Sri Lanka; serendipity: the two have long been considered synonymous. Discover beaches lapped by the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Sample short eats, or dine in five-star elegance. Take a train up through tea-clad hills. See elephants in the wild, in decorative finery, even in their own orphanage. Appreciate the achievements of ancient civilizations. The opportunities for a visit of fulfillment are endless.In Sri Lanka: The Bradt Travel Guide, long-time resident Royston Ellis plays host to visitors to his adopted country. Full of insider's tips and personal recommendations, this guide will lead you to those chance discoveries that make a holiday memorable.This guide includes information on where to stay and eat, from luxury hotels to traditional resthouses; local transport, including the best train trips on the island; national parks and natural history; diving, watersports, river rafting, trekking and other activities; culture, entertainment and island festivals in detail. (5 1/4 x 8 1/2, 288 pages, color photos, maps, illustrations, charts)

Famed for its sandy beaches and fine teas, Sri Lanka offers so much more. A complete range of coastal resorts are covered for the tourist looking to unwind, with a variety of activities and attractions that will tempt visitors to explore the interior of the island. Suggestions on places to visit include the following: temples and shrines, the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela, botanical and zoological gardens, and a pilgrimage to the top of Adam¿s Peak by night to watch the sunrise over Sri Lanka. Niche interests are well catered for, ranging from vintage motorcar rallying and steam rail travel to cricket tours and Buddhist monastery meditation courses.

At last, the definitive travel guide to this island by travel writer in residence, Royston Ellis provides personal recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and bars for all tastes.

Royston Ellis is a travel writer and biographer with a specialist knowledge of the Indian Ocean islands. He contributes regularly to airline magazines and has lived in Sri Lanka for over 20 years. He is also author of Bradt¿s Maldives and Mauritius, Rodrigues and Réunion.