Probably the best known of Sri Lanka’s tea-growing districts, Nuwara Eliya produces a tea that is recognised by connoisseurs as among the finest – if not the finest – in the world. With its lush green mountainsides, colourful rose gardens and tumbling waterfalls, this mountain paradise is a picturesque place to explore on foot or via tuk tuk. For around $7 you can arrange a full day trip to the tea plantations, tea factories, viewpoints and the Ramboda waterfall. Stop at several viewpoints overlooking the plantations and sample some of Sri Lanka’s finest tea while you’re at it.

Known as the local ‘surfers’ paradise’, Arugam is one of the best beaches Sri Lanka has to offer, epitomising the laid-back beach scene that first drew surfers and sun-seekers to its shores. If you’re not a surfer, there are plenty of other draws: beachfront guesthouses, ocean-side restaurants, and plenty of hammocks and beach swings, plus the neighbouring Yala National Park. Take a tour through the national park to discover a startling array of flora and fauna including monkeys, crocodiles and elephants, plus verdant green vegetation.

Often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, Sigiriya Rock is an astonishing feat of architecture and one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations. Built by an obsessed monarch in the 5th century, Sigiriya (or Lion Rock) is a 200-metre high ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla, in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains.

Galle’s 17th century Dutch Fort is one of Sri Lanka’s highlights. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and then extensively fortified by the Dutch from 1649 onwards, the fort has been beautifully preserved and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the ramparts and then wander the charming, narrow streets lined with old houses and historic churches. There’s also a good selection of boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.

The Gal Vihara is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I. The central feature of the temple is four rock relief statues of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure, and a reclining figure. These are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpting and carving arts, and have made the Gal Vihara the most visited monument at Polonnaruwa.

Heavily guarded, a small casket sits inside a golden-roofed temple adjacent to Sri Lanka’s Royal Palace Complex in Kandy. Enshrined by devotees following instructions to worship the Buddha’s corporeal remains, the casket contains the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. At night, pilgrims wearing white robes carry lotus blossoms and frangipani petals, making puja offerings, beating drums, and chanting prayers. The temple is a unique opportunity for those interested in Buddhist symbolism to experience veneration. Remember to dress appropriately.