Book holidays to Sri Lanka... Imagine the lushest, most idyllic island possible and chances are it won’t be as wonderful as Sri Lanka, lying off the southern tip of India. The Beautiful beaches are a magnet, but you must explore some of the islands seven world heritage sites, including ancient cities and virgin rainforest. Get active river –rafting or mountain biking the national park trails, and relax with soothing Ayurevedic spa treatments.

There’s a wealth of wildlife on the island. Meet the elephants in the national parks and at the elephant sanctuary, and go bird watching in the rainforest of Sinharaja. To cool down, head for the atmospheric old hill stations. During Jul/Aug, the 10 day Kandy Perahera Pageant provides a scintillating and colourful spectacle of acrobats, performers and decorated elephants.

It’s a romantic island, beloved of honeymooners, where you can get married with the unique backdrop of an ancient city’s atmospheric ruins. When you’ve consumed the sight, leave some room for the food. Delicious cuisine includes typical Sri Lankan curry made with chilli, coconut and cinnamon. Indian, chienese, Malay and western food is readily avalible. The tea is top quality, arrack, made from fermented palm tree sap, is a potent local brew.