"A 'PLACE LIKE NO OTHER'" Sri Lanka by ViajesdelMundo

Sri Lanka Travel Guide: 3,609 reviews and 8,335 photos

my girlfriend and her new husband - Sri Lanka

SHORT OVERVIEW

I FIRST VISITED IN 1970, ON MY FIRST ASIAN TRIP---AND ABSOLUTELY FELL IN LOVE WITH EVERYTHING!! i.e., particularly the people, as well as the food, the fabulous diverse geography within a small area, the ancient culture with its ruins, did I mention the FOOD?

This latest trip was my 13th visit, for just 3 weeks for the wedding of my dearest girlfriend and Sister-in-Christ.

Of course, I have seen so many changes in the development of the island, through many governments, and also the effects of the 'civil war'. This latest trip was my first since the end of the war and I did not get out of Colombo, being so busy with the wedding, but the city seemed really liberated and opened up! People are out much more and the stores and roads were full at all hours of the day, every day of the week. I'm sure that many more opportunities will become available and therefore more of the former indigenous ways of life will continue to disappear. But the further you get out of the main cities, village life is there for the traveller to experience

A first-time traveller can use the services of a package to facilitate ease of getting around to all the major places of interest. The trains have not been maintained very much for several decades, and are often over-full, so unless you are familiar with that style of travel, a tour operator who can provide a charter bus, or for individuals a private car with driver may be the prudent, most efficient way to go; especially if the stay is a short one.

But in general, there is nothing to fear, and the people are the most hospitable and friendly of anywhere in the world! I have so many friends there, that I had to purchase a local cell phone to be able to make plans, without having to sit by a hotel phone!

Years ago, in my first few trips, which were by myself, I was frequently "taken home" by people I just met on the train, in a hotel lobby, or walking on the beach!! I have always had a good sense of 'discernment', but I never had a bad experience. Just the contrary! I was fed and housed by, and made friends with, Hindus, Buddhists, Moslems and Christians alike. Many of them are still friends today, over 35 years later. (Of course, there were a few who approached me with some ulterior motive, but they were easily spotted and promptly dismissed.)

I believe it is one of the few places that has managed to maintain its unique cultural flavor, outside of Colombo. But even in the capital, if you spend some time there, it will seem very different from any other place on earth. Due to being under the rule of the Dutch, Portugese and British, though, there is a blend of Western amenities which make the foreign visitor comfortable.

Also due to the civil insurgency, and the subsequent diaspora, many Sri Lankans now live overseas, making much higher incomes, and of course come back to visit and the economy reflects this cultural and economic spillover. Inflation is definitely hitting the island, but most things are still very inexpensive to the Western traveller.

near DAMBULLA

friend at ANURADHAPURA

Pros and Cons

Pros:So MUCH to See and Do!
Cons:TOO Much to See and Do!
In a nutshell:Something for Everyone

Last visit to Sri Lanka: Feb 2011
Intro Updated Mar 30, 2011
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Reviews (5)

Meal to GO--Wrapped in BANANA LEAF - Sri Lanka

Meal to GO--Wrapped in BANANA LEAF Local Customs (1)

'LAMPREIS' (also spelled 'Lampries') The name is originally Dutch, and is a labor-intensive meal usually of a mixed-meat... more travel advice

TRAIN TRAVEL Transportation (1)

Unfortunately, the trains have been let to deteriorate for many years without a lot of upkeep. This is mostly due to the... more travel advice

Thalangama Wetlands Off The Beaten Path (1)

A lovely lake with boating available, lots of wetland bird watching, and strolls not far outside of Colombo. more travel advice

Evening Stroll Things to Do (1)

If in the COLOMBO to MT. LAVINIA area, go to the beaches nearby the Mt. Lavinia Hotel for people-watching and a stroll.... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Con Men Working in Tandem

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Travelogues (1)

Written Jul 9, 2010

4 photos

BUILDING OF CEYLON/SRI LANKAN RAILWAYS

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Comments (14)

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jo104 Dec 10, 2012 at 6:03 PM

I currently live in Trincomalee its beautiful the people are still very much recovering. I am slowly starting to build all my pages & look forward to reading yours with interest :-)
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wise23girl Feb 9, 2012 at 7:21 PM

Lovely wedding photo and very good reviews...as usual. A banana leaf...my goodness.
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Yaqui Sep 7, 2010 at 8:25 AM

It all sounds magical Trish! Lovely page!
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SLLiew Apr 20, 2010 at 8:48 AM

Great tips especially about being aware of tourist touts. SL :)
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balhannah Feb 8, 2010 at 2:37 PM

Good to know about the 'con men"
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PierreZA May 31, 2009 at 6:32 AM

Thanks for all your visits and comments. I agree with you, I have to go. Was concerned, but it seems all good now!
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junecorlett May 27, 2009 at 10:41 AM

Hi Trish - well done telling off the chancers. Nice page here.
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freddie18 Jan 8, 2009 at 7:54 PM

The Kandy Perahera on your video are amazing. The well-dressed elephants and colourful dancers. I know Sri Lanka have a lot of beautiful places and festivals to explore. I have friends who visited the country and they have good stories to tell.
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volopolo Dec 12, 2008 at 10:51 AM

Sri Lanka is in my travel plans
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jumpingnorman Dec 7, 2008 at 10:23 AM

Wow, you've been to Sri Lanka...the pics are great! Nice tips/warning