Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Sri Lanka
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| | | | Diverse culture and history
It is now possible to travel to all areas of the country, in particular Trincomalee on the east coast, which has now opened up.
This follows a peace treaty, which has been signed between the Tamils and Singhalese.
Excluding Trincomalee and looking at the southwest coast, I would recommend people going to the Beruwela/Bentota area as opposed to Negombo which is nearer the airport, but not as healthy. Negombo is a fishing area, and not as clean.
Major spots to see if you really want to get a feel of the variety of geography, history and culture are: the Elephant Orphanage on the way to Kandy, The Temple of the Tooth and Peredinya Gardens (similar to Kew Gardens) in Kandy, the cultural triangle of Polonnaruya, Sigiriya, Anharadhapura (ancient kingdoms), Dambulla (monastery of painted caves and sculptures).
Then you should go up into the cool, hill country, tea plantations (take a mac and umbrella), then on down to the sea in the south via Horton Plains, or Yala for wildlife, and chill out at a nice hotel by the sea.
If you want an intriguing first or last night in the country, stay at Mount Lavinia hotel just outside Colombo, which was previously the residence of the English ambassador, and still has hints of its colonial past.
Travel guide: Sri Lanka
Five star place
I went out there twice last year to the Riverina Hotel. I give it five stars.
Great service. Good location. Stunning and safe beach. Excellent food. Very safe to travel around town by foot.
The most wonderful beach on God's earth as far as I'm concerned.
The only drawback is it is three- and-a-half hour drive from the airport.
Travel guide: Sri Lanka
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| | Destination Guide : Sri Lanka |
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| | | Teardrop of India |  | Why go on holiday to Sri Lanka?
An island of extreme natural and cultural beauty, Sri Lanka has garnered a lot of names - Serendib, Ceylon, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient - a catalogue that reveals its richness and beauty.
Of all these titles it is the epithet 'Teardrop of India' that reveals to us the downside of this paradise island - a dangerous and bloody ethnic unrest.
Despite this you will find that the people are friendly, the food tasty, the accommodation good and costs reasonable.
How much does it cost?
There are all sorts of deals for all sorts of wallets but as a guide, a 14-night tour of key sites including flights and half-board accommodation in February is around £1,000. Flight only, return from £550. Budget room £3, moderate hotel £10, top-end hotel £20 and up.
When should I go?
The driest and best seasons are from December to March on the western coasts, southern coasts and in the hill country, and from May to September on the eastern coast.
December to March is when most foreign tourists go. Out-of-season travel has advantages - fewer crowds and lower air fares and accommodation costs.
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| | | Visit Buddhist shrines |  | What should I do when I'm there?
There's good swimming at any number of beaches along the south west coast.
Excellent scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing are found at Hikkaduwa; there's pleasant snorkelling at Unawatuna; and sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing on the Bentota River.
For trekking, try climbing Adam's Peak or walking across the strange silent plateau of Horton Plains near Nuwara Eliya to see the 700m (2,296ft) drop at World's End.
Which towns are worth a visit?
Colombo is a noisy, frenetic, modern city. It's a colourful place and worth a visit to see what makes Sri Lanka tick.
Kandy, the laid-back capital of the hill country, is built around a peaceful lake and set in a picturesque bowl of hills where the Dalada Maligawa (Temple Of The Tooth) houses Sri Lanka's most important relic - the sacred tooth of Buddha.
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are important ancient cities. Nuwara Eliya was the favourite hill station of the British Raj: a blend of Tudor and Georgian architecture, gabled roofs, immaculate lawns with rose bushes and moss-covered gravestones.
Soak up the quaint atmosphere by visiting the Hill Club. Dutch Colonial remnants include forts, churches and houses at Galle.
Can I see the animals?
Animal life is profuse and the island is also an important seasonal home to migrating birds, including flamingoes.
Yala West is one of the few Sri Lankan national parks still open to travellers. It covers almost 1,000sq km of scrub, lagoons and rocky outcrops in the country's south east and is a particularly good place to see elephants.
There are also leopards, bears, deer, crocodiles, wild boar, monkeys, buffalo and wild peacocks. It's best to hire a jeep and driver in Tissamaharama and be in place near a waterhole at dawn or dusk.
Nearby Bundala National Park is Sri Lanka's best spot for birdwatching. Yala West is closed in September and usually part of August and October too.
What about culture?
Sri Lanka's classical architecture, sculpture and painting is predominantly Buddhist. Stupas - domed Buddhist shrines - sprinkle the countryside and there are several extravagantly large Buddha sculptures, notably at Aukana and Buduruvagala.
The spectacular Sigiriya is an impregnable fortress, a monastic retreat, and a rock art gallery.
Built in the fifth century to fend off a feared invasion, it is situated atop a 200m (656ft) high rock, with water gardens, fifth-century rock paintings of well-endowed damsels, a couple of enormous stone lion paws and tremendous views.
