Yala National Park
It is the largest and oldest of a chain of six national parks and three sanctuaries. There are 44 mammal species, 215 bird species, and dozens of reptiles.
Bundala National Park
It harbours around 197 species of migratory waterbird species and stretches 20km along the west coast of Yala. Greater flamingos are its main highlight.
Sithulpawwa
This 2nd Century monastery atop a rocky outcrop is said to have built by King Kavantissa. It features ancient paintings and ruins of stone Buddha images.
Buduruwagala
These seven rock-cut Buddha figures date back to the 10th Century and belong to the Mahayana tradition. It also has a mysterious mustard oil lamp.
Kataragama
It is one of the most sacred multi-religious pilgrim sites in the country, with a shrine dedicated to a deity of both Buddhist and Hindu origins.
Okanda Devalaya
Considered to be the official entrance to Kumana National Park, legend has it as the place God Murugan first sailed into Sri Lanka in a golden boat.