Sri Lankans love their country and have a strong desire for others to love their country as well.
– Lonely Planet Guide, 2006
Areas of Sri Lanka
There are many guide books and websites that cover the sights, sounds and smells of this wonderful country, and we have linked to two of the best ones on the right. However here's a brief summary of the various areas of the island you may want to visit.
The capital, Colombo, is a bustling, sprawling city full of energy. Crafts, gems and textiles are all specialties of the island.
The south west of Sri Lanka has some of the loveliest beaches in the world
Many of the most spectacular places to go are the ancient cities, such as Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, with enormous Buddha statues and lavish temples. Each city also has its own place in Sri Lankan culture and distinct personalities.
Some of the world's finest beaches are on the south coast. Head down the Galle road from Colombo and within a few hours you'll find yourself in a tropical paradise, with a relaxed atmosphere and great seafood!
Inland areas offer several national parks, home to Elephants, Crocodiles and Leopards, as well as tea plantations and the hill country. The cooler temperatures and greener countryside give these areas a completely different feel to the coast or the cities.
The "cultural triangle" of Sigiriya, Dambulla and Anuradhapura features Sri Lanka's holiest places and is a must see for all visitors.
Although the north of the island has had a long period of peace, in recent years the troubles due to the ongoing political unrest between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE have escalated. The Tamil culture provides yet another contrast to the predominantly Sinhalese south, and although visitors are reasonably safe in these areas, caution and tact is advised.
Photo Galleries
With so much to see in Sri Lanka, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here's some photographs of just some of the beautiful places to visit, to help you decide.
Gallery 1: Beautiful Sri Lanka
Gallery 2: The National Parks
Gallery 3: Cultural and Spiritual Sri Lanka
Gallery 4: The Elephant Orphanage
Why hire a tour guide?
While many holidaymakers and travellers are happy to tour Sri Lanka using public transport, there are many reasons why having your own professional tour guide is the best way to see the country. Essentially though, having someone like Sanjeewa as your tour guide will allow you to see more of the country in less time.
Driving any distance in Sri Lanka can be very tiring if you are not used to it. I've been driving here for more than 20 years, so it's no problem for me. Let me deal with the driving and you can just enjoy yourselves!
Looking at a map of Sri Lanka you would be forgiven for thinking that the sights of the island would be easy to get to and that a tour of some of the island wouldn’t be difficult to undertake under your own steam. However the buses and trains are slow and can be unreliable. The roads can be dangerous and stressful to drive on for foreigners and while the distances involved may not be huge, travelling times are long because cars cannot realistically exceed 40kmph due to traffic.
Also in the current political climate public transport can be dangerous, especially in the north.
With a guide like Sanjeewa your trip can be planned around the amount of time you have to spend. You will travel direct and in comfort, through the beautiful landscapes of the island. You will stop along the way to sample the local foods and learn about the varying cultures. A guide like Sanjeewa can tell you about the island from a first hand point of view – better than any guide book!
And perhaps most importantly, you will experience the country while someone else organises the trip, using his knowledge and contacts to cater for your needs, reducing your stress and allowing you to make the most of your holiday.
