Sri Lanka

The seventh edition of Bradt's Sri Lanka remains the most detailed and comprehensive guidebook to this alluring island nation.

Written by Philip Briggs, one of the world's most experienced and highly regarded guidebook writers, this thoroughly updated guide provides detailed coverage of every aspect of this diverse and compact country. From idyllic tropical coastlines to mist-shrouded tea plantations and time-warped colonial homesteads, you'll discover in-depth sections on all major beach resorts, archaeological sites, historic towns and national parks. The guide also introduces adventurous travellers to intriguing lesser-known sites and emergent destinations that have only recently become accessible to independent visitors following the end of the civil war in 2009.

Sri Lanka's attractions are truly world-class. Beach holidays are a year-round possibility, while magnificent Buddhist-affiliated UNESCO World Heritage Sites range from the massive dagobas of Anuradhapura—built in pre-Christian times on a scale rivalling Egyptian pyramids—to Dambulla's exquisitely painted cave temples. Wildlife-viewing opportunities abound, with Asia's densest elephant and leopard populations thriving in an extensive network of national parks, complemented by excellent whale and dolphin-watching and an extraordinary 450 bird species, of which 30 are found nowhere else on Earth. This guide provides unparalleled, illustrated advice on making the most of these natural wonders.

Extensive hotel and restaurant listings have been cherry-picked based on the author's personal inspection of hundreds of properties countrywide, covering everything from exclusive boutique hotels to shoestring homestays. Sri Lanka's increasingly renowned cuisine features strongly, as does its growing focus on wellness tourism including Ayurveda therapies. This guidebook caters specifically for truly independent travellers, offering 70-plus visitor-focused maps covering all major towns and resorts, clear directions for public transport, and valuable off-the-beaten-track information. With recent infrastructure investment in trains providing comfortable, efficient and inexpensive travel, Sri Lanka welcomes visitors once again—whether you're seeking wildlife, culture, beaches, culinary adventures, or luxury or budget experiences.