Top Sri Lanka hotels
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We met these young boys on our drive around Sri Lanka. The porcupines were pets so they explained but would willingly pose with them or without them for photos for a few coins. Still better than a crocodile!
There is still a strong sense of community in Sri Lanka particularly in the villages, where families are often related by blood or marriage. When the roof of this old lady’s house was broken by the Monsoon rains the boys of the village all turned out the next morning to repair the damage.
Sri Lankan people love their sweets and one of their favourites is jaggery (a sort of fudge like confection extracted from the kitul palm) which is still made in the traditional fashion from local ingredients. It is eaten as it comes or used to sweeten puddings etc.
The electrical outlets in Sri Lanka are designed to fit plugs with three round pins. However, many of the appliances sold and used here have plugs with only two round pins, as used in India and many other Asian countries. Our adaptors were also of the two-pin variety, so we quickly learned the local secret for fitting them in the sockets. While you're aim is to get the pins into the two bottom holes, you must first stick one of the pins into the top whole. This seems to trigger the other holes to open up, allowing you to quickly insert the plug. If you try to insert it directly into the two bottom holes, it will feel like there is a wall or something blocking the plug. The sockets have on/off switches on them, so you might want to turn the socket off before you try this to avoid electrocuting yourself!
You should never turn your back to an image of Buddha; for this reason it is inappropriate to pose for photos while standing in front of a Buddha statue. If you want to have someone in your photo to show perspective, you could take a picture of them looking at the Buddha (see photo). This rule also applies to a Buddhist shrine or dagoba; you should not sit with your back leaning against a dagoba.
It is not appropriate to wear shorts or other skimpy clothing at a Buddhist temple or other holy place. If you really want to wear shorts, then you should carry a sarong to tie around your waist when you visit temples. Shoes and hats must be removed before entering. It is, however, acceptable to wear socks, so you might want to bring a pair to protect your feet from the hot stone slabs.
WE HAVE ANY COLOUR YOU WANT – IN BLUEDuring your visit to Sri Lanka you will at some point want to get off your relaxing sun lounger and explore the stunning beauty and history of this magical island. In order to visit holy sites and even holy cities you have to do 2 things: go barefoot and wear a SARONG to cover your legs. Men wear blue checked sarongs; women can wear any other design you want. That’s right – MEN – BLUE ONLY.While you are on your sun lounger the Beach Sellers will come by and show you an amazing pageantry of colours, designs and motifs. Men – these are not for you! Just ask for the blue ones, they keep these in a box. Don’t think that you can get away with any of those bright colourful ones. At the very least every local will look at you and laugh behind your back. At worst, you may cause offence in this very traditional society. And don’t worry, the blue looks nice.I...
The Sri Lankans are a wonderful, warm, friendly race who will fall over backwards to help you. Their only downfall is that they are terribly blunt and will say just what they think without the slightest thought that they may be offending you...they are not, its just their way. Let me give you an example or two....we had hired a driver and car for the weekend, a charming, well educated man who was so helpful and attentive in every way. At Dambulla caves I really didnt want to climb the steps up to the temples but he insisted and gently took my arm to help me on my way. On slipping his hand thru my arm he must have brushed the underwiring in my bra(totally unintentional I can assure you)and a look of amazement came over his face as he asked "Madam is wearing irons?" Now try explaining western underwear to a Sri Lankan and still seem to be correct! As I laughed fit to burst he was really...
Holy Days are not always public holidays and public holidays are not always holy days. There is a poona day every month at the time of the new moon. This is a religious, but not a commercial holiday although most government offices are closed. Also all bars and liquor shops are closed. If you really must have a beer, check into a hotel and get served in your room, except in the sacred city, where there is never any alcohol sold. Check with your local contacts or hotel reception at least once a week when the next holiday is and who will be working.
There is no reason not to have a good cup of ceylon tea in the tea producing country. Since I find out I and the driver have the same habits of having several cups of tea everyday, we also have tea stop about an hour or two on the road to have tea time. Places are not a first class restaurant but a very local tea stall or "hotel" that they call. Price of each cup ranges from Rs12 to 20. Relax and have a cup of tea on the road. After all, you come for holidays.
Mount Lavina Hotel Colombo
5 Reviews and 395 Opinions This is the closest hotel you can experience the Beach as you come to Colombo. Good food, good rooms...
Earl's Regency Hotel Kandy Kandy
4 Reviews and 235 Opinions Kandy Perahara Starts on Esala Full Moon Poya Day in July & finishes on Nikini Full Moon Poya Day on...
Palm Garden Village Hotel Anuradhapura
3 Reviews and 111 Opinions The Palm Garden Village is like a colonial club, but one with a relaxed and freestyle-air. It was...
Reviews and photos of Sri Lanka attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Sri Lanka sightseeing.
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Q: Thinking of traveling to Sri Lanka in the end of March for 3 weeks. I will go with my 6 yr old. Will take Medical precoushns bu...
A: Any special reasons why you want to stay in Colombo for 3 days. Everywhere in Sri Lanka is child friendly, but as you want to end up in Trinco (and spend part of your...
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