'An engaging written companion with practical information of the sort only a resident could impart.' Book magazine for librarians 'The definitive gazetteer to the island' Chris Haslam, Wanderlust 'Recommended' Daily Telegraph

Travel writer Royston Ellis has lived in Sri Lanka since 1980. He is the author of 60 novels, guidebooks and biographies and also Bradt's Maldives.

Introduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Climate and seasons, Natural history and conservation, History, Politics, Economy, National flag, People, Language, Religion, Tourism Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, How long?, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies and high commissions, Getting there and away, Health, Security and safety, What to take, What to wear, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Food and drink, Public holidays and festivals, Time, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Photography, Media and communications, Business, Buying property, Cultural etiquette PART TWO THE GUIDE Chapter 3 Colombo History, Getting around, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Nightlife, Internet cafes, Shopping, What to see Chapter 4 The Cultural Triangle History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Giritale, Habarana, Mihintale, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Yapahuwa Chapter 5 The Hill Country History, Getting there and away, Ambewela, Badulla, Bandarawela, Belihul Oya, Ella, Haldummula, Haputale, Hatton, Kotmale, Nuwara Eliya, Pussellawa, Ramboda, Talawakele Chapter 6 National Parks and Interior Towns National parks, The interior towns Chapter 7 The West Coast Getting there and away, Beach resorts Chapter 8 The Deep South History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Resorts Chapter 9 The Eastern Seaboard and the North Trincomalee, Passikudah and Kalkudah,Batticaloa, Arugam Bay, Jaffna Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Glossary Appendix 3 Further Information Index