With its epic views, Diyaluma Falls is one of the best natural pools in the world, hidden in the mountains of Sri Lanka and known to few tourists.

Diyaluma Falls is located 40 km from Ella, Sri Lanka, in the Badulla district. The nearest town is Koslanda, approximately 6 km away.

Many tourists, not knowing about its upper part, leave looking at the waterfall from below.

You can get there either with a guide or by tuk-tuk with a local driver.

On the way to the falls, you can encounter elephants and other wild animals, which makes it all the more impressive.

When you reach the upper part of the waterfall, an unforgettable sight opens before you. Natural pools on top of a cliff 220 meters high, forests hundreds of meters below you and of course few tourists.

You can easily swim there for several hours, talk with the locals and enjoy the day.

One of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka is the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

This temple is believed to hold a tooth relic from Buddha himself and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It’s also one of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to visit. However, you do need to make sure you are dressed appropriately – men and women must cover their shoulders and knees, as well as remove shoes. I highly recommend hiring a guide to explain the history and significance of this temple – signage is limited here.

For an iconic photo opportunity, head to Nine Arches Bridge in Ella. This stunning bridge was built during the British colonial era and is surrounded by lush greenery and tea plantations. Because this is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka it gets busy. To avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

It is a great place for those who are interested in both history and nature.

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch.

This city is one of the best places to look at Sri Lanka's colonial history. Here you can walk along the ramparts to see the magnificent views of the Indian Ocean, explore the photogenic streets lined with colonial architecture, visit the museum of the history of the area.

Galley also has many shops, cafes and restaurants for tourists.

Although most people arrive in Sri Lanka, via Colombo – the nation’s capital – it often gets overlooked as people head off to other destinations in the country.

Colombo is known for its diverse architecture that reflects its colonial history and multicultural influences. Here you will see many sites left over from Portuguese, Dutch and British influences.

Sigiriya, or Lion Rock, is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka, famed for its ancient rock fortress and stunning views. Built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, this UNESCO World Heritage site features impressive frescoes, mirror walls, and well-preserved gardens.

Climbing the nearly 1,200 steps to the summit reveals the ruins of the royal palace and breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding jungle. Sigiriya not only showcases Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage but also offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Sri Lanka is known for its tea production, and a visit to one of the many tea estates is a must for your Sri Lanka bucket list.

You can book tours to plantations where you will learn about the process of growing and harvesting tea leaves. You can also visit the tea museum, be present at the entire process of tea creation, and at the end taste different types of tea right there. The best places to experience tea culture in Sri Lanka are Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Kandy.

Another popular hiking spot in Sri Lanka is Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada.

This mountain is considered sacred by many religions and features a large footprint-shaped impression at the summit believed to be that of Buddha, Shiva, or Adam (depending on your beliefs). It’s one of the more challenging activities in Sri Lanka – the hike up to the summit is over 5,000 steps – but it’s well worth the effort for the views at the top.

It is exciting especially at sunrise․

If you are a wildlife lover, Yala National Park in the southeast of the country is a must-visit for you. Part of the reserve borders the Indian Ocean, making it a unique place to spot both land and marine animals. There are also ancient Buddhist ruins in the park.

You are likely to see many different species of birds, leopards, peacocks, lots of deer, tigers, lizards and elephants there.

Hikkaduwa is a city located just 100 km south of Colombo. Beautiful beaches and a large number of restaurants and hotels make it one of the best places for beach lovers.

Here you can swim with large turtles, see various marine animals and enjoy the most stealthy sunrises and sunsets.

There are also various means of transport here, thanks to which you can easily visit the nearby cities, for example, Colombo, Galle.