Fly to Colombo

Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the pounding waves as you wander Galle Face Green, a bustling seaside promenade and park close to the city centre. Grab a snack or a souvenir from one of the many stalls along the way, go for a paddle, and soak up the glorious Indian Ocean sunset. Always buzzing, Galle Face Green is also great for a spot of people-watching. And on windy days, folks flock here to fly kites, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Sip your way around some of Colombo's wonderful tea cafés and see (well, taste) why Sri Lankan (Ceylon) tea is world-famous. As well as hot or iced Ceylon tea – always popular choices – expect some very creative spins on the beverage. Tea shake, tea-based cocktail, tea frappuccino or chocolate-flavoured tea, anyone? Indulge in a delicious high tea at the iconic Galle Face Hotel, and stock up at one of the many specialist tea retailers around town.

You know a museum is special when it has a government department devoted to it – and the enormous National Museum of Colombo doesn't disappoint. Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's rich history, taking in its mind-boggling collection of art, weaponry, jeweled antiquities, antique demon masks, ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and even the spectacular throne and crown jewels of the last King of Kandy. Wander the manicured grounds and admire the museum from the outside – it's housed in a magnificent, lily-white colonial building that's an impressive showpiece itself.