Situated off the southern tip of India, the tropical island of Sri Lanka has attracted travellers for centuries with its palm-fringed beaches, diverse landscapes and ancient monuments. Indeed, Marco Polo was sufficiently impressed to describe Ceylon, as it was then known, as 'undoubtedly the finest island of its size in all the world'.
On of the more advanced countries of South Asia, Sri Lanka suffered throughout the 1980s and 1990s due to a civil war that disrupted the economy and kept tourists away. Now, however, the tourists are back. Thanks to the military's defeat of the Tamil Tigers in early 2009, travellers are once again enjoying Sri Lanka's traditional attractions and spending time on the island's golf courses.
Sri Lanka's golfing history may now be well known but it certainly interesting. The country's amateur championship, first played in 1891, follows only that of Britain as the eldest national title in the world. Royal Colombo Golf Club, inaugurated in 1879, is among the 25 eldest clubs in the world.
Rest and Relaxation
Golf, however, is not for what Sri Lanka is most famous. To many tourists, particularly those from Europe, Sri Lanka means the beach – and for good reason. Considered to be among the finest in the world, the beaches along the western, southern and, increasingly, western coasts of the island offer a large number of activities.
Diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing or just lazing on the sand is on the agenda for many. While there are resort hotels – and a growing number of very fine villas and boutique-style residences – at Bentota, Weligama and Unawatuna, much of the coast is still undeveloped – making it possible to leave the crowds and to have a beautiful stretch of sand all to yourself.
If a beach holiday is not for you then Sri Lanka offers a variety of alternatives. Go on safari along the coast at Yala West National Park, home to elephants and leopards. Take in the historic sites at Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya.
Too hot? Head for the central highlands and Nurawa Eliya where, at over 6,000 feet above sea level, the cool climate makes for a refreshing change from the rest of the country. Sights in the area include the beautiful Horton Plains, with some rigorous walks, and include the dramatic World's End – a breathtaking drop of some 2,800 feet allowing truly magnificent views. The region is also where tea, Sri Lanka's largest export, grows. Vast plantations take up entire hillsides and it is possible to stop at one of the factories and take a tour.
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