Things to see and do in Sri Lanka

Wonder at the extraordinary civilization that ruled from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura thousands of years ago. Its majestic remains testify to an advanced city carefully planned and filled with beautiful palaces, temples and giant stupas.

Enjoy sunbathing and swimming along Sri Lanka's 1,600km (1,000 miles) of beautiful palm-shaded beaches. Good resorts include Beruwela, Bentota, Mount Lavinia Negombo and Hikkaduwa. Meanwhile Unawatuna in Galle claims to be among the top 15 beaches in the world. Palm-fringed golden swathes of sand are particularly commonplace around the resort centre of Negombo and along the southern coast. Swimming can be dangerous in the south.

In Colombo, root out bargains in the Pettah market, marvel at the blossoms in the Vihara Maha Devi Park between March and early May, and sample the offerings of some of the country's best restaurants.

These impressively conserved temples are a unique insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. Tucked away beneath a massive rocky outcrop, they shelter an extensive collection of religious murals and exquisite buddhas in a variety of postions. The views are fabulous too.

Ramble around coastal ramparts, colonial villas and atmospheric streets in the striking Dutch fort of Galle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps the most atmospheric of Sri Lankan towns, cobbled streets are lined with colonial villas and hotels. Its literary festival (www.galleliteraryfestival.com) in January is one of the best in the world. Galle is also a centre for crafts that include lace-making, ebony-carving and gem-polishing.

Hiking through diverse landscapes, especially the rainforest and cloudforest of the hilly interior, is excellent. Popular trekking destinations include Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka's highest point at 2,243m (7,358ft), World's End in the highlands, near Nuwara Eliya, and the Knuckles wilderness area near Kandy.

Visit Kandy, a picturesque town that was the last stronghold of the Kandyan Kings. It is now a cultural sanctuary where age-old customs, arts, crafts, rituals and ways of life are well preserved. Its fabulous UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) (www.sridaladamaligawa.lk) shelters the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

Off the north eastern shore of Sri Lanka, this island is surrounded by a limestone reef which harbours 100 species of coral and more than 300 different types of fish. Declared a marine sanctuary in 1963, it’s a prime destination for divers, and pigeons.

Be amazed by Sri Lanka's best-known attraction, UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This stunning fifth-century palace-fortress perches atop a towering rock outcrop above the plains in the country's centre. Steps lead up from water gardens below and past murals of heavenly nymphs.

Head to the village of Kitulgala, tucked away amid ravines in the hill country, to enjoy both beginners-standard and high-adrenaline white-water rafting.