by chamara sanjeewa

Quick trip to ella

A short, wildlife-packed getaway pairing Sri Lanka's most famous national park with the palm-fringed south coast. Track leopards, elephants and crocodiles on a dawn safari in Yala's Block 1 — the highest leopard density on earth — then unwind on the beaches around Mirissa with optional whale watching.

The best of Sri Lanka's wildlife and hill country in one easy loop. Watch wild elephants roam Udawalawe National Park and meet orphaned calves at the Elephant Transit Home, then climb into the misty tea hills around Ella for waterfalls, the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak.

Combine Sri Lanka's largest and wildest national park with the island's ancient heart. Safari through Wilpattu's famous 'villus' (natural lakes) for leopards and sloth bears, then explore the ruined royal cities of Anuradhapura, the Sigiriya rock fortress and the Dambulla cave temples.

The definitive first-time Sri Lanka tour. Loop from the cultural triangle through the sacred city of Kandy and up into the tea-covered highlands, riding one of the world's most beautiful train journeys to Ella. Ancient sites, hill country and plenty of scenery in one perfectly paced week.

The complete island in ten days — ancient cities, sacred Kandy, tea-country highlands, a wildlife safari and the golden south coast. A relaxed, comprehensive itinerary for travellers who want to see the very best of Sri Lanka without rushing.

The grand island circuit for travellers with time to see it all — from the northern Tamil heartland of Jaffna to the wild east coast, the ancient cities, the tea highlands and the southern beaches. Two weeks of culture, wildlife and coast at an unhurried pace.

A cool-climate escape into the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country. Wind up from Kandy through emerald plantations to Nuwara Eliya, ride the celebrated blue train to Ella, and walk among waterfalls, tea factories and mountain viewpoints.

Sun, sand and blue whales along Sri Lanka's golden south coast. Laze on the beaches of Bentota and Mirissa, wander the ramparts of colonial Galle Fort, and head offshore in search of the world's largest animal.