Tales of Taprobane (13 Days)

Negombo's sandy beaches on the Western Coast are the setting for watching the centuries-old fishing industry at work, alongside water sports such as diving.

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

This hour-long show presents traditional Sri Lankan art forms, including fire dancers, sword dancers and Kandyan dancers performing to drumming.

Formed in the early 19th century, the gardens hold over 4000 species of plants across a large area, including orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Features include the cannonball tree, a suspension bridge, hedge mazes and trees suited to climbing.

Sri Lanka's 11th highest waterfall, near Pussellawa, falls in three sections. The middle section is visible from the A5 highway near the bridge, while the top section requires a climb up a pathway for a full view.

This former premium holiday resort of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries retains cottages, villas and mansions from the period. The old red-bricked post office sells postcards, and Queen Victoria Park and Lake Gregory offer places to relax.

The park's montane grasslands and cloud forests at Ohiya include World's End, a precipice with wide views, and Baker's Falls. The park holds many endemic species and sites of archaeological interest.

The walk passes through tea fields and rocky stretches on the way to views from Little Adam's Peak.

The bridge's construction history is recounted along the walking route.

The hike ends at this station, notable for its loop-over track design.

This three-hour safari in the park, on the island's southeastern coast, offers chances to see Sri Lankan leopards, wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan sloth bears and elephant herds, alongside many other mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species.

This five-hour tour gives the chance to see blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales in the waters south of Sri Lanka, with a qualified naturalist on hand to help identify species responsibly.

The beach offers sun, sand and sea breeze, sunset views over the ocean, and turtles nesting on the shore. Water sports such as jet-skiing and windsurfing are available alongside the beach's luxury hotels.

Landmarks include the Old Lighthouse, Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple and the National Museum. The city also offers shopping around Independence Square and the Race Course, along with its nightlife.