The Fortress 

Sri Lankan cuisine has been influence by the Dutch, Portuguese and British who all colonised the island. Dishes are based on rice with a large variety of vegetables, fish and fruit. Local dishes are spicy and will often be toned down when served in hotels, to suit visitor’s palates.

Rice and curry

No meal is complete without rice, usually steamed or boiled and served with any one of a dozen different curries. A main meal will usually comprise of a curry of chicken, lamb, beef or fish with a selection of vegetable dishes. These are accompanied by chutneys and pickles including sambol, a potent paste made of onion, coconut, chilli, lime juice and dried fish. Many local people follow a vegetarian diet so Sri Lanka presents no problem for vegetarians.

Coastal towns are famous for their seafood restaurants serving prawns, crab and a wide variety of fish.

Spices

Grown in abundance and used in local dishes include cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon and pepper.

Fruits

Being a tropical country Sri Lanka is blessed with a huge variety of fruit. Some fruits, such as bananas and mangos, come in a huge number of varieties, shapes and sizes.  Fruits such as jackfruit, rambutan, pineapple, papaya, melon, passion fruit and guavas are just a small sample. Fresh fruit juices offer so much more flavour than they do in the UK. Expect to pay approx £2 for a glass of fresh fruit juice in a hotel.

Drink

Tap water may be contaminated so it is safer to only drink bottled water. Most hotels provide bottled water in your room on a daily, complimentary basis.

Sri Lanka is famous for it's tea which is amongst the finest in the world and the variety is amazing.

All wines are imported and so are expensive. Expect to pay approx £5 for a glass of wine in a hotel. Lion Lager is the main local beer but imported beers are available. Expect to pay approx £2 for a beer in a hotel.

Toddy is a local brew made from palm tree and when refined is sold as arrack - both are extremely potent.

Please note that on the evening of full moon every month Sri Lankans celebrate Poya Day. During this time no alcohol is served for 24 hours in a public place. So you will not be able to purchase alcohol in a hotel bar. You will however be able to drink in your room from the hotel mini-bar. 
 

Sri Lanka is an island offering a myriad of choices beautiful beaches, history and culture, wildlife and wonderful scenery.

Colombo

The political capital of Sri Lanka is a fascinating city mixing areas dating from the 5th century with modern shopping malls. The city has much to interest visitors with Buddhist and Hindu temples, churches, the old parliament buildings, zoos and museums. Shopping is a must in Sri Lanka which is famous for gems and jewellery, teas and spices and good value clothing. So whether shopping in a local bazaar or in one of the modern shopping malls with their designer boutiques, there are many opportunities to purchase souvenirs of your holiday.     

Kandy

Sri Lanka's hill capital is situated in the foothills of 'up country', next to a picturesque lake and is the island's most beautiful town. One of the main attractions is Dalada Maligawa Temple, where the sacred tooth relic of Buddha is enshrined, and each year the Esala Perahera festival is held when a replica of the relic is paraded. The procession is accompanied by exotically costumed dancers and musicians and 100 elephants, making it one of the most colourful pageants in Asia. The festival lasts for 10 days during July and August. Kandy also has numerous shrines and temples and the lovely Peradeniya Gardens with an amazing variety of plants, flowers and trees.  

Ratnapura

The most famous gem mining area and know as the ' gem capital', Ratnapura is situated in the foothills of Adams Peak about 60 miles from Colombo. Precious stones including sapphires, rubies, amethysts, aquamarines, topaz and garnets are mined here and can be purchased or viewd at the local museums. Visits to the mines can also be arranged.

Nuwara Eliya

Set in the heart of tea country, this beautiful hill resort is over 6000 feet above sea level which gives it a spring like climate all yaer round. It is a serene retreat from the bustle of the towns and it is where the British created an English style countryside, with perfect lawns and beautiful parks. The scenery is stunning with rolling hills, waterfalls and acres of tea plantations.   

Sigiriya

Where King Kashyapa built a fortified palace on top of a rocky outcrop in the 5th century, with the outer walls being built on the very brink of the rock. The site is best known for wonderful frescoes and the water garden which has been restored to its former glory.

Galle

This fortress city is built around a harbour, with many reminders of its chequered colonial past. Galle is a shoppers paradise for local crafts and a fascinatiing place to visit, especially the Dutch fort which encloses virtually the whole city.

Pinnawela

The elephant orphanage is a favourite with visitors and is where the annimals are cared for before being released back into the wild. At any one time there will be about fifty elephants ranging from babies to enormous adults.  

