Sri Lanka has been seen as a jewel in the Indian Ocean by the many people who have passed through it in history. Today this still remains the case. However, its society has been permanently scarred by the uprising by the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) which has been going on for 17 years and has claimed 65,000 lives. Sri Lanka is lush and junglelike on the initial approach by air. Yet this is not the case everywhere. The hill country has tea plantations, moorland and temperate type forest, while the dry zone in the south east and the north is almost savannah like. Whether you are going on an organised tour or independently, the essential sights are Adams Peak, Kandy, Sigirya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Polonnuruwa, Galle and at least one of the big nature reserves. In terms of beach resorts, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Tangalle are probably the best. Hikkaduwa is too commercialised and the same goes for Negombo, plus the beach is narrow and dirty. Colombo is dirty, hectic, noisy and a tad dangerous because of the indiscriminate bomb blasts although the national museum is well worth visiting. A special mention should go to Haputale with its breathtaking views of a large part of Sri Lanka and a journey on the Podi Menike Hill country train is a must. The journey from kandy to Badulla takes about 10 hours but is well worth it because of the spectacular scenery of the Hill Country. Avoid the big hotels on the coast and do stay at family run guesthouses. They are good value, you get a better feel of the country and a taste of proper Sri Lankan food ( which is just as hot as Indian with more emphasis on the staple foods; rice, potatoes and coconuts). travelling around does take time as the roads are potholed, windy and everyone and everything is trying to use them, from cyclists, buses, tractors, bullock carts, cows and god knows what else! If you are going independently take the air-con buses as they are still good value( Colombo - Kandy about 80 rupees (70p), they are quicker and you should get a seat. Sri Lanka is quite good value for souvenir buying - batiks, clothes, jewellry, spices and tea are obvious presents. Just take care that you are not paying over the odds - if in doubt go to the state run Laksala gift shops. In terms of health, Sri Lanka is quite a healthy country - just take the usual precautions. Finally do talk to the people, most of them are very willing to hear about your country and what you think of Sri Lanka.
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You haven't mentioned that the LTTE are terrorists and bombs don't go off everyday in Colombo + try Kandy during the Perahara season (August). It is very nice festival and every much enjoyed by tourists.
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Advantages: breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, culture, variety of things to do, good climate, friendly people, good quality and variety of accommodation offering value for money Disadvantages: sea can be quite rough, could be quite a culture shock for some people
kayleybo 04.11.2003 ·
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Review of General: Sri Lanka
Advantages: Keep this in mind next time an evil tortoise threatens YOUR village Disadvantages: Not one for the big tour groups - this place is tiny inside
koshkha 30.05.2009 ·
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Review of Dungtse Temple, Paro
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