A guide to Jathika Namal Uyana near Dambulla: Asia's largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain, its sanctuary-and-prison history, visiting tips and map.

A guide to Minneriya National Park: how a 3rd-century irrigation reservoir became the site of the world's largest Asian elephant gathering, visiting tips and map.

A guide to Habarana, Sri Lanka: the small village serving as the practical base for exploring Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and the region's national parks.

A guide to Kaudulla National Park: Sri Lanka's 15th national park, built around an ancient reservoir, part of the seasonal elephant migration corridor, visiting tips...

A guide to Hurulu Eco Park near Habarana: carved from a 1977 UNESCO biosphere reserve, the final leg of the elephant migration corridor, visiting tips...

A guide to Yapahuwa Rock Fortress: Sri Lanka's shortest-lived capital, the lion carvings that inspired the national flag, its role guarding the Tooth Relic, visiting...

A guide to Panduwasnuwara: the ancient city linked to a legendary imprisoned princess, King Parakramabahu's temporary capital, visiting tips and map.

A guide to the Aukana Buddha statue: Sri Lanka's tallest ancient standing Buddha, the master-and-pupil competition legend, visiting tips and map.

A guide to the Sasseruwa (Ras Vehera) Buddha statue: the unfinished twin of Aukana, its jungle setting, visiting tips and map.

A guide to Ritigala: the Ramayana mountain-fragment legend, the 9th-century 'rag-robe' monk rebellion, its unique flora, visiting tips and map.