Twelve days with children

A wide stretch of sand north of the town; good for an evening walk after a long flight.

The palace-fortress on the rock, with water gardens, frescoes, the Mirror Wall and the lion staircase. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An afternoon jeep safari to see elephants grazing at the great tanks. Drivers choose Minneriya, Kaudulla or the Hurulu Eco Park on the day, depending on where the herds are.

Sri Lanka's largest botanic garden, on a bend of the Mahaweli river, known for its avenues of royal palms, orchid house and giant Javan fig tree.

The old royal forest on the hill behind the temple, with shaded trails, birdlife and monkeys a few minutes from the centre.

A boat trip through the mangroves and small islands of the Madu Ganga estuary at Balapitiya, with a stop at a cinnamon island.

A wide stretch of golden sand south of the river mouth, with calm swimming in the dry season and water sports on the river side.

Snorkel in the shallow, reef-protected lagoon of Hikkaduwa National Park, where green turtles often feed close to shore.

Geoffrey Bawa's country estate and garden on a lake, shaped over fifty years. Visits are by guided tour.

A tall standing Buddha statue facing the sea at Peraliya, built in memory of the people lost in the 2004 tsunami, when a train was swept off the line nearby.

The long sandy beach south of the reef, with beginner and intermediate surf breaks, cafes and a busy evening scene.

A long sea-front lawn and promenade, busy with families, kite flyers and street-food stalls from late afternoon.