Sri Lanka: Ceylon tea and a sea of ​​​​pleasure

Sri Lanka is a multinational state in which people of different cultural and religious preferences exist peacefully side by side. Of these, ¾ are Sinhalese who practice Buddhism, 16% are Tamils ​​who follow Hinduism, 7% are Malays and Moors with Muslim traditions. In addition to them, burghers live on the territory of the island - the fruits of love of mixed marriages between Sri Lankans and immigrants from European countries. They believe in Christianity.
More than 70% of the total population lives in the villages, 20% are urban residents, and the remaining 10% are the population of plantations and estates. Agricultural areas are organized in the form of villages, small towns, slightly affected by urban processes. Average density The population is about 305 people/sq. km. The total population of the country is 21 million inhabitants.

The population is densest in the southwestern part of the coast in humid zones. There on 1 sq. km is home to more than 700 people. The second place in density belongs to the hinterland in the Massif Central. About 270 people live here per 1 sq. km. No one wants to live in a dry zone especially. As a result, more than 75% of the population lives in 1/3 of the territory of Sri Lanka.

The diverse culture of the island

Sri Lanka is distinctly divided into two cultural layers:

1. Sinhalese;
2. Tamil.

The first, Sinhalese, originates from the era of the Sinhalese kingdoms, which was especially influenced by Buddhism and the Pali language. Later, these traditions passed to the state of Kandy, which remained the only political stronghold for the Sinhalese. In those days, all the changes that affected the Sinhalese art formed the basis of the Kandyan style known today.

The Tamil culture of the Sinhalese came from southern India. It developed under the patronage of the Tamil rulers of Jaffna. Both Sinhalese and Tamil society was clearly divided into castes. At the same time, both there and there the agricultural caste dominated. However, there were many castes in which other traditional activities were also popular. Inferior place was assigned to the caste of untouchables - "give birth."

Sinhalese

Sinhalese are the main population of Sri Lanka. Their number exceeds 12 million people. In addition, more than 60 thousand Sinhalese live in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The official language is Sinhala. The main religion is Buddhism. Christianity also receives a lot of attention. Among the occupations of the population, arable farming is the leader, in which rice is cultivated. Fishing, gardening, horticulture, cultivation of coconut palms are popular.
The national dress of the male part of the population is still a sarong and a jacket, complemented by a stand-up collar. The sarong is worn three times around the lower body. Women have long worn oseri and a blouse with a cutout.
Among the Kandyans, Indian clothing is especially popular. For the female half of the population, this is, of course, a sari. From childhood, little Sri Lankans are allowed to wear a lot of jewelry, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, chains and hairpins, since precious stones in Sri Lanka - no problems arise. Panchayahuda, an amulet chain adorned with five symbols: a sword, a shell, a bow, a disk and an arrow, is especially popular. It is not customary to wear shoes and hats in this country.
The landowners and chiefs (Mudillars) of Kandan origin also dress very interestingly. Their style successfully harmonizes elements of national and European fashion. They always wear shoes, socks, shirts with ties, trousers, vest, jacket and traditional sarong. On their heads they have a small cap called topi.
The most commonly eaten food is rice seasoned with spicy curry sauce, vegetables, chilli peppers. Very often dishes are prepared from coconut. Instead of bread, they eat special cakes baked from rice flour with coconut milk (appa).

Since ancient times, the art of this country has a close connection with Buddhism. Even in architecture, Hindu-type temples, stupas, were built more often than others. The main building materials were stone, wood and clay. Metal processing was carried out everywhere, its painting with the help of varnish. The craft was dominated by chasing, woodcarving for making masks, frescoes, embroidery, weaving mats, making jewelry, sculptures, and weaving. All crafts and objects of art were decorated with various ornaments.
Even in ancient times, the Sinhalese were famous for their rich folklore, folk dances, and ritual masks. It was known all over the world that Sinhala dances had a special identity. Some castes were engaged exclusively in dancing. Labor, religious, ritual, acrobatic motifs were often displayed in the dance. A special place in the culture was given to Kandyan dances.
Among musical instruments most often the inhabitants played the strings, brass and percussion. They had several types of drums at their disposal: udekkiya, rabbana, bere, bummedia and tammattama. Tambourines, bells, gongs, horaneva (flute) were also used. There was only one stringed instrument - the vinava.
The first literary work of the Sinhalese is the chronicles of "Dipavansa", "Mahavansa". They were written in Pali. They are based on plots that combine myths and acts from real life borrowed from India. In addition, Jatakas were borrowed from the Indians.

Tamils

Tamils ​​mainly live in India in the region of Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Burma, Oceania and Australia. Dravidian Tamil is used for speech. language family. About 10% of Tamils ​​practice Hinduism in the form of a specific local branch of Ayyavazhi. The rest of the Tamils ​​are Muslims. From an anthropological point of view, the Tamils ​​are part of the South Indian race, which is characterized as mixed, Caucasoid, supplemented with an Australoid element. The Tamils ​​trace their origins to the Dravidians.
The main occupation of the Tamils ​​is agriculture, as a result of which millet, rice, tea, cotton, and oilseeds are grown. More than 80% of the population is employed in agriculture. Crafts are popular: metalworking (copper, bronze, lead, brass), weaving, making toys, weaving baskets, mats, the production of decorative sculptures, art utensils and musical instruments.

The Tamil language is of great importance in the national consciousness of the population. The fact is that it was not influenced by Sanskrit as strongly as all the other languages ​​of the Dravidian group. It is very similar to the proto-Dravidian form of the language. Many literary works and films have been created in Tamil.
Clothing largely repeats the Indian style. Men wear lungi, women wear saris. Shoes are worn only by residents of mountainous areas. Popular jewelry. Rice, stews on beans and vegetables are traditionally eaten. Local spices, spicy seasonings are added to many dishes, especially curry, oils based on sesame and peanuts, fruits, greens.
On the territory of Tamil Nadu, a classical dance - bharatanatyam - was born. The Tamil people have their own puppet theatre, literature and art of ancient origin. The basis of writing is the ancient Indian Brahmi script.

Vedda people

The natives of Sri Lanka are the tribes Wanniya Laeto - Vedda - the inhabitants of the forest. They have existed for more than 16 thousand years. Today, no more than 3 thousand people remain from them. They are considered the oldest inhabitants of the island. For many centuries, the Vedda tribe was forced out by the colonists and conquerors of the island. The first houses of the inhabitants of Vedda were huts, caves, buildings on trees. Until now, the inhabitants of Vedda are guided by Sri Lankan village traditions. They used to wear loincloths made from grass and bast. Now they have modern skirts made of cotton fabrics. Small game is most often used for food: deer, rabbits, birds.

