Enchanting Sri Lanka (18 Days)

Sandy beaches on the Western Coast, with time to swim, relax and try water sports such as diving.

A look at the centuries-old fishing industry that still operates along this stretch of coast.

Caves dating back to the 1st century BC hold ancient murals depicting the life of the Buddha and hundreds of figurines of the Buddha and other deities across five main caves, including the Cave of the Divine King, the Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery.

A 5th-century rock fortress built for King Kasyapa, entered through an opening framed by giant lion's paws. The climb passes unfading frescoes, terraced gardens, still-working cisterns and tunnels leading up to the palace ruins.

A three-hour safari through the park, known for the Great Elephant Gathering of over 150 elephants in the dry season between May and October, along with other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

A garden near Matale, the spice capital of Sri Lanka, growing herbs, spices and plants used in Ayurveda, with a guided spice tour explaining their uses.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century to house and protect the Buddha's sacred tooth relic, with painted halls, carved pillars and golden statues.

Gardens formed in the early 19th century, spread over a large area with more than 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, spices and medicinal plants, a cannonball tree, a suspension bridge and hedge mazes.

The 11th tallest waterfall in the country, seen on the way up to Nuwara Eliya.

Shaded avenues and colourful mazes to walk through.

A relaxed walk along the shores of the lake.

A hill town built in the style of an English countryside settlement, with Georgian and Queen Anne-style homes, an Anglican church, a golf course and well-kept parks, set high enough to keep the air cool and fresh.

Montane grasslands and cloud forest in Ohiya, home to endemic fauna and archaeological finds, with views from World's End and the cooling spray of Baker's Falls.

A ride through some of Sri Lanka's most scenic highland countryside, passing tea plantations, misty villages, the landscapes around Haputale, mountains, woodland and waterfalls.

A walk through green tea fields and rocky stretches to reach views from Little Adam's Peak.

A walk over the bridge with its story of construction.

The hike ends at the station, known for its unique loop-over track design.

A three-hour safari with the chance to see Sri Lankan leopards, wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan sloth bears and large herds of elephants, along with many other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

A treeless coastal plateau with serpentine rock containing toxic heavy metals, which only certain hardy plants can tolerate. Local legend ties its bare ground to the Ramayana, linking it to Hanuman's burning tail and to King Ravana's use of the plateau as a landing site for his chariot.

A hill east of Galle topped by a white Buddhist dagoba, visible as a landmark from Unawatuna beach. Local legend holds it to be a fragment of Mount Dronagiri dropped by Hanuman, and a place associated with Sita during her time in Lanka.

One of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia, built up by the Portuguese and Dutch, with museums, a lighthouse and cobblestoned streets with Dutch-era names.

Time to enjoy the sand, sun and sea breeze, watch the sunset, see turtles nesting, and try water sports such as jet-skiing and windsurfing.