What do tourists need to know about Sri Lanka? Ayurvedic procedures and SPA centers. How much money to take
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 is a 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 range from 500-800 rupees ($ 4-7) and from 1000-1200 rupees ($ 8-10), when renting for long term- 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 major 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
Sri Lanka is rich in first-class beaches, modern hotels and a host of ancient sights. Entertainment - entirely quiet-peaceful: picnics, fishing and diving. Colombo capital, waterfalls and National parks- all about Sri Lanka: tours, reviews, weather, prices.
- Hot tours to Sri Lanka
- Tours for May Worldwide
The style of rest in Sri Lanka can be briefly defined as follows: away from the hustle and bustle, closer to the sea and nature. It is unlikely that there is a more “slow” country in the world than Sri Lanka: no one is in a hurry here, everyone enjoys life - including the service staff in hotels (though this does not apply to top establishments - everyone runs around in soap, to please guests). Most of the attractions in Sri Lanka are natural, just like most entertainment. Noisy discos and smoke yoke until the morning are not in favor here, but picnics in nature, fishing or barbecue on the beach - as much as you like. Well, diving, of course. What Sri Lanka cannot please is its proximity to our immense: the flight here is long.
In general, it is very simple to determine a person who will definitely like it here. Firstly, there are few blank pages left in his not the first passport. Secondly, he is either fond of world culture and history (and ancient Sri Lanka is very rich in interesting monuments), or he is a desperate sea daredevil who wants, in addition to palm trees, sand and the sea, to have a diving center nearby, and surfer headquarters. Thirdly, he will certainly look askance at your fragrant cup of tea. After all, Ceylon, aka Sri Lanka, supplies a quarter of the world with this drink.
Money
The monetary unit of the country is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), in 1 rupee 100 cents. Current exchange rate: 1 LKR = 0.36 RUB (1 USD = 179.48 LKR, 1 EUR = 203.49 LKR).
It is better to exchange currency at Colombo airport. It makes sense to keep the check received at the same time until the end of the trip: in this case, upon departure, it will be possible to convert back unspent local money at the airport bank at the purchase rate. In addition, the currency is changed at any hotel and bank. The latter are open from 9:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday. For exchange, we recommend taking US dollars with you: they are accepted in all branches, and in tourist areas Oh, they can be paid directly at hotels and all kinds of retail outlets.
In large hotels and shops you can pay with credit cards, there are ATMs in almost all cities of the country. However, it is better to warn the staff of your bank in advance about the upcoming visit to Sri Lanka: due to the critical level of financial fraud on the island, a credit card can be blocked at the first attempt to use it.
Sri Lanka Hotels
Police: 133, ambulance: 144, fire department: 122.
The best photos of Sri Lanka
Previous photo 1/ 1 Next photo
Tatyana Solomatina
What do tourists need to know about Sri Lanka?
Good afternoon dear friends!
Every year this island state becomes more and more popular among tourists. Magnificent beaches, warm Indian Ocean and rich cultural heritage, allow you to spend an unforgettable vacation at any time of the year. However, as in every place, there are many subtleties that must be taken into account when going on vacation to this country. We will talk about this in this article.
Sri Lanka for tourists: how to get there, when is the season, how much money to take with you, which resort to choose, what to fear, what to see, useful phones. As you can see, I have collected the most necessary tourist information that will help you better understand what awaits you there.
Sri Lanka has only one international airport, Bandaranaike. http://www.airport.lk located 35 km. south of Colombo.
Direct flights from Russia are operated by Aeroflot and Sri Lanka Airlines, but they fly only in high season and the flight is very expensive.
Sometimes, tour operators allow direct charter flights, but this is rare and it is very difficult to buy a ticket for such a flight, this is the most profitable and cheapest option.
Many flights with transfers are offered by foreign airlines Qatar, Turkish, Etihad, Emirates, Air Arabia. However, you should be prepared for a long flight with a changeover in a third country, and possibly many hours of waiting for a connecting flight.
Please note that when waiting for connecting flights for a long time, you will not be able to leave the transit area if the connection takes place at the airport of a country where an entry visa is required, unless, of course, you issue it in advance.
