Among Sri Lanka’s many nicknames, ‘Teardrop of India’ seems the most apt. Not only is this beautiful tear-shaped island off the southeastern coast of India one of the most vibrant and colourful destinations in Asia, it also has some of the region’s most stunning beaches and fascinating sights.
 Once known as Ceylon, this small island packs a lot of attractions and diverse culture into its territory. The Indians, Dutch, Portuguese and British have all left indelible marks on the country, resulting in a fascinating blend of South Asian antiquity and European colonialism. Few other nations in the world boast such a range of eclectic influences.
Equally stimulating are the miles of soft sandy beaches ringing the island, and the lush interior highlands full of wildlife, jungle forests and star destinations like the town of Kandy. Scattered throughout each environment of Sri Lanka is an excellent range of accommodations catering to all kinds of travellers.
Quaint inns and guesthouses offer comfortable and relaxed rooms, while five-star hotels await those looking for a taste of luxury. Stay on a tea plantation to see how the Sri Lankans live, or bunk down in a national park bungalow for an adventurous experience. The stunning coastline is also home to countless resorts where prices are reasonable and the rooms comfortable.
 Sri Lanka has seen more than its share of conflict and disaster in recent years. From the devastation of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to the ongoing struggle between the Tamil Tigers and the government, Sri Lanka’s troubles often discourage travellers from visiting. However, it’s tourism that often acts as a healing force for this wonderful ancient land, and there’s really no reason not to visit.
History
Sri Lanka’s history coincides with the arrival of Buddhism in the 4th century BC. Buddhism was brought to the Sinhalese kingdoms by Mahinda, the son of the powerful Indian ruler Ashoka. Within a century, Buddhism had firmly established itself as the nation’s religion and a strong source of cultural identity. The first centre of power was at Anuradhapura, an ancient city which still exists today. However, 1,000 years of repeated Indian invasions kept the nation in a continual state of flux.
The first Europeans to arrive on the scene were the Portuguese in 1505. They cornered the island’s lucrative spice trade, and by 1597 had firm control over the majority of Sri Lanka. But the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy proved impossible to usurp, and with the help of the Dutch the Portuguese were driven from the island in 1658. The Dutch proved to be more passive colonisers, interested in trade and profits rather than changing the culture. They shared power with the locals until the arrival of the British in 1796.
 The British were the first Europeans to undermine Kandy’s power, and by 1815 had gained control over the entire island. During their reign, tea, coffee, cinnamon and coconut became major exports from the plantations. They introduced Tamil labourers from southern India and made English the official language of the colony, then known as Ceylon.
It wasn’t until 1948 that Sri Lanka finally gained independence from the British. This change marked the beginning of the ongoing conflict between the Sinhalese majority who ran the government and made all the money and the Tamil Hindu minority who did much of the labour.
The Tamil Tigers rebel group emerged by the 1980s to fight for an autonomous Tamil homeland in the north of Sri Lanka. This conflict continues today, making travel to the northern region of the country restricted. The 2004 tsunami added another blow to the nation, as 80 per cent of the island’s coastline was ravaged by the waves. Although it devastated tourism at the time, Sri Lanka continues to rebuild and attract tourists who come to explore this wonderful country.
Weather
Sri Lanka has a classic tropical climate with sharply distinct wet and dry seasons. However, what makes this island different from other places is that it experiences two monsoons due to its geographical location.
From May to August, the Yala season brings heavy rains from the southwest to the southern, central and western regions of the island. Then from October to January, the Maha season sees monsoon rains arrive from the northeast, bringing heavy precipitation to the eastern and northern regions of Sri Lanka. When visiting Sri Lanka, it pays to consider where you will be visiting and at what time of year, as rain can be a major factor.
The prime time to visit the east coast is between May and September, while the best months in the west, on the southern coast and in the interior hill country is from December to March. The temperatures in Sri Lanka remain consistently high in the low-lying coastal areas, but as you gain elevation in the highlands the mercury drops creating a pleasant spring-like climate nearly all year round. The hottest months fall between March and June, and the coolest time is between November and January.
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