You might perhaps begin by exploring the wonders of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla in the Cultural Triangle (with a side jaunt to Minneriya to view the planet’s largest elephant herds). And you won’t regret the effort of climbing up to fifth-century Sigiriya, dramatically positioned atop a huge granite peak with extraordinary views, or taking the more serene option and floating above the lakes and treetops in a hot-air balloon. Then perhaps you might travel down through Kandy and tea country, pausing to immerse yourself in local artisan traditions, colourful festivals, a gentle trail walk or two, and a hefty dose of plantation-era nostalgia. Finish by soaking up the unique atmosphere of UNESCO-protected Galle and enjoying a few days of pampered relaxation on its nearby beaches.

We’ll be even more delighted to take you further off the beaten path: to Yala or Wilpattu for a 4×4 safari adventure accompanied by a leading conservationist who will help you locate big cats and sloth bears; to Gal Oya with an anthropologist to spend time with forest-dwelling Veddas, Sri Lanka’s indigenous inhabitants, and get to know their traditional hunting techniques and shamanic practices; on a trek through the Knuckles botanising for rare orchids; or chartering a yacht for you so that you can observe blue whale mothers and calves. Whatever your passion, we have the connections in Sri Lanka to elevate your experience. And, wherever you go, be sure to allow some room for serendipity–the word itself derives from the ancient name for Sri Lanka!