busy lakeside city of Kandy attracts devotees to the Temple of the Tooth. Huge,man-made lakes have kept the areairrigated for millennia and continue toprovide water for both the paddy fields andthirsty wild elephant and other wildlife.The mountainous centre of the island is thecountry's tea-growing region and on thesouthern shores you will find fortified Galle,where the Portuguese walls defended Dutchchurches. Sri Lanka was one of the firstcountries in the world to create nationalparks, now home to a great diversity of flora and fauna. More and more visitors are attracted by its whale watchingopportunities, but the country is betterknown for its population of wild elephantand record numbers of leopard.Sri Lanka is referred to as a pearl in the Indian Ocean, and with goodreason. For a country of its size, you will besurprised by the island's variety; from goldenbeaches to verdant tea plantations, anabundance of wildlife to ancient temples.The Cultural Triangle comprises a successionof ancient capitals and Buddhist sitesscattered throughout the forests, while the84Sri Lanka

Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in Sri Lanka, pleasesee page 97.www.audleytravel.comInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our Sri Lankaspecialists 01993 838 335?Cultural TriangleHome to no less than fourUNESCO World Heritage Sites, the area is Sri Lanka'shistoric centre.KandySri Lanka's second city andhome of the sacred Temple of the Tooth.21Tea CountryRolling tea plantations withTamil women in colourful sarispicking tea leaves.YalaHome of sloth bear and Asia'sdensest population of theelusive leopard.Uda WalaweGet up close and personal with the wild Asian elephant.GalleA colonial gem and the bestexample of a fortified city builtby Europeans in South andSoutheast Asia.Golden BeachesPalm-fringed beaches and azurewaters for pure relaxation.37546Train journeyA comfortable way to enjoy the spectacular views of the tea country.PeraheraSri Lanka's most vibrant festival,featuring colourful elephants and Kandyan drummers.8Sri Lanka85Buddha statue, PolonnaruwaWild Asian elephantThe Tea Country12354678Audley in Sri LankaSri Lanka is far more than a beachdestination. Here you can discover a hiddenworld of reclining Buddhas, spice and teaplantations, Kandyan drummers and elephant, epic landscapes and friendly locals.We recommend you tour in a clockwisedirection around the island, starting in theCultural Triangle which can be explored fromthe convenience of a centrally located hotel,before continuing south and ending on oneof the island's gorgeous beaches. All ourclients touring the country are accompaniedby private chauffeur guides, who are proudof their country's remarkable history andwho will be keen to help you get the mostfrom your trip. You'll be able to learn a greatdeal about everyday life, take advantage ofrestaurant suggestions, or monitor the cricketscore whilst on the road. The British-builttrain network is wonderfully nostalgic and the 'tea plantation' train between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya is highly recommended for its stunning hill scenery and ambiance.Our specialists have all explored the countryin depth and can advise you on the best wayto experience this fascinating island.AccommodationSri Lanka offers a wide range ofaccommodation including tastefully converted tea planters' bungalows, boutique villas andopulent beach retreats. In addition, a fewhistoric buildings now offer comfortable stays.There are also a number of distinctive hotelsand beach villas designed by Geoffrey Bawa,Sri Lanka's most famous architect, offeringelegant and luxurious options. For thoseinterested in wildlife, we can suggest tentedcamps in the heart of some of Sri Lanka'sbeautiful national parks. Whatever yourpreference, our expert local knowledge willhelp you make the best choice.