Isle of Serendipity: Sri Lanka was once called the island of Serendib and it's easy to see why. Delightful small surprises abound...a monkey swinging through the trees as I breakfast, a hitch-hiking pair of Buddhist monks on the riverbank as my rubber raft floats by, the perfect pair of bookends in a fancy store in Colombo , a tiny turtle's head which pops from the courtyard pond in the villa I'm visiting. Story by Lee Mylne

Country Life, Sri Lankan style: The pace of life in rural Sri Lanka seems to move at a pace similar to the measured, rolling gait of the elephant carrying me through the tropical jungle in the island's heartland.
Story by Lee Mylne

City of Spice: Knowing where to go is the key to discovering Sri Lanka 's sometimes chaotic capital, Colombo. Follow this guide to city life in the island of sapphires, spices and serendipity and you'll know where to eat, drink, shop, stay and spa.
Story by Lee Mylne

Ancient Wonders: The ancient capital of Kandy, in Sri Lanka's “cultural triangle”, is the home of the arts, music, dance - and Buddha's tooth. Slightly further north is the once-impregnable fortress of Sigiriya, the “Lion Rock”, one of Sri Lanka 's seven World Heritage sites. Story by Lee Mylne

Galle Fort: The World Heritage listed Galle Fort, which dates back to 16th century Portuguese rule, is a living museum. Dutch and English colonial styles are evident in the houses, which have deep shady verandahs, supported by elegant pillars. And if you're getting homesick for an Australian accent, you will find it in one of these old mansions, which has been turned into a stunning 14-room boutique hotel by Australians Karl Steinberg and Chris Ong. Their once-derelict 17th century Dutch villa is now the Galle Fort Hotel.
Story by Lee Mylne

Between Sri Lankan sheets: Wherever you stay in Sri Lanka's many welcoming boutique lodgings, personal touches abound. My favourite: the “goodnight” message spelt out in fern fronds on my bed at the remote Boulder Garden. Check out some of Sri Lanka's loveliest and most unusual places to stay. Story by Lee Mylne

Back to nature: If white-water rafting in Sri Lanka sounds surprising, it probably won't be for much longer. The island nation's ecotourism credentials are fast becoming an open secret, as more and more travellers discover that Sri Lanka is steadily developing options as unique and diverse as the country itself.
Story by Lee Mylne