10 Android Apps For Sri Lankan Explorers

Going through the thousands of apps in the Android Market place, one would astonished to find so many adventure applications available for free. I have listed down a few applications that would help you get out of a sticky swamp in Sri Lanka.. I will first start off by prepping you with the basics of getting things organized before we dive into the GPS Tracking & Navigation software.. It is also important to note: Sri Lanka is a small island, and getting lost is quite difficult. The chances of winding up in someones back yard is far greater..

10 (Angry Birds)

Why would angry birds need to be on this list? Although it will not help you get out of a sticky place, it certainly will help you pass the time while you decide on your next action plan (which involves keeping your sanity while waiting for a train – which usually gets late). The download may be as large as 24mb, so make sure you have free space for the remaining apps you wish to download as time goes by…

9 (ColorNotes)

I would consider this extremely important as I have left home forgetting very important items. ColorNote will help you list down items and tick them off one by one as when you get them packed.. Ohh yeah! Its also quite colorful 🙂

8 (Skype , WhatsApp, Facebook)

Keep these 3 Applications as they maintain conversations with the outside world. There were times that involved looking up WhatsApp & Facebook message history for directions & places to go.. WhatsApp is free for use with a 2$ yearly charge being applied after the first year (Note: The first year is free).. It also conserved bandwidth – using up just under 5mb for a month.. However Facebook App will kill your bandwidth using 50mb+ a month.. Always remember to log out of Facebook once your task is completed..

7 (Tripadvisor)

Although this not too helpful for the local enthusiast, it can be very helpful for the foreign traveler treading on Sri Lankan soil.. I didn’t find much help as I usually avoid the beaten path.. As most travelers will want to stick to the roads and well known sites, Tripadvisor can be a definitive advantage,. If you want to go off-road and travel through the forests, check out http://www.lakdasun.com (its mostly dedicated for off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts)

6 (Google Maps)

One of the most important applications which could save a few hours off your schedule and help you not get lost.. (although its almost impossible to get lost in Sri Lanka, as its only 25,000 square/KM.. Even the most rural places comprise of a few people per square/KM).. Make sure your bills are paid on time before venturing into the wilderness..

5 (Latitude)

Don’t leave home without configuring the Latitude. This handy app will save you many hours of travel especially when there is a groups of vehicles or trekkers heading in some unknown direction. The Latitude shares your location with your friends and helps them all see where you & every other friend is. Although it acts like a spy at times, it will help you rendezvous with your clan.. Just make sure you have Mobile coverage to perform all these fancy stuff..

4 (www.railway.gov.lk)

Although this is not an application yet, it would be wise to add it to the arsenal of shortcuts.. You will be lost & bored without it. The Sri Lankan railway schedules are dynamic and require you have a good internet connection..

3 (My Tracks)

This is a Free Google Track recording utility which can help you find your way back home. It records speed, altitude, way-point and direction, which makes it a great way-point recorder. It also has the capability of sharing your way-points with friends. If you need a quick numeric GPS readout with Map capability, look no further.

2 (My Trails Pro)

Much similar to the My Tracks, this is a worthy way-point keeper with color trails to spice things up.. I would suggest going for the Pro license version (Only 3$/-) as its much graphical Map interface will testify. This handy utility can keep track of multiple way-point tracks in multiple colors, making it easy to identify when and where you were..

1 (Outdoor Navigation)

And the Number one utility software on my list is: Outdoor Navigation Pro.. Ever felt you were lost in the wilderness after traveling east, west, north, over and under the bush, or simply mistook the right turn?.. Well, with this dandy app which keeps track of your tracks, you wouldn’t need to be. It maintains your tracks while you aimlessly stroll along the woods picking berries or finding hidden waterfalls.. This is a must have as the paid version can Cache your Map Data for retrieval even when there is no mobile service.. (The download is 12mb) The paid version is only $5/- so get the paid version and avoid being left in the cold.. It comes with an arsenal of pluggins, such as Compass, Track Manager, SMS & Email for emergency, dozen+ map types, Charts, Trip Computers, Speedometer, Altimeters, Map Cache, etc.. I would certainly sacrifice my 5$ lunch than going for the free version which lacks the above pluggins..