Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island whose diversity is only matched by its natural beauty. Despite its small size it is a land of great contrasts; primeval jungles teem with wild leopard and elephants. Saffron clad monks meditate beside wondrous ruins, testament to the great civilisations of the past. Golden beaches extend for miles with nothing on them but fishing boats and slender swaying palms. In the interior, the cool misty mountains are speckled with brightly dressed tea pickers whose hands are almost a blur plucking the leaves and buds of this rich cash crop.

But there is so much more to this beautiful country. Visiting Sri Lanka can be a heady and intoxicating experience. Beyond its rich and diverse colonial history the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Anuradhapura (commonly known as the Cultural Triangle), the old capital of Kandy and the colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya, all offer different insights and inspirations. Sri Lankans are incredibly warm and friendly, and bright white smiles abound. From the Buddhist temples to the simplest of villages, people will display great affection and generosity. Don’t be surprised if a stranger invites you home for tea or to a family meal - its quite normal here!

Sri Lanka has a hugely varied topography. The north comprises a large plain, with the centre being dominated by rolling hills, emerald green paddy fields, deep valleys, high misty mountains and huge slow winding rivers. All of this is beautifully wrapped up in a ribbon of golden beaches. The country is unique in the fact that all these inviting places lie no more than a few hours drive from each other, so you can spend the morning in the hills watching the tea-pluckers, the afternoon at an ancient Buddhist temple and the evening on a romantic beach!