Asia's Emerald Isle

City Sounds

Colombo is relatively 'green' for an Asian capital, with many parks and cricket grounds making up a significant area of the city. While it may not be everyone's favourite stop in Sri Lanka, the capital – set on the island's eastern coast – has its own share of sights. It is also the best place to go shopping.

Try the bustling bazaar area at the Pettah, or one of the hundreds of shops selling clothes, handloom fabrics and gems. To unwind at the end of the day and enjoy a drink on the veranda at the Galle Face Hotel, a charming colonial-era hotel, and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Colombo may be the capital, but Kandy – almost in the exact middle of the island – remains the Sinhalese cultural and spiritual centre. It is here where the famous Dalada Maligawa – or Temple of the Tooth – houses Sri Lanka's most famous Buddhist relic, the sacred tooth of Buddha.

Golfing Sri Lanka

The best time of the year to pay golf is from December to March when the weather is generally dry and the humidity is relatively low. From March onwards the temperature increases, although rarely past 35 degrees, and the monsoon season lasts from May to August. It is important to note that while there are caddies at all of Sri Lanka's courses, there are no buggies, which means that walking is your only option.

While getting around Sri Lanka quickly is difficult (although the island's transport infrastructure has improved greatly in recent times), hiring a car and driver can help a lot. The general driving standards are low and the drives can be long. Despite this, playing golf in Sri Lanka comes highly recommended. With surely some of the best value golf to be had in Asia, the journey will be well worth it.