10 must-know travel tips for Sri Lanka

We live in the age of the selfie but visitors to Buddhist temples should not turn their backs to statues of Buddha to take photos. “It is seen as disrespectful to Buddha,” said Luxman, on how Buddhists regard tourists snapping pictures of themselves at temples. Some temples display signs that discourage visitors from taking selfies by statues, though photography is widely permitted at religious and historic sites.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway in southern India

India’s most southerly state, Tamil Nadu, is home to 46 kilometres (28.5 miles) of railway that, since July 2005, has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway opened in 1899. It twists up from Mettupalayam, on the hot and dusty plain, into the lush countryside and altitude-induced coolness of the Nilgiri Hills.

Horse racing at Royal Ascot

Mention Ascot and images of gentlemen wearing top hats and elegantly dressed ladies are conjured into most people’s heads. The small town 30 miles west of central London - and a short hop from Heathrow - is synonymous with scenes from the annual Royal Ascot race meeting.

Reasons to visit Edinburgh Castle

After a brief look around I head next door to view the Honours of Scotland, the country’s crown jewels. First used together for the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543, the shining sceptre, crown and other symbol-laden artefacts are displayed behind heavy-looking security glass. King Charles II was the last monarch to be crowned using the Honours of Scotland.