Formerly called Ceylon, this small, tear-shaped tropical island is rich in natural beauty, from dense forest to rivers, cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains and pristine coastline. The country is also packed with evidence of its long history. British, Dutch, Portuguese and Indian settlers have all left their mark here, leaving behind a heady mix of ancient cities, atmospheric colonial architecture and monuments.

Travellers also come to Sri Lanka for the wildlife –visit the elephant orphanage in Kandy or maybe catch a glimpse of a leopard in a tree in Yala National Park. In particular, you’ll find a dazzling array of birds and reptiles.

Magnificent relics pack in the ancient cities of Visit Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, where the flat-topped rock formation and beautiful frescoes are an impressive geological formations and one of this island’s greatest archaeological legacies.