Discover Sri Lanka

Shop for bargains among the bazaars of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s lively capital, and check out the temples and colonial buildings dotted among the skyscrapers. Learn more about the country’s history at the Sri Lanka National Museum, or discover its wildlife at the National History Museum. There are a couple of art galleries to explore too, and as well as the chance to taste the city’s deliciously aromatic street food.

Visit Sigiriya, home to a 5th century rock fortress. Built 200 metres above the jungle canopy, the fortress offers fabulous views across the surrounding jungle, once you’ve climbed up it that is. Later, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a World Heritage site consisting of five caves filled with statues and paintings of gods including Vishnu and Ganesha, thought to have been constructed in the first century BC.

Learn all about Sri Lanka’s aromatic spices, including pepper, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg, as you tour its delightful spice gardens, on the outskirts of Kandy. Later, head into the city itself and discover why it's known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka’. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the top sight, as it houses a tooth from Buddha himself, although it is hidden away in a rather ornate casket. Even so, it is still Sri Lanka’s most holy shrine.

Take the train through the hills from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya for the misty tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, the tea capital of Sri Lanka. On arrival, soak up the town’s delightful English village feel, complete with rose gardens and well-tended lawns. It’s calm and peaceful here among the bucolic scenery, making it a great place to relax with a pot or two of the local two, or perhaps try a round of golf.

Climb Little Adam’s Peak in Ella, a three hour return hike past fields and tea plantations to a viewpoint with sweeping panoramas across the countryside. Afterwards, head off on safari in Yala National Park, where you might glimpse elephant, peacock and leopard, as well as over 200 bird species. It’s not all about the animals though, as the 10th century Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala is filled with stone carvings and is a great place for tranquil reflection.

Hit the beaches of Bentota, an upmarket resort set along a sweep of golden sands. Despite appearances though, it’s easy to lose the crowds and find a quiet spot to while away the afternoon under the shade of a palm tree, or you could even chill out in the peace and tranquillity of Bentota Ayurveda Center, a popular spa that uses traditional healing methods. Alternatively, grab your snorkel and look for turtles.