Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is set 18 miles off the southern tip of India. Holidays in Sri Lanka feature beautifully varied landscapes, including tropical forests, palm-lined beaches, tea plantations and dramatic mountains, as well as a rich cultural heritage. Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city has a busy, vibrant atmosphere. Dodge the ruthless rickshaw drivers and head for the National Museum of Colombo, which houses the royal throne and jewels of the last king of the country, or take a stroll along the coastal promenade of Galle Face Green.

Set round a tranquil lake in the mountains, the city of Kandy is home to the temple of Dalada Maligawa, with its sacred tooth of Buddha and daily ceremonies, as well as the spectacular Royal Palace. Nearby excursions from Kandy include the spice gardens, Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, and the Peradeniya Gardens. To the north of Kandy lies the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the holy Bo Tree. It is believed that Buddha achieved enlightenment while sitting beneath this sacred tree

Holidays in Sri Lanka offer an abundance of sightseeing opportunities. The Aukana Buddha, located near Kalawewa, stands 12 metres tall and was sculpted during the 5th century. Dawn is the best time to visit, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the delicately carved features. The cliff monastery of Dimbulagala features hundreds of caves cut out of the rock, which have been occupied since the 3rd century BC. Another point of interest is the The Uda Walawe National Park, which is home to elephants, leopards, buffalo, snakes and countless birds.