Sri Lanka is known to be the island of paradise. It was thought that the Garden of Eden in the Bible was located in this teardrop island off the coast of India.
Sri Lanka's attributes are many. Few places have as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Its 2000 plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites filled with mystery. Legendary temples boast beautiful details crafted by artisans though the centuries.
Across whole swaths of the country, that thing that goes bump in the night might be an Elephant heading to a favorite waterhole. Safari tours of Sri Lanka's pleasantly relaxed national parks encounter leopards, grouchy water buffaloes and all manner of birds and a passel of primates.
When you are ready to escape the tropical climate of the coast and low lands, head for the hills, which are verdant, virescent and virally infectious with allure. Impossibly green tea plantations and rainforest peaks beckon walkers, trekkers or just those who want to see it on a spectacular train ride.
And then there are the beaches. The beaches! Dazzlingly white and all so often untrod, they ring the island so that no matter where you go, you'll be near a sandy gem. Should you beat the inevitable languor, you can surf and dive world-class sites without world-class crowds.
Sri Lanka is spectacular, it's affordable and it's still mostly un-crowded. Now is the best time to discover it.
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