As a treasure trove of breathtaking geographical features and exciting wayside attractions, Sri Lanka is every traveller’s dream vacation spot. From hidden beaches to psychedelic hotels, gorge yourself on the best and the most unusual tourist sites on your holiday here. If you’re in the process of planning your vacation itinerary, or just skimming through for some holiday inspiration, take a look at the list below for must-visits for an experience that’s a little off the beaten track.

1. Tangalle Bay Beach

Would this even be a list containing Sri Lankan attractions if it didn’t include a beach? While Tangalle isn’t the most popular beachside attraction for locals or tourists, it is a true coastal hideaway, filled with the golden sands and gently swaying palm fronds of a bona fide Hollywood RomCom. Resembling something straight of a travel brochure, visitors here can revel in the serene and uncongested coastal wonderland. If you’re concerned about accommodation and top-notch amenities, fear not, Tangalle is replete with a range of lush and luxurious resorts and hotels that will cater to all your needs. The rest of the town is an almost equally compelling site for some exploration, with the country’s colonial past manifesting itself in the buildings and architecture of the area. Happy exploring!

2. Helga’s Folly, Kandy

Undoubtedly the wackiest hotel you will ever visit, Helga’s Folly is exactly the kind of wonderland you’d expect a real-world Alice to lose herself in. With its larger than life murals, paintings and sculptures adorning its walls, the hotel was previously the home of owner Helga de Silva, a former model for luxury fashion brand Dior, who counts among her friends renowned individuals such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. In fact, some of the paintings in the hotel are her own work, a form of therapy used during a particularly difficult period of her life. While she doesn’t get out much anymore, you may just catch a glimpse of her on your winding tour through the property. Given the psychedelic design and decor of the hotel, reflecting the presence and personality of a once lively Helga, prices for an overnight stay are a little high. If you’re stuck for cash but still want to experience this otherworldly resort, luckily, a quick tour and lunch is more than enough to leave a lasting impression. Pro tip: make sure you make your way to its pool at the back. It’s easily one of the most photographed spots at the hotel.

3. Kumbuk River Resort

Ever wonder what it must have been like inside the famed Trojan Horse? With the Kumbuk River Resort in Sri Lanka, you might just be able to find out. Well, sort of. Shaped like a giant elephant, guests get to inhabit the cavernous interior of this mesmerising and lifelike structure, with all the amenities and luxuries you’d expect from your everyday resort. Located in proximity to the Yala National Park, staying a day or two in this unconventional resthouse is an absolute must if you’re looking to unwind beside lush surroundings, which forms a core part of your experience here. Given its secluded location and capacity of only up to 10 guests, you can be guaranteed a serene escape from the life and hubbub of the big city.

4. Brief Garden

If you’re a sucker for well manicured lawns and lush gardens, the Brief Garden is a hideaway you can’t miss out on, on your trip to Sri Lanka. The work of Bevis Bawa, brother of renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, the property is a stunning insight into the skill and creativity that compounded the thinking and work of the brothers. Featuring winding paths into a tropical paradise, the gardens of the property are replete with statues and sculptures that blend seamlessly into its carefully constructed environment. Even the interior of the house, located in the midst of this stunning landscape, is full of wondrous works of art; giving visitors an appreciation of the rich artistic influence the skilled landscape designer was privy to. Words don’t do the site any justice, and nothing short of the actual experience can truly convey the magnificence of this once opulent hideaway. At Fernando Travels, our aim is to give you a holiday you’ll never forget. For more secret escapes in paradise island, Sri Lanka, hit us up today! We’re happy to help you plan every step of your next vacation.