Latest news with #UnescoWorldHeritage
Gulf Today
10 hours ago
- General
- Gulf Today
Faya nomination reflects Sharjah's heritage commitment, says Bodour
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, official ambassador for the ongoing Unesco World Heritage nomination of the Faya Palaeolandscape said, "The decision by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to approve the boundaries of the Faya site nominated for inscription on the Unesco World Heritage List, embodies his far-sighted vision and profound commitment to protecting humanity's heritage and safeguarding its treasures for future generations. "This site, whose history has been intertwined with that of humankind for more than 200,000 years, not only reinforces Sharjah's position as a global centre of knowledge and culture, but also reflects our steadfast belief that heritage is a bridge connecting the past to the present, granting communities a renewed identity and a living memory.' She emphasised, "We are working with utmost dedication and determination to ensure that the Faya site receives the recognition it truly deserves on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This place is not merely a testament to the history of the UAE alone; it stands as witness to the history of all humanity." "Faya holds invaluable evidence of early human migration routes and represents a rare chapter in the story of human evolution and adaptability. As partners with the international community in preserving heritage, we affirm that protecting this site and deepening the world's understanding of it is a collective responsibility-one that we in Sharjah embrace with utmost seriousness and passion, firmly believing that safeguarding heritage is, in essence, safeguarding identity and enriching our collective understanding of humanity,' she said.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Middle East's cultural treasures vulnerable to conflicts
AP Image The Paris-based International Council of Museums had issued an emphatic warning after the first bomb strikes: There was a "growing danger" for museums and their employees in Israel and Iran. The Icom, which consists of 8,000 museum professionals worldwide, including members from Israel and Iran, had demanded that both sides adhere to international conventions for the protection of cultural heritage, even in the event of conflict. "However, we can do no more than admonish and warn," the president of the Icom's German Nntional committee, Felicia Sternfeld, told DW. Did this appeal have an impact? The news situation on the ground is thin, with only sparse information coming out of Iran in particular, as the government allows hardly any foreign journalists to enter and severely restricts the press. However, one thing seems certain: Contingency plans were activated in both countries at the start of the Israel-Iran conflict. As much as possible, experts worked to secure, remove and relocate cultural assets. It is currently unclear whether there has been any damage. National Museum in Tehran evacuated Iran has a rich cultural heritage. This includes 28 Unesco World Heritage Sites and about 840 museums, 300 of which are under the administration of the culture ministry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo "Iran has a well-organized and professional heritage authority," Judith Thomalsky, the head of the Tehran branch of the German Archaeological Institute, said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio. Thomalsky's office has been operating from Berlin since 2023, when thousands of Iranians protested the regime and the German Federal Foreign Office withdrew staff from German institutions as a precaution. The Institute itself continues its work on the premises of the German Embassy in Tehran with local staff, and Thomalsky maintains as much contact as possible with her Iranian network. Barbara Helwing, director of the Museum of the Ancient Near East in Berlin and Thomalsky's predecessor from 2000 to 2014, is also an expert on Iran. She told German regional broadcaster RBB that she was in contact with her colleagues at the National Museum until recently; there has been occasional radio silence because the Iranian regime had shut down the Internet. "We know that the museum and its two large buildings near the Foreign Ministry have been emptied," Helwing said. She added that she has seen photos showing empty display cases. Sandbags shielding important exhibits The Iranian National Museum is not only the oldest but also the most important museum in Iran. Comprising two buildings with three halls each, it houses more than 300,000 archaeological finds from pre-Islamic [before 7th century CE: Eds.] and Islamic times, including many objects made of stone, ceramics, glass and metals. "In Iran, the relationship with cultural heritage is very close," Helwing said. The country's cultural identity is based on a long history and the awareness that the first real-world empire in history, the ancient Persian Empire (around 550 to 330 BCE), originated in Iran. According to Helwing, all portable museum objects were hastily transported into the cellars. The nonmovable artifacts, mainly stone objects, were covered with sandbags to protect them from