Sri Lanka Itinerary 2 - Wildlife and nature
The following itinerary, which picks up on some of the best natural attractions not covered in the Grand Tour, could be done in a week, at a push, allowing plenty of time to combine with other attractions en route during a fortnight's visit to the island.
- The Knuckles Range - From Kandy you can hike into the rugged Knuckles Range, one of the island's most beautiful and biodiverse areas.
- Nuwara Eliya - Head south to this venerable old colonial town in the heart of the hill country, with spectacular walks in the surrounding countryside.
- Horton Plains National Park - Sri Lanka's most scenically stunning national park: a misty mix of moorland and cloudforest, home to rare indigenous flora and fauna.
- Haputale - Dramatically perched on the edge of the southern hill country and with fine hiking through the surrounding tea plantations, particularly the walk down from nearby Lipton's Seat.
- Bundala National Park - One of Sri Lanka's premier birdwatching destinations, spread out around a stunning string of coastal lagoons.
- Rekawa - Watch majestic marine turtles haul themselves ashore to lay their eggs on beautiful Rekawa beach.
- Uda Walawe National Park - Superb elephant-watching opportunities, either in the wild or at the attached Elephant Transit Home.
- Sinharaja - Stunning area of unspoilt rainforest, home to an internationally significant array of rare endemic flora and fauna.
Sri Lanka Itinerary 3 - Buddhism and beaches
A slightly offbeat alternative to the Grand Tour, featuring less mainstream destinations mixing religion, culture and wildlife.
- Kalpitiya - Superb dolphin-watching, kitesurfing and some of the island's finest eco-lodges on beautiful Alankuda Beach.
- Wilpattu National Park - Enormous and very peaceful park famous for its leopards and elephants.
- Anuradhapura - The greatest city in Sri Lankan history, packed with monuments from over a thousand years of the island's past.
- Mihintale - The birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with a cluster of absorbing monuments clinging to a jungle-covered hillside.
- Polonnaruwa - Medieval Sri Lankan art and architecture at its finest, from the flamboyant Vatadage to the brooding statues of the Gal Vihara.
- Batticaloa - Vibrant but little-visited east coast town, famous for its "singing fish" and with a fine beach and lagoon.
- Arugam Bay
- This quirky village is one of the most appealing places to hang out for a few days around the coast.
- Kataragama - Vibrant multi-faith pilgrimage town, a holy place for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.
- Adam's Peak - The strenuous climb to the top of Adam's Peak is the island's ultimate pilgrimage, rewarded by a glimpse of the Buddha's own footprint at the summit.