Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is small enough to see a lot in ten days, and varied enough that the north, hills and coasts feel like different countries. Distances look short on the map but roads are slow, so plan by driving time.

The Cultural Triangle in the centre holds the headline history: the fifth-century rock fortress of Sigiriya with its frescoes and lion-paw staircase (climb it at dawn), the cave temples of Dambulla, and the ruined royal cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Kandy, the last kingdom's capital, has the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a lake ringed by hills.

The hill country is tea and trains. The rail journey from Kandy through Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya) to Ella is one of the world's great scenic train rides, past waterfalls, forest and endless tea terraces. Ella itself has Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge, and cool evenings. Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) is a pilgrimage climb done overnight for sunrise, in season roughly December to May.

The south and west coasts are for beaches and wildlife. Galle has a walled Dutch fort full of cafes and boutiques; Mirissa and Weligama have surf and seasonal whale-watching; Yala and Udawalawe national parks offer safaris for elephants, leopards and birds. The east coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Pasikuda) is best from May to September.

Sri Lankan food is rice and curry — many small dishes around a plate of rice, plus hoppers, kottu, string hoppers and short eats. It is generally spicier than Bangladeshi food. Halal food is widely available, especially in Colombo, Kandy and the east, and there are mosques across the island.

Because of two monsoons, timing depends on region: December–March is best for the west, south and hill country; May–September for the east and north. The island is a year-round destination if you match the coast to the season.

Many travellers hire a car with driver for the whole trip — it is affordable and removes the stress of narrow roads. Trains are for the scenic hill stretch; tuk-tuks (metered apps exist) handle short hops.