Places stenaavel Wants to Go

This fort dates back to 1588 and was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English and sits prominently on the Indian Ocean where azure water lap the coast.

Does this 10-foot-tall statue carved into a rock face depict a king afflicted by a skin condition or a Buddhist figure?

This peaceful sanctuary is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo.

This rural Sri Lankan village hides a cluster of small, enigmatic stupas.

The first and only planetarium in Sri Lanka.

This Sri Lankan cemetery is the final resting place of sci-fi legend Sir Arthur C. Clarke.

This peaceful, round shrine in the middle of the Sri Lankan jungle acts as a beacon of peace.

This sacred fig tree with a link to the Buddha is one of the oldest human-planted trees in the world.

This palatial, 99-doored Colonial mansion is a marvel of architectural fusion.

This amazing mountain temple is topped by one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in the world.

This ancient cave temple complex is the largest and best-preserved temple complex in Sri Lanka.

These abandoned ruins in the middle of Jaffna have withstood centuries of tumultuous power struggles.

Spend the night inside a two-story elephant villa.

An ancient temple to the Hindu god Shiva surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery.

To gaze upon the visage of Sri Lanka's biggest Buddha, one must first pass through the Tunnel of Hell.

This elaborate temple was built around one of the Buddha's teeth.

Seven beautiful 1,000-year-old rock-cut Buddhist statues.

The ruins of this old church are slowing sinking into the sand.

Pettah's beautiful floating market was once a stinky canal in a sketchy industrial area.

This luscious masterpiece created by landscape designer Bevis Bawa inspired the work of his brother, a famous Sri Lankan architect.

A Bohemian "anti-hotel" offers off-kilter stays in Sri Lanka.

Known as the most scenic route in Sri Lanka, this train line is steeped in history and offers an unparalleled view of the country.

Huge herds of Asian elephants can be seen walking, bathing, and just chilling at this Sri Lankan park.

This mesmerizing architectural wonder will take your breath away with its unusual color patterns.