gap remind you of the sheer scale of the island’s natural beauty.
Often called “Little England” for its cool climate and colonial charm, Nuwara Eliya is a landscape of rolling tea estates and cascading waterfalls, such as Rambod Falls. For a true eco adventure, walk the quiet trails of Galway’s Land National Park or wander the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, where over 10,000 species of flora thrive in the mountain air. It is a place where every garden, lake and mountain peak feels precisely placed to create a perfect highland retreat.
Gal oya is a hidden gem and perhaps the most untouched of all our national parks. It is the only place in Sri Lanka where you can embark on a boat safari to witness “swimming elephants” crossing the Senanayake Samudra, also known as the island’s largest man-made inland water body. It is a sanctuary of profound silence, where you can connect with the Indigenous Vedda tribes and see how humans and the wild have lived in harmony for centuries.
Located in the southwest, the Madhu River is a massive wetland ecosystem protected under the Ramsar Convention. Gliding through its melodious, bird-colonised mangrove forests in a quiet boat is a masterclass in biodiversity. You can explore Cinnamon Island to see traditional harvesting methods, visit a hidden Buddhist temple on a tiny isle, or simply watch kingfishers and water monitors navigate the tangled roots of the riverbank.
Ritigala is a mystical mountain, shrouded in legend, home to the ruins of an ancient 1st-century monastery. As you hike through the dense forest, you will walk along perfectly preserved stone pathways and bridges, masterpieces of ancient engineering. The mountain creates its own microclimate, supporting rare medicinal plants found nowhere else in the dry zone. It is a place where history has been swallowed by the jungle, waiting for you to rediscover its secrets.
