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Yala National Park

Sri Lanka's most visited park is popular amongst nature lovers for having the world's highest density of majestic Sri Lankan leopards and frequent sightings of majestic elephants. Sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks and crocodiles are often seen too.

Travel back in time by visiting Sithulpauwwa, a Buddhist rock temple, and Magul Maha Viharaya, where ancient folklore says an ancient king wed an abandoned princess.

River Boat Safari Down The Walawe River

Take a short yet enchanting Tuk Tuk ride to explore the Walawe River and its six varieties of mangroves, 52 fish species, 72 bird species, 38 plant varieties and 28 animal species. As the sun sets, watch tropical birds, langur monkeys, peacocks and other wildlife along the river banks.

Kirinda Temple

This imposing hilltop Buddhist shrine includes a stupa and huge standing Buddha, and gives beautiful views of the surrounding beach, the serene Indian Ocean, sand dunes, and Kirinda fishing harbour.

The temple is dedicated to Queen Viharamahadevi, who is at the heart of a local legend; when raging waters threatened, King Kelanitissa ordered his youngest daughter into a boat as a sacrifice. The waters were calmed and the princess miraculously survived.