While the capital city and coastal towns have clear enticements, don’t forget about the smaller cities, towns and villages in Sri Lanka that can capture your imagination and show you the natural beauty this country is known for. Head for the hills (literally) to experience a different economic environment, friendly, approachable people and an easygoing, relaxed culture of work and life.

In a country with so much to offer, you may find it hard to pack so much into your holiday. You may be wondering what you should start with first, how you should plan out that initial day in Sri Lanka, where is best to go. Depending on your length of stay, it’s usually best to use a bell-curve to plan your trip. Begin your trip with a slow start and then work up to the more action-packed or busiest days in the middle and reserve time to take it easy towards the end.

Sri Lanka may be a small island country, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in seriously incredible history. There are ruins, temples, monasteries, cityscapes, mountains, plains, viewpoints and endless wilderness areas. These spots are so unique that they are considered to be of utmost global importance. There are a grand total of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, and all of them can easily be touched on during a two-week holiday in Sri Lanka. If you hit all eight sites, you’ll experience the incredibly diverse range of what Sri Lanka has to offer the world. By the end of your holiday, it’ll be the perfect time to rest and unwind—maybe on any of Sri Lanka’s fabulous beaches? Get planning, pick your favourites and head to Sri Lanka for a historical holiday you won’t soon forget.

In case you didn’t know, Sri Lanka exports a lot of tea. Like, a lot a lot – 340 million kilograms in 2012, to be exact. From Lipton leaves to micro-brews, Sri Lanka produces some of the world’s finest tea. Beyond being responsible for 2.5% of the country’s $60 billion AUD GDP, tourism surrounding tea and tea plantations is taking off. The experience is a good option for tourists and if you’re in the area, be sure to check out Cover-More’s top spots for an amazing cup of tea.

Situated in what is known as Sri Lanka’s hill country, sits the sleepy little town of Ella. Although only a handful of shops and restaurants are located in the town, you will find abundant adventure in the outlying areas. A particularly interesting excursion comes with exploring the temples in, and around, Ella.

Sitting just 320 km east of Colombo is Arugam Bay of Sri Lanka. The laid-back surfing town will teach you how to catch a wave for yourself. If you’re looking to unwind, eat seafood and enjoy a mellow party scene, Arugam Bay is the place to be.

As time winds down before you head to Sri Lanka on holiday, undoubtedly your web searches for “Sri Lanka beaches” and “Sri Lanka landmarks” will go up. It’s easy to daydream about the fun you’ll have once you get there, but sometimes it’s hard to get a sense of a country or culture before you arrive. One of the best ways to jump-start your immersion into a country is to read novels or books about the place.

Surf ‘n’ Turf isn’t just a popular meal that you might enjoy in Arugam Bay. The main draw of Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka is and has been surfing for a long time. In fact, it has been deemed the 5th best place in the world to go surfing. You don’t need a special suit or license to jump in the water, you can just come to Arugam, throw a towel down and get surfing. The beach at Arugam is perfect for beginners and experts alike. After a long day of surfing and swimming and sunning, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Back on dry land, use Cover-More’s guide to local restaurants for good food that will get you back in the water in no time.

Nepal doesn't officially require any immunisations for entry into the country, but the further off the beaten track you go, the more necessary it is to take precautions. Travellers who have come from an area infected with yellow fever are required to be vaccinated

Float on Phewa Lake After a long and mighty trek up the Himalayas, you'll probably be in need of a well-deserved rest. Look no further than the cool and calm waters of Phewa Tal Lake in Pokhara.