Dubbed "Little England" due to its cool climate and colonial-era bungalows, Nuriwaya Eliya boasts a landscape far more dramatic than Britain's. Mist-shrouded mountains and terraced tea plantations surround the former hill station, while world-class brews are abundant.

Rising around a scenic lake, UNESCO-listed Kandy is home to sacred landmarks, landscaped gardens, and cultural museums. Beyond the city, a cloudy forest and tropical plantations roll across the mountain slopes providing plenty of hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities, while upscale resorts line the Mahaweli River.

There are many different reasons to add Yala National Park to your must-see list: the chance to go on safari and see a wild boar or majestic Sri Lankan leopard, the winding trails, and the fact that in some places the park even touches the Indian Ocean. However, two of the most popular reasons to visit are Sithulpauwwa, a Buddhist rock temple, and Magul Maha Viharaya, where folklore says an ancient king wed an abandoned princess. The history and artifacts found here transport you back to those ancient times.

Most travellers have never heard of Tangalle—and they're missing out. In this Sri Lankan gem, you'll find some of the best beaches on the island, like Goyambokka Beach, where you could lie out for hours under the gently swaying palms. You'll also find some serious adventure, if that's your thing. Go kayaking around the mangrove-lined Tangalle Lagoon or hike up to Mulkirigala Rock Temple for the best panoramic views. You can't go wrong with the food, either—from beachside bites to the food stalls around Tangalle Market, it's all out of this world.

Visitors are drawn to the golden sand beaches of Wadduwa, on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The lush beauty of coconut plantations gives Wadduwa an undiscovered, exotic feel—perfect for someone seeking a tranquil vacation in Sri Lanka.

“Nosy Be?” Is that a typo for “Noisy Bee?” Nope. It means “big island” and it is just that; a large island off the northwest coast of Madagascar. Here you’ll find volcanic lakes, lazy lemurs, rum distilleries, Ylang Ylang plantations and intricate coral reefs that are practically begging to be explored. Flora and fauna lovers will be in seventh heaven at the beautiful Lokobe Nature Special Reserve. Audiophiles should visit in May, to experience the four-day Donia Music Festival.

This laid-back beach town on Crete is popular with European travellers. Soft, golden sands and shallow waters make the beaches here especially family-friendly, and there’s a great variety of tavernas, restaurants and bars (including an Irish pub!).

The clock tower of Sighisoarais the grand dame of the city, reigning tall and proud from atop a central hill. Founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features well-preserved medieval stone streets and structures. Visit fortified churches, climb the famed Scara Şcolarilor covered staircase, and get goosebumps at the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s terrifying creature, Count Dracula.