Sri Lankan Food

Sri Lankan cuisine is one of Asia’s great undiscovered food cultures. Rice and curry is the staple — a plate of rice surrounded by an array of small bowls: dhal, fish curry, beetroot, pumpkin, mango chutney. Hoppers (bowl-shaped rice-flour pancakes) with egg are a breakfast staple. Kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables and meat) is the island’s addictive street food. Don’t miss woodapple juice and buffalo curd with treacle.

Getting Around

Sri Lanka is compact — you’re rarely more than 4-5 hours between major destinations. The train from Kandy to Ella is unmissable. Private car and driver is the most comfortable way to travel and surprisingly affordable.

Practical Tips

Visas: Apply online for an ETA before travel. Money: Sri Lankan Rupees. Carry cash — cards aren’t universally accepted outside major hotels. Dress: Modest at temples (cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes). Safety: Sri Lanka is generally very safe. Take normal travel precautions.