Adam’s Peak
Join pilgrims on a lantern-lit night climb of 5,500 steps to watch the sun rise and the peak cast its perfect triangular shadow.
Galle Fort
A living Dutch fort of cobbled lanes, boutique cafés and a white lighthouse. Walk the ramparts at sunset as the cricket games wind down.
Trincomalee
One of the world’s finest natural harbours, with snorkelling at Pigeon Island and the cliff-top Koneswaram temple.
Jaffna
Golden Nallur Kovil, island-hopping on palmyra-lined causeways and the best crab curry in the country.
Sigiriya
A 5th-century palace on top of a 200-metre rock, guarded by giant lion paws and painted maidens. Climb at sunrise for misty views over the jungle and the Cultural Triangle.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Five painted caves filled with 153 Buddha statues and 2,000 years of murals, high on a granite outcrop with views to Sigiriya.
Anuradhapura
Vast white stupas, sacred Bodhi tree and ancient reservoirs – the island’s first capital is best explored by bicycle.
Polonnaruwa
Royal palaces, carved moonstones and the serene rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara, all in a compact, shady archaeological park.
Kandy
The last royal capital sits on a lake ringed by hills. Visit the Temple of the Tooth at evening puja, then wander the botanical gardens of Peradeniya.