When is the season?
Traveling around Sri Lanka is comfortable all year round. Seasonality on the island is a conditional thing. The low season is characterized only by short-term heavy rains at night and large waves in the ocean, which prevents a comfortable beach holiday. Therefore, tourists need to carefully choose the route, depending on the time of year.
If you are interested in a beach holiday during the winter months, then it is better to go to the southwest and south coasts. In October, the rainy season ends here, the weather improves, and the high season begins, favorable for a beach holiday. It will be comfortable in such places as Bentota, Beruwala, Wadduwa, Galle, Kalutara, Mount Lavinia , Negombo, Tangalle, Unawatuna .
From April to October, it is better to relax on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, where the main resort is Trincomalee. However, very promising for a beach holiday — Uppuveli, Nilaveli, Arugam Bay (Bay).
Do you need a visa?
You need a visa to visit this country. To receive it, you do not need to collect a lot of documents and run to the embassy. A visa can be obtained at the airport upon arrival. You will be asked to fill out a migration card (in English) and pay a $25 visa fee.
The requirements are the usual: stay in the country for no more than 30 days, the passport must be valid for another 6 months after leaving the country, the presence of a return ticket and hotel reservation, proof of solvency in the form of cash or a card at the rate of $ 25 per day of stay (rarely asked).
What money to take?
As in others Asian countries, it is better to take dollars with you to Sri Lanka. You can exchange them at any bank, of which there are many throughout the country. Even in a small locality there is always a bank, and most often, more than one. For currency exchange, you must present a passport or a copy.
In hotels, the exchange rate is always unprofitable, it is completely unsafe to change on the market or from private individuals, there are a lot of reviews on the net from deceived tourists.
Absolutely calm, you can take with you and bank card, which you can pay in many shops and at the hotel. When withdrawing cash, your bank will definitely take interest and exchange it at its own rate, and the local bank will keep the amount for cash withdrawal. Therefore, it is more profitable to use cards when making a purchase, and it is better to carry cash with you. Before leaving, you must notify the bank about your trip to Sri Lanka, otherwise the card may be blocked. I wrote about which cards are more profitable when traveling.
Despite the fact that the Sri Lankan rupee is considered the official currency, in many small shops, with taxi drivers and for a tour, you can pay in dollars and euros. Local residents will be happy to take foreign currency, however, this method of payment, most often, will be unprofitable for you (they will recalculate at a favorable exchange rate).
How much money to take?
Holidays in Sri Lanka are considered relatively inexpensive. However, the cost of staying in the country depends on many things: season, number of days, resort, leisure, excursion program, etc.
If you are traveling on an all-inclusive package tour, then your main expenses will be excursions and personal shopping. It’s hard to say about purchases, but it’s easy to calculate the excursion program. Approximate prices can be found on the website of the local travel company http://besttour-lanka.com/ru/travel-tour-sri-lanka.html. I highly recommend this agency, in addition to the paid services, they helped us in a difficult situation. Curious? Read.
If your tour does not include meals, then the approximate cost of a full meal in a budget cafe will cost 1000-1500 rupees ($10) for two. Portions are usually very large, so you can safely take one dish for two. For $ 30 you can fully eat a day together tourist place, visiting places for locals will be even cheaper.
The price of a standard room in an average 3 * -4 * hotel is $ 40-70 per double room per day. A room with a local resident will cost $15-25.
Prices for some products: water 1.5l - 70-90 rupees, bread - 50-100, milk 1l - 130-140, butter 180-200, coconut - 25-30, papaya - 50-60, bananas 1kg - 60- 70.
Car rental $40, price per day, scooter rental - $6-10, gasoline - 170 rupees / liter.
Tuk-tuk from 100 rupees not far, up to 350 rupees for 10 km.
Which resort to choose?
The choice of location directly depends on the time of year and the purpose of the trip.
If you are planning an active trip and expect to visit many attractions, then there is no point in staying in one place. The fact is that everything interesting is located quite far from the coast, and it is difficult to regularly go on excursions from one hotel. You need to constantly move, so it is more convenient to book hotels along the entire route.
