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SRI LANKA TRAVEL GUIDE
Sri Lanka - formerly known as Ceylon - is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean region of South Asia. To most outsiders, the country’s chief claim to fame is that it is one of the world’s largest tea producers; however, to those who’ve dug a little deeper, it’s a destination with gorgeous beaches, stunning mountain scenery, great food and a vibrant and colourful culture.
Colombo is the capital city and though it’s primarily used as a launch pad for visiting less frenetic and more picturesque locations, it has its own unique character and charm plus its fair share of interesting attractions. For beach holidays, Negombo and Bentota are arguably the best options on offer; certainly in terms of natural beauty and tourist amenities, few other destinations are as blessed. For sightseeing enthusiasts, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are absolute must-sees, while for outdoor enthusiasts, Nuwara Eliya is the ideal place to enjoy a couple of days of activity.
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SRI LANKA WEATHER - When to Go
Sri Lanka’s climate is tropical and across the year it experiences high humidity and warm temperatures, hitting averages of around 27ºC. The hottest month is May and can bring temperatures in the low 40s, making it a little uncomfortable for visitors, so probably the ideal time to visit is January when it’s cool and dry. Monsoons arrive between May and August and again from October to January but are not severe enough to prevent tourist activities.
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SRI LANKA HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
- Colombo: the nation’s capital city is not generally considered one of its chief tourist destinations; however, many visitors stop there for a couple of days prior to or following a holiday at a Sri Lankan beach resort. The city is fairly chaotic by all accounts and its madness can challenge even seasoned travellers but those who persevere will find a colourful metropolis with a range of attractions. The National Museum, established in 1877, is considered one of the city’s must-sees, while Pettah, the bazaar district, is perhaps the best place to experience local life at its most raw and traditional. For family visitors, the Zoological Gardens with its extensive collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish is a popular option. With an extensive selection of eateries on hand, dining in the city is considered a highlight of any visit.
- Anuradhapura: this was the country’s first capital and was the island’s ruling city for over a thousand years from 380 BC onwards. The remains of this ancient city are considered to be one of the county’s greatest attractions and its magnificent palaces, temples and stupas are indicative of the civilised nature of the Sinhalese people who built them. The complex is home to several key attractions, including the Jetavanarama Dagoba building and the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha is alleged to have gained enlightenment. At a little over 125 miles from Colombo, Anuradhapura can be visited on a long day trip but an overnight excursion is a better option.
- Polonnaruwa: in the same vein as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is an ancient city occupying a pretty lakeside location offering visitors views of temple and palace remains dating back to the Indian Chola dynasty of the 11th century. The remains are remarkably well preserved and as the city is somewhat smaller than Anuradhapura, its attractions can be experienced on an overnight trip. Polonnaruwa is 135 miles from Colombo.
- Nuwara Eliya: the ‘City of Light’, as its name translates, is just 110 miles from Colombo and hence a popular weekend getaway for residents of the capital. The destination was developed originally as a holiday resort for members of the British Empire, its natural beauty being its main draw then and even now. Visitors can enjoy some stunning mountain scenery while participating in activities such as trekking, bird watching, horseback riding, golf and boating. A trip to Horton Plains National Park and a hike up the Pidurutalagala Mountain are both considered essential to see the best of the resort’s aesthetic qualities.
- Negombo: located on the west coast of the country and reached easily from the capital, this is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular coastal holiday destinations. The pretty beach resort is built on the foundations of the local fishing industry and promises a mixture of modern tourist facilities and traditional charm. There are various places of interest to stop at on a sightseeing tour, among them the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, Angurukaamulla Temple, Dutch Fort Gate and Dutch Canal. The chief appeal of the area however, is its gorgeous beaches and the opportunities they offer for relaxation and water sports.
- Kandy: situated in the country’s highland area, Kandy is a destination popularly hailed as Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual capital. The town is best known historically for being the last stronghold of the Kandyan empire, so it has experienced plenty of interesting events in its past, with the legacies of some still evident in its contemporary culture. The town is a fascinating place to wander around and a sightseeing attraction in its own right, however the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Temple of the Tooth is possibly the area’s biggest drawcard and its most photographed landmark. Kandy is four hours away by train from the capital Colombo.
- Matara: the largest town on the country’s south coast was once a busy port serving spice and gem traders travelling between Sri Lanka and Holland but today is a tranquil beach resort and a destination popular with lovers of nature and the great outdoors. Remnants of the colonial Dutch era still stand in the town, with the chief sightseeing attraction being the 18th century Star Fort. Also of note for sightseers is the unusual Wewurukaimala Temple with its bright colours and modern design. The Yala National Park, meanwhile, is a must-see for lovers of both flora and fauna. The town is just four hours by train or bus from Colombo.
- Other Sri Lanka highlights: visitors with extra time on their hands might want to spend a few days on the beaches of Bentota, Unawatuna or Tangalle.
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SRI LANKA HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: Eating out is undoubtedly an integral part of the whole Sri Lankan holiday experience, with the country’s rich coconut milk-based curries flavoured with aromatic spices, sure to please the palates of any adventurous diner. Large towns and cities such as Colombo and Kandy offer both local fare and international cuisine, while smaller destinations typically offer traditional dishes only. Meals are invariably washed down with a cup of the finest Ceylon tea.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: Nightlife is a mixed affair with some destinations catering to the local love of gambling and offering casinos as their chief evening entertainment venues. The large hotels in the popular beach resorts have bars and often nightclubs also. Karaoke bars are also a big thing. A glass or two of toddy (coconut milk beer) or arak (distilled coconut milk beer) is sure to get your night off to a good start.
- Accommodation: Hotel choices are plentiful in the popular beach resorts and bigger cities and range from two to four and five-star establishments. Wander off the beaten track and your accommodation options are drastically reduced and you may be forced to accept something fairly no-frills. Big names such as Hilton, Holiday Inn and Regency can be found in the capital.
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SRI LANKA FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
The only direct flight option between the UK and Sri Lanka is flying from London to Colombo, and there are only a few such flights. All flights to Sri Lanka fly to Colombo airport.
Your best strategy is probably to fly from London, but with a a stop-over in the Middle East on-route, if you are looking for the cheapest option.
For the most convenient option (after direct flights) , many regional airports fly to the Middle East now. So fly to Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi from your regional airport and continue from there.
Try Expedia.co.uk, Lastminute.com or ebookers for flight options to Sri Lanka, including direct flights from London as well as flights from regional UK airports via the Middle East to Sri Lanka.
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