The finest elephant-watching destination in South Asia. Open grassland herds of 50–100 animals visible throughout the day.

Ancient ruins from the 1st century BCE inside a strictly protected mountain forest. One of the island's most extraordinary silences.

A UNESCO Ramsar mangrove wetland navigated by flat-bottomed boat - cinnamon islands, temple islands, and monitor lizards on exposed roots.

A sheltered south coast cove with a beginner-friendly wave and an easy, undeveloped atmosphere the busier surf towns have long since lost.