Marco Polo once wrote that Sri Lanka is “the finest island in the whole world”. He was not far from the truth. Sri Lanka is indeed a well-preserved reservoir of nature, a centre of culture and a land like no other.

Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, it encompasses every aspect a traveller’s dreams are made of: white sand beaches, lush green tea gardens, breathtaking waterfalls, and an incomparable collection of cultural heritage. But despite the impressive list of attractions; the resilience, kindness and hospitality of its people are Sri Lanka’s greatest assets.

Every island has its own way of life, and an amalgamation of traditionalism and modernity are what best describe Sri Lanka. From roadside ‘kades’ (shops) to five star service, they have it all. You smell the air, heavy with the scent of rain, taste the richly-spiced and delicious food, and view the perfect landscape. All this, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the perfect cup of tea, daily!

Times have not always been easy for this country. Nearly 30 years of a brutal civil war and the catastrophic 2004 tsunami, both, threatened to sink the island into a quagmire of misery and defeat. But Sri Lankans are determined and optimistic. When you travel to their homeland, they not only show you how proud they are of their heritage, but also teach you the value of resilience and are always eager to see you smile. Troubled times that would have taken most countries a decade to get over, have only taken Sri Lankans a few years to move past, and with much grace.

The New York Times named Sri Lanka the number-one place to visit in 2010 and this trend has continued well into 2013, with tourists flooding into the island from all over the globe. Sri Lanka’s diversity and character can be experienced best by following a well-planned itinerary, and one which aims not to leave out any of the “must-see” attractions and “must-feel” experiences.

Square one

Start off with catching what is lovingly known as the ‘tuk tuk’ (or more commonly recognised as a trishaw). Tuk tuk drivers in Sri Lanka have fast become one of the unofficial ‘guides’ of the island. They zip along in their tuk tuks, eager to get tourists to savour the brilliant shopping destinations within the capital, whilst also advising them on how to spend time in Sri Lanka. They are friendly, helpful and eager to please. However, as is the case in every country which thrives on tourism, they can also be quite enthusiastic when it comes to charging a fee that is double of what it really should be! A way to enjoy your tuk tuk experience without worrying about being swindled into paying extra is to catch what is known as a ‘meter tuk’; a trishaw with a meter running, which is quite economical.

Conquering Colombo

Staying in the capital city of Colombo is the closest you’ll get to big-city ‘hustle and bustle’. Take a day to wander through the sprawling collection of ancient artefacts at the must-see National Museum, spend time at the many clothing outlets and marvel at what a shopper’s paradise Colombo can be, and finally, make your way to Galle Road, and take in the skyline of five star hotels and breath-taking architecture. At sunset, order yourself a portion of mouth-watering fish and chips at the Galle Face Hotel’s vintage seaside patio, and end your day enjoying the abundance of nightlife Colombo has to offer. Be sure to remember that in Sri Lanka, shaking your head from left to right indicates that you’re agreeing to something. This unique way of saying ‘yes’ becomes essential to get by whilst on the island.

Off to Kandyland

Once your desire for fast-paced urban city enjoyment has been fulfilled, take a trip to Kandy. Taking the Intercity Express train from Colombo via the central highlands will be one of the highlights of your trip, and will be one of the reasons your camera charger needs to be with you at all times. When you’ve reached Kandy, make sure to stop over at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which purportedly contains a tooth from the Buddha, and enjoy the mountainous beauty this ancient city has to offer. Whilst in the Central Province, it is essential to visit the ancient Royal Rock Temple at Dambulla, and then on to the glorious Sigiriya Rock, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Tea for two … or 20

From Kandy, one must travel to Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. The landscape of the surrounding region in Nuwara Eliya is stunning, and lined with rows upon rows of lush tea bushes and the famous spice gardens. Driving down from Nuwara Eliya brings you to Yala National Park, where you can spot elephants, tropical birds, a variety of reptiles and leopards.

If you’re a history buff, then the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are an absolutely essential part of your itinerary too. Humongous statutes within the natural wilderness and ancient ruins are not to be missed.

Be a beach bum

After you’ve had your fill of the mountains, history, art and culture, it is time to kick back and relax on the beach. The southern coast is littered with postcard-perfect beaches that rival the best in South Asia. No matter which part of the coast you want to start your beach experience with, rest assured that you will find a patch of palm-baked perfection at every corner. You can book in for pampering at any one of the island’s numerous chic boutique beachside hotels, dive across glowing coral reefs, learn to surf on gentle sandbars, or merely walk into the sunset to find your own little undiscovered corner of paradise. The coasts of Sri Lanka are simply made for relaxation, and nothing but.

Start with Galle and spend time wandering through the old fort and the lighthouse. If, however, you prefer a shot of adrenaline, then Mirissa is the best base for a waterborne safari in search of blue whales. Arugam Bay is arguably home to the best surf spots in Sri Lanka, and Unawatuna is one of the most popular beaches on the southern coast because of its renowned sunsets, and glamorous nightlife. During the dark years of civil war, the east coast was out of bounds and its magnificent beaches confined to the subject of mere rumour. Peace has brought new opportunities, and the stunning coral gardens of Pigeon Island are capable of winning any beauty contest on their own.

Sri Lanka’s diverse cultures and harmonious way of life make it not just a fantastic tourist destination, but in fact, a learning experience in itself. Here is a land in which every faith celebrates its festivals together, and every outsider leaves feeling like they belong. It isn’t just the spicy food that will leave an exotic taste in your mouth, but in fact, the entire experience itself.

Sri Lanka is the perfect menu. Which part of it would you like to try first?