Tropical Sri Lanka enjoys year-round sunshine and has distinct dry and wet seasons.  From May to August the monsoon rains drench the island’s southwestern half while the dry season lasts from December to March.  The northern monsoon lasts from October to January, affecting the newly accessible North and East of the country.  The capital Colombo and the low lying coastal regions have an average year-round temperature of 27 C; in the hill capital Kandy – situated at 500m above sea level – the average temperature is 20 C while Nuwara Eliya – at nearly 2000m above sea level – has a temperate 16 C average.  The sea stays at around 27 C all year.

Whilst it is famed for its’ long sandy beaches, lush forests, exotic animal and plant life, its’ world famous tea and the charming, easy going disposition of its friendly peoples, Sri Lanka’s cultural history stretches back more than 3000 years.  From Buddhism to Dutch, Portuguese and English colonial rule, Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage has been shaped by myriad influences manifested in its’ imposing historic statues and stupas to Colombo’s beautiful colonial architecture.  Within its tiny shores, the tear drop shaped Island packs a numbing array of delights for the discerning traveler; from nature to history to luxury.

The Sri Lankan Rupee is the country's currency but US Dollars are widely used.  Most hotels quote room rates in US dollars but accept either dollars or rupees; some also quote in euros.  The cost of accommodation in the touristy areas drops considerably out of season. Expect to pay triple the usual accommodation price in Kandy during the Kandy Esala Perahera and in Nuwara Eliya during the April high season. Local food is reasonably priced; it’s around Rs 300 to 450 for a meal at a guesthouse, or as little as Rs 100 at a local restaurant. Dinner at the country’s better restaurants costs around Rs 2000 per person.  At national parks, entry fees plus (often mandatory) 4WD hire and other extras add up to something between Rs 2000 and 5100.  Public transport is cheap. Hiring a car (or van) and driver for a day costs Rs 2500 to 4500 depending on the condition of the vehicle.

Whilst it is famed for its’ long sandy beaches, lush forests, exotic animal and plant life, its’ world famous tea and the charming, easy going disposition of its friendly peoples, Sri Lanka’s cultural history stretches back more than 3000 years.  From Buddhism to Dutch, Portuguese and English colonial rule, Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage has been shaped by myriad influences manifested in its’ imposing historic statues and stupas to Colombo’s beautiful colonial architecture.  Within its tiny shores, the tear drop shaped Island packs a numbing array of delights for the discerning traveler; from nature to history to luxury.