Zinara Rathnayake

With seaside, ancient stupas, rustic rural hamlets, and abundant wildlife, Sri Lanka’s east coast is a holistic island experience.

Travelers frequent Sikkim for its Instagram-worthy high altitude lakes, farms, and pine-wood forest hiking. It’s important to know what not to miss.

Ramshackle heritage buildings dot the cityscape, a large market dominates the busy town, and Palmyrah leaves are weaved into a cadjan fences in houses. This is Jaffna.

Above and below the water, Raja Ampat is paradise. From Piaynemo to manta rays, this is one of Asia’s best choices for nature lovers.

It’s a little bit Penang, a little bit Cameron Highlands, and a little bit something new. Ipoh is a transitional destination on peninsular Malaysia worth a visit.

There’s a lot to see in Sri Lanka, from Sigiriya to leopards, but there’s something to be said for a long hike to a waterfall. Central Sri Lanka’s unique topography gives it some very interesting cascades.

There’s more to Agra than the Taj Mahal, from plush hotels with unbeatable views to 15th century marvels of engineering. The abiding Mughal history of the region can be found in every corner.

From the 17th century architecture of the luxury Amangalla to some of the best seafood in Sri Lanka, a day in Galle Fort is for history lovers, epicureans, and shopaholics alike.

Despite all the press and nature documentaries, Meghalaya remains somewhat isolated. For the nature lover who wants to see humankind living in harmony with nature, this wettest place on Earth is a good start.

Whether you want to catch waves or air, Sri Lanka has destinations all around the island and in all seasons for the intrepid surfer and kitesurfer.