On our blog, we have not talked about Journey to the Veddas , let me remind you that you can go on an excursion to them, the only thing you should know is that they do not invite tourists or even local residents of Ceylon to their village.For tourists locals for a small fee, they are ready to show various ceremonies from their own historical life: making a fire with the help of two stones, hunting animals.

Now there are several assumptions at once regarding how the “wild people” (Veddas) appeared on the island. These could be "people who came from nowhere" or those who remained in Sri Lanka, having got to the island many millennia ago. The modern inhabitants of the Vedda have been significantly influenced by civilization. However most of The inhabitants of this area decided to live a primitive way of life. And all this against the backdrop of the popularization of the tourist route to Sri Lanka.

The Sinhalese say that the religion of the Vedda tribe comes down to belief in certain evil spirits. There are suggestions that the population has specific religious ideas, the names of the gods. In addition, in Vedda it is customary to dance a monotonous dance, to sing mournful songs.
Burghers and Eurasians are considered other important ethnic groups. There are about 38 thousand of them. The community was formed as a result of frequent marriages with Europeans, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. There are also Malays, of whom there are about 43 thousand people. These people were born in mixed marriages between local residents and prisoners who were brought to the island by military personnel.

Hello, dear readers - seekers of knowledge and truth!

Sri Lanka is an unusual country for a European that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It can surprise with picturesque beaches, high hills with an unforgettable view, as well as a warm climate, unique monuments, centuries-old culture.

Sri Lanka - where is this country located and what is it like? You will learn about its geography, climate, nature, people, culture, religion. If you were thinking about a trip to Sri Lanka, then in this article you will find brief information about the flight, the main attractions and values ​​​​of the country.

What country is it

Sri Lanka is a state in southern Asia, which is located on the island of the same name. It dates back to the 5th century BC, when the first kingdoms appeared here. Since ancient times, local residents have established trade with China, Rome, and Arab countries.

In the 16th century, the island was colonized by England, Portugal and Holland. Their intervention in the life of the islanders continued until the middle of the last century. Until 1972, Sri Lanka was called Ceylon.

Now its official name is the "Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka", headed by the president. Today, numerous tourists flock here, which makes the former Ceylon a unique resort.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

Such a tourist flow is not surprising, because here are connected:

• tea plantations;
• rice fields;
• ancient traditions, which are 2.5 thousand years old;
• temples of Buddhism;
• rich flora and fauna;
• precious and semi-precious stones;
• herb plantations;
• mountain slopes;
• idyllic beaches;
• warm sea;
• historical monuments, among which eight are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

One fourth of the world's tea plantations are in Ceylon.

Geography

It is quite easy to find the island on the world map - it is located about a hundred kilometers south of India, in the southeast of the southern edge of Hindustan, separated from it by the western Gulf of Mannar, the Polk Strait, and the eastern Bay of Bengal.

The shape of the island resembles a teardrop or a pearl, for which it is called "sapphire".

In the area of ​​​​the Polk Strait there is an isthmus that used to connect Sri Lanka with Hindustan. However, in the 15th century, several earthquakes occurred, due to which the shoal went under water. Now this place is called "Adam's Bridge".

Geography of Sri Lanka in numbers:

• length - 450 kilometers;
• the widest place is 230 kilometers;
• length coastline- 1.3 thousand kilometers;
• area - 66 thousand square kilometers.

The island ends in the north with Cape Pedro, in the south with Cape Dondra, in the west with Cape Dutch Bay. At the same time, one percent of the state is made up of small islands near the "sapphire".

The main water arteries can be called:

• Kalu;
• Mahaweli Ganga;
• Aruvi-Aru;
• Kelani.

Kalu River

From Sanskrit, "Sri" is translated as "holy", "Lanka" - "earth".

The current republic consists of nine provinces and twenty-five districts. Since 1982, the city with the unpronounceable name of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte has become the capital - now the parliament and the supreme court are located here.

However, the former capital center, the largest city of the state - Colombo, founded in ancient times, is considered a more popular city. The residence of the president is also located here.

Climate

The weather pleases residents and visitors all year round - the average temperature is about 27 degrees. IN high season- from October to March, when the cold rages in Russia, here the air warms up to 32 degrees, and sometimes even higher.

A little cooler in mountainous areas. For example, in winter, at the coldest point of the island, the temperature can drop to 12 degrees Celsius, but even here there is never snow.

Due to the monsoon climate, it often rains: on the west coast - in May-October, on the east coast - in December-May. However, they do not interfere with enjoying the rest, because they are short and go mainly at night.

Relief and landscape

Landscape and relief areas of Ceylon can be divided into three groups:

• Mountains and hills

Mostly they are located in the central part, most of the tea plantations are concentrated here. Mountains can reach 2-2.5 thousand meters.

The highest mountain - Pidurutalagala - exceeds the mark of 2520 meters.

• Rainforests
• Coast with lowlands and beautiful beach areas.

Nature

Striking diversity. A large number of species of different representatives of the animal and plant world live here:

• birds - almost 500 (many Siberian and European migratory birds fly here);
• butterflies - 240;
• animals - 86;
• fish - 50;
• reptiles - 70;
• snakes - more than 80 (and only five of them are dangerous to humans);
• plants - 3 thousand.

The symbol of Sri Lanka is, perhaps, an elephant. They are found everywhere here. However, their population is declining compared to former times. So, for example, 2 centuries ago there were about thirty thousand of them, while now there are only six thousand.

People

Today, approximately 20.5 million people live on the island, and there is a gradual decline in population. On average, males live up to 73 years, females - up to 77.

There are several nationalities in the country:

• Sinhalese - 75%;
• Tamils ​​- every tenth, live mainly in the north and east;
• Moors, Arabs - a little more than 9%;
• burghers, they are the descendants of the colonialists - less than 1%;
• Veddas, whose ancestors were ancient natives - about a thousand people.

In this regard, Sinhala and Tamil are considered the state languages. Often you can hear English, which is used by representatives of different ethnic groups to communicate.

Sri Lanka is a developing country and most of the people are employed in agriculture. The main activity is the cultivation of tea plantations, the extraction of precious stones, rubber, the collection of coconuts, spices, fishing, and the textile industry.

The inhabitants themselves call their homeland simply - Lanka.

