Sri Lanka Island Guide

   
 

Sri Lanka is not a big island, about the size of Ireland and is split into three areas. The lush tropical South West, the green and verdant central Hill country and the dry zone to the North of the Island . There are two Monsoons, the main one being from May onwards affecting the South and West coasts, and whilst we generally recommend avoiding travelling in May and June the rest of year is OK with the best time being November to April.

The capital, Colombo , is in the south west and most of our villas and boutique hotels are in the area to the south of the capital near Bentota and the famous old town of Galle.

    
 

The South and West

Bentota has wonderful beaches and good water sports and is the closest area to Colombo we recommend. You can tour inland for daytrips and Galle is only an hour or two away to the South.

Galle itself is built around an old Fort jutting out into the Indian Ocean . It is a labyrinth of streets and is mostly residential with a scattering of shops and eateries. It is starting to be developed but don't expect a European style walled city with a multitude of tourist shops. One of the great pleasures is to stroll around the rampart on an evening along with many of the residents. Something you have to get used to is the friendliness of the people - they will want to chat to you and at first this can seem off putting, but enjoy it - it probably won't be long before they learn to hassle rather than just make your acquaintance.

 
 

Inland

The South West is the not the only place worth visiting and it is very difficult to justify visiting Sri Lanka and not spending some time in the interior of the island. High on the "to do" list are the tea plantations of the hill country around Nuwara Eliya. You must also visit Kandy , the old capital, and then the cultural triangle of the ancient monuments to the north. This is best done as a tour of between 2 and 5 days - see our tours section.

 
     

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