The distinct Tamil culture, cuisine and palmyra palm landscapes of Sri Lanka’s far north, anchored by the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple and the restored ramparts of the Dutch built Jaffna Fort. A three night extension here, with a day trip to Delft Island, reaches further north than almost any other itinerary on the island.

A little visited 13th century capital built around a granite outcrop, its steep ornamental staircase flanked by Sri Lanka’s only Chinese-style stone lions, the same lion once depicted on the ten rupee note. Its relative obscurity means visitors often have the site largely to themselves.

Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, its royal palaces, sacred quadrangles and the Gal Vihara’s rock-carved Buddhas explored at a relaxed pace by bicycle along quiet park roads. Considerably more compact and legible than Anuradhapura, and easy to pair with a Cultural Triangle day.

Sri Lanka’s first great royal capital, founded in the 4th century BC and occupied for well over a thousand years, home to the Sri Maha Bodhi tree and some of the largest brick structures built anywhere in the ancient world. A full day here allows genuine time to absorb the scale of what survives.

A 5th century rock fortress rising 200 metres above the surrounding plains, with hydraulic water gardens, ancient frescoes and a summit that once held a royal palace. The pre-dawn climb, before the heat and the crowds, remains one of the defining experiences of any Sri Lanka trip.