These abandoned ruins in the middle of Jaffna have withstood centuries of tumultuous power struggles.

Spend the night inside a two-story elephant villa.

An ancient temple to the Hindu god Shiva surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery.

To gaze upon the visage of Sri Lanka's biggest Buddha, one must first pass through the Tunnel of Hell.

This elaborate temple was built around one of the Buddha's teeth.

According to Hindu belief, this shallow island chain was created by a god with an army of monkeys.

The ruins of this old church are slowing sinking into the sand.

Seven beautiful 1,000-year-old rock-cut Buddhist statues.

The remains of a 37,000-year-old prehistoric society were discovered in this mammoth cave, one of the largest in Asia.

A Bohemian "anti-hotel" offers off-kilter stays in Sri Lanka.

An ancient stone fortress considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world.

Huge herds of Asian elephants can be seen walking, bathing, and just chilling at this Sri Lankan park.

This mesmerizing architectural wonder will take your breath away with its unusual color patterns.

Once thought to be the Garden of Eden it holds a holy footprint claimed to belong to Adam, Buddha and Shiva.

Known as the most scenic route in Sri Lanka, this train line is steeped in history and offers an unparalleled view of the country.

One of the few places where inexperienced snorkelers can spot a shark.

This luscious masterpiece created by landscape designer Bevis Bawa inspired the work of his brother, a famous Sri Lankan architect.

Pettah's beautiful floating market was once a stinky canal in a sketchy industrial area.

Next to a newer mosque in Khujand’s main square lies the city’s oldest mosque, whose interiors are spectacularly intricate.

The world's second-tallest flagpole stands proud despite dropping rank.

This dark, damp, perilous tunnel is the only passage from north to south Tajikistan.

The remains of an ancient city-state along the Silk Road.

This remote, abandoned Soviet observatory promises spectacular views for those who can reach it.

The largest dam in the world and the site of a potential disaster.