James - I appreciate your comments on travel safety above. There are a few places that I would be very cautious about travelling, like Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, but most other places are safer than South Africa, where I am based!

I think the main point to make about travel safety is that the biggest threat is not political violence or war, but the more common dangers of motor vehicle accidents and sporting injuries.

Hi Niki
SL must be the nicest place for a holiday and now with the terrorism
eliminated safest place! You will thoroughly enjoy the scenery, cuisine
and most of all Srilankan peoples hospitality. If you get a chance go to the upcountry to see the tea plantations and water falls.
Come back and tell us what you thought of SL. It will turn out to be your best holiday1

Niki, about the time you posted this we were in Sri Lanka, in fact Beruwala . We arrived on their "VE" day and there was much merriment in the streets. How safe is it? well we are taking our two Grandchildren 7 & 9 back there this time in August 09. A nicer bunch of people you will not meet anywhere in the world and we felt safer there than in Many British towns in the evening. Quite a bit of begging but it dosen't get aggressive like in North Africa, food great and tuk tuk rides are a must.

Hi Friends,
I am planning to visit srilanka in sep 3rd week. Is it good time to travel ,interms of weather and season?.
I am going with my friends (5 member). Is it any good travel agents, take us to most of srilankan places in 7 days.

Thanks for your advice in advance.

Aravind

Hi ,
We´ve just returned from Sri Lanka (August 2009). We were in Colombo, the capital city and travelled to the cultural triangle.
We never felt threatened in any way travelling in Colombo. There is a heavy military presence so carry your ID with you and do not overstay your Visit Visa.

The Cultural triangle was very safe. Sigiriya (the Lion Rock Fortress) is a must see, and the nearby Sigiriya museum. Anuradhapura was a little disappointing as it was shabby. I guess 30 odd years of war has taken its toll.
The roads were in need of repair.
The road from Habaran to Sigiriya is brand new and very good. Pollonnaruwa was wonderful. Again, the road was not too bad.

We spent 3 wonderful days at Cinnamon Lodge (formerly the Lodge Habarana). Fantastic. Great place - superb food and very very friendly staff. the Sri Lankan people are wonderful. Do not be afraid, visit Sri Lanka. The people are not responsible for what the Government may or may not be doing.

Eat what the locals eat. If the curries are hot, ask them to do a milder version. Always drink boiled and filtered water. Avoid taking ice with your drinks. Ask for a mosquito net for your hotel room if one is not provided. Take mosquito repellent (tropical use) sprays and spray yourself when walking about.

if in Colombo, visit the Mt.Lavinia Hotel buffet. Fantastic food and affordable.
Arugam Bay is a must visit for surf lovers. They just finished the Surfing Championships there. Ask the British/Aussie and other world surfers who continued to visit Arugam Bay even during the war years.
Hikkaduwa Beach Festival was great fun.
If you are travelling with young kids, take them to Kaluaggala Water Park near Avissawella.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is just out of this world.
Visit Sri Lanka. Advise I will give? Use your nut like you would when you are at home. Dont take unnecessary risks by walking down dark lanes or parading your riches. It is a poor country with poor people. So be cautious. When visiting Buddhist temples and religious sites, show respect. Dress appropriately.
The people of SriLanka need to be treated with respect..

I'm so glad that common sense has prevailed. To advise (scare) people not to travel to Sri Lanka is irresponsible and is depriving people of a wonderful holiday, and depriving Sri Lankans of the much needed revenue from tourism. If you visit the British government Foreign Office website (http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country) you will see that they are still advising against travel to the North and East, where there is still much deprivation and poverty. Having been to SL many times, and traveling there again in November for a month, I can only speak very highly of the place and the people.

Hi!

I'm panning a three day official trip to colombo next week. But would hardly get an evening or two for doing things other than official. Can anyone please assist me on shopping and sightseeing that I could manage during this sapre time?

Pavel