It is from Horace Walpole’s story The Three Princes of Serendib (where the heroes were constantly encountering pleasant discoveries in the least expected places) that the word serendipity centered the English language.
Swarnadeep or Serendip
The word comes from the ancient Sanskrit word for Sri Lanka Swarnadeep - which gave rise to the Arab word for the island Serendip) and has been imported into other European languages (Spanish serendipia, Frenche sérendipicité or sérendipité, Italian serendipità and German Serendipität).
Even today, visitors to this tropical island off the south coast of India can confidently expect to come across the unexpected - like cardiac surgeons deftly operating in Sri Jayawardenapura’s modern hospital while just 100K away, a colourful native “devil-dancer” exorcises an evil spirit from a fevered patient.
Driving on the streets of the capital is not for the faint hearted - one may have to shut one's eyes as the Sri Lankan driver of one's modern Japanese taxi narrowly misses an ancient ox cart on a crowded city street.
Sri Lanka - Small Miracle
The tourist's board's slogan Sri Lanka - A Small Miracle describes this little island that has tourist attractions far in excess of its size - truly a land of contrasts!
A British colony for 150 years, the country still retains the widespread use of English.
The best time to visit is between November and February, when the climate is at its coolest (25 to 27*C). Many holidaymakers escaping the European winter descend on the island at this time - so hotel prices are at a premium. If one avoids the height of the hot season in March/April, shopping around the travel agents often yields (serendipitously) substantially reduced off-season deals.
Even at the peak of the tourist season, exchange rates are very reasonable - currently US $ 1 = SL Rupees 114.
The island offers something for everybody. If it is sun, sand and sea you want, head for the warm tranquil seas along the southwest coast between Galle and Kalutara. Accommodation ranges from five star hotels to simple ‘Bed and Breakfast' accommodation.
Sri Lanka - British Colony
To appreciate the British colonial influence, travel to the central hill country. Nestled in these hills are little country towns with red pillar boxes, Victorian cottages and cold stone churches. Here British planters during the 19th century opened coffee and tea plantations with imposing 'planters’ bungalows' . Visit, or stay at, Kandapola’s charming “Tea Factory” - a luxurious hotel converted from a disused factory on a tea estate 2000 metres above sea level.
If you want to delve further back in history, visit the ancient cities in the Cultural Triangle.
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital was established around the 4th century BC. - and has ruins of cloistered monasteries, crumbling palaces, ancient temples and towering Buddhist stupas (massive relic chambers as old and as large as the Pyramids).
Sigiriya’s colourful and sensuous 5th century frescoes and Polonnaruva’s massive stone sculptures of the Buddha bear testimony to the sophistication and grace of advanced civilizations that flourished here.
Sri Lanka's Wildlife Parks
For lovers of wildlife Sri Lanka offers elephants, peacocks, sloth bears, sambhurs and leopards in national parks at Yala and Lahugala . A “must-see” is the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela, home to a score of baby elephants.
A word of warning - don’t go wihout malaria tablets, mosquito repellent, hepatitis shots and gastrolyte.
That said, a visit to Sri Lanka will certainly provide a memorable holiday - plus, surely, some happy discoveries when one least expects them.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
