SRI Lanka, this magical, teardrop-shaped tropical island… probably the best holiday destination in the world.

It has wildlife safaris, plantations, idyllic beaches, lagoons, spectacular waterfalls and seven Unesco World Heritage sites.

Not forgetting a rich calendar of festivals, diving, surfing, shrines, temples and, to top it all, it’s great value for money with spectacular style and luxury at a fraction of the cost in Europe.

Formerly known as Ceylon, it’s renowned for its tea. As one of the world’s largest producers, any trip should certainly include a tour of the plantations.

Glen Tea Factory, in Nuwara Eliya District, at Katukithula, gives a real insight into the process of perfecting the drink that’s “everyone’s cup of tea”.

One of many highlights was Sigiriya, also known as Lion’s Rock, an immense, ancient rock fortress used as a palace by King Kasyapa late in the 5th century and situated in the central Matale District.

It’s rightly considered one of the country’s top tourist attractions.

An enjoyable and interesting 45-minute walk to the top featured plenty of stopping points to admire the stunning views and frescoes of alluring females.

The final part of the ascent, through a gateway of giant sculpted lions’ paws, was the steepest bit, but, it’s via stairways that are well built and safe.

If you enjoy safaris, but like to stay in comfort, then look no further than Yala Village at Kirinda, on the edge of Yala National Park.

This spans 97,878 hectares of bush, forest, mangroves and many miles of Indian Ocean beach, and it gives you the sometimes too real feeling of living with wild animals.

In fact, after dark, guests are escorted to and from their air-conditioned chalets due to the possibility of bumping into an elephant or two!

Safaris run early morning or evening and, if you’re up to a 5am start, I’d recommend taking a packed breakfast – you can satisfy your hunger while local wildlife are looking to do the same.

Seeing buffalo, crocodiles and elephants was fascinating – but we were all hoping to see a leopard.

As hope began to fade, it happened – a large male leopard walked out of the bush 10ft from the back of our open Land Rover, looked straight at us, then ambled off – it was a moment that will stay with me for ever.

Get a real feel for the culture by visiting some of the many towns, particularly the tourists’ favourite, Kandy, the most visited (and considered to be the most beautiful) city in Sri Lanka.

The golden-roofed Dalada Maligawa, also known as The Temple of the Tooth, is central to the highlight of the year, in July and August, when a replica of the relic casket is paraded, accompanied by musicians, exotic dancers and elephants.

Numerous temples and shrines with rare frescoes and carvings, along with the Peradeniya Gardens, add to the allure of this exciting and culturally enlightened city.

On the south-western tip of the island is the bustling historic city of Galle, with its well-preserved Dutch Fort.

This is an ideal place to enjoy the more traditional holiday experiences in Sri Lanka.

Palm-lined Unawatuna Bay is one of the world’s best beaches – safe for swimming, perfect for sunbathing.

Around Galle’s coastline, you can see the stilt fishermen. It’s fascinating to watch them climb and perch on what seem like unstable and uncomfortable poles to hook their catches, which usually consist of small fish to feed their families or sell for a couple of rupees.

The north-eastern port of Trincomalee has the fifth largest natural harbour in the world, beautiful beaches and holy sites. Commonly known as “Trinco”, it is an important and historic trading post – even Marco Polo came here.

Picturesque Koneswaram Temple, one of the most famous Hindu sites, was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and rebuilt, albeit on a smaller scale, by Tamil Hindus in 1952.

I found Sri Lanka an incredibly interesting and enjoyable country to visit and the locals to be friendly and welcoming.

There really is so much to see and do that you could easily visit this fascinating island many times and still discover new and exciting experiences.

Getting there

• For information about travelling to Sri Lanka, visit srilanka.travel or call the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau on 0845 880 6333.

• SriLankan Airlines offer direct flights from London eight times a week. Prices start from £340, plus tax – visit srilankan.lk