5-Nights Sri Lanka Highlights: Kandy, Ella, Yala NP & more from $1,426

Sri Lanka is a tropical nation and has a multi-cultural society with very hospitable people. There are eight UNESCO protected sited plus many ancient cities and old towns. It offers a wonderful selection of pristine beaches with the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean and large National Parks plus there is an abundance of wildlife to satisfy all animal lovers. For nature enthusiasts, there are many excellent botanical gardens.

On arrival in Colombo, the capital, overnight and then start your tour of Sri Lanka.

First stop is at the Pinnawala elephant orphanage for a close up experience with its more than 60 elephants. The small tranquil town of Kandy is well known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth which contains the tooth of Buddha smuggled into Sri Lanka by a princess in the 4th Century. It is still carried in processions which take pace each July and August.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional cultural show. The next day, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in nearby Peradeniya, an excellent place to see exotic plants and flowers including orchids. Also spend time at a local tea plantation and factory.

Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya, a colonial hill station renowned in the days of British rule. Next stop is YalaNational Park, a wonderful wildlife sanctuary, important for the preservation of elephants and aquatic birds. One can also see leopards, deer, wild boars, monkeys, ant eaters and crocodiles.

The final stop is at MountLavinia, a coastal town close to Colombo. It is steeped in history and is known for its “Golden Mile” of beaches and Galle Fort, built by the Dutch and dating back to the 1500’s.