Attractions in Sri Lanka have grown from a long and vibrant history leaving many things to do and see including seven UNESCO heritage sites. Sri Lanka's history can be experienced at the ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara. The National Museum houses artefacts and explains Sri Lanka's complex culture. This complexity is also apparent in the capital city Colombo where exotic smells and goods are traded in the Pettah bazaar district. Calmer attractions include the seafront in Galle or the peaceful lake town of Kandy.

To leave the city and towns altogether attractions include treks into Yala National Park and up Sigiriya or Adam's Peak. Of course many leave the exertion of historic discovery in favour of sandy beaches stretching hundreds of miles. These are best visited outside of two rainy seasons May to August and October to January.

1. National Musuem
Sri Lanka's oldest museum was established in 1877 and today boasts a massive collection of antiques and objects d'art, encompassing the cultural heritage of the island. Exhibits include artefacts from archaeological sites all over Sri Lanka, and more than 4,000 ancient palm leaf manuscripts.

2. Pettah
Colombo's bazaar district, the Pettah, presents a real treat for shopaholics who can wander through the hustle and bustle of whole streets dedicated to selling a particular type of merchandise, from local handcrafts to brand name clothing.

3. Zoological Garden
Colombo's zoo has a fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world, but in particular showcases the fauna of the island. The complex includes an aquarium, which is the only one of its kind in Asia displaying more than 500 varieties of aquatic life. There is also a walk-through aviary, reptile enclosure and butterfly park. One of the most popular attractions at the zoo is the daily elephant show, which takes place at 5.15pm.

4. Adam’s Peak
The legendary mountain peak towering 7,297ft (2,224m) over the island of Sri Lanka is known as Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak, and has been venerated as a place of pilgrimage and worship for all major faiths for many generations.

5. Sigiriya
Sigiriya is an important Buddhist site in central Sri Lanka, about 100 miles (161km) northeast of Colombo. The remains of an ancient royal fortress and city dating from 477 AD stand on a vast rock, which rises 600ft (180m) above the surrounding plain.