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SRI LANKA and hot. Colombo teems with restaurants that offer a spectrum of international gourmet and fusion cuisine. If the high- end fine dining isn't what you are after, there a number of places offering good and reasonably priced fare. To experience local cuisine and roadside dining, Colombo offers numerous roadside cafes that serve up the tantalising kottu—a Sri Lankan favourite—and string hoppers (a tangle of rice flour noodles that are eaten with curry), pittu and rotti. Sinhalese dancing resembles Indian dance but the story is told using acrobatics and symbolism. Sri Lankan folklore is recreated in theatre using dance, masked drama, drumming and exorcism rituals. Things to do The southwestern coast offers good swimming beaches. The dive centre at Hikkaduwa is a good base to explore the reefs in the region such as Dodanduwa, Gintota and Ralagala. The Bentota River is ideal for sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. Climb Adam's Peak for a taste of trekking, or walk across the Horton Plains near Nuwara Eliya to see the 700-metre drop at World's End. Shopping On the road linking Colombo and Kandy is a series of 'monoculture' villages. One sells clay pots while others sell brooms, roof tiles, cane chairs, cashews and coconuts. Not surprisingly, the most popular purchase is tea, sold in many flavours and all manner of gift containers and teapots. Woodcarving, weaving, pottery and metalwork are all popular crafts and Sri Lanka is especially renown for its gems and jewellery. Climate The climate is tropical, hot and humid during the day, cooling off in the evening while in the hilly regions cooler temperatures prevail. Currency Sri Lankan rupee (SLR) consists of 100 cents. Tipping is appropriate and major credit cards are widely accepted in shops Most hotels, restaurants and shopping centres accept credit cards. Some establishments may try to add a surcharge, which is illegal. What to wear Cotton clothes are useful at any time of the year but you will need light woollens for the hills and waterproof clothing or an umbrella. Modest dress for women is advisable especially off the beach and when visiting religious sites. Don't forget comfortable shoes, sandals or trainers and cotton socks. If you are planning to trek and climb go prepared with suitable gear. Water sports enthusiasts would do well to take their snorkels and diving equipment along. Visa information Nationals from 80 countries who visit Sri Lanka for tourist purposes are exempt from visa requirements and automatically receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. www.paradisesonline.com 159