In recent decades, the tourism sector has been rapidly developing on the island. People come here not just on vacation, but more and more often - for the winter from the northern countries. Some foreigners even aspire to get a job here. permanent place residence.

Contrary to popular belief that the former Ceylon is a poor country, the literacy rate here exceeds 90%.

Culture and religion

The cultural component of the Sri Lankans - that is what the inhabitants of Sri Lanka are called - is inextricably linked with religion. More than 70 percent of the locals are Buddhists, another 12 percent are Hindus, 9 are Muslims, and 7 are Christians.

Many holidays and memorable places are connected precisely with religious beliefs, first of all, of course, with Buddhist philosophy, which appeared on the island as early as the 3rd century BC.

Theravada monks in Sri Lanka

Many religious places go back to Buddhism, for example, the famous Sri Lankan Buddha statue. There are also many Buddhist holidays. Here are some of them:

• Poya - every full moon is celebrated, and even if it falls on a weekday, it becomes a weekend, which should be devoted to meditation practices;
• Navam Perahera - celebrated in February as the first gathering of Buddhists of the year; accompanied by dances, music, ceremonial processions, the main thing takes place in the Colombian Gangaramay;
• Esala Perahera - a holiday dedicated to the first sermon of the Teacher in Sri Lanka, is celebrated for two weeks; the central event is the removal of the tooth of the Buddha, the main relic of the island. It is kept in the temple of Kandy - the most important Buddhist center in Sri Lanka.

The symbol of the island in the 80s of the last century was the star - the sacred flower of Buddhists.

Flying to Sri Lanka

The answer to the question of how long it takes to fly from Russia to Sri Lanka depends on the flight of the aircraft. Direct flights are operated only from Moscow, and not every day, travel time is 8-10 hours. From other cities, charters are possible as part of tour packages.

You can often fly to the Sri Lankan coast with a transfer, for example, in Indian Delhi, Qatari Doha, Chinese Beijing or Hong Kong, Korean Seoul, as well as in Dubai, Istanbul or Abu Dhabi. The time difference with Moscow is two and a half hours.

When traveling to Lanka for up to 30 days, Russian citizens can fill out a questionnaire in in electronic format on the website of the embassy, ​​and upon arrival to obtain a visa. This visa costs $35.

Tourists of various sizes can feel comfortable in Sri Lanka: there are both expensive hotels, so budget hotels and houses - it all depends on the resort and the wallet of the tourist himself.

The main resort areas include:

• Unawatuna;
• Hikaduwa;
• Mirissa;
• Beruwala;
• Kalutara;
• Negombo;
• Bentota;
• Kosgoda;
• Colombo;
• Kalutara
• Halle;
• Hambantota;
• Induruwa;
• Tangalle.

Hambantota Resort, Sri Lanka

Souvenirs

Lanka is famous for many values, but there are things that you should definitely bring from your trip:

• famous Ceylon tea;
• spices - pepper, vanilla sticks, cardamom;
• jewelry - topazes, opals, emerald, sapphire products;
• plant oil;
• cotton products
• attributes of culture and religion - masks, figurines, etc.

Conclusion

Summing up, I would like to say once again that Sri Lanka is a miracle island, a country of rice fields, tea plantations, picturesque hills, kind people and beaches more like Eden. It is located south of India, separated from the mainland by a strait. It is warm here all year round, and the locals, mostly Buddhists, get along well with tourists.

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See you soon!

Good afternoon, dear readers! As always, I start a new section with general information. Meet - Sri Lanka information about the country: where the island is located, what is the climate here, about the locals, their religion and philosophy, safety and attractions.

Sri Lanka is a very beautiful tropical country with rich history And amazing nature. The official name of the state is the Democratic Socialist Republic. Previously, before independence, it was called - Ceylon, which means glorious, blessed land.

The island is located in the Indian Ocean, not far from Hindustan. Its length is 430 km, width is 225 km, area is approximately 65000 sq/km. The coastline stretches for 1340 km. In the central part of Sri Lanka there are mountains, along the entire coast there is a plain.

Climate

Sri Lanka is only 650 km away. from the equator, so there is a subequatorial monsoon climate. Moreover, at the same time, in every place of the country, the weather conditions are different. From October to March in the northeast it rains and blows strong wind, and in the southwest, this weather is from June to October. Accordingly, the dry season in the first case occurs in summer, and in the second - in winter. Be sure to take this information into account when planning a holiday in Sri Lanka.

The air temperature is almost independent of the change of seasons. On the coast, it ranges from +27 to +32, in highlands daytime temperature +18 - +20, nighttime sometimes drops to + 10 degrees.

During the monsoon season, there are short showers at night, strong winds often blow. The ocean becomes restless, big waves rise, but the water near the coast remains as warm as in the dry season, +27 - +29 degrees.

Population and religion

Sri Lanka is a multinational state in which people of different nationalities and faiths live, about 20 million people.

The main population of the country is the Sinhalese, Tamils ​​live in the northeast. Sinhala and Tamil are official languages. English is used for international communication.

The main religion of Sri Lanka is Buddhism. Hinduism was the main religion before the introduction of Buddhism, now there are few Hindus. More less people profess Islam and Christianity.

Currency

The state money of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). One Sri Lankan rupee is equal to 100 cents. The exchange rate changes slowly, but over the years the rupee has become cheaper against the dollar.

Attractions

Sri Lanka is rich in its cultural heritage. There are many historical monuments which are part of the unesco world heritage. These include historical cities Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, sacred Kandy, the Golden Temple in Dambulla, the old part of Galle and its fortifications, the forest reserve of Sinharaja, the highlands of Central Sri Lanka.

It is very interesting to visit the waterfalls and tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plateau, Adam's Peak / Sri Pada, Royal Botanic Gardens, Yala, Mineriya, Bundala and Udawalawa National Parks. Excursions to these places will allow you to learn a lot interesting information about Sri Lanka.

Safety

For many years, the Tamil-Sinhalese conflict flowed in the country, but in 2009 it ended with the victory of government troops. However, security measures are still increased in Sri Lanka, people in military uniforms are often found on the streets, and there are roadblocks on the roads.

The criminal situation on the island of Sri Lanka is quite favorable. Serious crimes do not happen often. Basically, theft and fraud prevail.

In big cities and tourist centers, tourist police detachments keep order.

Each country is unique in its own way. Any resort has its own characteristics. Going on a trip, it is better to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the rest in advance. You can read useful information about Sri Lanka for tourists in my article. Explore a brief overview of the island's beach resorts.