strikes and flying debris. Unlike in Israel, there are no bunkers in Iran — neither for people nor for valuable art treasures. Protecting archaeological sites that are often located in open areas has proved far more difficult. "You can't really protect them," Helwing said. "You can only hope that they are far enough away from potential targets." Is the famed Taq-e Bostan rock relief in danger? According to the English-language Tehran Times, Taq-e Bostan, an archeological complex from the era of the Sasanian dynasty (224-651 CE) that includes a one-of-a-kind monumental rock relief, faces particular danger. The newspaper reported that the Israeli Air Force bombed a weapons depot just two kilometers away from the complex. The resulting shock waves and vibrations may have damaged the site, Helwing said, though she lacked more precise information. "Iran's Department of Antiquities knows what it needs to do," said Judith Thomalsky, a historian who focuses on prehistoric times and who has spent over 20 years working in Iran. She also believes that it isn't possible to protect open archaeological sites such as the Persepolis complex, the Bisotun inscriptions and Takht-e Soleyman, or "Throne of Solomon," an archaeological site. She told the Berlin daily Tagesspiegel that, though she doesn't believe that cultural assets face an acute threat, it is impossible to know how things may develop. Institutions in Israel, for their part, activated emergency plans following the first Iranian counterattacks. For instance, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art secured its collection of Israeli and international art in underground storage, the French Magazine Beaux Arts reported. It is planning to reopen its doors on July 3. It is already possible to visit Jerusalem's Israel Museum again, which with its 500,000 objects is one of the largest in the Middle East. The museum website informs visitors that it is equipped with safe rooms that are located in the museum in case of emergency. Unesco Heritage Committee meets in Paris Israel is currently home to nine Unesco World Heritage Sites, including the White City of Tel Aviv, a neighbourhood with numerous buildings in the Bauhaus architectural style, the Masada mountaintop fortress and the Old City of Acre. "To our knowledge there has been no damage to archaeological artifacts under the management of Israel Antiquities Authority, nor to objects in museums," the authority has stated, as reported by both Tehran Times and The Times of Israel. World heritage sites are under formal protection of the international community. The 1954 Hague convention regulates the protection of cultural material in armed conflict, while the 1972 Unesco World Heritage Convention governs conservation of cultural assets among nations. From July 6-16, the Unesco World Heritage Committee will be holding its 47th session in Paris. Among other things, experts will discuss potential future Unesco cultural heritage sites. The session will be livestreamed. The Israel-Iran conflict was not on the agenda as of June 30.
The Star
a day ago
- General
- The Star
Nibong Tebal project brings old tales to light
THINK about history and heritage in Penang and the first location that comes to mind is the Unesco World Heritage site of George Town on the island. But some areas on the mainland – such as Nibong Tebal in south Seberang Perai – have equally rich histories. And thanks to a community initiative, this has now come to light. The Nibong Tebal Cultural Heritage Project took six months to document the town's stories, traditions and places. From its quaint old town to colonial-era estates, riverside fishing villages and vast padi plantations, there were countless narratives to be uncovered. The aim was to give locals and tourists alike a better appreciation of the area's tangible and intangible cultural heritage assets, and ensure they were not lost to time. Project members recording oral history over drinks with community leaders of Nibong Tebal at an eatery along the Sungai Udang Jetty. The project was done by Penang Arts Education Society (Arts-ED) in partnership with Think City and the Finance Ministry, and funded by the Seberang Perai Small Town Grant Programme. Project manager and community connector Chen Yoke Pin said their six-member team started work in November 2024. They had in-depth dialogues with local residents at places like the Sungai Udang and Sungai Acheh fishing villages, the former Caledonia Estate and Nibong Tebal Old Town. The team also did extensive research, scouring through archival sources and old photographs to outline a comprehensive history of the town located near the Perak border. This culminated in the production of an illustrated booklet titled 'Navigating the Legacies of Nibong Tebal' containing a cultural assets map and historical timeline, which are available in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese at various community hubs across the district. There is also a website and digital version of the booklet. The booklet, 'Navigating the Legacies of Nibong Tebal' is available in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese. These were launched in a ceremony at a cafe presided over by Jawi assemblyman H'ng Mooi Lye. During the event, Chen said they initially looked at various towns across north and south Seberang Perai to carry out the project, but ultimately settled on Nibong Tebal as there was much less documentation done. 