Whether you're planning your first trip, seek inspiration or simply have an urge to discover more about this fantastic island, Explore the Beauty of Sri Lanka – Heritage, Culture and Nature is a personal guide that takes the reader on a visual journey by rail, road and tuk-tuk through the bustling streets of Colombo, to the hills and valleys of the tea region. Filled with interesting facts, our guide, Lina Nicander, offers first-hand, local knowledge and insider insight for travelling around the capital and beyond to north and south of Colombo. Beautiful images of magnificent beaches, breathtaking nature and the finest colonial hotels complement useful addresses and travel tips for easy planning. From the country's unique mix of architecture, including the celebrated tropical modernist style of Geoffrey Bawa, to historic and cultural highlights, Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka – Heritage, culture and nature has everything you need to discover and enjoy this beautiful land.

The book is divided into four parts: Colombo explores the capital, with colonial walks and a look at the island's unique architecture, including Geoffrey Bawa's tropical modernism. Then on to Negombo, to its vibrant fish market and fantastic beaches.

North of Colombo takes you through the Highlands by train to the tea region, as well as the UNESCO sites Kandy and Sigiriya Rock before visiting an elephant orphanage. South of Colombo looks at the unique mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences in Galle Fort before travelling on to south coast beaches, the mangrove swamps and Yala National Park.

The final section offers travel tips, such as getting around the Island and visa and travel information, as well as useful addresses and links for where to stay and what to do when planning your trip.

About Lina Nicander

Lina Nicander is a Swedish author and entrepreneur. A passionate traveller with a great interest in culture, nature and history, she loves photography and sharing knowledge and experiences. Her first visit to Sri Lanka in 2011 ignited a lifelong love affair with the island and inspired her to write her first book, Explore the Beauty of Sri Lanka – Heritage, Culture and Nature.

Lina holds an M.Sc. in Business Administration from Lund University, and studied in Berlin, Paris and the US before co-founding a successful advertising and marketing agency in Sweden, of which she is CEO. Since 2011 Lina and her family have visited, lived and worked in the Sri Lankan capital and continue to divide their time between Colombo, Berlin and Malmö.