Sri Lanka's first capital, founded in the 5th century B.C. is situated 206 km. from Colombo. Attractions worth seeing are The Sacred Bo Tree, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen Palace, Thuparama Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna and Mirisawati Dagaba.
Here in the midst of 2000 year of Sri Lankan history, you will also see among the ruins the world famed sculptures in granite named the Isurumuniya Lovers, the twin ponds and the Samadhi Buddha – a sculptured masterpiece dating to the 4th century AD. Anuradhapura is indeed an essential destination on any tourist’s itinerary.

Polonnaruwa is second in importance as royal city to Anuradhapura. In the 11th Century the capital was moved from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, as it was hoped that this new kingdom in such an inaccessible area would be better protected from the  raids from the Indian Sub-Continent. As a result Polonnaruwa became a splendid kingdom and capital. During the reign of king Parakrama Bahu the great  (1153 - 1186) and his successor Nissanka Malla 1187 - 1196 the Sinhalese kingdom reached its last golden age, of which the splendor of its buildings and palaces the impressive irrigation system with artificial lakes, tanks and channels give clear evidence

35 km north of the capital and only 6 km from the International airport. Negombo, is more fascinating and picturesque in its history and everyday life than as a beachfront. The town has several buildings dating back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial days. The Negombo lagoon is famous for its harvest of lobsters, crabs and prawns and fish auctions on the beach are worth a look. Old world fishing crafts such as the catamaran, the canoe with the outrigger are still used to bring in seer, skip jack and herrings. The gourmet can enjoy seafood in plenty.

About 58 km south of Colombo, Beruwala is the site of the oldest Moor settlement on the island (1024 AD) and the town even today retains a somewhat Arabic character. This is the beginning of a 130 km stretch of beach where resort development has taken immense strides in the past few years. There are several good beach resorts, built almost next to each other along the coast with beautiful tropical gardens and in such a way so as not to disturb the landscape. The bay offers good bathing possibilities the year round.

The most popular beach area, Hikkaduwa has a varied choice of beach and sea. Quite famous for its 'coral sanctuary', a shallow area enclosed by a reef is full of multi coloured corals, and colourful tropical fish. A short distance southwards, as the reef fades out, there is a wider beach with good waves for board or body surfing. Glass bottomed boats; masks, snorkels and flippers can all be hired here. Enjoy the underwater delights but we urge you not to be tempted into buying or encouraging the sale of coral.

The Horton Plain National Park is the only national park situated in the wet zone of the country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district. Situated 2300m above sea level this national park has different climatic conditions and habitat to all the other national parks. Almost all life forms in Horton Plain are adapted to the high altitude conditions. There are a lot of endemic flora and fauna found in the plains itself. The endemic among fauna is comparatively high. Bear Monkey (race of the Purple Face leaf Monkey), and Leopard are some interesting mammals. One would also find several endemic birds of hill country in the Horton plains national park.

The panoramic scenic beauty of the hill country could be witnessed within the park. The famous "World's End" and "Bakers Falls" are major attractions. The Kirigalpotta, second highest peak and the Thotapola, third highest peak of the country are also situated in the Horton plains.

The Ruhuna (Yala) National Park is one of the largest national parks in the Country with 103,882.9 hectares. It is situated 300 km. south of Colombo on the southeast shore of Sri Lanka. This National Park has several habitat types such as forests, scrub lands, grass lands, lagoons, beaches and  wetlands. This is the most visited national park of the country and its main attractions are Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Crocodiles, migratory and resident birds. Most appealing is the overall 'feel' of undisturbed jungle. Big rock formations, Tanks, Beaches and the Lagoons amplify the scenic beauty. A safari jeep ride will take you to close encounters with the wild beasts and to the beauty of the park and make it an unforgettable experience of your life.

Singharaja Forest Reserve is the most famous rainforest of the country. This tropical rain forest is a living heritage. Bio diversity of the forest is very high and a large proportion of the flora in this forest is endemic to the country and some endemic to the Singharaja Forest itself. This is a very good place to see lot of endemic birds such as Ceylon Lorikeet Layard's parakeet, Jungle and Spur Fowl, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Grey Hornbill, Spotted wing Thrush, Rufous and Brown- capped Babbler, Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush, Ceylon Blue Magpie, White Headed Starling, Ceylon Hill Mynha, Legge's Flowerpecker. The clear-cut roads in to the jungle provide easy access to the forest. This important forest is a Man and Biosphere Forest reserve and it is considered as a World Heritage Site.

Udawalawe National Park is situated in both intermediate zone and the dry zone. Udawalawe park is adjacent to the Udawalawe reservoir and Walawe river. The extent of the Udawalawe park is approximately 30821 hectares and is situated 170km south east of Colombo. This park lies between Rathnapura and Moneragala districts. Though scrub lands, and teak plantations are the habitat types of this park, grasslands with tall grass and occasional trees and bushes decorates the land for the living herds of wild Elephants. Udawalawe, is probably one of the best places to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka!

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated in Kegalle District approximately 90 Km from Colombo. You should travel on Colombo-Kandy Highway and turn off at Karadupola Junction towards the town of Rambukkana. It will take you approximately 07Km from this junction to reach Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Started in 1975 with a land area of approx. 10ha, it is a home for about 60-70 elephants. (Presently there are 63 elephants). Visitors are allowed from 8.30-5.30pm.