Dear friends! Be careful when entering the water. The ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka is treacherous, in many places there are huge waves, there are dangerous undercurrents. I wrote about this in more detail.

You can find a description of some of the island's attractions and my personal impressions in the section. You may also want to talk about your vacation in Sri Lanka, write a review, review or story, I will definitely publish it in the “Readers' Journey” section. How to do it? Read.

Leave comments, subscribe to blog updates, there is much more to come useful information. Don't forget to share the article in social networks let your friends know about this wonderful place too.

Now I say goodbye to you for a while, until we meet again!

Tatyana Solomatina

Sri Lanka is small Island state located in South Asia near the Indian subcontinent. The country received its modern official name - the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972. Previously, the state was known as Ceylon. Official capital Sri Lanka - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. In fact, the capital functions are performed by the largest city in the country - Colombo.

The population of Sri Lanka is 21 million inhabitants. Sinhalese and Tamils ​​dominate among nationalities. The most common religion is Buddhism, which is followed by most Sinhalese. In addition, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are widespread in the country. The form of government in Sri Lanka is a semi-presidential republic. Administratively, the country is divided into 9 provinces - Central, North-Central, North, North-West, West, South, East, as well as the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva.

The main sectors of the economy are agriculture, textile production and mining of precious stones. IN Lately the tourism industry is growing. Most popular places holidays in Sri Lanka - the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwala and Kalutara. Most developed species sports - exotic cricket for Russians. The state is actively foreign policy, Sri Lanka is a member of famous international organizations- UN (United Nations Organization), IMF (International Monetary Fund), ADB (Asian Development Bank) and others.

Search tours to Sri Lanka

How to get there

At present, the issue of direct regular flights between Moscow and Colombo remains open, but it is known that Aeroflot operates flights on this route during the season. Excluding this option, the most optimal way to get to Sri Lanka at the moment are the flights of airlines "Emirates" Moscow - Dubai - Colombo, " Qatar Airways» Moscow - Doha - Colombo and "Etihad" Moscow - Abu Dhabi - Colombo. All aircraft arrive at Colombo International Airport.

Many people are interested in an important question when buying a ticket from Moscow to Sri Lanka: how long is the flight? If you choose a non-stop flight on the route Moscow - Sri Lanka, the flight will take 8 hours 45 minutes (flight to the country's capital - Colombo). With connections, it will be about 14 hours, but it depends on the time of connections, it is different for airlines.

Climate and weather in Sri Lanka

The climate in Sri Lanka is warm and humid. The temperature is very even, without sharp fluctuations throughout the year. The difference between the warmest and coldest months is only 2-3 degrees Celsius. Average monthly temperature usually does not exceed 30 degrees. The seasons here differ in the amount of precipitation. Most of the rain falls in summer. The coastal regions of Sri Lanka are the most comfortable for living. In large cities located inland, there is hot weather and high humidity. The average water temperature in the Indian Ocean near the country is 27 ° C, it differs from the air temperature by only a couple of degrees.

Cooler temperatures can be found in the highlands of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is located at 1884 meters above sea level. The local average annual temperature is 18 °C. In cold weather at night, the thermometer can drop to an unprecedented mark of 10 ° C in Sri Lanka. Such a “frost” forces the owners of local hotels and inns to use heating devices that turn on in the evening and at night. It will be useful and pleasant for tourists to know that it usually rains at night in Sri Lanka. Therefore, rest in the resort should not be overshadowed by precipitation. The even and favorable climate throughout the year allows vacationers not to think about choosing a month for a holiday in Ceylon. Here, at any time of the year, locals and tourists feel comfortable.

Rainy season in Sri Lanka

It is quite difficult to understand how famously the climate in Sri Lanka is changing from the first time, so you need to be more careful with its features. The island is dominated by an equatorial climate, a distinctive feature of which is the division into two seasons: dry and rainy seasons.

In addition, the Central Mountain Range rises in the middle of the island, creating a “rain shadow” for the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. This is the so-called "wet zone" of the island, where the southwest monsoons go from May to September. They form in the Arabian Sea and move towards the island as a large wall of warm, moist air. At the same time, due to mountain range the rest of the country (which is three quarters of the island) is more or less dry at this time. These three quarters are the eastern and northern parts of the country, where the average annual rainfall is 1200-1800 mm. For comparison, in the southwest this figure is much higher - from 2540 to 5080 mm per year.

The north and east of the country are under the influence of the northeast monsoons, operating here from November to February. Most of the cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal hit Bangladesh and the coast of India, but Sri Lanka also sometimes gets it, even despite some remoteness.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka is characterized by heavy and short (about 15 minutes) downpours, most often occurring at night. The main disadvantage for vacationers in such a situation is a strong wind that forms large waves in the ocean, so it is better to part with dreams of a calm and safe swimming at this time.

The winter and autumn months on the island are characterized as inter-monsoon periods, when there are no heavy monsoon rains, but sometimes the so-called "zenithal rains" occur, often found in equatorial regions. Thus, best time for recreation in the southwest, which is attractive for tourists, is winter, and, accordingly, in the north and east - summer.

Cities and regions

Provinces of Sri Lanka

• Central
• North Central
• North Eastern
• Northern
• Sabaragamuwa
• South
• Western

Cities of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has many large and small cities. Below is information about the cities most interesting for tourists.

Colombo - the largest city of Sri Lanka, which is actually the capital of the country, is located in the Western Province of the state. Colombo is the center of business, trade and culture. The population of the city is 740 thousand inhabitants, and the agglomeration (together with the suburbs, including the formal capital of Sri Jayawardenepura Kote) - 2 million 250 thousand inhabitants. Industry and high-tech production are booming in Colombo. The local port is one of the largest in the Asian region.

Interestingly, many districts have a certain professional orientation. This division has been around for a long time. In Colombo there is an area of ​​artisans, the poor, merchants, etc. Of course, today such a classification is gradually becoming obsolete, but is still largely relevant. A major international airport is located 30 kilometers from Colombo. The city is developed culturally and religiously - it has its own university, observatory, spiritual institutions for various faiths.

The tourist center is located in the northern district of the city - Fort. Hotels, hotels, shops, restaurants and others are concentrated here. entertainment establishments. The main attractions of the city are Galle Face Green Park, National Museum, Local Lore Museum, Presidential palace and Independence Square. In the suburbs of Komlombo, you can visit one of the largest zoos on the continent - Dehiwala Zoo.