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| | | Fiery hot curry | | Where's good for nightlife?
Colombo isn't for ravers. Try a visit to the cinema, where many English-language films are shown. Theatres hold musical and traditional dance performances in Colombo and Kandy.
Hikkaduwa, the island's most developed beach resort (if somewhat forlorn nowadays), has a range of good restaurants and pleasant cafe-lined beaches.
What's the food like?
Rice and curry - often fiery hot - dominate meal times and usually include small side dishes of vegetables, meat and fish.
Indian curries such as thali (a whole vegetarian meal served in small dishes on a tray) delicately flavoured biriyani and kool, a boiled, fried and dried-in-the-sun vegetable combo, are also available.
Hoppers are a unique Sri Lankan snack, similar to a pancake, served with egg or honey and yoghurt. Coastal towns have excellent fish.
What should I buy?
Sri Lanka is known for its gems. Ratnapura is the centre of the trade and you can get a bargain or a beautiful stone if you know what you're doing. Ambalangoda is the best place to buy Sri Lankan masks.
In Colombo don't miss the pungent Pettah bazaar district. Marvel at the riot of goods - fruit, vegetables, meat, gems, gold, silver, brass and tin junk.
Kandy is an exciting place for shopping with souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased.
What is there for children to do?
After familiarising yourself with Sri Lankan culture at Colombo's museums, the kids should love the island's Dehiwala Zoo with its elephant show every afternoon.
Tourist office
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Tourist Board, Clareville House, 26-27 Oxendon St, London SW1Y 4EL. Tel. 020 7930 2627.
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| | Fact File : Sri Lanka |
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| | | Sri Lanka | | Did you know?
Michael Ondaatje, author of The English Patient, was born and raised in Sri Lanka.
Language
Sinhala, Tamil, English.
Visas
None required. Automatic entry for between 30 and 90 days is given on arrival.
Getting there
Direct flights from UK to the capital Colombo from Gatwick or Manchester.
Flying time from London
11 and a half hours.
Getting around
Buses are cheap, plentiful and always overcrowded. Trains are slower but more comfortable. Local transport includes buses, taxis and autorickshaws. Agree on a fare before you get in for the latter two. Be aware that there is extensive damage to buildings and other infrastructure along the country's eastern and southern coasts, and to the south-western coast south of Kalutara following last December's tidal waves.
Currency
Sri Lankan rupee.
Costs
Prices vary but as a guide: bottle of beer 50p; moderate restaurant meal £2 (local), £8-10 (top-end); roll of film £2; four-mile taxi ride, £1p; litre of petrol 50p.
Weather
There are two monsoons in Sri Lanka: April to June in the south-west and October to January in the north-east. Temperatures are high all year in the coastal regions and cooler in the central highlands. Colombo averages 85-90F (29-32C).
Time difference
Six hours ahead of GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 94.
Voltage
230-40V, 50 Hz.
Opening hours
Most businesses, museums and some shops open 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday. On Friday museums tend to close, as do some Muslim shops/areas/businesses.
Health — before you go
Hepatitis A, polio, typhoid immunisations are recommended, as are anti-malarials. Make sure you have adequate insurance and take a basic travel medical kit with you. Be aware there is a real risk of disease in those areas affected by last December's tidal waves - along the eastern and southern coasts, and to the south-western coast south of Kalutara.
Health — when you are there
Cholera, hepatitis and malaria are all risks. Mosquito nets, boiled drinking water, well-cooked food and other sensible measures reduce the risk.
Warnings
An uneasy ceasefire between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels exists in the north and east of the country, where random acts of terrorism may still occur. Most western governments advise against all but essential travel to the region. Check with the Foreign Office on 020 7238 4503 or visit fco.gov.uk. Avoid crowded public areas and political gatherings, which can turn violent. Take care when swimming in the sea as there are dangerous undercurrents and strong riptides. See Foreign Office advice before you book your trip following last December's tidal waves which has caused damage along the eastern and southern coasts, and to the south-western coast south of Kalutara.
Emergency
Police national emergency 433333. British High Commission, 190 Galle Road, Kollupitiya, (PO Box 1433), Colombo 3. Tel (1) 437336/43
Customs
Prices are very negotiable, but be reasonable. Thankfully, the breakdowns, snarled traffic and power cuts that characterise Sri Lanka under its troubled state are received with a shrug and a smile.
Pets
Pets will spend six months in quarantine on return to Britain.
Tipping
Ten per cent service charge is added to accommodation and restaurant bills in the middle to top-grade establishments, so there is no need to tip. Taxi drivers do not need tipping.
Tourist office
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Tourist Board, 22 Regent Street, London SW1Y 4QD. Tel 020 7930 2627.
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| | Available rental properties in Sri Lanka |
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