Of the few island countries worth visiting at least once, in your lifetime, Sri Lanka sits pretty high on the list. The country has a lot to offer tourists, both regarding cultural experiences and leisure activities.

Still, you can’t hope to visit all of Sri Lanka in a single trip; you’re going to have to prioritize. So, what are the best places to visit when you travel to Sri Lanka?

Sigiriya

Want to explore an ancient city on top of a plateau that overlooks a great expansion of jungle all around the horizon? Then Sigiriya is just the place for you.

Not only is a trip to Sigiriya a sightseeing tour, both of the city itself and the natural gardens, fountains, and ponds along the way, but it can also be taken as a hiking trip since the climb up the plateau is certainly one that’d work up a good sweat. And it’s all worth it to sit atop the Lion’s Rock (the name of the plateau) and gaze out at the world below.

Kandy

If you’re looking to experience city life in Sri Lanka but don’t want to get lost in the sea of people, Kandy might be right up your alley.

The drive to Kandy isn’t one you’ll soon forget, not with the rows upon rows of rubber plantations making the whole journey incredibly scenic. You even get to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and take part in various celebrations in the city.

Yala National Park

Wildlife enthusiasts won’t be disappointed by a visit to the Yala National Park. After all, you’ve got wild animals like elephants, water buffalo and leopards roaming around unhindered in the largest density then they are anywhere else in the world.

The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, meaning you’d better pack your cameras and binoculars for this trip.

Polonnaruwa

Not many sites can beat the archeological attraction that is Polonnaruwa, what with its eerie yet majestic ruins surrounded by the jungle that slowly reclaimed it. Still, Polonnaruwa is one of the best well-preserved ruins of its time despite being the second oldest kingdom of Sri Lanka.

There’s a lot to see; a tour of Polonnaruwa starts at the Archeological Museum, but it’s not long before you find yourself inside the Royal Palace, exploring its huge structure, and then heading to the jaw-droppingly beautiful Second Quadrangle before you leave.