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Bradt Guide Sri Lanka
Ref: BRA068
Sri Lanka is historically a favourite destination for British travellers, and post-tsunami visitor levels are anticipated to return to normal with visitors wishing to support the island’s rebuilding work. A complete range of coastal resorts is covered for the tourist looking to unwind, whilst a variety of activities and attractions will tempt visitors to explore the interior of the island. Suggestions on places to visit include temples and shrines, the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela, botanical and zoological gardens and a pilgrimage to the top of Adam’s Peak by night to watch the sunrise.
• Final research for this new edition carried out by the author post-tsunami
• Author a long-term Sri Lanka resident
• Coverage of national parks, natural history and a wide range of watersports
• ‘Giving something back’ section on travelling responsibly, particularly reflecting support of local charities and rebuilding projects
Book Reviews
"An engaging written companion with practical information of the sort only a resident could impart."
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About this Destination
Sri Lanka; serendipity: the two have long been considered synonymous. Discover beaches lapped by the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Sample short eats, or dine in five-star elegance. Take a train up through tea-clad hills. See elephants in the wild, in decorative finery, even in their own orphanage. Appreciate the achievements of ancient civilisations. The opportunities for a visit of fulfilment are endless.
Author's Note, by Royston Ellis
Updated 17 October 2005
The second edition of Sri Lanka not only has the latest telephone numbers and website addresses, but lots of new ideas for the independent traveller. Tourism as an industry in Sri Lanka was started by the individual traveller and boomed in the 1970s first with backpackers staying in modest guest houses and then with tourists packed into factory-like hotels (complete with guards to keep out Sri Lankans) walling off beaches. All meals were buffets, and hospitality, except when a server took a shine to guests and invited them home for tea, was stereotyped.
Now, perhaps as a result of the tsunami, the independent traveller is returning - while the packaged tourists from Europe are staying away in droves, or being replaced by Indians on vacation. The new generation of independent travellers are not looking for the cheapest deal but for a way to contribute to, as well as enjoy, the country. Many are investing informally with Sri Lankan partners in small businesses, thus doing a bit to help the economy recover. The guest house image is moving upmarket, with beautifully furnished rooms and individual attention, and fresh food from the day's market, not the deep-freezer. Visitors, too, are changing, coming for a vacation in up-country bungalows, colonial villas, game park cabanas and Galle Fort mansions, not just on the beach.
I have included such places in the guide since Sri Lanka is a country for visitors of all ages and budgets and intentions. However, Sri Lanka is not a "cheap" destination, although it is remarkably good value for the discerning. It is a country worth more than a few days touring around by air conditioned coach. I know, I came on holiday in 1980 and I am still here, and still discovering new joys of being in this serendipitous island.
Royston Ellis is a travel writer and biographer with a specialist knowledge of the Indian Ocean islands. He contributes regularly to airline magazines and has lived in Sri Lanka for many years. He is also the original author of Bradt’s Maldives and Mauritius, Rodrigues and Réunion
£13.99
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