Sri Lanka

Understanding the Climate

Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)

Understanding the Culture

As in many Asian countries, toilet paper is not common. A hose or bucket of water by the side of the toilet is provided as an alternative. If you prefer to use paper, bring your own, but be conscientious about local sewer systems and throw used paper in the trash. As always, the touristy places will be accustomed to Westerners and supply toilet paper. It is readily available at any Keels or Cargills foodcity outlet.

It is customary to remove shoes and wear respectful attire (i.e. no miniskirts, tank tops, short pants etc.) when visiting temples. It is also the custom to remove shoes before entering a home, though this is not as strictly followed as in places such as Japan.

Never touch or pat the top of the head of Buddhists, including children. Exceptions are made for cutting hair, etc., but it should never be a surprise without permission. Assume all strangers could be Buddhists for this purpose.

Do not turn your back to (or be alongside) a Buddha statue when within a reasonable distance (observe what others are doing). This includes posing for photos. It's OK to photograph the statues, but all persons should be facing them.

Public nudity (including females being topless) is not only unacceptable but illegal in Sri Lanka, though a few German-owned hotels may make an exception in designated areas.

Although much latitude is given to tourists, it is more polite to use your right hand when shaking hands, handing money and small objects, etc. Of course you can use both hands for something big and/or heavy.

Be respectful to monks. There's no particular etiquette for Westerners, just be polite. Always give them a seat on a crowded bus (unless you're disabled or very elderly).

No photography of sensitive locations (inside and outside), and inside of shopping malls and tea factories (outside OK). Be especially careful in Fort, Colombo (except on the beach).

What To See and Do

Columbo has a number of Museums and Galleries to visit.

• The Colombo National Museum
• The Natural History Museum
• The Dutch Period Museum
• The Bandaranaike Museum
• The National Art Gallery
• The Sapumal Foundation
• The Lionel Wendt Center

Galle

• The Kalutara Temple
• Seenigama temple, always make a donation and say a prayer at for good luck
• The Peace Pagoda, the view on a clear day is also beuitifull
• Galle Fort - Shopping for gems and antiques

Kandy

• The Temple of the Tooth houses a tooth that came from the mouth of Lord Buddha, and is consequently considered one of Sri Lanka's most holy shrines. The temple is open from dawn to dusk
• The Pinawela Elephant Orphanage has about seventy semi-tame elephants roaming freely around this wonderful sanctuary. Feeding and bathing times are especially enjoyable

Polannaruwa

Just north of present-day Polonnaruwa town, 140km (90 miles) north of Kandy, are the ruins of ancient Polonnaruwa, which date from the late 10th century, when the Chola kings of southern India invaded Sri Lanka and conquered Anuradhapura.

• The Royal Palace
• King Nissanka Malla's Palace
• King Parakramabahu I Statue
• Siva Devale
• Alahana Pirivena Complex - Buddhist temples
• Lankatilaka Gedige (Temple)
• Gal Vihara (Temple)
• Topa Wewa Lake and the Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama)
• Demala Maha Seya (Temple)