East Coast Beaches: within easy reach of Polonnaruwa are the magnificent beaches of the east coast. Severely damaged by the 2004 tsunami, the beaches and resorts have now been restored to their former beauty, making overnight excursions very rewarding. Top destinations include Arugam Bay, Nilaveli Beach and Trincomalee. Mihintale: this solitary mountain fortress was the home of the first Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka. The location is simply stunning, as are the panoramic views afforded by the soaring rocky peak on which the temple is situated. Just 15km from Anuradhapura, Mihintale is a sacred site and host to many Buddhist festivals throughout the year. Wilpattu National Park: located 30km from Anuradhapura, Wilpattu National Park is the pre-eminent protected area in Sri Lanka. Home to a stunning array of rare and endangered flora and fauna, Wilpattu National Park also has some spectacular scenery and picturesque waterfalls. Highlights include leopards, elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo and hundreds of species of birds. Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage: on the road between Colombo and Kandy, this delightful tourist attraction provides shelter and food for dozens of elephants raised from infancy. There is also a wild herd of elephants, in addition to a breeding programme. Visitors can observe elephants of all ages being fed, bathed and housed. Many of the buildings date from this time, and are an interesting glimpse into the era. The town has some great markets and is also host to some fantastic cultural events and festivals. | 
