1. Visit Yala National Park, teeming with wildlife: sloth bears, leopards, and flamingos in the lagoons.

2. Take the train to the central highlands and explore colonial tea plantations, lush vegetation, and abundant waterfalls. For the journey, you can choose the route from Colombo to Kandy or from Kandy to Ella.

3. Discover Kandy and the surrounding plateau, and don't miss the famous Temple of the Tooth, which houses a relic of Buddha's tooth.

4. Climb above the misty forests to explore the ancient rock-cut ruins at Sigiriya.

5. Head to the beaches near Weligama to watch stilt fishermen occasionally catch tiny sardines.

6. Attend a cricket match: it’s the most popular sport in Sri Lanka and is played by professionals in Colombo and children for fun on the country’s beaches.

7. Stroll through the charming fortified city of Galle, which has remained anchored in the past. Built in 1663, the Dutch architecture fills the town center, and fragrant red hibiscus and coconut trees line the streets, completing the scene of this peaceful town.

8. To see the mighty blue whale, head to Mirissa, also known for its stunning beaches.

9. Discover the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, a mix of temples, statues, and partially collapsed columns dating back to the 9th century. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Sunbathe at Nilaveli and relax on one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful golden sand beaches.

11. Dambulla: the caves are a very important site for Buddhists. The caves house Buddha statues.

12. Explore Anuradhapura by bike, the first capital of Sri Lanka.

13. Surf at Arugam Bay, the most famous surf spot in Sri Lanka.

14. Climb Adam's Peak, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, for a sacred, sporty hike and a breathtaking sunrise view!

15. Visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation: this organization shelters mistreated elephants. You can bathe with them and take a ride on their backs.

16. Go on a safari at Uda Walawe: this national park is home to many elephants and resembles Africa.

17. Undergo an Ayurvedic treatment in a specialized clinic. It is an ancient practice heavily influenced by Indian medicine. According to its followers, the five elements, in connection with the five senses, shape the nature of each individual constitution, known as doshas or life forces. Herbs, spices, oils, and more are used to restore the balance of doshas.

18. Visit the tea plantations in the mountainous region, a remnant of the British colonial era. The vast plantations have made Sri Lanka the second-largest tea producer. Today, you can visit some factories, especially in Nuwara Eliya.

19. Hike in Horton Plains to World's End. The rugged landscapes of Horton Plains are surprising in this land of tropical blues and greens.

20. Go rafting in Kitulgala and relive the scenes from The Bridge on the River Kwai as if you were there.