Anuradhapura is the district capital of the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The city is named after its founder, the Indian prince Anuradha. The population is 50,000 inhabitants. The most developed economic sectors are agriculture and handicrafts. The air temperature is warm and favorable throughout the year, the climate is characterized by high humidity. The city is known for its sights: in Anuradhapura, the remains of ancient temples, monasteries and other cultural monuments. Among the most famous objects- Ruanvelli and Thuparama stupas, Abhayagiri and Isurumuniya monasteries, as well as the famous statue of Aukan Buddha, located near the city.

Kandy is one of the oldest Sri Lankan cities. It is located in the central part of the country. The city was previously known as Senkadagalapura. The population of Kandy is over 150 thousand people. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the capital of ancient Ceylon. Most significant monument Culture - Dalada Maligawa Temple. The Sacred Tooth of Buddha is located here, and this famous artifact has become an object of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Every year, Kandy becomes the venue for the popular Esala Peraher festival, at which time the famous relic is brought to the public. For ten nights in a row, a procession with the participation of elephants takes place in the streets, which is accompanied by ethnic music, fakirs and other local attributes. In the suburbs of Kandy is the largest Botanical Garden on the continent. It contains many rare species. tropical plants. In the vicinity of Kandy, there is a unique Spice Garden.

Negombo - small town, located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort has the nickname "Little Rome". The fact is that Negombo is the unofficial center of Christianity in Sri Lanka. The city is quite developed, shops, restaurants, rental offices and other services are literally on every corner. Local beaches are deserted, so they are popular with lovers of quiet and a relaxing holiday. True, most tourists use Negombo only as a transit point for a day or two, and then go to other resorts. Nevertheless, the city has much to offer and show to vacationers. The most popular pastime is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for fishing. The most significant sights are the remains of a Dutch fort and a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, which is located 10 kilometers from Negombo.

Resorts of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island where people go to relax all year round. Beach holidays, swimming in the Indian Ocean, trips to exotic places, complete relaxation, meetings that will be remembered forever, authentic village life, centuries-old traditions - one way or another, this is what is expected from the island.

The main question that tourists who are going on vacation to Sri Lanka ask themselves is which resort to choose? Indeed, there are many good places each with its own character and color. So, Hikkaduwa gathers surfers, divers and young people on its beaches. Bentota is focused on demanding tourists, Kogalla - on independent and those who arrived for the "wintering", etc.

Described below best resorts Sri Lanka. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.

Bentota is popular beach resort in Sri Lanka. This romantic spot is popular with young families and adventure seekers. It offers tourists a full range of services designed for any budget. The resort will appeal to lovers of outdoor activities: the most popular Ceylon water entertainment center "Confifi Marina" is located here. Vacationers will be able to ride a boat, water skiing, scooter or scuba dive. The club also organizes excursions and boat trips.

Beruwala is a resort located in the southwest of the country, not far from Colombo. This place will appeal to tourists who prefer beach holiday. However, lovers of a more active lifestyle will also find something to entertain themselves with. IN large hotels there are sports facilities - golf courses, tennis courts, and on the beaches traditional water activities. Along the coastline of the resort there are several hotels of different classes for people with different income levels. The main attraction of Beruweli is the ancient mosque of Kechimalai, to which thousands of Muslims from all over the world make pilgrimages every year.

Wadduwa is another Ceylon resort located near Colombo. Business card this place - chic coconut palms and amazing sandy beaches. The resort has a developed infrastructure. A large number of hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes are concentrated here. There is a popular diving center on Wadduwa. Diving enthusiasts will be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the local ocean depths. Just a few kilometers away is another resort town- Kalutara, famous for the Buddhist temple of Gangatilaka Vihara.

Kalutara is a resort town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. From time immemorial, the resort has been known for its spices and spices. Little Kalutara in its history had a chance to be under the yoke of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists. However, today the place has become one of the most modern and dynamically developing resorts in Sri Lanka. Local signature - amazing and juicy tropical fruits, which are folded into baskets created by local craftsmen using their own method. However, the famous Kalutarian spices are still respected all over the world. The main attractions of the resort are the Gangatilaka Vihara Stupa and the February Navam Parade.

Kogalla is a small but well-known resort in Ceylon. The relative remoteness from civilization (more than 100 kilometers to Colombo) attracts tourists here who dream of taking a break from the hustle and bustle major cities. On the other hand, Kogalla has all the necessary infrastructure, including golf courses, diving centers, tennis courts and other entertainment. Not far from the resort is the town of Polonnaruwa. It is known for the fact that the remains of the legendary palace of the state of the ancient Sinhalese have been preserved on its territory. Among other historical monuments, one can single out the Vatadage temple and carved into the rocks giant statues Buddha.

Nuwara Eliya is a famous resort in the mountains of Sri Lanka. The place is known as one of the few islands of coolness in sultry South Asia. Numerous local waterfalls are popular with tourists. Among other attractions, it is worth noting the unusual architecture of local buildings in the British style. The main places for recreation are a magnificent modern golf complex, Victoria Park, picturesque lake Gregory and the hippodrome, where horse races take place every spring.

Mount Lavinia is a popular Sri Lankan resort, located just a few kilometers from the country's capital. The place is a fairly large commercial, industrial and economic center. The population of the city is 155 thousand inhabitants. Tourists especially note the local wide sandy beaches. The resort has several modern hotels. The main attractions are the Dehively Zoo, which is home to more than 300 species of animals and the giant lake Bolgoda with a rich flora and fauna.

Hikkaduwa is a resort town located in the south of Sri Lanka. This city is considered the Mecca of diving. Unusually beautiful local coral reefs and other inhabitants underwater world attract tourists from all over the world. The coral has become the unofficial emblem of the city. In addition, there is a coral reserve in the city. Other attractions include - Buddhist temple and a big beautiful lake.

What to see

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in Sri Lanka

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Sri Lanka in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Water sports

Comfortable weather throughout the year, amazingly clear water and the beauty of the underwater depths of Sri Lanka attract many outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.

Diving - scuba diving, mask, fins and other equipment. Indian Ocean in addition to the most beautiful marine life and underwater reefs, it holds many secrets and mysteries. Diving near wrecks and underwater caves heightens the senses and makes diving in Sri Lanka simply unforgettable. Sri Lankan diving centers have modern gear and equipment, and are scattered around the entire perimeter of the island. When planning a diving holiday, consider the travel time. The fact is that diving centers located in the southwest of Sri Lanka work from mid-autumn to mid-spring, and in the northeast - from early spring to mid-autumn.

