Sri Lankan culture gets a vibrant expression via dynamic festivals, many of which are open to visitors. Religion has long played a central role in shaping the island’s cultural make-up; spiritual influences can be seen in its art, architecture and literature. Nature is also honoured, especially in the island’s healthy cuisine. Herbs and spices are used generously across dishes, some of which draw upon Southern Indian techniques and traditions, reinterpreted with a Sri Lankan twist. Of course, no visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without tasting its famous tea: an island-wide expression of hospitality. Visit the tea plantations in the island’s cool, hilly regions to learn about the tea-making process, which is more than 150 years old.

It’s not just the food that comes with health-boosting benefits. Sri Lanka is also famous for its ancient approach to wellness: Ayurveda. This alternative form of medicine has been going strong for thousands of years. It is thought to remedy a multitude of common complaints and chronic conditions, such as asthma, coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and digestive disorders. Visitors can experience Ayurveda’s holistic powers for themselves by visiting one of the island’s many Ayurvedic spas and clinics. If you’re keen to stay fit while you’re here, try volleyball or cricket – two of the most popular national sports. You could also try your hand at Sri Lankan martial arts such as Angampora – or just sit back and watch a match at one of the local schools.

Art, music, dance and architecture are all central to Sri Lankan culture. As long ago as the fourth century BC, islanders used dance as a means of warding off negative supernatural powers – and to expel disease and natural disasters. Later on, South Indian influences helped shape Sri Lanka’s famous folk dancing. Admire a kandyan dance performance while you’re here, which features ornate costumes, animal impersonations – moves that mimic elephants and peacocks, for example – and heroic and regal scenes from Ramayana epics and ancient stories. Art-lovers can venture deep into the national parks to admire ancient etchings on cave walls; for a more modern fix, visit Colombo for the annual Colombo Art Biennale and the Kala Pola festival.