Guide to Sri Lanka

Beaches

Sri Lanka has over a thousand miles of palm-fringed, sugar-white sands stretching endlessly along the coastline that blends seamlessly into the verdant gardens and swaying trees that lace the shoreline. Like tropical picture-postcard scenes, the dazzling porcelain sands sink into balmy, crystal clear seas leading you into the playful sapphire waters of the warm Indian Ocean and a magical underwater world where you'll find plenty of snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. If you prefer riding above the waves there are some unparallelled surfing spots, particularly along the southwest coast with impressive ocean rollers that pound the tropical coast.

Eating out

Sri Lanka's sizzling and exotic cuisine is made from home-grown ingredients, including freshly-picked spices and vegetables such as cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, chillies, onions, peppers and tomatoes. Much of the cooking is tempered with delicately flavoured coconut milk, from the islands own palm trees, and is particularly used to soothe spicy curry dishes that are often eaten with flat bread called roti. On the coastlines, seafood is particularly delicious with para fish, juicy jumbo prawns, lobster and tuna being firm favourites. Sri Lankan puddings are heavenly with tempting desserts made from tropical fruits such as guava, papaya, passion fruit and pineapple. To cool a spicy palate, enjoy refreshing coconut water or the national drink - a refreshing cup of famous Ceylon tea, or try a tipple such as arrack a coconut-based drink that tastes like brandy.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Sri Lanka is typically low key and laid back. At the coastal resorts you'll find bars and restaurants where you can watch the sun explode into a palette of pinks, reds and oranges as it sets behind the cobalt horizon. Many of the hotels will host regular evening entertainment, often featuring live music and traditional dancing shows. Take a romantic, starlit stroll along the sprawling sands enjoying the dazzling tropical moonlight or book to see some Sinhalese dancing with its exotic fusion of colourful costumes, acrobatics and symbolism as a story unfolds before your eyes.

Shopping

The bustling markets found in most towns sell everything from exotic fruit to colourful paintings. Wander amongst the heaving stalls where wooden carvings, delicate weavings and vibrant fabrics will be offered to you by friendly traders. Have fun practising your bartering skills with the friendly and pleasant Sri Lankans and haggle for colourful batik scarves and wraps, hand-made lace and traditionally crafted ceramics. Wonderfully fierce masks are a traditional Sri Lankan speciality and come from Ambalangoda, on the southwest coast and make exotic ornaments back at home. Other local goods include attractive basketware made from coir, or coconut fibre, pretty dolls, casual clothing and beautiful rainbow-coloured saris – all lovely reminders of your stay. Sri Lanka mines aquamarines, garnets, rubies and sapphires and jewellery shops line the streets, though if you are looking for a special piece, ensure you shop at a distinguished store with certified stones. Perhaps the best buy of all though is the tea, freshly plucked from the plantations that cover Sri Lanka in a patchwork of emerald green.

Transfer time

Colombo is a busy, lively place and like many cities arouond the world, the traffic can sometimes cause delays to journeys. This affects the following hotels: Tangerine Beach, Neptune, Triton, Taj Exotica and Eden.