Lying off the South East coast of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka is one of the most diverse destinations in the Indian Ocean, with a wide range of exotic experiences to tempt the discerning traveller. The coastal regions host a growing number of beach resorts from the cheap-and-cheerful end to opulent luxury, but with so much to see and do few are likely to choose Sri Lanka to simply fly-and-flop.

Whether your interests lie in cultural heritage, wildlife & nature, sightseeing or adventure, we'll put together the ideal itinerary to your precise requirements in order to take in all that this incredible destination has to offer.

Culture
This lush, colourful island boasts a deep, rich heritage that comes to the fore in the 'Cultural Triangle' situated roughly between the former capital Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla in the North-Central region. Explore a wealth of fascinating temples, giant Buddha monuments, and archaeological ruins, crowned by the extraordinary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which many consider should be designated the world's 'Eighth Wonder'. Culture is brought to life through theatre, dance and festivals, often celebrating both the predominantly Buddhist religious calendar and Sri Lanka's beloved elephants, revered in equal measure.

Hill Country
Start from the old British administrative centre of Kandy, host to the spectacular 10-day Esala Perahera festival each July/August, and head up into the hills and plains where a more temperate climate is perfect for producing some of the finest teas in the world. Here you'll find that former plantation bungalows have been converted to serene, boutique hotels, perfect for sampling the local produce. The more adventurous can trek along hillside paths, scale Adam's Peak, or try their hand at white-water rafting.

Wildlife
Sri Lanka is something of a hidden gem when it comes to exotic biodiversity, although it's well-known amongst bird-lovers as a twitcher's paradise. Any tour is worth including a visit to at least one of the many National Parks. Search for the elusive 'spotted ghost' leopard in Yala, or witness 'the gathering' of wild elephants in Minneriya. As well as snorkelling and diving spots, the coastal areas offer some of the best whale and dolphin watching to be found in the Indian Ocean.

Beaches
Where the Indian Ocean meets Sri Lanka you'll find long stretches of pristine beaches, ideal for relaxing for a few days after a head-spinning tour of the island. Try your hand at water sports, surfing or diving, or venture out from your resort to observe coastal life where epxert fishermen balance on stilts to keep their catch off guard.

City Life
Spend a night or two in boutique luxury to soak up the atmosphere in the hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka's cities, such as the capital Colombo or the fortified Galle in the South. Take a guided walking tour, and shop for trinkets, spices and gemstones in the markets, or indulge in the island's famed culinary delights.

Golf
Sri Lanka is undoubtedly renowned for its cricketing prowess; however, golf is finding a foothold in the jewel of the Indian Ocean, which is now host to three, and soon to be four, exciting courses. This is not to say that Sri Lanka has no golfing heritage: established in 1879, the Royal Colombo Golf Club is believed to be the second oldest club outside of Britain. Indeed, the Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship is the second oldest national championship in the world, starting in 1891.

Guests in the country’s capital can enjoy the Royal Colombo Golf Club, just 20 minutes from the centre this historic course is an oasis of tranquillity. Those visiting Kandy are just 45 minutes from the famously scenic Victoria Golf & Country Resort, which boasts a massive 500 acre setting. Residents exploring tea country have access to Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, where the colonial heritage and verdant environment matches the ‘East meets West’ ambience of the surrounding area. Finally, the Shangri-La Hambantota is set to open their on-site, 18-hole course in August this year, promising ‘spectacular views and distinctive challenges for both casual and seasoned players’. Each of the island’s courses occupy a range of different terrains, all offering something different to the intrepid player. Regardless of ability though, all players will find splendid courses, which offer a dramatic, tropical setting.

Sri Lanka is a tropical destination with warm temperatures year round and regional, seasonal climates across the island. As is normal in the tropics, plenty of sunshine is interspersed with rain showers, sometimes heavy, that give the island its verdant foliage.

December to April tends to see calmer, sunny weather in the South & Southwest, and it's also a lovely time to visit the central hills and plains.

In the Summer months, Southwesterly winds crossing the Indian Ocean tend to bring more rainfall and choppier weather to the Southern coastal areas. This is a good time to visit the cultural triangle and East/Northeast coasts (with new resorts popping up regularly), which can experience long dry spells.

Sri Lankan Airlines fly daily from London Heathrow arriving in Colombo the next day, with excellent service on brand new Airbus A330 aircraft on all London routes, including flat beds in Business Class. The schedule connects well with the short hop down to Male if twinning with a stay in the Maldives, with a day flight return to London.

Emirates also offer a daily service with a stop-over in Dubai en route.

Health
When travelling to Sri Lanka you should seek advice from your doctor or health professional well in advance of travel to check what vaccinations and/or any other health requirements may be necessary.

Travellers to Sri Lanka should also be aware that the country experiences outbreaks of the mosquito-borne dengue fever. It is therefore recommended that you take appropriate measures to try and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Visas
Visas are required for travel to Sri Lanka. Visas can be obtained on line at http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ and are normally valid for a period of 30 days.

Currently the cost of the visa (online) is $30 per person.

You can also organise your visa on arrival in Sri Lanka (but this may take longer to process).

Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka.

Further advice for both entry requirements and health matters can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice and the NHS Fitfortravel website.

Sri Lanka's attractions are spread throughout the country, and if you want to make the most of your visit you'll need to travel around. Most journeys are by car, and all our tours include the services of a knowledgeable and experienced English speaking driver & guide, who will add colour and context to all the places of interest on your itinerary. He'll also seek out off-the-beaten track lunchspots, or help you barter for spices in the local markets.

Some journeys can be made by train, and the route up from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya in the Hill Country is a real treat, with breathtaking views and charming stations from a bygone era.

For those keen to cut down the time on the road, there's a network of small local airports for making short hops by light aircraft or seaplane.

Given its location and all it has to offer, Sri Lanka twins perfectly with the Maldives. We can think of no better way to round off a heady, whirlwind tour than balanced with a few, low-key days on one of the Maldives' 'no-news, no-shoes', remote desert island resorts.

With our intimate knowledge of these destinations, we'll help choose the perfect place to complement your Sri Lanka experience for an unforgettable holiday or honeymoon.