Sri Lanka in a Snapshot

Seven days is a tight window for this much of Sri Lanka, so expect a fast-moving loop that takes in coast, hill country and wildlife in quick succession. You start among the markets and lagoons of Negombo and Colombo before heading inland to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the temples of Kandy.

From there the route climbs into the tea hills around Nuwara Eliya, drops down on the much-photographed train ride to Ella, then heads south for a safari at Yala and a couple of days on the beach at Weligama. The trip wraps up with a walk around Galle Fort and a last look at Colombo before you go.

It's a broad, sample-everything itinerary rather than a slow one — good if you want a first taste of the country's landscapes, history and wildlife in one go.

What you'll do

• See the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya
• Visit Kandy's temples and hill-country heritage sites
• Ride the scenic train through the tea plantations to Ella
• Go on safari in Yala National Park
• Relax on the beach at Weligama
• Explore the old ramparts of Galle Fort