'Many people only know the place as a destination for seafood and other cuisines, as well as certain places of interest. 'But we wanted to highlight the deeper historical and cultural heritage of the place and tell a more holistic story that few outside the local community knew,' added Chen. Project coordinator and researcher Amanda Chin said much of the town's history had not been properly documented in official accounts or photographs. 'Most of what we could find were little pieces of information, usually from colonial sources, which we had to carefully piece together. 'A lot of the local stories were only passed down as oral history so we had to speak with many people to learn about these things and make sense of it all. South Seberang Perai eco-tourism council members briefing Chin (centre) on the Old Kwong Hock Keong Temple's history. 'This often proved challenging as there were missing parts. 'We had to take great care to represent the place well,' Chin said, adding that the locals were appreciative of their efforts to celebrate the area's heritage. Chen said, 'They were very enthusiastic in sharing their cherished memories about growing up and living here. 'The materials we produced are not merely data but a testament to a participatory process that strengthened people's sense of ownership and collective identity related to Nibong Tebal.' Origins of the town According to the team's findings, Nibong Tebal can trace its origins back to around 1700 with early Malay settlers who practised subsistence farming and fishing. It was originally called Kerian due to its location on the northern bank of Sungai Kerian, before acquiring the present moniker due to the Nibong palm that grew abundantly in the area. Among the Chinese immigrants who started coming in the 1790s were Teochews who engaged in sugarcane farming and called the place Ko-Heng-Kang, which later evolved into Ko-Ean, a term still in use today. The turn of the century saw the British acquiring Penang island (then Prince of Wales island) and Seberang Perai (then Province Wellesley) from the Kedah Sultanate. Chin said the colonialists further developed the sugarcane infrastructure and mechanised processing to meet demand, which led to the founding of the Nibong Tebal Old Town around a jetty along Sungai Kerian in the 1830s for collection and distribution of agricultural goods. By the 1850s, the British also brought in Tamils from India to work in the plantations. This gave rise to 'sugar kings' like the Ramsden family who owned Penang Sugar Estates Ltd, and Chinese towkays like Khaw Boo Aun, who also dabbled in tobacco. Following the redelineation of the Province Wellesley-Perak border with the Pangkor Treaty of 1874, padi farming also took hold. The river remained the main artery for transportation of people and goods until 1902 when the railway line between Perai and Bukit Mertajam was linked to Perak's network. Plantations largely transitioned from sugarcane farming to rubber around 1913 due to the rubber boom. The next growth spurt came around the 1930s. 'Many businessmen set up offices, warehouses or services such as laundries and barber shops along new roads like Jalan Atas, Lorong Boo Aun, Jalan Baru and Jalan Pintu Sepuluh in the old town. 'This was a catalyst for rapid expansion,' Chin said. During the Malayan Emergency in the aftermath of World War II, anti-colonial sentiment persuaded the British to sell their plantations to locals. It all came to a head with the 1948 murder of the last Ramsden heir at Caledonia House on Byram Estate – better known as the 99 Door Mansion – a crime which still remains unsolved. This, coupled with the mansion's use as a torture chamber by Japanese soldiers during the war, gave rise to legends of hauntings and unexplained phenomena. Following Malayan independence, a local administration was formed, with V. Veerappen elected as the first MP of south Seberang Perai. In the 1980s, economic diversification schemes saw the establishment of oil palm plantations, inland fisheries, industrial parks and new residential and commercial developments alongside improved roads, bridges and rail lines, accelerating its modernisation. Today, Nibong Tebal has a population of about 40,000. Enduring legacies Chen said the booklet, map and website list 13 tangible legacies and six intangible legacies, which are split between urban and rural Nibong Tebal. Tangible ones include the Old Kwong Hock Keong Temple, established in 1866 by Chinese settlers to worship Taoist deity Tua Pek Kong and Sri Sithi Vinayagar Devasthanam built by the Hindu community in 1924. There is also the Annai Arulmigu Maha Mariamman Temple, which commemorates its patron deity every March with a fire-walking festival and chariot procession. The Tanjung Berembang River Crossing, once home to a sampan service costing half a cent, is also highlighted alongside the Old Town Jetty that has today become a recreational hub for pleasure cruises, angling and firefly viewing. Agricultural entries include the Sungai Acheh padi fields and the oil palm plantations that were set up in the 1990s. The Sungai Udang Boardwalk and Sungai Udang Jetty, which are home to traditional fishing communities, are indispensable to the story much like the Nibong Tebal Old Town, which is still the centre of commercial activity. In addition to the myths around the 99 Door Mansion, another intangible legacy is the Sungai Udang Tsunami Miracle. 