Sri Lanka is a tropical island lying a few miles off the South Eastern tip of India, which is roughly the same size as Ireland. Sri Lanka's scenery is characterised by beautiful white sand beaches, lush rainforest covered hills, and ancient cities and remains. Bentota beach is on the western side of Sri Lanka and is one of the main tourist resorts. Galle on the South coast is also known for its gorgeous beaches as well as the fort in its old town. Kandy is the country's second city and here you will find the Temple of the Tooth.

The interior of the island is also worth exploring, with its rainforest, tea plantations and ancient treasures such as Sigiriya, a sixteenth century fortress deep in the jungle. Sri Lanka has over 3000 elephants, and popular activities are going on elephant safaris or visiting the elephant orphanage at Pinnewala, where you can help to feed and bathe the elephants.

The southern half of the island is dominated by beautiful and rugged hill country. The entire northern half comprises a large plain extending from the edge of the hill country to the Jaffna peninsula. The highest mountain is the 2524m Mt Pidurutalagala near Nuwara Eliya, and the longest river is the Mahaweli, which courses from the centre and empties into the Indian Ocean at Trincomalee. The best beaches are on the south-western, southern and south-eastern coasts.

Animal life is profuse and includes the elephant, as well as leopards, deer, monkeys, sloth bears, wild boar, snakes, crocodiles, dugong and turtles. The island is an important seasonal home to migrating birds, including flamingos, which flock to the lagoons, wetlands and bird sanctuaries.