Sri Lanka is small but astonishingly varied. A classic two-week loop starts in the Cultural Triangle — Sigiriya, Dambulla and Anuradhapura — then climbs into the tea-covered hills around Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
From the cool highlands, descend to the south coast for beaches, the colonial fort of Galle and whale-watching off Mirissa.
Travel by a mix of scenic train, tuk-tuk and a car with a driver. Build in time to slow down — the island warmth is its greatest attraction.