Winning tip: cycling in Yala national park
To get your wildlife hit, avoid the crowds and entrance fees and cycle on the public B35, through Yala national park. Get moving at dawn and see a whole host of wildlife, from mongoose and water buffalo to giant squirrels and crocodiles – we even got chased by a wild elephant! Settle down afterwards with some hoppers: fermented coconut milk pancakes, or roti with spicy sambal. Meals with the locals are under £1 a go and get the taste buds pumping every time.
Thomas Thompson
Adam’s Peak
After a long, winding journey through tea plantations and stunning scenery we reached Dalhousie, base camp for the trek to Adam’s Peak. At 2,243m, this is a pilgrimage made by folk from many religious backgrounds. To reach the summit by dawn, leave at 2am and take the thigh-burning climb up 5,200 stone steps. Tea shops line the path, allowing for much-needed breaks. The sunrise is breathtaking as is the perfect, pyramid-shaped shadow created by the mountain at dawn. Take water, good walking shoes and plenty of determination.
sarahrobs
Sigiriya rock fortress
The Sigiriya rock fortress is a must-see, by which I mean a must-climb. A ruined royal palace sits atop an 200m rocky outcrop. At the top, you are rewarded with colourful frescoes, ancient graffiti, landscaped gardens, water features, the remains of a giant lion-shaped gateway, and views of the idyllic countryside.
gwynethjp
Catch a cricket match
Sri Lankans are passionate about cricket and, if you are in Colombo, Galle or Kandy when a match is on, go along and soak up the atmosphere. A ticket costs about £3 and it’s a great way to get to know people as you’ll be offered food, asked your opinions, maybe even to dance – as I was! You’re a long way from the blazers and ties required at Lord’s!
gonca
Anuradhapura
The mystical skyline and ruins of the ancient city of Anuradhapura are an evocative reminder of its status as Sri Lanka’s ruling city for over 1,300 years. Head there during a poya (religious celebration), when the streets, temples, courtyards and pools are lit by lanterns and candles. Join in the parades when families, revellers and worshippers fill the streets at full moon: simply magical.
funinfinland
Arugam Bay
A beautiful, remote beach on the far eastern coast, next to the tiny Arugam Bay village. The expansive, sandy bay is perfect for a long walk and home to several basic but idyllic hotels. The working beach sees friendly fishermen haul in their nets each day. Watch the local schoolkids embarrassing the foreign surfers.
ID5665097
Don’t miss Mirissa
Marvel at the blue whales on a boat trip from Mirissa. Pick your catch of the day, have it freshly grilled at a beachside restaurant, enjoy a cocktail, eat authentic roti for less than £1, and take a tuk-tuk to see the famed stilt fishermen near Weligama.
rajaandthewhales.com
Barbara Wilson
Horton Plains and World’s End
Horton Plains national park and the stunning views from World’s End were the highlights of my trip. We set off at 5am when the sun was rising, silhouetting the mountain landscape against the pink sky. Horton Plains is so peaceful and quiet and it’s about a three-mile walk to World’s End, an apt name as there are no railings or barriers, just a sheer 1,200m drop.
Zoe Feltham
Galle to Tangalle villas
This area is a great place for a holiday, and home to dozens of fully staffed villas. Luxurious and great value, these vary from Bawa-designed homesteads to beach huts for two. You fall into a local network, with staff able to arrange transport, shopping and activities for a reasonable rate. Staff often live in local villages and, as their shyness fades, you’ll have opportunities to learn about their communities.
thevillaguide.com/south-coast-villas
MethodCat
Bundala national park
This lesser visited park has all of the wildlife of its bigger sister (Yala) but none of the congestion. Spend the sunset hours away from the crowds, enjoying the huge variety of birds and animals in this wetland wonder. Bundala has homestays next to the park entrance and knowledgeable guides who can spot a spotted deer from a mile off and will happily park up by the pink flamingos. Just watch out for hungry crocs. Best time to hit the trail is from 2pm till sundown.
James Sri Lanka