Big friendly giant: bathing time at a Sri Lankan elephant orphanage

Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation adrift in the Indian Ocean and situated southeast of India.

The country's exquisite scenery takes in palm-fringed beaches, lush rainforest, tea plantations and ancient cities.

Sri Lanka is blessed with 1,000 miles of coast. The island is ringed by warm ocean full of coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.

Some of Sri Lanka's top beaches include the tourist resort at Bentota on the western side of Sri Lanka and Galle on the south coast where stunning sandy stretches are complimented by a well-preserved old town with an historic Dutch fort.

For those who want to do more than sink their feet into the sand, Sri Lanka's interior is the domain of tropical rainforests, tea plantations and ancient treasures such as Sigiriya - a 16th century fortress hidden deep in the jungle. The inland region is also home to more than 3,000 elephants. Visitors can take elephant rides or visit the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage where it is possible to help feed and bathe these big friendly giants.

Sri Lanka is infused with a variety of cultural and religious influences. Buddhist temples are abundant, with the likes of Kalani Raja Maha Viharaya, Dipaduttaramaya and Vajiraramaya among the most spectacular. There are also Hindu temples here, with Kochikade Kotahena and Gintupitiya the standouts. In addition, majestic mosques dot the country, with the historic Davatagaha and Afar Jumma mosques worth visiting.

Survival guide

Although Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate, there are distinct regional variations. The upland areas tend to be cooler while the coastal areas receive refreshing sea breezes. Monsoons hit Sri Lanka between May and July and again between December and January. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is during the dry season between December and March.

The majority of Sri Lankans speak Sinhala, with significantly less speaking Tamil. Many people also speak at least basic English.

While the cricket-loving nation has experienced its fair share of turmoil over the past few decades, the situation has stabilized enough that tourists are flocking back.

Public nudity is illegal in Sri Lanka and women should also be aware that sunbathing topless is prohibited.

Accommodation in Sri Lanka ranges from luxury resorts to modestly-priced yet comfortable hotels. Travellers can also find many self-catering facilities, including as cottages and apartments.

Air is the most common way of travelling to and from Sri Lanka, but passenger vessels also sail to several Sri Lankan ports. The major airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, 35km north of the capital, Colombo. The national air carrier is SriLankan Airlines.