#4 Sri Lanka

Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital. Get swept up in the spirited hustle of the local street scene or laze on the sands of Negombo.

Take in the sight of Avukana Buddha – all 40 feet of him – en route to Anuradhapura. Spend the afternoon wandering through the timeworn monuments and ornate rock carvings of this ancient Sinhalese city. Perhaps stop in at the sacred Bodhi tree, reputedly grown from a cutting of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Embark on a guided jungle trek to the temple ruins of Ritigala. Be treated to a traditional Sri Lankan lunch with a local family before arriving in time for a beachside sundowner at idyllic Trincomalee.

Spend time sussing out the sights and spoils of this beautiful coastal town. Get giddy at Lovers’ Leap, take a dousing in the hot springs of Kanniya and maybe even set out to sea for a chance to spot blue whales on their migratory loop.

Venture out on a jeep safari through the lush countryside of Hiriwadunna, keeping eyes peeled for crocodiles submerged in the waterways. Take a late afternoon stroll among the ruins of Polonnaruwa, the country’s former royal capital.

Travel out to the imposing rock fortress of Sigiriya. Towering 200 m above the jungle floor, this World Heritage site offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Perhaps head out on a jeep tour through Minneriya National Park, home to a sizeable elephant population.

Drop in at Matale Spice Garden to stock up on exotic fragrances and spices before arriving in peaceful Kandy. Gather your bearings in the country’s second largest city on a guided orientation walk and take in the history of the Temple of the Tooth.

Hit the winding trails of the Knuckles Mountain Range. With its traditional Sinhalese name translating to ‘mist-laden mountain range’, this high altitude cloud forest is home to a variety of fascinating flora and fauna not found anywhere else on earth.

Gain an insight into the cultivation of Sri Lanka’s most famous export, Ceylon tea, on a tour of the Giragama Tea Plantation. Afterwards, set out on a final nature walk through the forest of Kitulgala, hit the local rapids for some whitewater rafting or climb the nearby rock walls for a spot of abseiling.

Farewell the lovely south coast and travel back to Colombo, where this magical Sri Lankan odyssey finishes up. Perhaps venture out for some last-minute shopping before a final meal with the group.