Sri Lanka, once called Ceylon, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It lies in the Adam's Bridge island chain. Sri Lanka has an irregular surface with low-lying coastal plains running inland from the northern and eastern shores. The central and southern areas slope into hills and mountains.
Sri Lanka roughly means Splendid Land. This teardrop-shaped island with a population of about 18 million offers tourists and travelers palm-fringed sandy beaches, ancient ruins, mist-shrouded mountains, Buddhist temples and sculpture, friendly people, spicy food and a modern culture.
Expect hot, humid, tropical weather. The average annual temperature is 32 C (90 F) in the lowlands and 21 C (70 F) in the mountains. Rainfall varies by season and geography. The monsoon season in the southwest is May to November. The southwest is known as the wet zone and receives rain throughout the year, although the rain is heavier in May, June, October and November. The north is drier but also has its own monsoon season, which begins during the first week of November.
Sinhala is the official language. English is spoken mostly in urban centers but its usage is declining.
The phone system is reliable in the capital of Colombo, but less so in the rest of the country. The postal service is slow but international package delivery services are available in Colombo. Internet access is available in most cities and towns.
Accommodations and meals are inexpensive but many establishments have a two-tiered price system: one price for tourists and one for locals. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country and ATM services are available in Colombo.
Travel in Sri Lanka: Taxis are available in most cities. Negotiate a fare before getting in. Traffic in Colombo is congested with overcrowded buses and heavy traffic.
Petty crime is common in cities and towns. Exercise commonsense personal security precautions. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Because of an ongoing civil war and possible terrorist activities, travelers should exercise extreme caution in Colombo. All travel north to the Jaffna Peninsula should be avoided.
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