If you are planning a passive beach holiday, then you can safely choose the southwest coast in the winter months, and the northeast coast in the summer months.
You can find a brief overview of beach resorts.
What to see?
What to see? This is the second question that interests tourists after studying prices. The island will be interesting to literally everyone. lovers historical monuments be sure to visit the ancient ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Many tourists enthusiastically speak about excursions to the rock fortress of Sigiriya and the sacred city of Kandy, the Golden Temple in Dambulla is very interesting. The fortress of Galle deserves attention.
Nature lovers will be enchanted by the National Parks, especially Yala, Sinharaja Reserve. Kandy has a beautiful Royal Botanic Garden. Nuwara Eliya has huge tea plantations and magnificent mountain scenery.
It is romantic to meet the dawn at Adam's Peak, visit the Horton Plateau.
What to fear?
Many locals live off the tourism business. Near the hotels you can often meet people obsessively offering various services, ranging from all kinds of excursions, to the rental of any transport and money exchange. These comrades should be treated with caution, there are often scammers who, having taken money from you, will either provide poor-quality service or disappear altogether.
Sri Lanka is a small island nation located in South Asia near the Indian subcontinent. Contemporary official name- The Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka the country received in 1972. Previously, the state was known as Ceylon. The official capital of Sri Lanka is 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. precious stones. Recently, the tourism industry has been gaining momentum. The most popular holiday destinations in Sri Lanka are the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwala and Kalutara. The most developed sport is cricket, which is exotic for Russians. The state conducts an active foreign policy, Sri Lanka is a member of well-known international organizations- UN (United Nations Organization), IMF (International Monetary Fund), ADB (Asian Development Bank) and others.
Current time in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte:
(UTC +5:30)
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 best way to get to Sri Lanka at the moment is flights by 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. The 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. Most comfortable living coastal areas Sri Lanka. 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 mountainous areas Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is located at 1884 meters above sea level. local mean annual temperature 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 the mountain range in the rest of the country (and this is three-quarters of the island), it 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, the best time to relax in the attractive southwest 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 not big 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 other entertainment facilities are concentrated here. 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: the remains of ancient temples, monasteries and other cultural monuments have been preserved in Anuradhapura. Among the most famous sites are the Ruanvelli and Thuparama stupas, the 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. The most significant cultural monument is the 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 of tropical plants. In the vicinity of Kandy, there is a unique Spice Garden.
Negombo is a 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. The local beaches are deserted, so they are popular with lovers of a quiet and 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 here, 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.
Below are the best resorts in Sri Lanka. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.
Bentota is a 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 active rest: 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 diving. 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 a beach holiday. However, lovers of more active image Life also has something to entertain itself with. Large hotels have sports facilities - golf courses, tennis courts, and traditional water activities are offered to tourists on the beaches. 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. The local trademark is amazing and juicy tropical fruits, which are put 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 of large 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. Other historical monuments include Watadage temple and giant statues of Buddha carved into the rocks.
Nuwara Eliya - 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, amazing pure water and beauty underwater depths Sri Lanka attracts many outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
Diving - scuba diving, mask, fins and other equipment. The Indian Ocean, in addition to the most beautiful marine life and underwater reefs, 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 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 are the comfort of tent rooms, the number of days on the tour, the purchase 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
Agritourism is the best holiday destination for those who want to get to know 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. Tour groups take out to go 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 walk on the boat. 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. The services of a local guide will cost only $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. The most popular excursion 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 according to 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 dance 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 blowing from November to March northern winds the sea is calm and the weather is comfortable. From April to October, the west monsoon blows, so beach weather sets in on the 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 in 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, it is better to sit on the right side of the train, where the most 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 sites and nature reserves will be told 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 big influence supported by the European colonialists. 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 is the 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 presented as quite modern shopping malls, 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 automatic machines or make calls from the nearest 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. You can use a 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, due to the large number of 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 the locals cultural property. 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 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 are loved by vacationing 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
A villa is a luxurious home with a large number of 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.
