Glorious Ceylon (13 Days)

Spend time on Negombo's sandy beaches and watch the centuries-old fishing industry at work. Fun water sports are available for an adrenaline boost.

This rock fortress served as the seat of government in the 13th century and once housed the Temple of the Tooth Relic. See the ornamental entrance stairway and arch, walk through the ruins at the summit and along the terraces, and look out for the detailed sculptures scattered throughout the site.

Visit the site where King Devanampiyatissa met Monk Mahinda, the meeting that brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. See the monastic ruins at the foot of the mountain, the cave where Mahinda resided, and historic stupas including the Ambasthala Dagoba and the Maha Stupa.

A safari ride through Minneriya National Park, where in the dry season between May and October the Great Elephant Gathering can bring over 150 elephants together in one place. The park also holds other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians across its scrubland and forest.

Enter the caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC, to see ancient murals depicting the life of Lord Gautama Buddha and hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities across five main caves, including the Cave of the Divine King and the Cave of the Great King. A giant golden Buddha statue stands a short distance outside the cave complex.

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

Once the premium hill-country holiday resort of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Nuwara Eliya retains cottages, quaint villas and mansions along its streets. See the old red-brick post office, and relax at Queen Victoria Park or by the shores of Lake Gregory.

Walk through montane grasslands and cloud forest to the precipice of World's End and the spray of Baker's Falls. The plains hold many endemic species and have yielded archaeological finds.

A walk through bright green tea fields and rocky terrain near Ella, with views toward Little Adam's Peak.

Walk over this bridge, hearing the story of its construction, before continuing to the Demodara Railway station with its unusual loop-over track design.

One of Sri Lanka's most famed observation points near Haputale, giving views across the Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Eastern Provinces.

Yala is the island's second-largest national park, known for Sri Lankan leopards, wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan sloth bear and large elephant herds, alongside many other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

Explore the headquarters once held by the Portuguese and Dutch, centred on Galle Fort, one of Asia's best-preserved fortifications. See the Maritime Museum, the Galle National Museum and the lighthouse, and walk the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names.

Learn about the five endangered sea turtle species that nest on Sri Lanka's shores and how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program protects nests to improve hatchling survival. Visitors can see, touch and feed baby turtles, and meet injured adult turtles in care.

Travel through the river's mangrove passages, spotting basking crocodiles and water monitors along with water birds. The route includes a stop at a small island where residents harvest cinnamon.

Visit historic monuments including the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple and the National Museum. There is time for the shops of Independence Square, the Race Course, and various boutiques and designer stores.