TEMPLES, shopping, art and history - Sri Lanka has something for all travellers.
And it will soon be much easier to visit, with direct flights from Melbourne to Colombo starting later this year.
SriLankan Airlines will start the daily service out of the Victorian capital from October 29.
Which means visitors can start their holiday fun sooner.
And there's quite a lot of fun to be had for a relatively small island.
Sri Lanka has a history spanning more than 3000 years. The jungles are home to some of the world's ancient cities, such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla.
Of course there's Sigiriya, regarded as some as the eighth wonder of the world - Standing at some 180m high, the Lion's Rock is home to the ruins of an ancient civilisation.
But if your idea of a relaxing holiday is lazing on the sand, Sri Lanka has no shortage of beaches, with nearly 1600km of coastline.
Sri Lanka is a perfect beach holiday spot year round, thanks to two monsoon seasons.
Some of the best known beaches are in the island's south, such asTangalla, Beruwala, Mirissa, Bentota and Unawatuna.
Those wanting to walk on the wildside can try spot some of the country's local wildlife.
Sri Lanka is home to Asian elephants, sloth bears, leopards, sambar and wild buffaloes, not to mention the rare red slender Loris, Toque Macaque, and Purple-faced Langur.
Some of the best places to see Nuwara Eliya, Hambantota, Yala, Habarana and Matale are some of the best spots for a wildlife encounter.