Also known as Ceylon, the namesake of the famous Ceylon tea, this charming country is situated ​​southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the coast of India. Sri Lanka is home to some of the most illustrious terrains, from the hills of Kandy to the beaches of Galle and the ancient city of Anuradhapura to rock formations in Sirigaya. With over 1000km of coastal belt of mangroves and lagoons, there are many things to do and discover in Sri Lanka.

Separated from India via the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar, Sri Lanka is divided into nine provinces, all offering different kinds of landscapes. The Western Province holds the vibrant city of Colombo. It has a unique cityscape, wherein modernity and its towering skyscrapers blend with antiquity and the old town, forming an eccentric charm. Off the coast of Colombo is the Negambo Lagoon and its beaches, such as Negombo Beach, Alankuda Beach, and Kalpitiya, where you can spot blue whales or enjoy watersports like surfing and kitesurfing from November to April.

Then, in the Southern Province, the Galle Coast welcomes you to its breathtaking coastal hideaway, where serene beaches and historic temples meet. The town’s most notable spot is the Galle Fort, a remnant of a previous colonial citadel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also the perfect vacation spot to enjoy a spa session after a thrilling surfing adventure. Sailing to Mirissa, a popular beachfront to spot whales and dolphins, will be the highlight of the trip. For a fashionably laid-back basking in the sun, the beaches around Tangalle offer an excellent location for a serene and chic anchorage. Near Tangalle is Mulkirigala Rock Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple made around the 3rd century, which is a great spot for a peaceful and ​​invigorating hiking adventure.

Speaking of hiking, the Central Province and North Central Province offer lush green tea plantations and rolling hills, perfect for an early trek with a blend of cultural mysticism. It features four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Central Highlands, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Aluvihare Rock Temple. The Central Highlands are a series of lush forests home to several endemic species. The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa offer a glimpse of ancient Sri Lankan civilisation and its magnificence. Aluvihare Rock Temple is a religious site where several Buddhist scriptures were first written. Visit Aluvihare Rock Temple and enjoy the spiritual ambience that can only be experienced in such an important place.

Despite having no natural freshwater lakes, Sri Lanka has the most waterfalls of any nation. Yala National Park and Gal Oya National Park, located in the Uva Province, are the ideal places to see some of the most stunning waterfalls.

Sri Lanka also has about 100 islands off its mainland, most of which are pristine and located in the Northern Province, west of the Jaffna Peninsula. The location is remote and quaint yet filled with lush vegetation and an untapped landscape.

<br>Everywhere in Sri Lanka, there is something to discover and do. Embrace and savor its unbeatable natural gems and ancient mystics as you land in this beautiful land. If you want to charter in Sri Lanka, view our list of Luxury Charter Yachts available.