Sri Lanka Overview

Overview

Hanging like a pendant from the horn of India, Sri Lanka sits quietly off the shore of its large neighbour. The civil war that has torn the country apart over the last quarter century has mercifully come to an end and while the two sides still bicker over a final solution the land is now largely peaceful. This is a blessing for hardened back packers or beach front holiday makers alike, for Sri Lanka offers a richness and beauty seldom found anywhere and unique in a country so small, approachable and inexpensive.

Tsunami Update: Though many areas have completely recovered, travellers are advised to keep abreast of tsunami-specific information.

Tamil Tensions: Areas North of Anuradhapura and Nilavelli as well as the eastern coast south of Trincomalee are still unsafe for travellers. The situation can change rapidly so you should check for updates before your departure.

Sri Lanka is famous for its beaches. Deserted white sand strands lined with Coconut palms stretch for hundreds of miles along the countries shores. There are large Mediterranean style resorts to be found here, but smaller and more personal hotels are no more difficult to find. Snorkelling, Wind Surfing and diving are on offer, but the coral is not quite what it once was. Because of the countries position off India there is good weather on a beach somewhere on the island whenever you intend to visit! You could spend your whole stay wandering gently along the coast in search of the perfect place to sling your hammock, but look further inland for there is much more to see.

There is a long history to be found among the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Riding bikes among the trees and stone monuments with monkeys chattering above and around you is not to be missed. Herds of wild elephants can be glimpsed on the plains, or even working in the villages. Antelope and the elusive leopard can also be seen.

The city of Kandy and the central highlands offer a break from the heat of the plains and a range of activities. There are tea plantations to visit, white water rafting, and hiking in the hills, not forgetting the temple of the sacred tooth in Kandy itself, believed to hold a tooth of the Buddha. For a close up experience with the local pachyderms, you can also visit the famous Elephant Orphanage, home to dispossessed and injured elephants from all over the country. The southern highlands and the area around are also a great place to shop for gems and jewellery including the countries famous sapphires.

Most of Sri Lanka's population can be divided into two groups. The minority Tamils in the North and East have their origins in India, are Hindu and predominantly speak Tamil. In the South and West the Sinhalese have a very different culture and beliefs. Budhists, they speak Sinhalese. Divided by language and religion these two people's have been at odds for many years, but now there is a chance for peace and there has been no substantial fighting for five years. Whatever their background, the people are universally friendly and many of them speak at least a little English.

Getting around in Sri Lanka is possible by bus, which is cheap, if a touch infrequent. There are also train services in some places. Alternatively, you can hire a car and a driver for a week or two at a time. The latter costs extra, but allows you to see more in less time and with less hassle.