The best time to travel here is from the end of November to the middle of April. Into January, heavy rainfall and storms in the late afternoon, evenings and during the night are to be expected.  

Due to the North facing sun the temperatures in the months following rise by 10°c to 12°c with a peak at the beginning of April. From this time the frequency and severity of rainfall increases until the middle of April when the monsoon season has fully arrived. Monsoons on the south coast are not as severe as in the more northerly regions and only last around four weeks. Until the middle of May showers on the coast during the day and in the southern hills up land are to be expected. These do not last very long though.

In between the monsoon seasons, from July to October the weather on the coast is fairly reasonable. It rains and is stormy quite often but mainly late afternoon and in the night. The rain also helps to cool the air again so the temperatures are a more pleasant 24°c to 28°c. This season is, therefore a pleasant time to travel throughout.

From the middle of October to the middle of November the south-west monsoon occurs again but it is not as severe as in April/May.

Practically the whole year round on the south coast can be recommended as the rain showers, even in the monsoon season, although heavy only last a short time and mostly occur only late afternoon or in the night.

Ayurvedic Tips for your conduct in daily life

The Ayurveda from the coutry of origin Sri Lanka (in translation from Sanskrit – the science of life) recommends us to have a certain regime in our nutrition.

Ayurveda represents the ancient Sri Lankan art of healing. The basic principle of Ayurveda has remained same through thousands of years. In Ayurveda, human body is not considered just as a mass of organs, systems and tissues; but the complex mechanism’ of myriad functions aking place both at physical and mental level are evaluated and described

There are 5 rules for an ayurvedic life:

1. Breathe Properly

2. Drink Plenty of Water

3.  Eat the Right Food

4. Exercise Regularly

5. Sleep Adequately

monthly we will offer you one of the rules or tips for an ayurvedic life:

 March 2010: Exercise Regularly

Adequate physical and mental activity are significant for health and longevity. As food should be taken according to one's body needs, exercise should also be structured in a way that is ideal to your needs. Walking and yoga are beneficial for all as they can be adapted according to individual needs. Exercising early in the day is best. Do not exercise on an empty stomach or immediately after meals.

Do not pain or exhaust yourself while exercising, do it moderately. Mental exercise should also be followed. Anything that keeps our minds engaged or where you can learn something new, such as traveling, reading, solving puzzles, taking up a new hobby or project etc. will give your mind the much needed exercise. Such activities like gardening, music, teaching and volunteering are examples of activities that enrich you mentally as well as emotionally and spiritually.

Links

Ayurveda Panorama - www.ayurvedapanorama.com

Beef Curry

Ingredients

•  500 gr Stewing beef (cut into pieces)
• 3-4 tbs. Vinegar
• 6 cloves Garlic & 1 inch Ginger root - crushed together
• 2 tsps Salt
• 1 tbs. Powdered black pepper
• 1 tbs. Roasted Curry powder
• 1/2 tbs. dry red Chili powder
• 4 Kardamoms
• 2 Cloves
• 8 Curry leaves
• 1 inch piece Cinnamon
• 1 medium Onion (sliced)
• 3 tbs Vegetable oil
• 2 tbs Tomato paste or sauce
• 1 cup thick Coconut milk or fresh milk

Directions

Wash the beef pieces and drain water thoroughly. Add vinegar, crushed garlic, ginger, salt, black pepper, curry powder and red chili. Coat the beef pieces well with the spices and set aside for about 1/2 hour. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Fry curry leaves  and add onions and fry until soft. Add the beef and stir for sometime. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and stir until well mixed. At last you add tomato paste (or sauce) and stir until all pieces are well coated (If the curry is too dry and tend to stick to the saucepan, add 1-2 cups water & stir). Close with a lid and allow the beef to cook on slow heat. Add the thick coconut milk (or fresh milk) and bring to a boil without covering. Taste and adjust salt.

Cooking tips:

• To prevent the insides of the cooker from turning black Add a piece of tamarind or lemon peel to the cooker while boiling 
• To preserve the white color in cauliflower and cabbage. Add a teaspoon of milk or milk powder while cooking.
• To prevent the burn sensation after grinding chilies Dip the hands in cold milk

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