Trip details

Negombo feels like a town lost in time, where a stroll will take you past a patchwork of Dutch canals, pastel-coloured churches, bright little boats and ever-waving palms. If you're heading for Sri Lanka's cultural heartlands next, get in some beach time or enjoy watersports on the lagoon. And it's worth catching the atmosphere at Negombo's sunrise fish market. Head a little ways out of town to visit the impressive Angurukaramulla temple, watched over by a 6-metre-high Buddha.

Over 50 acres of well-kept gardens and water-logged rice fields hide a 150-year-old mansion at their centre and just outside, you'll find the UNESCO-honoured city of Anuradhapura - a collection of ancient ruins and palaces. Ulagalla feels like a village in itself where you can trundle between activities in a buggy and enjoy an authentic meal in the threshing ground of a rice field. The resort combines rural charm and polished facilities with finesse - the villas are rather stylish! Days at Ulagalla unfold with ease with bike rides to the village, kayaking across the lake and flying kites - one of the most Sri Lankan things you could do.

Acting as Sri Lanka's religious capital for over 1,000 years, the finely-preserved remnants of Anuradhapura paint a vivid picture of the city it once was. The city was established around a fig branch, believed to be from the very tree under which Buddha became enlightened, which you can still visit today. Spend time walking or cycling amongst the palaces, monasteries and temples, many of which are still used for Buddhist ceremonies, and marvel at the giant stupas. You can also see the remains of one of the most impressive irrigation systems in the world. For the ultimate view, take flight in a hot air balloon!

The southernmost point of the Cultural Triangle and the gateway to Sri Lanka's Hill Country, Kandy is the destination that has it all. Delve into its history on a walkabout or tuk tuk ride through the city, admiring the ornate architecture and stopping at the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth where you can see Buddha's tooth. You can really get under the skin of Kandy with a visit to its markets or a lesson in traditional drumming. Natural beauty abounds and a stroll alongside the lake is a must, its surface reflecting the soaring hills and mountains, or enjoy the cool atmosphere of its once-royal gardens. Set your sights a little further afield for a day of hiking in the Knuckles Mountains or spending time with elephants on their own turf.

You'll spend most of your time in its delightful countryside, learning from the masters about how a proper cup of tea is made - there are plenty of factories to choose from. For the more active visitors, there is kayaking on Castlereagh Lake, white water rafting and mountain biking. Then there are the hiking trails, which take you through immaculate scenery from cascading waterfalls to the summit of iconic Adam's Peak, where the curious 'footprint' formation is said to belong to Buddha. There's no better way to end the day than sundowners overlooking the glinting lake.

If you're hoping to add close encounters with Sri Lanka's wildlife to your trip, Yala National Park is one of the best places to do so. Explore the diverse landscape on game drives or guided walks, eyes peeled for sloth bears, water buffalo, elephant, wild boar and slinking leopard - it's home to the largest population in the world! This is Sri Lanka so the beach could still be on the cards and on a boat trip off the coast, you could spot turtles, dolphins and whales.

Anyone who's spent time on Sri Lanka's coast knows, the further east you go, the closer to paradise you get. Tangalle is right in that sweet spot as you'll discover whiling away hours on its sugary beaches where gentle waters are perfect for swimming, surfing and snorkelling. If you can bear to leave the beach, cycle through quaint villages and rice paddies, or pay a visit to the Mulkirigala rock temples. Whatever you choose to do, there's never any need to rush in Tangalle…

The closest thing to a city on the balmy South Coast, Galle is bursting with history yet has an entirely modern side complete with fine dining and art galleries. Get your bearings with a cycle along its quaint streets, then enjoy a wander (guided or solo) through the famous Fort where Portuguese, Dutch and English rule is still evident in the architecture. And don't miss watching the sunset from the ramparts! Take to the sea for a fishing excursion or whale-watching catamaran sail with an on-board expert to decipher their every move; or venture a little ways inland for a cinnamon farm tour or forest hike.