Sri Lanka FAQ

Yes. Under British rule, the country was called Ceylon. The name was retained after independence in 1948 until 1972, when it changed to Sri Lanka – “Resplendent Land” in Sanskrit. The name Ceylon is sometimes applied – “Ceylon tea” for instance.

Whatever accommodation-type you seek is available in Sri Lanka. Five-star hotels, resort hotels, boutique properties, villas, guest houses and homestays can be found, especially along the western and southern coasts and Kandy and the hill country. In a category of their own are government-run rest houses, originally used by British colonists. As a result, many are colonial buildings, set in peaceful locations.

Every full moon day is a Buddhist public holiday, a Poya. The most important is in May Vesak Poya – a festival that marks the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, worth seeing are the illuminated pandals (bamboo frameworks) hung with pictures depicting events in the Buddha’s life. Sri Lanka’s best-known traditional festival is the Kandy Esala Perahera, held in Kandy over 10 days in late July to early August. Perahera means “procession” and that’s exactly what occurs nightly – a magical passing-by of drummers, dancer’s whip-crackers, acrobats and robed elephants. A caparisoned tusker carries the reason for the festival, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha for the people.

Ayurveda is practised more widely than Western medicine. Many hotels offer Ayurvedic treatment for guests and have qualified practitioners to advise you on how to improve your health or give various types of baths and massages.

With common-sense precautions, it is easy to stay healthy in Sri Lanka. Minor health problems can be treated by doctors with practices in the resorts and elsewhere in the country. If you have a serious problem, Colombo boasts well-equipped private hospitals offering the latest in conventional medical and surgical techniques.

• Never drink tap water and avoid ice and juices in places where bottled water isn’t used.
• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of safe, clean water, or king coconut – a cheap, healthy alternative.
• Always use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. Remember you are just 600km from the equator.
• Do not pet or play with stray dogs – they may have rabies.
• Mosquito repellent is essential since malaria exists throughout the country apart from the districts of Colombo, Kalutara and Nuwara-Eliya.

Sri Lanka’s compact size and the accessibility of most major attractions means that even a week will allow you to visit a number of different areas. But to experience the island properly, a two-week stay is advisable.

Sri Lanka’s cultural depth is recognized by UNESCO, which has declared six archaeological World Heritage Sites. The remains of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa feature enormous dagobas (dome-shaped structures) and statues of the Buddha. Dambulla has an awesome enormous stairway, while Sigiriya is a rock with the remains of a palace on the summit and sensual frescoes. In the hill country lays the royal capital of Kandy, home to the Dalada Maligawa, which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. In contrast, experience the colonial heritage of the country by heading south to the mid-17c. Dutch Fort at Galle, the best preserved in Asia. There is a seventh World Heritage Site – an ecological example, The Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Similar sites include the Knuckles mountain range and Horton Plains. Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) is a holy mountain climbed by pilgrims – join them and appreciate the stunning views from the peak. The famous National parks (Yala, Minneriya, Udawalawe, Bundala seasonal)

There’s rock-climbing, caving, mountain biking and paragliding for the daring. For those who enjoy golf, there are three courses across the country – Colombo Golf Club, Nuwara-Eliya Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club near Kandy. There are excellent opportunities for trekking. Nature trails of interest include the Sinharaja rainforest, the cloud-forests of Horton Plains, the Knuckles mountain range and Hakgala Strict Natural Reserve. White water rafting in Kithulgala and Seethawaka Kandy. Hot Air Balloon trips in the Cultural (Oct to April) and in down south during the season (Dec to March).

In the low country, loose cotton skirts or trousers and tops, and a long-sleeved blouse for visiting temples, are ideal for women. Men should wear cotton trousers or shorts and a T-shirt, or even the local sarong. Take a sunhat and sandals, slippers or open shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Being a conservative society, especially in rural areas, very short skirts and short should be avoided. For hill-country trips pack a light sweater, and if you intend to sample nature trails, bring a pair of walking shoes or trainers. If you are travelling with children, a sunhat, loose cotton shorts and tops, including long-sleeved tops to protect them from mosquito bites, will be needed.

Rice is consumed with curries (eggplant, potato, green banana, chicken, and fish) that range from delicately-spiced to near-dynamite. There are also hoppers (a pancake-like snack), string hoppers (steamed rice noodles) and Pittu (four and coconut mixture). Lamprais- rice and accompaniments baked in plantain leaves – is a legacy of the Dutch. Fresh fish, prawns, crab, squid and crayfish are readily available. Desserts include buffalo curd topped with palm-honey and the caramel-like Wattalapam. Tasty snacks known as short eats are excellent for trips. Fruit includes mango, pineapple, banana and papaya, and the lesser-known but distinctive sapodilla, Mangosteen, Rambutan, Woodapple custard Apple and Beli. Colombo has an impressive range of restaurants specializing in international cuisine.

Souvenirs often combine traditional designs such as Makara (a mythical animal, lion, swan, elephant and lotus), evident in brasswork (boxes, trays, vases) and silverware (ornately carved and filigree jewellery, tea-sets). In addition, ritual masks, lacquerware, batik and handloom textiles, lace, and wood carvings are popular. More importantly, Sri Lanka has the widest variety of precious stones among the world’s gem producing countries – blue sapphires, star sapphires, rubies, cat’s eye, garnets, moonstones, aquamarines and topazes being just a dazzling handful that can be purchased – with care.