Sri Lanka packs a surprising amount of variety into a compact island — colonial-era hill-country railway lines, ancient dagoba temples, Yala's leopard density, and two coastlines with entirely different characters.
The hill country train from Kandy to Ella is one of the most scenic rail rides in Asia. The tea estates, waterfalls, and mist-wrapped valleys it moves through make the journey itself the experience, not just the destination.
The south and east coasts suit different seasons and different purposes. The south is the consistent choice for surf and beach; the east opens up in May–September for calmer water and fewer tourists. Yala National Park has the world's highest density of leopards and is accessible year-round.
In-depth guide
The Southeast Asian Coast Adventure Guide
6 min read