( CNN ) Home to a gorgeous coastline , ancient cities and lush countryside , Sri Lanka is also slowly healing from the wounds of war . But with a steadily improving infrastructure , this tiny emerald-shaped island is on the rise . Here are five essential experiences and destinations . 1 . Riding the rails . One of the easiest ways to get around the country -- not to mention the cheapest -- is via Sri Lanka 's rail network . It stretches across some of the country 's most scenic landscapes , from tea gardens and paddy fields to that famed coastline . Three of the most photogenic routes are from Colombo to Kandy , from Kandy to the tea estates of Ella and from Colombo to Galle . Sri Lanka has two competing high-end rail services , Expo Rail and the Rajadhani Express . Both are first-class carriages run by private operators attached to regular trains run by Sri Lanka Railways . Rajadhani Express trains can be found on three routes that run on two major Sri Lanka rail lines . ExpoRail serves more than 60 destinations on four different routes . 2 . Walking tour of Pettah , Colombo . Pettah is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Colombo , known for its historic buildings and markets . A great place to start your tour of this historic area is the Pettah Market on Main Street , a hotbed of Sinhalese , Tamil and Muslim merchants . It 's one of the most important trading centers in Colombo , selling everything from spices and dried fish to textiles . From here , you can head to Sea Street for gem shopping . South of the old Town Hall , vendors sell vegetables and fruits . While in the area , it 's worth paying a visit to the impressive Wolfendaal Church , built in 1749 , and the historic Jami Ul Alfar Mosque , built in 1909 . 3 . Golden Temple of Dambulla . The simplicity of its façade is a false tell -- Sri Lanka 's Dambulla cave temple -- also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla -- contains wonderful painted murals and ancient artifacts . A UNESCO World Heritage Site , this rock temple complex dates back to the 1st century BC . Towering more than 160 meters , the complex houses five main shrines . In the second cave , known as the temple of the great kings , you 'll find the most impressive and biggest of all five . Built by Vattagamini Abhaya , it houses many Buddha statues in varying positions as well as deities from the Hindu pantheon . At the top of the complex visitors can watch the sun setting over the countryside . Coupling the trip to Dambulla cave with a visit to the nearby ancient city of Sigiriya makes for a spectacular experience . The best way to do this is to base yourself in the central Sri Lankan city of Kandy , 70 kilometers from Dambulla . For hotels , you ca n't go wrong with the chic Kandy House ( Thekandyhouse.com , Amunugama Waluwa , Gunnepana , +94 81 492 1394 ; rooms from $ 225 ) . 4 . Glamorous Galle . The beautiful town of Galle was built around the 16th century by the Portuguese . A major trading post on the spice trade route , it also shifted hands between the Dutch and English . Today , it 's a delight to walk or cycle around , its quaint streets strewn with old warehouses , churches , boutiques and beautiful homes . Galle Fort occupies roughly 130 acres . You can start your exploration with a walk around the fort wall , moving on to the National Maritime Museum just opposite the post office . Galle has some fabulous restored historic hotels . It 's worth spending a night or two , as you get a real sense of the place when the daily tour buses leave . One of the best properties in town is Galle Fort Hotel ( 28 Church St. , Galle Fort , Southern Province ; +94 91 223 2870 ) . From a weather standpoint , December to April is the best time to visit Galle . 5 . Beach hopping . With its 1,340-kilometer coastline , Sri Lanka does n't make things easy for those trying to decide which beach to bum on . First there 's Unawatuna , famed for its golden sand . It 's one of the busiest beaches in Sri Lanka , dotted with shacks , restaurants and hotels for every budget . Among these is French Lotus ( Yaheddimulla Road , Unawatuna , Gall ; +94 77 152 28 67 ; rooms from $ 38 ) , a modest colonial house with cheap rates . For surfers , the waters of Ahangama have the best waves in Sri Lanka . There are many surf schools as well as rental shops across from the beach . Lapoint Surf Camp , situated just opposite the Ahangama beach , is renowned among surfers . Guests stay in an ocean-side villa , while the camp offers surfing lessons for all levels . Seven-day packages start from $ 443 . Secluded on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka you 'll find the most fabulous stretch of off-white sand and azure water in the country -- Tangalle . Yet to be hit by mass tourism , it 's a rare piece of paradise . Among recommended hotels in Tangalle : the luxurious Amanwella ( Boddhi Mawatha , Wella Wathuara , Godellawela , Tangalle ; +94 47 224 1333 ; suites from $ 600 ) with its private beach and modern suites . For whale and dolphin watching expeditions there 's Mirrisa beach . But you 'll first have to face a three-hour boat ride through rough waters . Raja & the Whales ( +94 77 695 3452 ; tours from $ 43 per person ) is one of the most responsible tour operators running whale watching trips .
Sri Lanka is home to historic cities , ancient religious sites and beautiful beaches . The Colombo Market is one of the most important trading places in Asia . Sri Lanka 's mile - long coastline is filled with beaches to suit various tastes .