Come closer to each other in the exotic and adventurous treasure island of Asia - Sri Lanka, one the most sought after travel destinations, a fact justified by the multitude of names that the country goes by, ranging from Ceylon and Resplendent Isle to Serendib, India's Teardrop and the Dharma Island.

This collage of names is indicative of the many-faceted splendour of Sri Lanka, with its rolling countryside, scenic tea plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, religious pilgrimages and the multitude of palm-lined sandy beaches that stretch all around the country, surrounded by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

A lover's paradise, Sri Lanka has it all - exquisite underwater coral beds, cascading waterfalls, colourful festivals and pageantry, magnificent ancient cities and flowers in all their glory. Apart from scenic beauty, sparkling gems like sapphires, rubies and a myriad of exotic stones are found in abundance Sri Lanka.

The two famous beaches - the Bentota and the Hikkaduwa - are the most popular among adventure seekers as they offer a variety of activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing and floating on glass bottom boats.

Anuradhapura is considered Sri Lanka's first capital (in 380 BC). The Sacred Bo-Tree is the city's holiest site, and was grown from the tree under which Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.

The port of Galle bears testimony to the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. The Dutch Fort, built in 1663, has withstood the ravages of time.

The laidback 'capital' of the hill country and the historical bastion of Buddhist power, Kandy is built around a peaceful lake and set in a picturesque bowl of hills. Its main attraction is the octagonal Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), that houses Sri Lanka's most important religious relic: the sacred tooth of Buddha. The one destination that offers Nature in all its naked glory is truly Sri Lanka.

How To Get There

One can easily reach Sri Lanka by air and by sea on cruise liners. A few airlines other than the national carrier, Air Lanka, fly to Kattunayake International Airport (Sri Lanka's only international airport).

Indian Airlines operates daily flights to Colombo from a number of southern Indian cities. Regarding accommodation, there are a variety of options available ranging from inexpensive guesthouses to deluxe hotels and international class luxury resorts.

The best time of the year to visit this exotic island in the Indian Ocean is either between the months of December and March, if you're headed for the highlands or the west and south coasts or between the months of May and September if you're visiting the east coast.