Sri Lanka

Description

The new sixth edition of Bradt's Sri Lanka is the longest and by far the most comprehensive guidebook ever published to this alluring island nation, and now includes a brand new, detailed, full-colour wildlife section. The new guide incorporates detailed coverage of every aspect of this diverse and compact land, from the idyllic tropical coastline to the misty forests of Hill Country. Not only does the book provide in-depth sections on all major beach resorts, archaeological reserves, historic towns and national parks, but it also introduces adventurous travellers to a host of intriguing lesser-known sites, along with many emergent destinations inaccessible for decades prior to the end of the civil war in 2009. Extensive hotel and restaurant listings, covering everything from exclusive boutique hotels to shoestring homestays, have been compiled from scratch rather than updated from historical information, with each entry having been cherry-picked by the author based on his personal inspection of hundreds upon hundreds of properties countrywide. More than 70 newly drawn maps cover all towns and resorts of note, as well as the main national parks and their surrounds. Sri Lanka has enjoyed a high level of political stability and safety since the civil war ended in May 2009, encouraging a tourist boom in the south, and the gradual opening of the north and east to independent travel. Beach holidays are an all-year attraction, while a host of fantastic Buddhist-affiliated UNESCO World Heritage Sites ranges from the massive dagobas of Anuradhapura, built in pre-Christian times on a scale to rival the Egyptian pyramids, to the exquisitely painted cave temples of Dambulla. Wildlife-viewing opportunities abound, and this guide provides unparalleled, illustrated advice on making the most of these. Asia's densest wild elephant and leopard populations are protected in the island's extensive network of national parks, and there's also fine offshore whale and dolphin-watching, and a bird checklist of 450 species including more than 30 endemics.

Author description

Philip Briggs is one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable guidebook writers, having researched and written guides for Bradt and other well-known publishers for over 30 years. For many years his focus was on Africa but recently he has turned his attention to both South America and Asia, authoring the Bradt Guide to Suriname and now Bradt's Sri Lanka.

Table of contents

Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 History and Background History, Government and politics, Economy, National flag, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture Chapter 2 The Natural World Geography and climate, Natural history and conservation Chapter 3 Practical Information When to visit, Itineraries, Tour operators, Tourist information, Red tape, Getting there and away, Security and safety, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette Chapter 4 Health and Safety Preparations, Common medical problems, Other safety concerns PART TWO COLOMBO AND SURROUNDS Chapter 5 Colombo History, Orientation, Getting there and away, Getting around, Crime and safety, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Bars and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary Chapter 6 The Coast from Negombo to Kalpitiya Negombo, Waikkal, Chilaw and surrounds, Puttalam, The Kalpitiya Peninsula Chapter 7 Inland of Colombo The A1 towards Kandy and Kurunegala, Kurunegala and surrounds, Avissawella and the Kelani Valley Railway Chapter 8 The Western Resort Coast: Bentota, Kosgoda and Hikkaduwa Kalutara and surrounds, Bentota and surrounds, The coast from Kosgoda to Ambalangoda and Madu Wetlands, Hikkaduwa PART THREE THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE Chapter 9 Dambulla, Sigiriya and Surrounds Dambulla, Historic sites south and west of Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, The elephant parks: Minneriya, Kaudulla and Hurulu Chapter 10 Polonnaruwa History, Orientation, Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, Tour operators and bicycle hire, What to see and do, Around Polonnaruwa Chapter 11 Anuradhapura and Surrounds History, Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Mihintale Monastery, Thanthirimale Temple, Wilpattu National Park PART FOUR NORTHERN AND EASTERN PROVINCES Chapter 12 Northern Province Mannar Island, Jaffna Chapter 13 Eastern Province When to visit, Further information, Trincomalee, Pasikuda, Batticaloa, Ampara and Gal Oya National Park, Arugam Bay PART FIVE KANDY AND THE HILL COUNTRY Chapter 14 Kandy and Surrounds History, Getting there and away, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Mahiyanganaya and surrounds Chapter 15 High Hill Country: Adam's Peak, Nuwara Eliya and Ella Hatton 409, Adam's Peak and Nallathanniya, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains National Park, Haputale, Bandarawela, Ella Chapter 16 Low Hill Country: Kitulgala, Ratnapura and Sinharaja Kitulgala, Ratnapura, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Kanneliya Forest Reserve PART SIX GALLE AND THE DEEP SOUTH Chapter 17 Tissamaharama and the Southern Safari Circuit Embilipitiya, Udawalawe National Park, Wellawaya, Buttala, Kataragama, Tissamaharama, Kirinda, Yala National Park, Bundala National Park, Hambantota Chapter 18 The Southern Resort Coast: Tangalle, Matara and Weligama Bay Tangalle, Towards Matara, Matara and surrounds, Mirissa, Weligama and Midigama Chapter 19 Galle and Surrounds History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Unawatuna and the Rumassala Peninsula, The coast east to Koggala Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Glossaries General glossary, Annotated glossary of key historical, legendary and mythical figures Appendix 3 Further Information Index