Asia's Emerald Isle

Home to just a handful of courses, Sri Lanka might lag behind some of the region's most popular destinations in respect of playing opportunities. But with a tradition in the Royal and Ancient game virtually unmatched in this part of the world, golf is the perfect complement to a visit to this rejuvenated nation's many off-course wonders

TRIP PLANNER

GETTING THERE

SriLankan Airlines (www.srilankanairlines.com) operate three flights per week from Hong Kong to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport with a stop in Bangkok (journey time: six hours, 30 minutes). SriLankan Airlines is scheduled to join the oneworld alliance of carriers by the end of 2013 when it is thought that the airline will commence a code-share arrangement with Cathay Pacific.

WHEN TO GO

Climatically, the driest and best season is from December to March on the west and south coasts and in the hill country. This period is also when most foreign tourists come – many of them escaping the European winter.

NEED TO KNOW

While most nationalities do not require a visa to enter the country, all holiday and business travellers to Sri Lanka must obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival. Visit eta.gov.lk for more information. At the time of press, HK$1 equates to LKR16.3 (Sri Lankan Rupee).

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Written by Alex Jenkins

Photography by AFP

Click here to see the published article.

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