DAY 01 - 08: 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, Chinese, Malay and western food is readily available. The tea is top quality, arrack, made from fermented palm tree sap, is a potent local brew.

DAY 08 - 14: KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur offers an excellent variety of shops, local restaurants and colorful markets. Take a Kuala Lumpur tour and learn of the Malaysian capital's changing skyline that mixes skyscrapers, including the world-famous Petronas Towers, mosques, colonial buildings and temples, and understand the cities unique and interesting blend of cultures.

The Malaysian tourist board use the slogan 'truly Asia' and nowhere else is this more true than in the capital itself. Historic temples and mosques blend seamlessly with space-age towers and shopping malls. One of the most striking things about Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it's affectionately known, is it's cultural diversity. A mix of ethnic locals, Chinese prospectors, Indian migrants and British colonials have all helped to sculpt the city and each group has left its own indelible mark.

Eating, shopping and nightlife are popular highlights of any visit, but don’t restrict yourself to the city – there is a fantastic array of parks and monuments scattered around KL that make easy day trips for a break from the hustle and bustle.