Southwest Coast

GMT +6 hours

Sinhalese. Tamil and English are also widely spoken, and newspapers are printed in all three languages.

Sri Lankan rupee

Ethnic disturbances rarely occur in tourist areas. We always follow Foreign Office advice on matters of security for British visitors, but crime against foreign visitors is virtually non-existent.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, near Kegalle
One of the world’s largest elephant orphanages, it’s well worth journeying inland to see these majestic creatures and their adorable young play, feed and bathe.

St Mary’s Church, Negombo
Building began on this beautiful pink church in 1874 and took 50 years to complete. It was worth the wait – the landmark boasts spectacular ceiling paintings.

Bolgoda Lake, Panadura
Covering almost 38,000 hectares, this freshwater lake is fringed by dense mangrove and a haven for wildlife including 45 species of fish and 160 types of bird.

March
The Great Night of Shiva
You might see Hindus holding sacred rituals at temples during this important Hindu festival, which celebrates the deity Lord Shiva’s birth and wedding anniversary.

April
Sri Lankan New Year
Everyone celebrates this non-religious festival, and the festivities include traditional games such as pillow-fighting and ‘hide the wig’

May
Vesak Poya
This is the most important full moon for Buddhists, as it marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing. The island flickers with the light of delicate paper lanterns and clay coconut oil lamps.

•   In Bentota, browse the colourful bazaar and pick up souvenirs, batik and brassware.
•   Negombo is home to jewellers and gift shops selling local handicrafts.
•   In Colombo you can barter at Pettah Bazaar, buy an exquisite sari and famous Ceylon tea, and admire local artists’ work. You’ll also find gem-studded jewellery (only buy from shops licensed by the National Gem & Jewellery Authority).
•   Galle is famous for its antique shops selling colonial furniture and ornaments, porcelain and pottery.
•   A short drive up from Galle is Ambalangoda, selling antiques and intricately carved ‘devil masks’ traditionally worn to banish demons.
•   Further south in Koggala, purchase delicious cinnamon from the local plantation.

10¾ hours

Diving
Many of our resorts have PADI centres. Sri Lanka’s waters are home to historic sunken shipwrecks and vibrant coral reef teeming with tropical fish.

Watersports
Hit the azure ocean and try scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, waterskiing, jetskiing, banana boating, catamaran sailing and kayaking.

Food
•   You’ll find delicious fish and seafood, traditional Sri Lankan curries and international fare. In Kalutara, try the resort’s famous mangosteen – a juicy purple fruit. 

Water
•   Try the local brew, arrack.
•   Don’t drink the tap water. Most hotels offer boiled and bottled water, so stick to this instead