Sri Lanka is a tropical island of remarkable variety - a bird-watchers paradise and a fascinating country, with many places accessible to visitors that are not only rich in wildlife but steeped in culture. The country as a whole supports nearly 90 species of mammal, 427 species of bird, and 242 species of butterfly. Sri Lanka is able to boast the world's first wildlife sanctuary, dating from 300 BC, and ancient monuments, fortresses, and tea plantations nestle amongst the grasslands, open plains, cloud forests and rainforests. Not only are the flora and fauna of Sri Lanka simply outstanding, the beaches of the south coast provide a stunning setting for a few days of relaxation, and some fantastic diving.