Coast and Hills (8 Days)

Negombo sits on the western coast, known for its sandy beaches and a centuries-old fishing industry. Visitors can try water sports or diving among the corals, including a 50-year-old shipwreck just off the coast that is now home to many fish species.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla dates back to the 1st century BC and holds ancient murals depicting the life of Lord Gautama Buddha alongside hundreds of Buddha and deity figurines across five main caves, including the Cave of the Divine King, the Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. A giant golden Buddha statue stands a short distance outside the cave complex.

This 5th-century AD rock fortress was the seat of King Kasyapa, entered through steps framed by a lion's paws that give the site its name, the Lion Rock. The climb passes well-preserved murals, terraced gardens, still-working cisterns and tunnels that once led to the royal palace.

Near Matale, the spice capital of Sri Lanka, a guided tour through a spice and herbal garden introduces coriander, chilli, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and other spices and herbs, along with their traditional uses and links to Ayurveda.

In the evening there are tours related to local arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batik, followed by a Kandyan cultural show featuring colourful traditional dances, fire and sword dancers, and drumming.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 16th century to house and protect Lord Buddha's sacred tooth, with ornately painted halls in red, cream and black, carved pillars and golden statues.

A stop is made at Ramboda Falls, the 11th tallest waterfall in the country, on the way to Nuwara Eliya.

Set in the heart of tea country at an elevation of around 6,200 feet, Nuwara Eliya was shaped by the British into a replica of an English countryside town, with Georgian and Queen Anne-style homes, an Anglican church, a golf course and well-kept parks, giving it cool, fresh air and an air of nostalgia.

On the south-western coast, the hatchery works to protect nests of the five endangered sea turtle species that come to Sri Lanka's shores to lay eggs, improving the survival chances of the hatchlings. Visitors can see, touch and feed baby turtles and sometimes injured adults in its care.

Once headquarters for the Portuguese and Dutch, Galle Fort is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia, with museums, a lighthouse and cobblestoned streets bearing Dutch names.

At Balapitiya, a boat ride through the Madu River's mangrove-lined channels passes basking crocodiles and water monitors, a small island where cinnamon is harvested, and opportunities for a fish massage and birdwatching.