Just returned, and had an enjoyable experience. It was the end of the monsoon season, but the rain didn’t detract from our experiences. The ancient cities, the spice and botanical gardens, the animals, the food—all were interesting. Shopping there is mainly for gems. The presence of the Tamil Tigers did not impact on our time whatsoever.

Lodging:

Sigiriya: The Elephant Corridor featured separate villas with a contemporary feel, a good restaurant and a delightful pool. 94 66 2231950 51.

Kandy: Kandy House is a 200-year old mansion that has been converted into an inn containing 9 rooms, an outside dining area and a pool. Our room was lovely, the bathroom very contemporary and interesting. No air conditioning, because not needed, but we did have mosquito netting.

Galle environs: Andres Pub. 94 777 989796.

Shopping:

We weren’t in Colombo, so we missed a lot of the shopping. We did buy local packaged spices near the tea plantation area at a spice garden we toured. There are also several bazaars in Sri Lankan towns that sell overruns and seconds of things manufactured there. We were able to get Helly Hansen and Columbia outerwear very inexpensively.

Everyone without exception was delighted to see Americans. Tourism is down following the tsunami and few Americans visit. I might point out that for those of us looking to minimize the effect of the declining dollar, places like Sri Lanka are very attractive.

Kandy: Prasanna Gem Centre, where I bought sapphires and semi-precious stones. They made them into a ring and earrings, and delivered them the next day to the next town in which we were staying. 921, Peradeniya Rd 94 08 12 389891-2.

Galle: Ibrahim, a gem dealer who sells very well made contemporary jewelry, using 18 karat gold. Bargaining is essential. 47, Church St 94 912 234 253. Good tabletop stores were: Elephant Walk, 30, Church St 94 912 248 031, and Barefoot, 41, Pedlar St 94 912 226 299.

Last but not least:

We had a guide whose English was excellent. He was not obtrusive but was very competent and most enjoyable. His name is Wimal Rathnasiri and his e-mail address is wimal@sltnet.lk. Phone # 94 (0)714776089. I highly recommend him.