construction projects. A gold-plated statue of the Buddha was erected in the cave. It’s still there, as is a 9m (30ft) recumbent Buddha. Check out the nearby Upper Temple too.

Uda Walawe National Park
Transport bus: from Embilipitiya to Tanamalwila; ask to be dropped at the entrance Hours 06:30 – 18:30 Keyword national park Of all Sri Lanka’s national parks, this best rivals the savanna reserves of Africa, with its elephants, buffalo, sambar deer and leopards. There are 30 varieties of snake and a wealth of birdlife. You can choose a 4WD from one of the many gathered outside the gate; you’ll have to pay extra for a tracker.

Sri Lanka: Money & Costs
Sri Lanka is a cheap place to travel around. Shoestring travellers can exist comfortably on less than US$20.00 a day by staying in basic share or double rooms, getting around by bus and avoiding flash restaurants. Up the scale a bit to US$30.00 or US$40.00 and you’ll be kipping down in delightful rest houses. Plan on around US$100.00 a day if you want the full five star treatment.

You’ll have no problem changing travellers cheques at most major banks. Banks will give you a slightly better rate for travellers cheques, but it’s convenient to have some cash for times when you can’t get to a bank (there are plenty of money changers in Colombo and Hikkaduwa). US dollars are best. International ATMs have become common, especially in major cities, and can be found in most important tourist cities, but it’s best to carry some cash in case the networks are temporarily down. Credit cards are widely accepted; Visa and MasterCard cash withdrawals are possible at major banks.

A 10% service charge is added to nearly every accommodation or eating bill in the middle and top ranges, but this often goes to the management. Tips directly to workers are always appreciated. Hotel porters normally get Rs20.00 per heavy bag. On the whole, prices are very negotiable in Sri Lanka, but bargaining shouldn’t be seen as a battle to the death. Find out what the approximate cost is and then come to a mutually acceptable compromise. Losing your temper or shouting is very bad form.

Currency
Name Sri Lanka Rupee
Symbol Rs Sample Price Guide
bottle of ginger beer Rs 40.00 small bottle of beer Rs 80.00 sending a postcard Rs 20.00 hire of car & driver per day Rs 2800.00 Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe
Rs500-1000 Rs1500-2500 Rs2500-6000 Rs6000+
Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe
Rs50-250 Rs250-500 Rs500-1500 Rs1500+

Sri Lanka: Getting there & around

Getting There
The only way to enter Sri Lanka is by flying. Colombo is the international gateway for direct flights from Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. There are cheap flights available between Colombo and Madras, Trichy, Trivandrum and Bombay. Departure tax is US$10.00 .

Getting Around
There are no domestic passenger flights in Sri Lanka, which leaves buses and trains as the dominant modes of transport. Buses, ranging from smoke-spewing nightmares to modern private coaches, are cheap, plentiful and always overcrowded. Train travel, while slower, is much