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Sri Lanka
Just south of India and surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lies the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka. With miles of unspoilt palm-fringed beaches this is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday, and for those seeking adventure the island has a wealth of attractions to be explored. Sri Lanka's heritage dates back 2,500 years and visitors can delight in its many UNESCO World Heritage sites and temples. Travel inland and the temperate hill stations offer lush panoramic views over the surrounding tea plantations and provide an insight into traditional daily life. A holiday to Sri Lanka would not be complete without a visit to one of its many national parks which thrive with fascinating wildlife, including hundreds of elephants and the world's densest population of leopards.
Tempting Beaches Stretching from Negombo, just north of Colombo, down to Galle in the south, Sri Lanka's west coast boasts fabulous sandy beaches fringed by tropical palm trees. Accommodation choices range from boutique resorts and luxurious honeymoon retreats, to family-friendly and more budget conscious options. Most resorts operate relaxing spa centres with many specialising in local Ayurvedic treatments. Nature Lovers With 14 national parks to choose from, Sri Lanka offers the perfect opportunity to undertake some wildlife spotting. Along the south-east coast is the popular Yala National Park, famed for its high population of leopards as well as its rare bird species, elephants, buffalo and crocodiles. Game drives and accommodation are available but please note the park is closed for 4-6 weeks during September and October when alternative arrangements are made at Bundala National Park. Cultural Highlights With 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, an array of temples, fortresses and ancient towns offer themselves up for exploration. Once claimed by the jungle, many sites have been rediscovered during archaeological excavations and the beautifully preserved stonework, statues and dagobas prove unforgettable viewing. See our Sri Lankan Heritage & Wildlife tour on page 49 which takes in many of these sites. Explorers' Paradise For those seeking an alternative perspective on Sri Lanka's tropical climes, we recommend journeying up to the lush hill stations of Nuwara Eliya and Kandy. The vivid green tea plantations evoke a relaxed atmosphere and visitors to the region can enjoy a multitude of walks past waterfalls and market gardens; the scenery is quite spectacular and the tea is world renowned!
Sri Lanka Travel Tips
* Time: GMT +5.30 * Flying Time from UK: Approx 10.5 hours * Language: Sinhala and Tamil are both national languages although English is widely spoken and understood. * Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) £1 = LKR 214 * Visa Requirements: A visa is not required for British citizens for stays of less than 30 days * Festivals, Events & Busy Times: Sri Lanka has many religious holidays and nearly 30 public holidays a year. During many of these alcohol is not served in any of the hotels featured. The dates of these festivals varies according to the lunar calendar. * Tourist Office: Sri Lanka Tourist Board, Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4WD. Tel: 0845 880 6333 www.srilankatourism.org More useful information can be found on pages 56/57.
Elephant Pass
Bay of Bengal
Gulf of Mannar Wilpattu National Park
Anuradhapura Sigiriya
Kandalama Pinnawala Negombo Colombo
Polonnaruwa
SRI LANKA
Kandy
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Nuwara Eliya Dunhinda Falls
Wadduwa Bandarawela Kalutara Kataragama Yala Beruwela s Adams Peak Peak s National Bentota Park Tissamahara Bundala Ahungalla Galle
National Park
Indian Ocean
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