What to Wear & NOT to Wear

Sri Lanka is a very conservative country so as a general rule modesty is the best policy. Light loose cotton clothing is advisable. In places of worship or of cultural importance showing shoulders and legs (above the knee) is frowned upon, that includes wearing short trousers. You will also be required to remove your footwear and head ware. Having a sarong or a wrap with you when visiting places of worship could get you out of a sticky spot. Also having a spare pair of socks to wear at Dambulla cave temple or at Annuradharapura will help you avoid what I would call a "fire walking experience". Nudity or topless bathing is definitely not permitted; locals will get quite upset-"please restraint yourself from any urge to take your gear off in public."

Sun & Surf
Sun worshippers must bring sun tan lotion. Sri Lanka is surrounded by beaches, but not all beaches are safe for swimming. Some beaches have very steep faces, which create under currents and rips, which pull you out to sea. Some beaches are very close to coral out-crops  "be very careful" as coral will cut you. The pool may be for you!

Food & Drink
Included in bed and breakfast are superb breakfasts, by any standard, I suggest making the most of it! Local food is by far the cheapest and the best. At breakfast try hoppers, plain or with an egg in the centre or string hoppers, which are like rice noodles. Eaten either with fish or chicken curry and sambals. "Lingus" a peppery pork sausage is also a favorite. While travelling, if you like, ask your driver to stop at a Kade (or local shack/café) and get you some pan rolls (fish or meat filled), seeni sambol rolls (spicy onion filled), mas panne rolls (fish or meat filled), godamba roti filled with either seeni sambol or egg. These are an ideal snack or lunch. Your driver will find you the best and safest kade. All other things are imported at great expense thus high prices. Wait for steaks and leaf salads back home, you may be disappointed. Although on my last trip I thoroughly enjoyed a prime cut of superb Aussie beef and a Penfold's red, at the Colombo Hilton. In Nuwara Eliya they produce the world’s finest teas, so it's pointless complaining about the coffee. Something I've sadly witnessed on more than one occasion.

Pick Pockets & Safes
If your room does not have a good safe, place cash, passports or jewelry in the hotel safe at reception. Place such items in a bag or folder so that nothing can be seen. Or keep those items in a discreet place, dirty socks or laundry. Do what is comfortable for you! Like anywhere in the world, theft does occur so you should not be careless. Similarly be cautious and keep everything close to your body or in front of your body, when in large crowds. Thus avoiding pickpockets. The best deterrent is caution and awareness!