With more than 4000 species of plants and renowned for its collection of orchids, the 147 acre Royal Botanic Gardens is sure to have even an anthophile wondering what is what. 

A visit to Balaji Dosai should be high on that agenda, even if it is just to sample some of the best dosas in the area. What is more, this whole spot is dedicated to all things veggie. 

High in the hills is Santani. A wellness retreat and peace-seekers haven, a stay at this "Architecture of Silence" will have you feeling at one with nature and totally recharged. It's hard to resist those lush green acres and the infinity pools overlooking the Dumbara mountains. 

You really are above the clouds at the Dream Cliff Mountain Resort. For the adventurers or the peace seekers, a stay here is as close to nature as you can quite possibly get. Zip-line over the hills, dip in the waterfall pool and wind down with a book on the panoramic terrace.