Snorkeling also allows you to contemplate the splendor of the underwater world, but only at shallow depths: snorkeling requires only a mask, fins and a snorkel. The purity and transparency of the Sri Lankan waters easily allow you to engage in this exciting activity, because underwater delights are visible at a depth of several meters.

Surfing is riding the waves using special boards. Surfers have chosen many parts of Sri Lanka. The picturesque landscape, the relaxed atmosphere of the resort and, of course, good high waves make the island ideal for this sport.

Windsurfing is riding the waves with a board equipped with a sail. This sport can be practiced in Negombo, Trincomalee, Bentota. Equipment is rented at specialized rental points. Some hotels specialize in windsurfing and offer tourists all the necessary equipment. The gathering place for experienced athletes was the bay - Arugam Bay.

Ayurveda

Traditional treatment in Sri Lanka is very developed. Especially popular is Ayurveda, which means the science of life. This is a whole complex of folk methods of treatment, including aromatherapy, relaxation, meditation, massage, healthy eating. Ayurveda implies a comprehensive improvement of the body, and not the treatment of only diseased organs. The most important thing is that this direction has no side effects and contraindications. All medicinal products of the medical direction are completely made from natural ingredients. Several hotels in Sri Lanka at once offer to combine relaxation with Ayurveda treatment.

Ecotourism

Ecotourism has long been a popular holiday destination all over the world. Recently, this type of recreation has begun to gain popularity among our compatriots. Tours to Sri Lanka are distinguished by a wide variety of ecotourism offers. At the choice of vacationers - rafting mountain rivers, cross-country off-road driving, elephant riding, mountain climbing and other original excursions.

Camping and safaris

For tourists who are tired of the comfort of modern hotels and want to join the natural world, Sri Lanka offers a special excursion program with accommodation in campgrounds at national parks. The tour program is compiled taking into account the individual wishes of vacationers. Tourists independently choose parks to visit and other criteria for recreation. Among the latter - the comfort of tent rooms, the number of days on the tour, the purchase of additional excursions. The standard program is designed for 9 days, during which all the main national parks of the country are visited. The camps provide all the necessary living conditions and three meals a day.

Agritourism

Agrotourism - best direction rest for those who want to get acquainted with the peculiarities of Sri Lankan life from the inside. Tourists can not only live in the usual conditions of a Ceylon village, but also take part in agricultural work, as well as take care of pets. As part of the agro-tourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with the local culture, customs, learn how to cook national dishes.

Fishing

The coastal waters of Sri Lanka abound in the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. Saturation with plankton attracts a large variety of individuals - from tuna to sharks. Excursion fishing usually starts early in the morning. Tourist groups take out fishing for several tens of kilometers from the coast. Vacationers are accompanied by experienced local fishermen, and all the necessary equipment is included in the price of the tour.

River safari

The so-called boat safari enjoys great success on the island. This is a three-hour river boat trip. During the tour you will be able to meet many exotic birds and animals. Moving away from civilization on a boat, you can meet more and more interesting and unusual things - small islands of land, aboriginal settlements and unique vegetation. Services local guide will only cost $20.

Helicopter tour

The opportunity to take a walk in a helicopter appeared recently. This is a very expensive entertainment, but those who wish are still there. The helicopter base is located 15 kilometers from the capital of Sri Lanka. From here you can fly to almost anywhere in the country. The maximum allowable number of tourists in the cabin of one helicopter is four people. Most popular tour to Sigiriya will cost $2,000 for a helicopter, in addition, you will have to fork out another $112 for each hour of waiting for a helicopter.

Hot air balloon flight

Another excursion that allows tourists to admire the amazing Sri Lankan landscapes from a bird's eye view. Air walks are made only in low wind, safe weather for flights. The standard duration of the tour is one and a half hours, and the cost is approximately $1000 for the entire group, the number of which cannot exceed four people.

Golf

This game began to develop in Sri Lanka in the 19th century. To date, several high-class golf complexes have been created in the country that meet world standards. Novice athletes will also be able to enjoy the game: special individual and group lessons are held for beginners in golf clubs.

Sri Lankan wedding

Newlyweds from all over the world are increasingly choosing Sri Lanka as their wedding venue. The ceremony takes place on local traditions- the bride and groom dress in bright national costumes, the procession is accompanied by elephants and drumming, young men and girls in colorful dresses are dancing nearby. After exchanging rings, the newlyweds give each other a taste of rice boiled in coconut milk and drink it with water. This ritual symbolizes the future mutual care of husband and wife. There are a number of other traditional wedding ceremonies - tying the little fingers of the bride and groom with gold thread, breaking a coconut to sprinkle milk on the clothes of the newlyweds, and lighting an oil lamp together. The cost of the ceremony should be discussed in advance with the organizer. The amount will vary depending on the number of selected services. But on average, you can meet $1000.

Sri Lanka beaches

Sri Lanka boasts magnificent sandy beaches, which stretch for 1000 km along the entire coast of the island. When swimming in the ocean, you should be careful: the deep currents are quite dangerous, besides, you can cut yourself with coral fragments. Sunbathing topless in Sri Lanka is not accepted.

The resorts offer all kinds of water sports: diving, surfing, yachting, snorkeling, sailing.
There are 2 beach seasons on the island: on the western and south coast North winds blow from November to March, the sea is calm and the weather is comfortable. From April to October, the western monsoon blows, so the beach weather is set to east coast.

Movement around the country

Bus

Buses are often crowded with passengers and very uncomfortable, but they can travel the entire island for next to nothing, for a few dollars. There are AC class buses with air conditioning and guaranteed seats they cost twice as much.

Bus stops are busy, especially the big ones, but just about everyone will be happy to practice their English and help out.

Private and municipal buses run in major cities of the country. The fares are about the same. Public transport Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest in the world.

Train

It is convenient to travel between Sri Lankan cities by train. From the capital, you can get to any end point for no more than 300 rupees. Passengers have the opportunity to choose a class of carriage with a suitable level of comfort. Sri Lanka has an extensive rail system serving all the major cities of the island except the north and east.

Trains are more comfortable and colorful than buses, and thanks to the winding railway in the mountains, railway network in the mountainous part of Sri Lanka is very picturesque, especially on the Badullu-Nanu Oya line. If possible, sit on the right side of the train for the best views. For tourists who want to see native species, there are special excursion cars with large windows.

