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ATTRACTION YOU WILL VISIT: Anuradhapura in the northern centre of Sri Lanka is where a sapling of the Bhodi tree of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, was planted. The Sri Maha Bodhiya is the oldest documented tree that is still living. The city also has palaces, monasteries and monuments (all in ruins) that are fascinating to visit. Ruwanwelisaya, an ancient stupa, is revered by the Buddhist community. Thuparamaya enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha and is considered to be the first dagaba, or pagoda, built in Sri Lanka. Lovamahapaya also known as the Brazen Palace is between the Ruwanvaliseya and Sri Maha Bodhiya. Jetavanarama is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. As well as these beautiful places there are other stupas and relics, soaring over the vast acres of paddy fields in the area. Anuradhapura in sri lankaJAFFNA Located in the Northern Province is the colourful city of Jaffna, on a peninsula that is like an island with only a narrow connection with the rest of Sri Lanka at Elephant Pass. The Jaffna Market is thrilling to visit with its vibrant atmosphere and variety of locally produced goods, fruits and vegetables. As a contrast to the bustling commerce of the town there is the spirituality of the Hindu temple known as the Nallur Kovil. Visits can also be made by boat to the Buddhist shrine on the island of Nagadeepa. A contrast is Delft Island with its ruins of forts and wild ponies that roam carefree. There is even a beach, some 35km from Jaffna, fringed with Casurina trees, after which it is named. To visit Jaffna is to appreciate yet another aspect of multi-cultured Sri Lanka. Jaffna Public Library one of Jaffna's notable landmarksTRINCOMALEE Trincomalee, popularly known as Trinco, has a huge, natural harbour, however it was never developed - apart from being a base of the Sri Lanka navy today, and being guarded by Fort Frederick, which bears the date 1676 above its arch. The fort is open to visitors who can walk to the summit for a view of the harbour and of Swami Rock behind the Koneswaram temple. The Hot Wells in Trincomalee are another popular attraction. This is an unusual place as there are seven hot wells in which the water is naturally of different temperatures. Close to Trincomalee, at Uppuveli, is a broad strip of beach with smart hotels as well as beachside guest shacks for divers and beach lovers. Trincomalee is 257km by good road from Colombo and is served by a daily Night Mail train. Trincomalee in sri lankaPASSIKUDAHPassikudah is a popular tourist destination boasting one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world. Walk kilometers into the beautiful ocean with it only reaching your knees, to gaze at the glistening horizon. A truly amazing experience.Passikudah in sri lankaHABARANAHabarana is the central point of Sri Lanka's cultural and historic triangle and the most convenient base for excursions to the Ancient historical cities. Located in the north central part of the island, Habarana is a part of Sri Lanka's dry zone. Thanks to the genius of our ancient kings dating as far as the 05th Century AD, the Sri Lankan dry zone is anything but dry, with hundreds of lakes and reservoirs which are connected by an elaborate network of canals making up an old but great irrigation system. Aside from the benefit for agriculture and industry, the waterworks of the dry zone provide some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery and fertile habitat for the islands incredible bio-diversity.Sri Lanka's native flower - The Olu (White Water Lotus)MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK Minneriya National Park. Sitting in the centre of the cultural triangle, Minneriya is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it's easy to weave in a day here between visiting the ancient cities. The dry season, preferably from June to September, is the best time to visit the 8,890 hectare park when the ancient tank, the lake that dominates the area, dries out and the grasses and shoots push through. During this time it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing, as well as toque macaques, sambar deer and leopards. The hungry bird flocks include cormorants and painted storks. Minneriya, closest by car to the ancient city Polonnaruwa, was upgraded from a nature reserve to a national park because of the increased number of tourists coming to see the elephants.