'A group of older residents told us how, during the Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004, huge waves parted just before reaching one particular village. 'It left it almost untouched while other nearby villages suffered some damage with mooring docks destroyed and dozens of boats overturned. 'They attribute this miracle to the protection offered by Machor, the guardian of seafarers. 'After seeing fish behaving erratically, a temple elder advised that they should pray and make offerings, which they did for three nights,' Chin revealed. Chiming in, Chen said this account showed how some stories remain relatively obscure beyond the immediate vicinity. 'Luckily, we were able to capture it in writing and through our illustrations,' she added. Elderly residents of the area also fondly recall the 'Bridges Over the River Kerian' – which were a railway bridge and steel arched bridge built in 1900 and 1925, respectively. The British intentionally blew them up in an unsuccessful effort to thwart the Japanese army's advance down the peninsula following their invasion of Malaya in December 1941. The annual Vinayagar Chaturthi celebration at the Sri Sithi Vinayagar Devasthanam is also mentioned, along with Pekan Selasa at Sungai Acheh which operates every Tuesday morning. For locals, the latter has long been the highlight of the week and their one-stop centre to shop for daily needs. Lastly, is the Traditional Padi Farming at Sungai Acheh, where farmers use a cooperative practice called berderau to lighten the workload. They take turns working each other's fields, which also fosters a spirit of community. Chen feels the small town charm is alive and well in places like Nibong Tebal, where everybody seems to know each other. 'They welcomed us in their dinner tables, homes and lives without hesitation or judgement,' she added. H'ng, who is also Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman, said the cultural values, collective memories and local wisdom of small towns like Nibong Tebal could inform future planning. 'Urban planning should not only focus on physical structures or habitable zones, but also preserve the soul and identity of a place. 'By mapping both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, this project allows us to reconnect with our cultural roots and preserve local history,' he said in his speech at the launch of the booklet. Looking forward, Chen said Arts-ED was open to collaborate with more local entities to map and share such stories, to ensure they are told not by outsiders but the community itself. Also present for the launch were Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) Department of Sustainable Development director Normaira Abdul Rahman and ThinkCity's Seberang Perai Small Town Grant Programme officer Khairuddin Darwazi. The public can obtain the physical booklet at H'ng's service centre, as well as that of Nibong Tebal MP Fadhlina Sidek and Sungai Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zinol. It is also available at the Penang 2030 Centre @ C-Mart Nibong Tebal, South Seberang Perai Land and District Office, Firefly Jetty Cafe (Jalan Pasar Lama), Old Kwong Hock Keong Temple (Jalan Nuri), Sri Sithi Vinayagar Devasthanam (Jalan Ooi Kar Seng), Chop Chuan Guan (Jalan Pengkalan Rawa), Lim Aik Chew Curry Prawn (Tanjung Berembang), Enew Enterprise (Jia Zhen) in Jalan Atas. To download a digital copy, go to
The National
3 days ago
- The National
Edinburgh's Orthodox school adds new chapter to Greek-Scottish story
Scottish education earlier this month added St Andrew's Orthodox Church School to the official register of independent establishments. Based at Craigmillar Park Church in the south of the city, it offers a traditional style of education. Many Cypriots originally made their way over to Scotland in search of work and a better way of life, and there were also war brides who married Scottish soldiers after the Second World War. READ MORE: 'Their love for Scotland made my heart sing': George Ezra hails Scottish folk group Today, Glasgow, Edinburgh and St Andrews universities are popular studying spots for Cypriots, and many have their own societies to embrace their culture. There have been Greek schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh since the 1950s, along with the Edinburgh Hellenic School of St Andrew which teaches Greek to all ages, and the community has a real warmth to it. Low-cost flights mean it is also relatively easy to fly back to Cyprus and enjoy the likes of seaside beauty Paphos. One of the most luxurious and secluded places to stay is the five-star Constantinou Bros Athena Beach hotel, just yards away from the sands of Kato Paphos and a 15-minute stroll from the beautiful harbour, archaeological sites, shops and restaurants. The old town of Paphos is great for soaking