Short Sri Lanka

Set in northcentral Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is an iconic hilltop fortress. Other attractions in this area include the rock temples of Dambulla and the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It’s a fascinating area, which is home to some really good accommodation options.

Set in the centre of Sri Lanka, Knuckles is a mountainous conservation area, whose dense cloud forest harbour a remarkable number of endemic species. The reserve is little-visited, but does offer some interesting walking trails, whilst the surrounding tea-plantations contain some interesting accommodation options.

Set in the east of Sri Lanka, Gal Oya National Park is a relatively small conservation area, best known for motorboat safari to view elephants swimming between the various islands in the huge reservoir.

Set in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, Yala is the largest and best-known national park in the country, famously home to elephants, leopards and sloth bears, as well as having some decent beaches. The area also has a surprisingly good range of safari accommodation.

Set on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Tangalle is a pleasant fishing port, lined either side with some lovely beaches, which feature an unusual mix of accommodation from intimate boutique guesthouses to enormous beach hotels and a major golf resort.

Set on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Galle (pronounced 'gorl') is an historic port, centred on an impressive Portuguese, Dutch and British fort, a lovely place to explore and with some really authentic accommodation options.