You can find tourist information as soon as you step off the airplane. The travel information counter at Bandaranaike International Airport , Katunayake, is open 24 hours a day. If you arrive by train, visit the Railway Tourist Office at the Fort Station . The information available there goes way beyond help figuring out the railroad system.

Plus, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board has an office in Colombo, at 80 Galle Road , which is open every day except Sunday. The website itself has tips on what to see, when to travel, where to stay, upcoming events, and other practical tourism information. And the Ministry of Tourism— Sri Lanka is also located on Galle Road . Finally, don’t overlook the Tourist Police. That office, located near the main post office in the Fort District, is staffed with English-speaking officials who can provide answers to all of your questions.

Another good online reference is www. srilanka.com. Besides helpful directories specific to Colombo , including the city’s bars, casinos, embassies, shops, hotels, museums, restaurants, theaters, and much more, there is also interesting background information about Sri Lanka as a whole.