Marco Polo considered Sri Lanka the finest isle of its size in the entire world. This lush tropical island is home to Buddhist monuments, paddy-fields, picturesque villages, high mountains and nature reserves. For a small island, Sri Lanka has been called by many names - Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle and Pearl of the Orient…. This colourful collection of names explains its richness and beauty, and the intensity of the affection it evokes to its visitors. Head for the rolling hills to escape the heat of the plains. In the cool tea plantations the entire island is teeming with bird life and exotics like elephants and leopards are not uncommon. The people are friendly, the food is delicious and costs are low.