DISCOVER SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka, 'The Resplendent Isle', is no ordinary Indian Ocean beach destination. Though ringed by beaches - the best on the south-west coast, location of the main hotels - it also packs an amazing profusion of scenic, cultural and historical contrasts that will inevitably surpass the expectations of many a first-time visitor!
   

 

        
Here it's no problem to enjoy a choice of holiday styles. To just relax beneath the shade of a poolside palm by your hotel pool and unwind to an easygoing Indian Ocean beach-side mood. To explore further afield in a tropical hinterland where jungles shelter   elephant and other exotic fauna and flora. To dip into a treasure-chest of history and tradition in ancient ruined capitals and Buddhist shrines. To travel 'up-country' to the cool highlands of the interior where mountain peaks look down on the   rolling slopes of vast tea plantations. Or - because distances are relatively short on the island - to enjoy them all in one leisurely itinerary that Golden Days can arrange for you to suit your exact needs.
THE BEACHES
Sri Lanka's thousand miles of coastline is scalloped with bays and quiet palm-lined beaches little touched by the modern age. None are more stunning than those on the south-west coast. Extending some 90 miles from just north of Colombo to near the island's southern tip, this embraces Sri Lanka's major hotels and resorts. The former span a range of styles and sizes from 4-star comfort to unpretentious beach retreats, while the latter are essentially simple former fishing communities - you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to some excellent fresh seafood - with limited activities and entertainments away from hotels.
 
Main locations south of Colombo are Ahungalla (setting of the medium-grade Triton Hotel), Bentota (location of the elegant Saman Villas, the resort-style Taj Exotica and the medium-grade Lihiniya Surf), Beruwala (the first-class Eden Hotel and medium-grade Riverina), Galle   (The Lighthouse - first-class), Hikkaduwa (Coral Gardens Hotel - first-class), Kalutara (for the first-class Royal Palms and medium-grade Tangerine Beach) and Kosgoda (Kosgoda Beach Hotel) - while to the   north of Colombo is Negombo (Browns Beach Hotel - medium-grade). In coastal settings near Colombo are the historic first-class Mount Lavinia and the medium-grade Berjaya Mount Royal Beach Hotel.
 
   
    ANCIENT SRI LANKA    
No stay in Sri Lanka could be considered complete without a visit - however brief, though at least two nights are recommended - to some of the island's outstanding ancient sites where evocative echoes of lost dynasties and civilisations still linger.

ANURADHAPURA

The northernmost and most extensive and important of the ancient cities, long abandoned before its rediscovery in 1845. Here the sacred 2,200-years old Sri Maha Bodhi tree (supposedly the oldest tree in the world) is said to have grown from a branch of the very tree under which Buddha found enlightenment. Here the countryside is irrigated by ancient man-made reservoirs built in the city's heyday and a truly remarkable engineering feat even to modern eyes.

  

DAMBULLA

Some 90 miles north-east of Colombo and built by King Walagambahu over 2,000 years ago, Dambulla is a world heritage site and the most impressive of the island's Cave Temples. The 5-cave complex has over 2,000 square metres of painted tombs hewn out of solid rock.

  

KANDY

70 miles from Colombo, this was the. last capital - for over 300 years - of the Sri Lankan kings following the arrival of Europeans, At an altitude of 1,600 ft, it's the lakeside setting of bustling shanty streets, mixed colonial architecture and traditional temples - most famous of which is the dazzling Temple of the Tooth,. From here during the spectacular Kandy Esala Perahera festival (normally in August) holy relics of the Buddha are paraded through the streets on a richly caparisoned elephant. Visit the nearby Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, ablaze with colour and housing a superb collection of tropical trees and shrubs. A colourful traditional Kandyan dance performance is the highlight of any visit here.

 

POLONNARUWA

Second capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries (when Anuradhapura proved too vulnerable to invasion) and a world heritage site, Polonnaruwa is a fascinating fusion of Sinhalese and Hindu architecture. Here, shaded by ebony and sandalwood trees, are the haunting ruins of the Royal Palace and the serene Gal Viharaya - four amazing giant statues of the Buddha.

  

SIGIRIYA

Close to Dambulla, this is the location of the famous Rock Fortress. Built as a secure redoubt by King Kasappa in the 5th century, the ruined citadel of the Lion Rock - a pillar of granite rising abruptly over 600 ft from the scrub jungle - has an extraordinary beauty. The amazingly preserved 'heavenly maidens' frescoes are a world-renowned Sigirya highlight.

  
    UP-COUNTRY RETREATS    

HABARANA

In most beautiful countryside, about 30 minutes' drive from Sigiriya, this is the location of the attractive Habarana Lodge. Set amid acres of exotic woodland and flower-garlanded gardens, this 150-room hotel offers an ideal 'up-country' base for those wanting to explore the ancient sites and stunning scenery of Sri Lanka's interior without the need for moving on each night. Designed and appointed in authentic Sri Lankan style, it also has a wealth of leisure facilities, including a swimming pool - and from here boating, elephant safaris and bird-watching can all be arranged.

  

NUWARA ELIYA

Affectionately known as 'Little England', 6,000ft-high Nuwara Eliya was once a colonial planters' cool hill retreat, founded by an Englishman in 1846 in the image of the Victorian England he missed. About 100 miles from Colombo at the end of a scenically breathtaking drive past towering peaks, tumbling streams and waterfalls, wildlflowers and vast tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya utterly belies its setting just a few degrees north of the Equator, with trout fishing, walking and 18-hole golf all on the programme!