Compact in size but huge in holiday potential, teardrop-shaped Sri Lanka is a tropical destination with extra spice.

Relax on idyllic palm-fringed beaches perfect for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and whale-spotting. Soak up ancient history at breath-taking UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Sacred Cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura. Hike through scenic mountains and lush jungles, spotting wildlife as you go. Tour emerald tea plantations and find out why Ceylon tea is so famous.

Getting stuck into the legendary cuisine is an essential Sri Lanka experience. Whether it's fresh seafood from a beachfront restaurant in Bentota, a sweet treat from Jaffna Market, or a heart-starting curry from a Colombo street vendor, your tastebuds are in for a treat!

You don’t need to be an architecture buff to appreciate the country’s gorgeous colonial buildings, nor do you need to be religious to admire its many ornate temples, mosques and cathedrals. You’ll find show-stopping structures in most towns.