up the traditions of Cyprus and at the heart of it is The Place, a converted warehouse where craftsmen continue to use ancient methods to create wonderful arts and handicrafts. This oasis of joy is full of talented people selling their work and also providing valuable classes to allow others to learn the same skills. Visitors can try their hand at everything from pottery painting to creating mosaic magnets, and The Place also has a lovely café. Full of history, Paphos is officially a Unesco World Heritage site, with the Archaeological Park one of the most important in Cyprus. It dates back to the fourth century BC when King Nicocles moved it to its current home by the harbour. It features sites and monuments from the time up to the Middle Ages, with most of the remains dating back to the Roman times. The most impressive are the intricate mosaic floors of the houses of Dionysos, Theseus, Aion and Orpheus, which show various scenes from Greek mythology. Other important monuments including the Asklepieion, a theatre known as the Odeon, and the Agora. The Limeniotissa, the ruins of an early Christian basilica, and the Tomb of the Kings are also in this fascinating and huge park. The big underground tombs are carved out of solid rock and, despite the name, it was actually high-ranking officials and aristocracy who were buried in the cavern, with some decorated with Doric pillars. Sitting grandly at the west end of the city's harbour, Paphos Castle was originally a Byzantine fort, which was built to protect the water. It was renovated by the Lusignans in the 13th century, only to be dismantled by the Venetians who did not want to fall into the hands of the Ottomans. What survives today was restored by the Ottomans in the 16th century and features a big square tower and central hall. The castle was handed over to the British in 1878 and it was used as a salt store until 1935, when it was declared an ancient monument. It really makes for an impressive site in the harbour, alongside the rows of fishing boats, and yachts which moor so people can enjoy this lively area. Seafood is very much on the menu in Paphos and two of the best restaurants are Ta Mpania, which is slap bang by the water and, in the old town, the very popular Christos Grill and Seafood Restaurant has al fresco dining to allow gorgeous views of the city, while feasting on the finest of local dishes. Enjoying the simple pleasures in life is very much the mantra in Cyprus and repeated in the adopted home of Scotland. Factfile
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Sri Lanka travel guide: Everything to know before you go
Sri Lanka can be best described as south Asia in miniature form, filled with beaches, elephants, tea plantations, curries, sacred rituals, colourful ceremonies, and most of all, warmly welcoming people. Hailed as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" and the "Teardrop of India", this ancient island nation has long been celebrated - and coveted - for its abundant landscapes, strategic significance, and rare beauty. Sri Lanka's past is remarkably well preserved, despite years of unrest and strife. From Victorian-era colonial clubs to centuries-old Buddhist temples, layer after layer of Sri Lankan history is within reach. Its natural heritage is rich, too. Ten national parks provide sanctuary for sloth bears to sambars, leopards to lorises, and of course plenty of elephants. For such a small island (roughly the size of Ireland), the diversity here is striking - you can climb mist-robed mountains, surf silvery shores, trek through abundant jungle, all in the same day. Sri Lanka's cities have that frenetic, cheerful chaos common to Asian cities, whether it's Colombo's colonial grandeur or Kandy's exalted lakeside lifestyle. Either way, the coast's serenity is never far, with some of the finest beaches in the world ready to embrace you: champagne-coloured sand, palms in regal repose, and the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Best time to go It depends on what you're looking for. Thanks to its dual monsoon pattern, December-April tends to be best for beaches and wildlife excursions on the south and west of the island, while the dry months of May-September unlock access to the north and east. Each side has its pick of stunning locations, and if you want to see both (without getting drenched) then September-October and April are the shoulder seasons for you, offering cooler temperatures, fewer tourists and excellent hiking opportunities. April coincides with the local new year celebrations, so be wary of increased congestion on the transport networks. Top cities and regions Kandy Kandy is Sri Lanka's beating heart: Holy town, hilltop enclave, and spiritual centre. Sri Lanka's ancient customs and natural beauty come together here, with temples, shrines and palaces reflected in the glassy surface of the lake, hugged by hills as green as any you'll ever see. Take the Main Line train from Colombo, wind your way up the mountains, and enjoy one of the world's most celebrated railway rides. Kandy is where Sri Lanka's kings resided, and it's easy to see why; today, the entirety of Kandy is a Unesco World Heritage site. Despite the crowds, be sure