Knock Knock

The most popular form of transport in Sri Lanka is a small cabin scooter called a tuk-tuk. For us, they are unusual, but the Sri Lankans regularly use them for everyday trips. Tuk-tuk is much cheaper than a regular taxi, the average price per kilometer is 15-20 rupees. Tipping is not customary in Sri Lanka.

Taxi

A more traditional mode of transport will cost about 50% more. For a kilometer of the way you will have to pay about 30 rupees. If the taxi is not equipped with a meter, then the cost of the trip should be negotiated in advance. You can “catch” a taxi driver right on the street or call by phone.

Car rental

The country has a well-organized transport system, but Russians will be very surprised by two things - left-hand traffic and the possibility of neighbors on the road of animals driven by farmers and cars.

With a driver

The car itself is often provided free of charge, and money is paid to the driver for his services. Some of the drivers/guides have a state license to carry out their activities, some of them are extremely knowledgeable and multilingual, specializing in the history and culture of the country. Those who go to see historical places and nature reserves they talk about the environment.

Without a driver

Those who are not embarrassed by the oddities of traffic in Sri Lanka can rent a car for independent trips. The standard fee is 2400 rupees per day. This amount includes a run of 80 kilometers, and for each additional kilometer you will have to pay an extra 8 rupees.

Airplane

Air carrier Aero Lanka operates domestic flights to Colombo-Ratmalata, Colombo-Jaffna and Colombo-Trincomalee destinations.

Communication

The main language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, the second language is Tamil. English is used in government and tourism. Don't expect the entire population everywhere to be fluent in English. It is much more common in beach and tourist areas. Most people in rural areas do not know English at all, except for a few simple words.

• Sinhalese: the greeting in Sinhala is "aayuBowan", which literally means "stay a little longer"; thank you in Sinhalese it will be "stuti";
• Tamil: the greeting in Tamil is "vanakkam"; thank you - "nanri";
• Arabic(Sri Lankan Moors): when meeting with a Muslim, it will be polite to say "Assalamu alaikum"; thank you sounds like "jazz-ka alla."

culture

The culture of Sri Lanka has managed to preserve many of its own ancient traditions, despite the fact that European colonizers had a great influence on it. The country has managed to preserve traditional customs in many areas. Most of the ancient national works of art, one way or another, are associated with the dominant religion in the country - Buddhism. Painting, sculpture and architecture developed under his influence. Original dances and songs are also an important object of Sri Lankan culture. From modern art in Sri Lanka, cinema, radio and television are actively developing.

One of the main holidays for the Sri Lankans - New Year. True, unlike our country, in Sri Lanka it is celebrated in April. Many rituals are associated with this event on the island, and of course, the traditional chic fireworks are not complete.

The number one sport in Sri Lanka is cricket. The national team in 1996 even became the world champion in this sport. In addition, American football, rugby and various martial arts are very popular. Among the latter are the Sri Lankan martial arts Cheena di, which was taught by Chinese monks, and Angampora, a fighting style using swords, daggers and other weapons.

Kitchen

The national Sri Lankan cuisine has much in common with Indian cuisine, due to the geographical proximity of the two countries. Spices, spices, juicy fruits, seafood - all these elements are traditional in both countries. The basis of the daily diet in Sri Lanka is dishes made from rice and curry. The latter, by the way, is seasoned not only with meat. Side dishes, fish, vegetables and other dishes are served on the curry island.

Since the dishes of Sri Lanka and South India are very similar, in many local restaurants the menu indicates where the cuisine is from Sri Lanka and where it is from South India. In addition, different regions have their own cooking options. As a rule, food is very cheap, an inexpensive lunch will cost about a dollar. Rarely can a meal cost more than ten dollars, except in the most expensive places tourist oriented. Colombo has a large selection of high quality restaurants.

Coconut ingredients are often used in Ceylonese cuisine - coconut juice, oil and shavings. There are many other dishes with other ingredients that are unusual for us.

String hoppers are rice vermicelli rolled up and steamed.

Umbalakada is a fine powdered fish.

Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes cooked in coconut milk.

Bittara arra is a pancake combined with scrambled eggs. For cooking, a chicken egg is placed in the middle of the pancake.

Hakuru arra is a treat similar to Bittara arra but sweetened with coconut flakes.

Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked in coconut milk.

Rotti is a flatbread flavored with curry sauce.

Pittu is made from water, rice flour and coconut. Also served with curry sauce.

Kottu Rotti is a mix of chopped unleavened rice cakes, vegetables and meat of your choice. This dish is found only in Sri Lanka, the most delicious Kottu Roti from street vendors, freshly prepared.

Beverages

In Sri Lanka, you should not drink tap water, it can be fraught with intestinal disorders. Buy plain bottled water from stores. But it is better to refuse to buy local milk altogether. Thanks to the Sri Lankan climate, it spoils very quickly, although it is quite expensive.

The traditional non-alcoholic drink among the Sri Lankans is Tambili, juice from the royal coconut. Fresh can be cooked in front of you right on the street, and it will cost less than bottled.

Other local drinks include ginger oil and cream soda. If you prefer the classic Coca or Pepsi, then you can buy them in almost any grocery supermarket on the island.

The most popular beers are Three Coins (brewed according to a Belgian recipe), Lion Stout (oily with a chocolate flavor) and Lion Lager.

For those who prefer strong alcohol, we can recommend a local drink - Arrack. It usually costs about $4 a bottle and is often drunk with ginger beer. The quality depends on the price, but the Old Reserve brand is generally recommended at a price of $ 7.5.

Purchases

Shopping in Sri Lanka is represented by both fairly modern shopping centers and traditional markets with all kinds of folk goods - from spices to clothing made from natural fabrics. The prices for local products are very democratic. The most shopping opportunities, of course, are in Colombo, but the Sri Lankan outback, and even more so tourist centers there is also something to offer tourists in terms of shopping.

You can read more about the opening hours of stores, what to buy, where to buy, and how to bargain in the article “Shopping in Sri Lanka”.

Connection

Telephone communications

Telephone communication is available in almost any hotel, but usually a call from the room is very expensive. It is more economical to use special phone cards and call from payphones or make calls from nearby post offices. Cards in denominations of 100, 500 and 1000 rupees can be bought in supermarkets, kiosks and post offices. To call Russia, dial 007, area code and phone number.

Sri Lanka phone code: +94.

Useful phone numbers

Internet

Cellular communication on the island is poorly developed and unstable. enjoy mobile phone only in the capital, as well as in large cities and popular resorts.

