Sri Lanka is the teardrop off the tip of Southern India. This tropical island is famed for its palm-fringed beaches, tea plantations and rickshaws.

This beautiful country has been run by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British, gaining independence in 1948. It is now a democracy that continues to make economic progress, despite tensions in the far north east of the island and the devastation inflicted on the south by the 2004 Tsunami. Sri Lanka's population is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, and its cultural heritage is equally as rich and diverse. Its countryside is lovely and teeming with varied and exotic wildlife species. There are more than ten national parks in Sri Lanka, and the Sinharaja rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The food in Sri Lanka is a real pleasure. Enjoy the delights of sampling a jackfruit curry accompanied by the sweetest mango juice you have ever tasted. You will be amazed at the range of fresh fruit and veg available and don't forget to try some of the fresh fish, straight out of the boat.

Another Sri Lankan passion is cricket. Whether you are talking to an orange-robed Buddhist monk or a young school student they will want to find out what you think of their heroes and which team you support.