to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Sri Lanka's greatest religious relic, and said to be from the Buddha's own mouth. While you can't see the tooth itself - only the case is on display - the temple itself is beautiful, with many chambers, galleries and artefacts. Go in the evening to witness the prayers and the candlelight. Further along the train line is Ella, where the British plantation owners once resided, and home to Ella Rock, whose summit is a challenging but reasonable hike (three-four hours). Galle Whitewashed, manicured, and orderly, Galle feels like a prestigious Mediterranean seaside resort. No wonder: it was founded by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch. Galle's architecture and atmosphere have a distinctly European feel, from the prim and proper lighthouse to the austere Protestant churches. Gone are the laid-back surfer vibes of Weligama and Marisa, replaced by well-to-do couples, fashionable boutiques, and candlelit dinners. Explore the well-preserved fort by daylight before taking a stroll down the tranquil lanes and avenues of the town itself. The seafood food is spectacular, the bars plentiful, and the nights balmy and untroubled. Just don't expect much nightlife. People walk along a road in the Dutch Fort, in Galle, Sri Lanka. Reuters Colombo Crowded, frenetic, and choked up, Colombo used to be dismissed as merely the place from which to fly in and out. But Colombo has history, culture and excellent food. If you're keen on colonial history, the city boasts some of the best-preserved architecture from anywhere in the former British Empire. If not, there are plenty of temples, museums, and shrines besides. Hop on a tuk-tuk and explore an anthology of Sri Lanka's past: the mind-melting stripes of Jami Ul-Alfar mosque; the statues of the Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist temple; and St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic church illuminated at night. Gathering these cultural riches is the Colombo National Museum, the biggest in Sri Lanka and featuring over 100,000 artefacts. Anuradhapura and Sigiriya The ancient city of Anuradhapura was abandoned in the 13th century, and was overgrown by jungle until the 19th century. Since then, it has flourished as a site for both Buddhist pilgrims and tourists, who flock to see the shrines and relics. One of the most visited is a sacred pipal tree, planted in 245BC from a cutting of the Bo tree, under which it's said the Buddha attained enlightenment. It's recognised as the oldest cultivated tree in the world. Even more iconic are the Dagobas, the wide-domed Buddhist temples that dominate the city. Ruwanwelisaya, the oldest and the grandest, can get crowded. Instead, go wherever the ceremonies are taking place. Outside of the city lies Mihintale, a hilltop where the first Buddhist monastery is said to have converted a Sri Lankan king and his hunting party. The view from the peak of the hills is spectacular, but go at sunrise rather than sunset, or prepare to huddle among couples. Just over an hour away is Sigiriya, a rock formation featuring an ancient fortress. It's another Unesco site, and possibly the single most popular attraction in the country. Although entry is a little pricey (£25 for foreign visitors), it's worth it. You'll see ancient frescoes, the centuries-old Mirror Wall, and the enormous - scarcely-believable - lion's paws guarding the summit (the remains of what was originally a towering stone lion). It's 350-odd metres to the summit, so wear your exercise gear and prepare to sweat. Arugam Bay and Kumana National Park Sri Lanka isn't short of beaches. The crescent-moon sands of Arugam Bay are among the best. While Weligama, Mirissa, and Hikkaduwa have more of a party vibe, Arugam Bay's tranquil beauty is better suited to relaxing. Pitched on the unspoilt east coast, the waves are best between May and October - when the rest of Sri Lanka is beset by monsoon rains and ocean currents. Arugam Bay's thatched huts and sleepy shoreline is one of the finest places to get away from it all. The waves at Main Point are some of the best in Sri Lanka. When you're ready to explore again, hail a tuk-tuk and head to Kumana National Park. Unlike Yala, its famous neighbour, Kumana National Park retains much more of its wilderness - less zoo, more sanctuary. It's especially good for bird spotting, with hundreds of species nesting there. A guide is included with entry, which means you can't tour the park alone, but they're such good spotters that it makes for a much better experience. The waves at Main Point are some of the best in Sri Lanka. Reuters Best things to do Take the train deep into the tea plantations Whatever else you get up to in Sri Lanka, make absolutely sure that you take the Main Line train from Colombo to Kandy, and then from Kandy all the way to Ella. It takes eight hours or more, but this is one of those journeys that's worth savouring. The train climbs inland from the coast, cutting through rock, farmland and jungle. You'll travel across mountains veiled in mist, hillsides carpeted with tea leaves, and imposing brick-arched bridges from another era. If you fancy a cocktail and a party, stay on until at Ella; if you want a cup of tea and