Sensation of the World (14 Days)

Sandy beaches on Sri Lanka's western coast where a centuries-old fishing industry still operates. Water sports and diving are available, including trips to see the coral and marine life around a 50-year-old shipwreck just offshore.

A complex of historic caves dating back to the 1st century BC, known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. The five main caves hold ancient murals depicting the life of Lord Gautama Buddha alongside hundreds of Buddha and deity figurines, including the Cave of the Divine King and the Cave of the Great King. A giant golden Buddha statue stands a short distance outside the cave complex.

The ruins of Sri Lanka's second major ancient capital, which flourished between the 10th and 13th centuries AD. Key monuments include Gal Vihara, the Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple, and a statue of King Parakramabahu, whose reign is considered the city's golden age.

A safari through the park's scrublands and forests, home to elephants, other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. During the dry season from May to October the park hosts the Great Elephant Gathering, when over 150 elephants congregate in one place.

A 5th-century AD rock fortress built by King Kasyapa, entered through steps framed by a pair of lion's paws that give the site its name, the Lion Rock. The climb passes unfading ancient murals, terraced gardens and still-working cisterns, and tunnels leading up to the summit palace.

Gardens formed in the early 19th century covering a vast area with over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Features include a cannonball tree, a suspension bridge, hedge mazes and avenues of large, rare trees.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century to house and protect Lord Buddha's sacred tooth relic. The temple's passageways and halls are painted in red, cream and black, with carved pillars and golden statues throughout.

An hour-long evening performance of traditional Sri Lankan art forms, including fire dancers, sword dancers, and Kandyan dancers performing to drumming.

A highland town that served as the premium holiday resort for the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with streets of cottages, villas and mansions. The old red-bricked post office, Queen Victoria Park and the shores of Lake Gregory are among the places to visit.

A national park of montane grasslands and cloud forest near Ohiya, with views from the precipice of World's End and the spray of Baker's Falls. The plains hold a number of endemic fauna species and sites of archaeological interest.

A walk through bright green tea fields and rocky terrain leading to views over the surrounding hill country.

A colonial-era railway bridge with a history behind its construction, crossed on foot as part of the Ella walk.

A station notable for its unique loop-over track design, marking the end of the Ella walking route.

The second largest national park in Sri Lanka, located on the southeastern coast. Wildlife includes the Sri Lankan leopard, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan sloth bear, and large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, alongside many other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

One of Sri Lanka's leading beaches, with soft sand and sea breezes, backed by a cluster of luxury hotels. Turtles come to nest on the beach, and water sports including jet-skiing and windsurfing are available.

One of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia, built during the Portuguese and Dutch periods when Galle served as their headquarters. The Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and lighthouse sit within the fort, alongside cobblestoned streets still carrying their Dutch names.

A tour of Sri Lanka's capital, taking in historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, the Gangarama Temple and the National Museum, along with Independence Square, the Race Course and shopping at boutiques and designer stores.

A stop to watch stilt fishermen at work along the Koggala coast, hearing from fishermen who have practised the craft for generations and learning the skill involved, with good conditions for photography at sunset.

A boat trip off the southern coast to see blue whales, sperm whales and fin whales in their natural habitat, guided by a qualified naturalist who explains how to identify the different species responsibly.