Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a land of tropical rainforest, amazing national parks, centuries-old temples, tea plantations, working elephants and abundant wildlife. Best known for its beaches, this “Pearl of the Orient” is surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean. Colonial history lives on in Colombo’s landmark buildings while bustling markets and shops do a roaring trade in “seconds” designer clothing. Head into the mountains and be blown away by the scenery and millennium of history in the Cultural Triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonaruwa and Kandy with its revered lakeside Temple. If you’re lucky enough to visit during Esala Perahera Festival, the sight of dozens of magnificently decorated cloth-draped elephants, costumed drummers and darting fire-dancers will take your breath away. Stay in palatial boutique hotels in Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England”, and dine on creamy subtly-spiced cuisine. You’ll never forget climbing the carved steps of the massive Sigiriya Rock Fortress, marveling at the patience of stilt fishermen, admiring a rainbow of semi-precious stones, and releasing wriggling baby turtles into the ocean at a Turtle Sanctuary.