Where is the best place to relax in Sri Lanka? Where is Sri Lanka Sri Lanka which resort is better to go to

Dear readers, today I again invite you on a journey. The Indian Ocean with warm water, golden sand beaches, palm trees, gorgeous nature and exotic animals - all this can amaze even the most fastidious traveler. Where is this amazing place? - you ask. This is the former island of Ceylon, now its new name is Sri Lanka, where a vacation will delight you not only with picturesque landscapes, wild rivers and comfortable weather, but also with a large number of unique attractions, delicious food and unusually aromatic and strong tea.

The enchanting beauty of the island is complemented by a variety of resorts with hotels, welcoming and friendly people - the Sri Lankans. By the way, most residents speak several languages, including English and Russian. This place is perfect for a quiet and relaxing holiday with the whole family.

Sri Lanka - where is such a country located?

Sri Lanka is the largest island located in the Indian Ocean. It is a Democratic Socialist Republic in South Asia. The name translates as glorious and blessed land. Until it gained independence, or rather until 1972, the island was called Ceylon. India is located in close proximity to Sri Lanka. Even before the beginning of the 15th century, these states were connected by an isthmus. Now, there is a sandbank at this place, since a strong earthquake in the 15th century destroyed it. The capital of the island is a city with a difficult name to pronounce - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, but the cultural and economically developed unofficial capital is the city of Colombo.

Sri Lanka has a rich world of flora and fauna. Almost 3,000 varieties of plants grow here, about 1,000 of which are flowering, over 700 species of medicinal flowers and herbs, and 150 varieties of wild orchids and ferns. Many people associate this country with elephants. And for good reason. Mighty elephants really live here, and not only that. The diversity of wildlife makes this island an amazing place. Beautiful butterflies, birds, reptiles, mammals - and many of them are protected by law, as they are listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.

Sri Lanka - monthly weather, rainy season, water temperature

The climate is tropical, with monsoon rainy seasons. An amazing feature of the monsoons in the summer is that they occur mainly at night. The weather is very favorable for holidays all year round. The air temperature is always stable, about 28-30 degrees Celsius at any time of the year. Only in the mountainous region the temperature in winter reaches only 10 degrees Celsius. Beach paradise all year round - this is how this state can be described.

The rainy season is long. From December to May there are rains in the eastern part of the island, from May to September there are monsoons in the west of the country. Therefore, in winter, it is best to relax in the southern and western regions of Sri Lanka. For example, the most popular cities are Colombo and Galle. The weather here is excellent, dry and sunny, just as the rainy season is approaching in the east. But in the summer months, resorts located in the eastern region are perfect.

The water temperature here is always constant. The average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you can swim here all year round. Even at night you can bask in the warm waters of the ocean.

Sights of Sri Lanka, photos

Equipped beaches and comfortable hotels are not all that Sri Lanka can boast of. A huge number of ancient and unique attractions, 8 of which are included in the UNESCO list. Temples for all religions, various buildings and monuments in honor of Buddha, beautiful palaces, museums and temples are just a small part of the interesting places that you can visit.

Currently, excursions around the country are very popular, which allow you to see the maximum number of attractions in a short time. Of course, if you have enough time and you like to leisurely enjoy exploring amazing places and architectural structures, then it is better to take a walk around the sights on your own. Here are some of them that you should definitely see, otherwise your trip around the island would be in vain. Tea center, sacred Bodhi tree, golden Buddha statue, Kumana national reserve and Adam's Peak.

Sri Lanka - holidays and reviews from tourists

All tourists who visited this amazing and mysterious place at least once were very pleased with their vacation. After reading many reviews, I made several useful discoveries for myself that will help improve my vacation in this country. Now I will share with you some tips.

• Don't buy tea in the city, otherwise you will buy a mixture of local Sri Lankan and second-rate Indian tea. You can buy one like this at home, in the supermarket. Be sure to visit the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, where you will buy really good Sri Lankan tea and enjoy the view of the tea plantations that cover all the slopes and peaks of the mountains.
• When swimming in the ocean, be careful, it is choppy and it is better to swim where you can feel the bottom. After a wave, you can be pulled into the ocean, and the point of no return is very easy to miss. There are no rescuers, and a cry for help may not be heard. Better swim in the pool.
• It is not customary to use regular toilet paper on the island. In their room they have a special hose with water supply, or a ladle (you know why). Therefore, if you cannot live without personal hygiene products, be sure to take it with you.
• There are a lot of impudent monkeys on the island, scurrying everywhere, which can seriously ruin your entire vacation. Do not leave your belongings unattended. When leaving your hotel room, be sure to close the windows, otherwise you may risk losing your belongings and causing significant damage to the room.

