At the ‘toe' of India sits Sri Lanka, a lush, tropical island with mystical ancient cities, jungles and miles of golden beaches along the south-west coast. The interior has plenty to offer to those who want an adventure so, if you're looking for a cultural experience along with sunshine, this is the perfect honeymoon destination.
Arriving in Colombo, you're plunged into a bustling, colourful city. Unless you feel brave enough to fend your way through crazed streets of hectic traffic, along with the occasional cow, you'd be wise to hire a driver.
Be sure to stay in Colombo for at least one night, even if just to enjoy an evening at the fabulous Gallery Café, an impressive open-air restaurant, romantically lit by candlelight. Stay at the Hilton Colombo - a hotel in the centre of the city which boasts a sports centre, large outdoor pool and wonderful restaurants. Leave some time to shop here - this is the place to buy Sri Lankan sapphires and wonderful local crafts.
You can't possibly visit Sri Lanka without spending time with the native elephants. Head to the Pinnawela elephant orphanage, inland from Colombo, where they care for abandoned or disabled elephants; rise early and you'll be there for feeding time or for the twice daily washing in the river.
The lush jungle landscape is part of the cultural triangle in the centre of Sri Lanka. There are two fabulous hotels here - the Kandalama Hotel in Dambulla and Habarana Lodge, which lies in acres of lush woodland, with accommodation in 54 bungalows. Herbal massages, bird watching, and a dip in the beautiful outdoor pool are just some of the relaxing treats. Habarana is also a great base for planning an exciting elephant safari ride, visiting the Sigiriya rock fortress and the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple.
If you're feeling adventurous then continue your travels along the A6 to Trincomalee on the east coast. This is where to come to enjoy the sea and the beach, but don't expect luxury just yet. The Club Oceanic is well appointed and beautifully located on the beach. Staff are wonderfully friendly and the food is fabulous. This is relatively basic accommodation in an area that shows signs of the December 2004 tsunami and the long-running civil war but which is definitely on the up and full of optimism. It's certainly peaceful and the place to visit beautiful temples without herds of other tourists.
After your adventures, head back to the cultural triangle for the crème de la crème of Sri Lanka, the Elephant Corridor Hotel. Set in the jungle, accommodation consists of vast bedrooms with private plunge pool and garden. All that separates you from a possible wandering elephant is a small trench at the end of your garden. The circular outdoor pool has double loungers, and is adjacent to the ayurvedic and wellness spa - where you can experience fabulous treatments at reasonable prices. The hotel can organise horse riding, butterfly watching and jungle walks.
Getting there: Kuoni Travel offers 7 nights in Sri Lanka staying; two nights at the Hilton Colombo, one night at the Habarana, two nights at a beach resort hotel and two nights at the Elephant Corridor Sigiriya with breakfast, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines (www.srilankan.aero) flying daily from Heathrow and transfers in resort. Prices for 2006 from £1225 per person based on two sharing. To do this tour with your own car and driver costs £46 per day per vehicle. To book please call 01306 747008 or visit www.kuoni.co.uk Flying time: 10-12 hours Climate: The climate is tropical. Highest temperatures are between March and June, while November to January is usually the coolest time of the year.
