"Sri Lanka, A land like no other" is the slogan of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. I can't endorse or deny this, as I was only there for two weeks. But in those two weeks I discovered a beautiful country, met some friendly and helpful people, and came away with some great memories.

Looking at the map, Sri Lanka looks similar in size to Wales. Don't fall into the trap thinking that you can speed around the island in a couple of weeks, ticking off the cities and sights. Roads can be in bad condition, and traffic moves very slowly. I split my time between Unawatuna on the South coast and Kandy, an old colonial city in the highlands.

BEFORE YOU GO
UK passport holders do not need a visa. Check the Forign office website for security information. Sri Lanka's civil troubles have been limited to the North East of the island, and the capital, Colombo. The areas I visited (including Unawatuna) are considered safe. Check you've got the right jabs too (most local surgeries don't charge). Some people recommend Anti-malarials, and some don't. Be safe, you can get a handy pack from your chemist. A pack of Palludrine and Avloclor will cost £14, and it contains enough tablets to take one week before leaving, two weeks in Sri Lanka and four weeks after returning.
The Sri Lankan Rupee is a closed currency, so cannot be bought outside the country.

There is only one international airport in Sri Lanka (Katunayake, Code CMB), and disembarkation is by aircraft steps and buses. Remember to ask for assistance when you check in if you need it.
Your first test of patience in Sri Lanka will be the passport queue.

Unawatuna is three to four hours drive from Colombo airport. A word of warning here; You will be tired after the flight from Europe, and arranging transport when you arrive is not recommended. The airport is chaotic, and you will be facing swarms of touts offering taxis.
Many will try to help you with bags etc in the hope of a tip. Even a hand on your trolley is deemed worthy of a pound coin to these guys! (Yes, the resourceful Sri Lankans will accept foreign coinage as tips!) You would be doing yourself a favour by organising your airport transfer at the same time as your accomodation. All of the guest houses in Unawatuna will offer airport pick-ups, and will arrange these if you send an email. Expect to pay around US$20 for this.

UNAWATUNA
Getting here, I have described is a mission. However, everyone that comes here soon forgets about it's remoteness, and realises what a gem of a place it is.
Unawatuna is one of a few resorts that is away from the busy main road. The guesthouses are small and friendly, and fit in well with the surroundings. Don't expect big flash hotels with pools and tennis courts and nightclubs. Do expect peace and quiet, comfortable and clean accomodation, a good variety of eating places and of course; the beach.

FOOD AND DRINK
If you're missing the food from your native land, you will find it here, albeit to varying standards. If local food is a must when you are on holiday, and if you are fanatical about seafood - You will be well catered for. Food is fresh, well cooked, and portions are huge.
A main course is never more than £3! Establishments realise that Westerners are wary about tap water, salad and non-peeled fruit, so these are never offered.

Soft drinks cost small change, water even less, and a big (625ml) bottle of beer is just over a pound.

Waiting staff throughout the area are very friendly, and love the chance to talk to you about your country (It helps if you come from a cricket playing country!)

THINGS TO DO
Unawatuna is a beautiful and unspoilt hideaway. Don't expect to be active here. There is plenty to do elsewhere in Sri Lanka - Elephant trekking, white water rafting, scuba diving, Buddhist temples and tea plantations.
I spent my time after Unawatuna doing these things, and regretted starting at Unawatuna. It would make instead for a lovely 'wind-down' to an extensive tour.