Sri Lanka, lying off the coast of India like a ripe mango, is home to a rich multicultural tradition of interwoven religions and ethnic groups. It is also the centre of a great civilization evident today in the immense sprawling ruins of ancient cities. Tea plantations and Dutch gables bear witness to a later colonial era. History aside, there are the valleys of emerald green paddy, coral reefs and beach resorts overhung with coconut palms. This illustrated guide to Sri Lanka offers a broad range of sightseeing and entertainment options for the sophisticated traveller. It contains historical and cultural background, essays and fiction by famous visitors and local writers and practical information on visas, airlines, hotels and restaurants and shopping.