Sri Lanka Paperback - 2018

Philip Briggs is one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable guidebook writers having been researching and writing guides for Bradt and other well-known publishers for over 30 years. For many years his focus was on Africa but recently he has turned his attention to both South America and Asia, authoring the Bradt guide to Suriname and now Bradt's Sri Lanka. Of Sri Lanka, Philip says: 'Sri Lanka is a fantastic all-rounder. Most people know about the sumptuous palm-lined beaches that line the island's tropical coastline. But this small Asian country has so much more to offer, from ancient Sinhalese capitals to the tea plantations of the Highlands where the hills roll down towards lush dense rainforests teeming with plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. A network of national parks supports Asia's densest populations of elephant and leopard, while the forest reserves are home to 33 endemic bird species, and the offshore waters host blue whales, spinner dolphins, giant marine turtles and coral gardens swirling with colourful reef fish. Add to that a genuinely hospitable culture where English is widely spoken, a distinctive cuisine dominated by curries and seafood, and an ever-growing choice of accommodation to suit all budgets, and this safe and easy-to-get-around island nation easily ranks as one of the world's most approachable and diverse travel destinations.'