Sri Lanka offers year-round adventure. Colombo's bazaar district is an irresistibly vibrant hub, while to the east you'll find stunning beaches and the charming, yet war-ravaged, city of Jaffna.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is an outstanding wildlife sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage site, while Yala National Park provides outstanding leopard sighting opportunities.

Cultural Triangle

The Cultural Triangle is home to four of Sri Lanka's eight UNESCO World Heritage sites - such as Dambulla Cave Temples and Sigiriya Rock Fortress - but this region boasts much more than ancient monuments; Minneriya and Wilpattu National Parks also make this an excellent safari destination.

The Cultural Triangle should be visited during its cooler and less-busy months of January-March for optimal conditions and less crowds at its sites. But you can enjoy this region year-round as long as you can tolerate hotter temperatures and occasional showers.

Easter Sunday 2019's violent events have not deterred tourists from exploring its sights. Increased security measures may impede visitation but do not significantly compromise experience except longer waits at major attractions.

Beaches

Sri Lanka, as a tropical island, boasts world-class beaches that attract sunbathers, surfers and beach lovers year-round. Stretched along a 1340km (833-mile) coastline are calm waters, scenic splendours and cultural landmarks; additionally beaches play an essential role in conservation as important turtle nesting grounds and whale watching spots.

West coast beaches feature vast package holiday hotels that provide decent swimming and watersport facilities, while on the east side evocatively named breaks attract avid surfers. Rekawa beach offers tranquility perfect for strolling under palm trees while Unawatuna's sandy dunes have long been known as one of the top surfing beaches.

Talalla South Beach is another must-see beach in the area, featuring an alluring coastline ideal for kite surfing with stunning ocean views and frequented by migrating birds. Additionally, this location boasts many restaurants and cafes nearby for your dining pleasure.

Safaris

Sri Lanka offers safari experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth. From national parks filled with rare and iconic species like elephants and leopards to rare birds like Blue-Faced Malkohas, Jackerbin Cuckoos, and Drongo Cuckoos; there's sure to be something here that suits every interest and budget.

Yala National Park boasts one of the highest concentrations of leopards and elephants in Sri Lanka, making it an excellent place for animal spotting. Conveniently situated near Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle of ancient capital cities and temples, making an afternoon wildlife tour an easy addition before scaling Sigiriya Rock or visiting Polonnaruwa's ruins.

Hurulu Wewa Eco Park attracts herds of elephants during the dry season to graze on special 'elephant grass', and also houses an Elephant Transit Center which cares for orphaned and injured elephants, restoring them back into the wild as soon as they're able. Whale watching can also be enjoyed along the coast where blue, sperm whales as well as Risso's and common dolphins can often be found.

Shopping

Sri Lanka offers some of the finest shopping experiences at local businesses and independent boutiques, providing visitors with ethical purchasing options while providing opportunities to learn about daily life on this island nation.

However, unlike malls and big-name brands, these places often provide the best prices for jewelry and artisanal items at low costs. You may also enjoy exploring local markets in Kandy or other cities for an exciting shopping experience.

Sri Lanka offers great souvenir shopping experiences, but be mindful to negotiate and quote a fair price before purchasing anything. Furthermore, check if what you're purchasing is genuine if unsure; otherwise it might be wiser to request a receipt or visit more reliable store locations.