Serendipity Trail (15 Days)

Enjoy the sandy beaches of Negombo and watch the centuries-old fish industry still active along the coast.

Enter the historic cave temples dating back to the 1st century BC, with ancient murals depicting the life of Lord Gautama Buddha and 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.

Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th and 13th centuries AD, including the Gal Vihara, the Vatadage, the lotus bath, the Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu, whose reign is considered Polonnaruwa's golden age.

Climb the 5th-century AD rock fortress ruled by King Kasyapa, entering through steps framed by the paws of a lion. See the well-known frescoes, climb the steep staircase to the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns, and walk through the tunnels leading to the palace ruins.

Watch an hour-long show of Sri Lankan performing arts, including fire dancers, sword dancers and Kandyan dancers performing to drumming.

See the wood-carving craftsmanship that this temple is known for.

Wander through this historic temple and view its paintings and sculptures.

Visit a temple that was architecturally advanced for its time.

See the cave temple's interior walls, covered in painstakingly restored paintings.

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

Explore the park's montane grasslands and cloud forests near Ohiya. Take in the views from the precipice of World's End and the spray of Baker's Falls, and look out for endemic fauna and sites of archaeological interest.

Visit the island's second-largest national park, on the southeastern coast, known for its population of Sri Lankan leopards, wild water buffalo, sloth bears and large elephant herds, alongside a wide range of other mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.

Explore the fortifications built under Portuguese and Dutch rule, one of the best-preserved in Asia, along with the museums, lighthouse and cobblestoned Dutch-era streets of Galle.

Head out to the waters south of Sri Lanka for a chance to see blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales, guided by a qualified naturalist, on a tour designed to minimise impact on the animals.

Watch fishermen perched on stilts along the coast at Koggala, a craft practised for generations, and hear from the fishermen how it is done.

Spend time on the beach with its sand and sea breeze, watch for nesting turtles, and try water sports such as jet-skiing and windsurfing.

Cruise through the river's mangrove channels, spotting basking crocodiles and water monitors, visit a small island where cinnamon is harvested, watch water birds, and try a traditional fish massage.

See the capital's landmarks, including the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple and the National Museum, with time for shopping around Independence Square or the Race Course and exploring the city's nightlife.