If you missed the August Kandy Perhara, don't fret... devil dancing and the famous kandyan shows are regularly performed at several venues. Just check your local newspapers for a listing.
Local theatres stage traditional plays and dance performances in addition to western productions.
Most hotels have nightclubs and you can catch the latest Hollywood release at the cinema halls.
Shopaholics will have a field or bazaar day in Sri Lanka. ( I have no clue why I said something so stupid).
Anyway... handicrafts at reasonable rates and famous Sri Lankan gems are musts. Blue sapphires, cats eyes, moostones, rubies as well as lovely silverware are available all over the island.
Handicrafts like batik wall hangings and saris, dolls, silver filigree work, art work in wood and clay with traditional figures like peacocks and deers carved and soft handlooms, silks and lacework in exuberant colors.
Ceremonial masks made of a light wood shaped like mythical beasts and swans and devils, coir and tea are the Sri Lanka specific buys.
Don't worry about finding shops... they're all over. Just polish your bargaining skills.
Food in Sri Lanka is traditionally rice and curry. But if you prefer to steer clear of the spicy food, then most hotels offer a mixed menu.
Sea food is delicious with varied fish and prawn dishes.
If you're English, you'll be visting tea heaven. Some of the world's best teas, well packaged and in numerous flavors. Tea estates in Kandy and Nuwara Eleiya will provide you with some fresh air and fresher tea!
Other drinks are the local toddy - a cider like drink from palm and coconut trees, and Arrack which is a more refined form of toddy.
Traditional south indian food is also widely available. You could also try Hoppers, a thin and crispy pancake eaten with onion and chilly paste.
Restaurants like Wunderschoen and Aida in the Bentota area come highly recommended for authentic Sri Lankan and absoluetly smashing sea food.
Hotel Neptune in Beruwela is another good food spot. Local restaurants are also rather affordable and multi-cuisine.
Strangely enough, Chinese stalls are littered all over.
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