Here are five essential experiences and destinations.
1. Riding the rails
One of the easiest ways to get around the country — not to mention the cheapest — is via Sri Lanka’s rail network.
It stretches across some of the country’s most scenic landscapes, from tea gardens and paddy fields to that famed coastline.
Three of the most photogenic routes are from Colombo to Kandy, from Kandy to the tea estates of Ella and from Colombo to Galle.
Sri Lanka has two competing high-end rail services, Expo Rail and the Rajadhani Express.
Both are first-class carriages run by private operators attached to regular trains run by Sri Lanka Railways.
Rajadhani Express trains can be found on three routes that run on two major Sri Lanka rail lines.
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Guests stay in an ocean-side villa, while the camp offers surfing lessons for all levels.
Seven-day packages start from $443.
Secluded on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka you’ll find the most fabulous stretch of off-white sand and azure water in the country — Tangalle.
Yet to be hit by mass tourism, it’s a rare piece of paradise.
Among recommended hotels in Tangalle: the luxurious Amanwella (Boddhi Mawatha, Wella Wathuara, Godellawela, Tangalle; +94 47 224 1333; suites from $600) with its private beach and modern suites.
For whale and dolphin watching expeditions there’s Mirrisa beach. But you’ll first have to face a three-hour boat ride through rough waters.
Raja & the Whales (+94 77 695 3452; tours from $43 per person) is one of the most responsible tour operators running whale watching trips.
MORE: CNNGo in Sri Lanka: Spicy crabs, blue whales and Ceylon tea
