Sri Lanka is one of the gems of the Indian Ocean. A small teardrop that falls from the great Indian subcontinent, it's a colourful, chaotic, diverse and devoted country where Buddhism and an infatuation with the national cricket team take centre stage. The 'Island of Serendipity' – as Sri Lanka is known – has been on the tourist trail for some time. And yet, the bounteous enthusiasm of its inhabitants and the immensity of its cultural and historical treasures make even the most luxurious Sri Lankan holiday feel like a genuine adventure.

From bustling cities to UNESCO treasures

Sri Lanka's cultural attractions are numerous and varied. On the west coast, the country's largest city and capital, Colombo, serves as a vibrant gateway to the rest of the country, while also playing host to its own collection of historic sites and seaside communities which dot the nearby coastline. Inland, to the south, steeply terraced tea plantations rise up into the highlands which serve as a a verdant backdrop to the lakeside city of Kandy and its fascinating Temple of the Tooth.

Then, in the southwest, the UNESCO World Heritage old town of Galle is home to bustling markets and a famous seafront fort, whose history charts the country's colonial heritage, from the Portuguese, who laid the first foundations inn 1588 to the Dutch who arrived to add their own fortifications some 50 years later. Of course, a holiday in Sri Lanka wouldn't be complete without a tour of the north-central region where you'll visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura, explore cave temples at Dambulla and summit the mighty rock fortress at Sigiriya – all World Heritage sites.

The mountain-top fort of Sigiriya

Sri Lanka's wild side

While Sri Lanka fascinates with its history, the country's natural world is equally alluring. The central highlands around Kandy can be explored on rambling hikes and train rides, while the rainforest at Sinharaja Forest Reserve is home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies. Perhaps the jewel in Sri Lanka's natural crown, however, is Yala National Park, where herds of elephants and rare leopards roam amid a landscape that ranges from wild coastal sand dunes to scrubby bush, lakes and monsoon forests inland.

There's also plenty of wildlide encounters to be enjoyed on the coast, where gorgeous beaches set the scene for turtle spotting and whale watching trips, while world-class scuba diving in the likes of Trincomalee and Unawatuna offers the chance to explore a vibrant underwater ecosystem and maybe even swim in the company of whale sharks.

Leopard in Sri Lanka's Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sri Lanka's beaches

Once you've had your fill of Sri Lanka's wildlife and World Heritage sites, be sure to head to one of the country's beaches for a well-earned spot of relaxation. Right around the coast, from Bentota to Mirissa to Pasikuda and Trincomalee, you'll find delightful stretches of sand, shaded by palms and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. And, even if topping up the tan isn't your thing, there's still plenty to keep you occupied, with excellent surf breaks, snorkelling, scuba diving and the wildlife watching tours mentioned above. What's more, you'll enjoy it all while staying in some truly delightful accommodation, with a range of stylish boutique resorts available offering everything from excellent dining – the seafood is spectacular – to relaxing Ayurvedic spas.

Sri Lankan beach

For a relatively small island Sri Lanka certainly packs a lot in. But take in some of its many charms and you're sure to have an unforgettable Sri Lanka holiday.