Sri Lanka - The Treasure Island

Nature has endowed Sri Lanka generously - it's small dimensions harbour the world's tenth richest biodiversity, a magnet for echo tourists.

Natural riches abound. Gems in dazzling variety - sapphire, ruby cat's -eye, alexandrite and over 60 semi- precious beauties. All the fragrant staples of the ancient Spice Route - cinnamon, clove, cardamom, nutmeg, mace and pepper. One hundred and seventy species of indigenous orchids and 242 species of butterflies. A staggering 441 species of birds, many brilliantly plumaged.

Wild life from massive elephant to tiny loris. Every kind of tropical and sub-tropical fruit and more than 500 species of medicinal herbs. And for good measure, nearly a hundred spicy curries to enjoy with rice, dozens of delicious traditional sweets and the world's finest teas.

Natural wonders too, to marvel at. Dramatic mountain rifts like world's End, Haputale and Ella and the thunderous cascades of Diyaluma, sixth highest waterfall in the world. Magnificent, sweeping Trincomalee, finest of harbours on earth. The humane blow- hole deep on the south coast, where sea- waves geyser skywards when monsoon winds are high.