You can access the global network through Internet cafes located on the territory of large cities. In the outback of the country to get access to the "world wide web" is very problematic.

Safety

Tourists traveling to Sri Lanka should follow a number of simple safety measures. You should be careful while walking in parks and reserves - look under your feet, do not turn off the tourist path and use mosquito repellents. If you go on an excursion to the jungle, then before the trip, just in case, you need to drink antimalarial pills. You need to be more careful with animals. Often there are cases when monkeys steal various things from unlucky tourists.

As in many other tourist areas, pickpockets should be avoided in Sri Lanka and valuables should not be left unattended. It is better for women not to be alone at night on the streets or on the beach. Over the past few years, there has been a slight increase in crimes against tourists, but these cases are rare.

Tourists are discouraged from traveling to areas controlled by the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). Some areas are mined, and armed clashes are taking place in cities. In addition, military action by the government is also possible. However, thanks to a large number state checkpoints, it is extremely unlikely to enter the territory of hostilities through negligence. These areas are far removed from places that are usually visited by tourists. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to see well-armed soldiers on the streets, major highways, and at the airport.

Before traveling to this country, it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis, A and B, polio, and tetanus. If you plan to travel outside the tourist areas, especially during the rainy season, you need to be vaccinated against typhus. Malaria-free areas are Gampaha (eg Negombo), Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya, as well as the city of Kandy (but not the district). In other parts of the country, there is malaria and the most likely to get sick exists in Anuradhapura. In the dry season during the day on the road, or traveling by train to Kandy (including trips to the gardens of Peradeniya) or Nuwara Eliya, you need to use a DEET-containing repellent, this should be enough. The risk of infection increases after sunset. Anti-malarial prophylaxis protects against infection when traveling to the north (especially to Anuradhapura), the east, and the southeast (however, some types of drugs are not available there).

Try to be respectful of local cultural values. It is forbidden to appear in temples in shorts, short skirts or in other clothes that are too revealing, and before entering the sanctuary, you must take off your shoes. When buying jewelry and jewelry, do not forget to ask for a license to export goods from the country, otherwise there may be problems at customs. On full moon days, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited on the island.

Some traditions take some getting used to, especially for Europeans.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka:

Address: Embassy of the Russian Federation, 62 Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha, Colombo-7, Sri-Lanka.

Phone: (8-10-941) 57-4959, 57-3555.

Where to stay

Standard hotels

Classic hotels with 50 to 500 rooms. A suitable hotel of this class can be found for any budget. Because of their convenience, standard hotels have become popular with families or large groups. The all-inclusive system (all inclusive) is often used.

boutique hotels

Recently, hotels of this type are becoming more and more popular. Boutique hotels are small hotels with 3-15 rooms. The guests of such hotels prefer silence, comfort and tranquility, which are so lacking in large hotels. Boutique hotels are on average more expensive than usual, but they have their own unique look. Customers get much more attentive service and maintenance. The standard cost of renting a double room is $100-$250 per day.

Bungalow

Usually bungalows are small private houses, renovated and converted to the needs of tourists. Sometimes there is a private kitchen, a maid or a cook. Renting a bungalow is not cheap, but if you are going on vacation with a large company, then there is an opportunity to save money. Rental price $100-$200 per day.

Villas

The villa is a luxury home with big amount rooms, all possible amenities and maximum comfort. They are usually rented in their entirety and are suitable for wealthy people. A villa, like a bungalow, is beneficial for renting a large group of people, for example, several families. The average rental price is $300-$1000 per day. It varies depending on the level of the villa and the distance from the sea.

During the month of traveling around Sri Lanka, we saw a lot of interesting and unusual things - based on our impressions and observations, we compiled these 50 facts:

9.Nonagataya- a neutral period (temporal vacuum) between the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one, which can be several hours.

10.Difference between maximum and minimum temperature during the year on the island does not exceed 5º C.

11. Main religion Sri Lanka - Buddhism, 70% of the population adhere to it here. The remaining 20% ​​are Hindus and 10% are Muslims and Christians.

12.buddha tooth- one of the most revered Buddhist shrines is located in and is kept in the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

13.Snorkeling and diving developed on the east coast of the island - in the sea there are coral reef and exotic fish.

14. Cost of livingin Sri Lanka hotels often voiced excluding taxes - it is better to clarify this point in advance or be ready for an additional 10% on the bill.

15. Housing prices in budget guesthouses for backpackers, they range from 500-800 rupees ($ 4-7) and from 1000-1200 rupees ($ 8-10), when renting for a long time - cheaper.

16. traded Sri Lankans are not very willing - neither in guesthouses, nor in the markets. They throw off quite a bit, very stubborn, but there are exceptions.

17. Sri Lankans do not like to show that they don’t know something - they’d rather be sent in the other direction than admit that they don’t know the way.

31. Russian tourists they are found in Sri Lanka, but not very often, while this country is not yet heavily occupied by compatriots.

32. If you have exceeded allowed 30 days of stay in the country, then a fine of $ 25 must be paid at the exit. If there is no strong desire to pay, then you will simply be entered into the database and the fine will need to be paid the next time you visit Sri Lanka.

33. Couchsurfing Sri Lanka is not very developed, we met with couchsurfers only in large cities - and.

34. Smoking fine in public places is 5000 rupees ($40)

35.Maximum allowed speed throughout Sri Lanka -÷ 72 km / h, a fine for exceeding 2300 rupees (about $ 20).

36. Every bus driver, apparently, dreams of becoming a Formula 1 pilot. Full saloon passengers is not a hindrance to rapid acceleration, hard braking and overtaking when cornering

37.Buses and trains often clogged to the eyeballs, and if it seems that it is already impossible to get inside, in principle, there will almost certainly be five more locals who will be able to squeeze in there by some miracle

38.For pregnant women and monks are the front seats in the bus. Moreover, we have never seen pregnant women on buses, but monks are often seen.

39. Train tickets they are very cheap in the country, but despite this, many locals buy tickets to the nearest station - controllers are extremely rare on trains.

40. cellular very cheap: 1 minute and 1 sms about 1.5 rupees ($0.01), 500 MB of mobile internet traffic 185 rupees ($1.5).

41.Schools in the country free, but for 300 rupees per month ($ 2.5) you can allow your child to study at an international school with the study of English.

42.Local with open umbrella quite often you can meet on the street, but they hide not from the rain, but from the sun. You can buy an umbrella even in a food shop