Yala National Park

A game reserve in the south east corner of the island which is home to elephant, leopard, wild boar, deer, buffalo, monkeys and a huge range of birds.

Uda Walawe National Park

Situated just 100 miles from Colombo the grasslands of Uda Walawe contain large herds of elephant and deer as well as wild boar, jackals and water buffalo. 

Whale and Dolphin Watching

Sri Lanka is fast becoming a major spot for watching Whales and Dolphins during December - April.
Dondra Point off the southern coast of Sri Lanka is the main port for whale watching with chances of spotting both Sperm Whales and Blue Whales. Whale watching excursions can be organised for clients staying in hotels on the southern coast - specifically Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama & Tangalle.

Kalpitiya is the best place to see the amazing Spinner Dolphins. Clients that are accommodated in Waikkal and Negombo may take this journey to watch the antics of these mammals!
 

 Sri Lanka uses similar electric plus to the UK so appliances can usually be used in hotels.

The climate of Sri Lanka is typically tropical with an average temperature of 27°C. In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16°C at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres. Bright, sunny, warm days are the rule and are common even during the height of the monsoon - climatically Sri Lanka has no off season. The south west monsoon brings rain mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central regions of the island, while the north-east monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December and January. Climates worldwide are changing so this is just a guide.

During the months of May - October the sea on the West coast is particularly rough and you will not be able to swim in the sea. At other times of the year we would recommend you swim with caution.
 

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN SRI LANKA (COLOMBO)

The above table is a guideline and Western &Oriental cannot assume responsibility for the statistical information.

The following immunisations are recommended before you travel to Sri Lanka, but it is best to consult with your GP for upto date information or  NHS Direct  http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/Travelvaccines.aspx

• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A.

The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced swine flu surveillance measures at Colombo airport. On arrival in Sri Lanka travellers from affected countries (including the UK) should be prepared to be asked questions or be checked for symptoms by medical staff.
 

Several scheduled airlines fly to Sri Lanka but only the national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines fly non stop and direct.

Sri Lankan

Daily flights from London Heathrow to Colombo with twice daily on some days. Some flights stop at Male in the Maldives. Flying time is 10 hours 45 minutes from London on direct services and 11h 30min from Colombo to London. The aircraft operated on long haul flights are A340-300

Emirates Airlines

Several flights from London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports via Dubai. Some flights stop at Male in the Maldives. Also flights operating from Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow 
Flying time varies depending on the length of connection times in Dubai.

Etihad Airways

Flights from London Heathrow via Abu Dhabi. Flying time varies depending on the length of connection times in Abu Dhabi.

Qatar Airways

Flights from London Heathrow via Doha. Flying time varies depending on the length of connection times in Doha.

Jet Airways

Flights from London Heathrow via Delhi or Mumbai operate frequently; ideal for a two-centre holiday with India.
 

The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee which is divided into 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50,100,200,500 and 1000. It is advisable to get some smaller notes for tipping and to use in smaller shops and bars as it might be difficult to get change for the larger notes.

Credit cards are accepted at most tourist establishments and there are several ATM's in Colombo and main towns.

Traveller’s cheques can be changed at any major bank. It is recommended that you change only the amount of money that you need as re-exchange can only be done at the bank at the airport on departure.  
 

The time difference between Sri Lanka and the UK is +6 hours. (5 hours during British Summer Time)

The laws of Sri Lanka strictly forbids nude and topless sunbathing.

Same sex relations are illegal and there are severe penalties for all drug offences.

Visitors should also be aware that beach wear is not acceptable when visiting temples or any place of worship. Legs and arms must be covered, shoes taken off and heads uncovered. You should also avoid posing for pictures in front of a statue of Buddha.

Please note that on the evening of full moon every month Sri Lankans celebrate Poya Day. During this time no alcohol is served for 24 hours in a public place. So you will not be able to purchase alcohol in a hotel bar. You will however be able to drink in your room from the hotel minibar.
 

 Transfers arranged by Western & Oriental are provided in modern saloon cars (for two adults) or larger cars or MPV/minibus vehicles for families or larger groups of friends travelling together.  All will be air-conditioned with a qualified English-speaking driver or driver-guide, depending on the type of transfer or tour.  

Optional transfers by seaplane to certain destinations including Bentota and Kandy can be arranged on request to reduce travelling time, or by private chartered seaplane or helicopter on request.