The new sixth edition of Bradt's Sri Lanka is the longest and by far the most comprehensive
guidebook ever published to this alluring island nation and now includes a brand new detailed
full-colour wildlife section. Freshly researched and completely rewritten by Philip Briggs one
of the world's most experienced and highly-regarded guidebook writers it the new Bradt guide
incorporates detailed coverage of every aspect of this diverse and compact land from the
idyllic tropical coastline to the misty forests of hill country. Not only does the book provide
in-depth sections on all major beach resorts archaeological reserves historic towns and
national parks but it also introduces adventurous travellers to a host of intriguing
lesser-known sites along with many emergent destinations inaccessible for decades prior to the
end of the civil war in 2009. Extensive hotel and restaurant listings covering everything from
exclusive boutique hotels to shoestring homestays have been compiled from scratch rather than
updated from historical information with each entry having been cherry-picked by the author
based on his personal inspection of hundreds upon hundreds of properties countrywide. More than
70 newly-drawn maps cover all towns and resorts of note as well as the main national parks and
their surrounds. Sri Lanka has enjoyed a high level of political stability and safety since the
civil war ended in May 2009 encouraging a tourist boom in the south and the gradual opening
of the north and east to independent travel. Beach holidays are an all-year attraction while a
host of fantastic Buddhist-affiliated UNESCO World Heritage Sites ranges from the massive
dagobas of Anuradhapura built in pre-Christian times on a scale to rival the Egyptian pyramids
to the exquisitely painted cave temples of Dambulla. Wildlife-viewing opportunities abound and
this guide provides unparalleled illustrated advice on making the most of these. Asia's
densest wild elephant and leopard populations are protected in the island's extensive network
of national parks and there's also fine offshore whale and dolphin-watching and a bird
checklist of 430 species including more than 30 endemics.