tranquillity, get off at Nuwara Eliyah. Get a taste of the surf culture Surfing can be tough, physically draining, and utterly, blissfully exhausting. Getting on a board is daunting, especially when surrounded by confident surfers strutting about, so find a school that's right for you. Although Weligama is the surf hotspot, there are less crowded (and much prettier) places to learn all along the south coast, such as Mirissa, Ahangama, or Unawatuna, which are also great for beginners. While you can surf just for the day, it takes some getting used to, so if you have the time check into a surf camp for a few days. Plunging into the sea every morning, feeling the pump and force of the waves, and collapsing on the sands in happy fatigue afterwards is a rewarding, nourishing, and vital experience - especially if you combine it with some yoga. Plus, there is no appetite quite like the one worked up on a surfboard, so when you finally sit down for your coconut curry it'll taste even better. Get a taste of the surf culture. Reuters Get up close to wildlife Many conservation projects in Sri Lanka are preserving wildlife sustainably while also giving you unparalleled access. Since the early 1990s, numbers of elephants, leopards, and other endangered species have risen considerably, and sustainable tourism has helped. The Smithsonian Primate Research Station, near Polonnaruwa, is the oldest of its kind in the world and Bundala's flamingo-filled wetlands are a Unesco biosphere reserve. The safaris in the national parks - Wilpattu, Udawalawe, and Wasgamuwa - rival almost anything in Africa. Getting around Travelling by train isn't just convenient, it's also a quintessential journey through Sri Lanka's history and a window unto its landscapes, and is also very cheap. For short journeys, it has to be tuk-tuk. Individually decorated, stubbornly persistent and formidably cheap, travelling by tuk-tuk quickly becomes addictive. It's not always comfortable, especially if you squeeze three or more into the backseat, but it's a great way to chat to locals and get the wind in your hair. Agree the fee in advance, especially in tourist areas, but remember the country has just come off suffering from a fuel crisis - if you can afford to fork out an extra hundred rupees, do it. Otherwise, when you need that 6am ride to the airport or that drive down from the mountains to the coast, book a taxi. Many tuk-tuk drivers also have cars, so ask ahead about a taxi service. Roads are generally well maintained and safe, but driving can be erratic. How to get there Sri Lankan Airways offer direct flights between London and Colombo. Other airlines offer stopovers, often in Doha or Dubai. Money-saving tip Travel and food are cheap in Sri Lanka, but accommodation is comparatively expensive. Alcohol is pricey, too - this is a conservative island, and the drinking culture is much less raucous here than in the rest of south-east Asia. There's no real hostel culture either, so the best value are the guesthouses, which are often family-run and very friendly. If you want the full-on luxury experience, Sri Lanka offers an enviable abundance of Western opulence - at Western prices, so book in advance. Tipping isn't expected, but haggling very much is. Friendly negotiation is part of the transaction here, so get stuck in. Current travel restrictions and entry requirements The Department of Immigration and Emigration has a online embarkation form. Foreign nationals can complete the online form three days prior to arrival in Sri Lanka. The service is free of charge. All visitors are advised to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka; you can apply for on the ETA website. As entry requirements are liable to change, check the UK's Foreign Office's travel advice website before any travel for updates. Photo used for an illustrative purpose. AP What's the weather like? Thanks to its ocean winds, Sri Lanka is tropical and enjoyably warm most of the year round, with coastal temperatures averaging around 28C and upland areas averaging between 16-20C. The island experiences a dual monsoon, affecting one side of the island at a time. The south-western region and central highlands receive most of the island's rainfall, whilst the north and the east experience a distinct dry season from May to September. Take a jacket - the evenings can get chilly. What time zone is it in? Sri Lanka Standard Time, GMT+5:30 What currency do I need? The Sri Lankan rupee. You can get hold of these before travel, or you can exchange or withdraw some after arrival. Exchanging at the airport will be more expensive, but it's also a reliable 247 service and a good place to set yourself up for the next few days. Although card payments are growing increasingly popular, most small shops, local restaurants and markets still aren't set up for it, so make sure you always have cash on you. What language is spoken? The primary language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, although in the north Tamil is widely spoken. You'll find English spoken by many, particularly as the language of commerce. What plug sockets are used? Types D and G. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern; type G is what is used in the UK. The Independent
