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.

Mirissa: a sleepy southern Sri Lankan gem where salt and sizzling seafood fill the air, crescent beaches beguile, whale-watching awes and Galle waits nearby.