Introduction
The island of Sri Lanka lies at the southern tip of India, just above the equator. Colombo is the commercial capital and Sri Jayewardenepura is the administrative centre. Just 435 km long and 225 km at its widest point from east to west, the tear drop-shaped island has an area of 65,610 km². A central mountainous mass is girdled by small hills which, in turn flatten out to the coast belt on all sides. Many foreign influences have waxed and waned over the island through the ages and have produced a multi-lingual, -cultural, -religious society. The variation in landforms, the wide range of natural tropical vegetation and wildlife as well as the cosmopolitan social mix means that diversity is the name of the game in Sri Lanka.

Seasons
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with an average temperature between 27° C and 29° C. However, the hill stations in the highlands are generally cooler with average annual temperatures below 20°C and the occasional frost. Humidity levels range from 70% for daytime and 90% at night. The climate is dominated by monsoon rains.

Historical context
Sri Lanka has delighted visitors for thousands of years. The small island was at the cross roads of trade winds bringing many intrepid travellers, persuading them to stop for the lucrative trade in exotic spices.

Religion
The population of Sri Lanka is about 19 million There are four main religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim and Christian denominations.

Health
Both allopathic (Western) and Ayurvedic (traditional) forms of medicine are in practice, though most doctors are trained in the former. The state supports a free health service with clinics and hospitals in all major towns. There are also numerous private clinics and hospitals.

Currency Used
The unit of currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lanka Rupee (SLR) with 100 cents to SLR1

Customs Declarations
Tourists must declare all currency and travelers’ cheques over US$ 5,000, duty free purchases and any other items of value. Contraband includes illegal drugs, firearms or pornographic material, antiques and certain indigenous plants and animals.

PLACES OF INTEREST
Cultural Triangle This tour covers ancient and medieval capitals of Sri Lanka; Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, the rock citadel of Sigiriya , the cave monastery of Dambulla and Kandy, home to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, from which the Esala Perahera begins. .

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
The world’s first elephant orphanage gives sanctuary to injured or orphaned elephants which can be observed while bathing and feeding.

Colombo and the West Coast
The capital has many colonial buildings and the Pettah, a bazaar area. The West coast centres around the beautiful beaches at Bentota, but stretches all the way to Galle.

Galle and the South Coast
The Dutch fort at Galle, is a World Heritage site and well worth exploring. The south coast has many more unspoilt beaches than the west coast.

Trincomalee and the East Coast
Trincomalee has a small Dutch fort and the East Coast is famous for the clear seas and unspoilt beaches. Arugam Bay further south is the surfing capital of Sri Lanka.

Upcountry
The stunning scenery of the mountains of Sri Lanka are home to the Ceylon Tea industry. Nuwera Eliya is the centre of this area and is still a cool retreat during the hot season of March and April.

Adam’s Peak
A holy mountain and ancient pilgrimage for all faiths. The season is from December to mid-April. Pilgrims have been worshipping the holy footprint for many centuries. .

National Parks
Many National Parks throughout the island protect rich fauna and flora. Wildlife can be seen at Yala, Uda Walawe, Gal Oya Wilpattu, Bundala, the Peak Wilderness and others.

Rainforests In the south-
west section of the island are the last two remaining patches of rainforests, once extensive over the island. Singharaja and Kinniya hide many protected species of fauna and flora under its 40m high canopy.

Transport
At the airport A one month tourist visa is issued at immigration on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport and extensions may be obtained at the Dept. of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. There are bank counters for foreign exchange and approved taxis are available. This is the only international airport and is situated 32 km from Colombo, is usually a 45 minute to one hour journey.

Buses and trains An extensive system of bus and rail routes traverses the island. Fares are cheap and for a moderate increase, one can travel in air-conditioned intercity coaches.
Taxis, trishaws and hiring cars, are available everywhere and include radio cabs in Colombo. The fare must be negotiated at the outset if there is no meter
Domestic flights are permitted once more to Jaffna and Trincomalee.

Essential clothing
Common sense dictates that loose cotton clothing with open sandals are ideal for most of the country. A sunhat and sunglasses would be advisable especially at the beach. It would be prudent to wear culture-conscious clothing at all times, especially when visiting places of worship, where shorts and other revealing clothing are discouraged. A sweater and socks may be appreciated on trips to hill stations where the weather can turn very cool in the evenings.

Shopping
In Colombo you can do most of your shopping like handicraft, gems, jewellery gold and silver, local handlooms, fine cottons and silks batik dresses, tea.