Explore Sri Lanka's best natural attractions

These are two of the largest national parks in Sri Lanka. Big game can be sighted in both places but Yala — the further of the two from Colombo — has the highest density of leopards, while Wilpattu commonly associated with the sloth bear.

The beach town of Mirissa worth visiting for its white-sand beaches alone, but it’s also a great place for whale-watching. It is best to go between November and April, when the seas are calmer and blue whales are passing by as they migrate from the southern hemisphere to warmer waters for breeding.

No trip to Sri Lanka would be complete without a visit to what is dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World. Perched atop a 200m-high rock plateau, Sigiriya contains the ruins of a palace that dates back to the 5th century. With landscaped gardens and evidence of complex water engineering, it is an unparalleled example of ancient urban planning.

Voted by Guardian as one of the 10 great botanical gardens in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya is home to over 4,000 plant species. The century-old Javan fig tree is a hit, but don’t miss the collection of 40m-tall giant Burmese bamboo and the Orchid House, where you will find exhibits of rare species.

A world away from the balmy coastal lowlands, Sri Lanka’s cool central highlands is home to lush jungles, misty hills and more than one hundred waterfalls. A 3.5-hour drive from Colombo, the 126m Laxapana Falls is one of the country’s most iconic (in fact, it’s featured on Sri Lanka’s 100 rupee note). While you can admire it from above, take the steps to the bottom of the falls for the most breathtaking views.