The first place pick of Lonely Planet’s top countries to visit in 2019, Sri Lanka continues to enthral all those who arrive at its enchanting shores. Here are just a few of the beautiful places this island has in store.

Mirissa
An ideal sun-soaked coastal getaway awaits in Mirissa; nestled along the south coast this charming town is home to a gorgeous palm tree fringed beach bordered by azure waters, providing a picture-perfect escape. Local tour specialists like Holidays by Design also let you enjoy another thing Mirissa is famed for – whale watching!
Sigiriya
A popular choice on most holiday packages in Sri Lanka, the stunning Sigiriya rock fortress is truly awe-inspiring. This towering UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true marvel and features ponds, gardens and ancient frescoes. The ascent to its summit is a not to be missed adventure and the view from the top is nothing short of breathtaking.
Ella
The hill country’s “new kid on the block” as it were, Ella is set amidst mist shrouded mountains and tea plantations that blanket the slopes in emerald. The train journey to this mountain hideaway is part of the experience and once there you can look forward to everything from trekking to zip-lining!
Yala
The island’s exotic beauty is on show at national parks such as Yala. Apart from varying landscapes, be it the jungle or the beach, this reserve is the ideal place to observe two of Sri Lanka’s most iconic animals; the majestic elephant and the stealthy leopard.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+