Lonely Planet Sri Lanka (Travel Guide)

Product Information

A watery wonderland of coastal lagoons and bird-thronged wetlands, Bundala National Park speaks to lovers of all things aquatic. Flamingos (who number in the thousands) and crocodiles are the stars of the show, though vividly colorful bee-eaters and openbill storks will titillate the more discerning twitcher. Elephants are another draw – the high season around December is the best time to see the park's jumbos.

Where to try it: Many restaurants now serve kiribath every day of the week. Drop in for the breakfast buffet at the refurbished heritage hotel, Cinnamon Bentota Beach, for a feast of kiribath and spicy curries. Upali’s by Nawaloka in Colombo also has kiribath on their breakfast menu. Sip some local toddy Sri Lanka has a huge number of bank holidays, and almost half of these are poya days, marking the arrival of the full moon, an auspicious event in Sri Lankan Buddhism. All poya days are dry days – alcohol is not sold in shops, restaurants or bars (though you can still access your hotel room’s minibar). The ban on alcohol also extends to other religious events such as the Buddhist festival of Vesak in May. 5. Carry cash: the currency is the Sri Lankan rupee On most trains, the best spot is on the floor in one of the open doorways between carriages, with the warm breeze blowing through your hair. What should I bring onboard? Tourists are less common in Jaffna and the north where a distinct Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu culture predominates. Respect local etiquette when visiting Hindu temples – ask for permission before entering as non-Hindus are barred from entering some shrines. Some temples also require men to remove shirts and enter bare-chested (for example, Jaffna’s vast Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil). 12. Show respect to Buddha images

NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' cardwith wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel The monsoon season is also a great time to explore the country’s east coast with sandy beaches, a vibrant surf scene, and abundant wildlife. The period between June and August offers world-class conditions for kitesurfing in Kalpitiya. Things get quiet during the shoulder season in October and November, but you’ll be able to find cheaper accommodation options when the south coast slowly opens up. Take the airport bus Mosquito bites are one of the biggest health concerns in Sri Lanka. Although malaria has been eliminated, mosquitoes can carry debilitating dengue fever, a painful illness that can have serious side effects. No vaccinations are available for dengue and treatment can only reduce symptoms. Protect yourself by covering up at dawn and dusk, sleeping under a mosquito net and wearing strong repellent containing high levels of DEET ( diethyltoluamide). 21. Be road-safe in Sri Lanka Domestic flight options are quite limited, which means the main contenders for transportation are trains, buses, tuk-tuks and private cars. We break down what you need to know about each. Take a scenic train journey between major towns and cities

For the most part, Sri Lankans are socially conservative and deeply religious. Swimwear is fine for the beach, but not when wandering about town. Going nude or topless is not permitted on any Sri Lankan beaches. 10. Avoid public affection and disruptive behavior The park merges with the northern tip of Wasgamuwa National Park, and elephants can occasionally be seen wandering into the park fringes. Polonnaruwa is just a 30-minute drive away along the edge of the wewa, making this park a good choice if you want to combine history and nature in a single day trip from the coast.Look out for Hela Bojun outlets across the country – also known as Ammachchi in the north. If you find an open-air kitchen full of female chefs dressed in green aprons and hair covers, you are at the right place. Run entirely by local women, these restaurants were created by the Ministry of Agriculture to promote regional, homegrown ingredients and healthy eating, while encouraging women's entrepreneurship. They mainly sell nutritious vegan and vegetarian dishes. You can grab a filling meal with a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice or a cup of herbal tea for less than a dollar here. Join other travelers to save up on wildlife safaris It takes a surprising amount of time to travel around Sri Lanka thanks to winding routes and the limited number of roads crossing the interior of the island. Traffic also has to navigate a variety of hazards including badly surfaced roads and roaming wildlife (buffaloes, cows, feral dogs and even elephants). To do the island justice, don’t rush. You’ll need at least a month for a circuit of the island with detours to national parks, ancient cities and tea plantations inland.

The peak tourist season in Sri Lanka runs from December to April. If you avoid these months, particularly December, January, and April when local New Year and holidays begin, you can save on accommodation. May to September is the northwest monsoon season, but don’t fret: Sri Lanka’s tropical climate means monsoon downpours don't last long.

If there’s one thing to try before you leave Sri Lanka, it’s hoppers ( aappa in Sinhala; appam in Tamil), bowl-like pancakes made from rice flour batter. With crispy edges and fluffy centers, plain hoppers are eaten with curries or a spicy sambal (chili paste) called lunu miris made with onions and dried red chili. With such versatility, there are many different transport options. It’s nearly impossible to define a singular "best" way to move around Sri Lanka. Rather, it depends on where you are, where you're headed and what you enjoy. Here are some additional ways to cut your expenses and visit Sri Lanka on a budget. Book your flights well in advance Galle Fort is an eccentric mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural influences surrounded by spas, luxury hotels, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors and gem boutiques. Come in the morning hours when the Fort lanes slowly open up. First, eat a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast at National Tea Rooms, which is the oldest existing cafe in Galle Fort run by a friendly Sri Lankan family since 1932.