Mirissa, a sun-drenched jewel on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, pulses with a laid-back energy. Golden beaches curve into sparkling waters where surfers carve gentle waves by day and the shoreline comes alive with cozy bars and music after dark. It’s the perfect springboard for exploring the storied ramparts of Galle Fort and the deep blue nearby plays host to unforgettable whale and dolphin excursions — sea-spray mornings that feel made for stories.

Once the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna as early as the 3rd century BC, Tissamaharama is steeped in history. This quiet town in Sri Lanka is known for Buddhist monasteries, beautiful beaches and wildlife reserves like Yala National Park, where visitors can join a wildlife safari.

Sri Lanka’s Ella is most well known for Nine Arches Bridge, a viaduct bridge built without any steel and set against a lush green landscape surrounded by rolling hills, cloud forests and tea plantations. The town also boasts epic waterfalls, exhilarating train rides and sacred Buddhist temples.

Traveling from Sigiriya, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa can be reached in no time. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka and first established as a military post by the Sinhalese kingdom. Today, it's a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of sacred temples, stupas and other religious monuments.

Dambulla is located in central Sri Lanka and the closest town to the Ancient City of Sigiriya. It's known for Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, Dambulla Cave Temple, both of which visitors climb.