• Temperatures average about 80 degrees F along Sri Lanka's coast. Its tropical climate can generate frequent, but brief, rain showers.
  
• March through May, October and November are the best months to visit.
  
• Water temperatures around Tabrobane are 75-80 degrees F.
  
• Taprobane Island is rented in its entirety, so you may want to bring friends along. The villa has four bedrooms and the best room is the owner's suite.
  
• Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 3,000 wild elephants. It costs about $300 to be transported to the island by elephant.
  
• Mirissa Beach is one of the best surfing spots on the Southern coast.
  
• The tea industry is Sri Lanka's largest, meeting nearly 20 percent of world demand for the beverage
  
• The Handunugoda tea plantation is a 45-minute drive from Taprobane. Tours are free.

Resources:

The Sun House (booking for Taprobane Island)
Galle, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 091 4380275
www.TheSunHouse.com
Cost: $800-$1,000 per night full island rental for up to four couples. The island staff can also arrange a private "devil dance" performance for around $100.

Paradise Beach Club
140, Gunasiri Mahime Mawatha
Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Phone: +11 94 41 50380
mirissa@SHnet.lk
Cost: Lunch for two, around $15

Southlanka Gems and Jewelry
Weligama, Sri Lanka
Phone: +11 94 41 225 0454
lankagem@eureka.lk

Malaysia Airlines
800-552-9264
www.malaysiaairlines.com