Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Udawalawe National Park is situated on the border of Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces, approximately 165 kilometers from Colombo and north of the South Coast. It is renowned for excellent year-round elephant sightings and makes for a perfect day trip from the coast.The park was established on June 30, 1972, partly to protect animals that lost their habitat due to the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. It covers approximately 308 square kilometers; a herd of an estimated 250 elephants lives here permanently, though tour guides often cite significantly higher total numbers.With 184 documented bird species, including 33 migratory birds, the park is also appealing to birdwatchers. Located at its edge is the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephant calves are raised. The nearest town is Embilipitiya.

Adam's Peak, in Sinhalese Sri Pada, is a 2,243-meter high conical mountain in the western highlands and one of the island's holiest sites. Between December and May, pilgrims and travelers ascend at night via around 5,500 steps to reach the summit by sunrise.Near the summit lies a 1.8-meter long rock imprint, revered by Buddhists as the footprint of Buddha, by Hindus as that of Shiva, by Christians as that of Saint Thomas, and by Muslims as Adam's. At sunrise, the mountain casts a triangular shadow over the surrounding area, which rapidly shortens as the sun rises higher.Six paths lead up, with the ascent from Dalhousie (Nallathanni) near Hatton being the most frequently used, alongside the path from Ratnapura via Palabaddala.

Sri Lanka's south coast stretches from Hikkaduwa, about 100 kilometers south of Colombo, through Galle and the bays of Weligama and Mirissa, all the way to Tangalle. It connects a UNESCO-protected colonial city with surf beaches, fishing ports, and, further inland, some of the island's most renowned national parks.Most coastal towns are located along the coastal railway from Colombo to Matara and the A2 highway, making travel between them easy. Further inland lie the Sinharaja rainforest and the dry forests of Udawalawe and Yala, all of which can be visited from the coast as day or overnight excursions.

Weligama is situated on a wide sandy bay about 144 kilometers south of Colombo, between Galle and Mirissa. The sheltered bay is considered one of the best beginner spots for surfing in Sri Lanka, with surf schools lining the central beach.The name means "sandy village". Off the western part of the bay lies the tiny island of Taprobane with a single villa, and on the outskirts of the village is the Kusta Raja Gala relief carved into the rock. West of Weligama, along the coast near Ahangama, Kathaluwa, and Koggala, the famous stilt fishermen sit on their poles.Besides simple surf camps, a variety of cafés and restaurants have established themselves in and around Weligama, ranging from brunch spots to the gourmet offerings of the Cape Weligama resort on the headland to the west.

Unawatuna is a seaside resort on a curving bay about five kilometers southeast of Galle and around 108 kilometers south of Colombo. Due to its proximity to the Fort and the coral reefs off the coast, it is one of the most visited beaches on the south coast.In front of the beach lie reefs and shipwrecks, home to fish and turtles. West of the bay rises the forested hill Rumassala, with the hidden Jungle Beach and the Japanese Peace Pagoda. The 2004 tsunami destroyed many beach restaurants; the development along the beach has since been rebuilt.Life unfolds along the beachfront promenade and in the alleys behind it; quieter accommodations are located towards Dalawella in the east.