Broadsheet got to join an Intrepid Travel trip through the South Asian island nation, and what we found is a country filled with hidden gems.

South of Colombo, you’ll find beaches on par with anything in Bali or Thailand. In the Central Province, an ancient rock fortress looms high over a world heritage site. And a three-hour rail journey passing through mountain ranges, ancient forests and a verdant valley can rival some of the most scenic railways in the world.

Here are all the highlights of a five-day journey across the Teardrop Isle.