Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, killer surf, fun trains, famous tea and flavorful food describe Sri Lanka. When you’re ready to escape the tropical climate of the coast and lowlands, head for the hills, with their temperate, achingly green charms. Verdant tea plantations and rain forested peaks beckon walkers, trekkers and those who just want to see it on a spectacular train ride. 

Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details. 

Safari tours of Sri Lanka’s pleasantly relaxed national parks encounter leopards, water buffaloes, all manner of birds and a passel of primates. 

Sri Lanka is spectacular, it’s affordable and it’s still often uncrowded. Now is the best time to discover it.