Holidays in Sri Lanka - independent travel

You can get from Moscow to Colombo by direct airline flights. Unfortunately, direct flights do not occur every day, but according to a schedule. If you urgently need to get to this island, you can use connecting flights. There are several of them - in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Koch and Istanbul.
How long does it take to fly from Moscow to Sri Lanka? The direct flight is the shortest flight time, it takes from 8 to 9 hours. If the flight has transfers, then it is a little longer; it can take up to 12 hours of flight time. Don't forget to get a visa before planning your trip to Sri Lanka.

The island's public transport is trains and buses. Therefore, you can travel around the country independently only by train and buses.

Traveling by bus is only suitable within the city. The cost of bus travel is very low, while the price for private transport is the same as for public transport. There are even luxury buses - with air conditioning and free seats, but the price for such travel is much more expensive. But what can you do for comfort?
Remember, the first seats on local buses are reserved for monks - they cannot be occupied!

You can travel between cities on your own by train. Affordable prices and the ability to choose comfort have made this type of transport very popular among tourists and local residents. 1st class trains are not just luxurious, they are unique. In addition to air conditioning and free WI-FI, there is a very interesting interior of the cars, in vintage style. Train schedules are available on the official websites of railway stations.

You may also be interested in reading reviews from tourists or visiting the sacred Indian city, follow the links. I hope you will find it interesting to read and see photos about these travels.

The island of Sri Lanka consistently attracts many tourists every year. This is not surprising: beautiful nature, rich history and culture, excellent beaches, wonderful climate... We will talk about all these features of the island in the article. We invite you to discover such an amazing place as the island of Sri Lanka.

Briefly about Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a very ancient country, which is also known as Ceylon. Boundless and vast are the pride of this island. The local population adheres to traditions, but at the same time, there is freedom of religion in Sri Lanka. Many sacred temples (mainly Buddhist) and relics attract pilgrims from all over the world to this country. The mysterious southern Sri Lanka attracts different categories of tourists. They come here to see a world full of exotic things, enjoy nature, and also swim in the waters of the Indian Ocean. The local golden sand beaches are amazing.

In Sri Lanka you will find hidden bays and coves, underwater coral gardens, as well as the remains of sunken ships and much more... Relaxation on the ocean coast, familiarization with Buddhist shrines, national natural parks, the secrets of tea cultivation and production, communication with cheerful and open people Sri Lankans - all this guarantees you an unforgettable experience visiting this island.

Where is Sri Lanka on the map?

This one is located on a small island in the Indian Ocean. Seven objects located on this island are included in the list of UNESCO-protected historical values ​​(130 in total). Sri Lanka is an ancient state with deep traditions and a rich history. This is the center of Buddhism, where important monuments of this teaching are located. However, it is not only the historical heritage that shapes the exoticism of the country. Sri Lanka on the map is located only 800 kilometers from the equator. Here you will find all the riches of the tropical islands. Sri Lankans say that they know only three colors - the blue of the ocean and sky, the yellow tones of the beaches and the green of the vegetation.

Flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka

Currently there is only one direct flight Moscow - Sri Lanka (Colombo). However, it operates only in winter and does not have a strict schedule. The Moscow-Sri Lanka charter flight is operated by Aeroflot. The distance from Moscow to Colombo is about 6700 km. Therefore, travel time is approximately 8.5 hours.

Sri Lanka: time and climate

Those who are going to the island will probably be interested in what the time difference is here. On the island, time is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow in the summer, and 2.5 in the winter. As for the climate, it is both subequatorial and equatorial monsoon. It is complicated by the terrain, as well as the orientation of the island, its location from north to south. The average annual temperature in the flat areas of the island of Sri Lanka is about 29-31° C. The season has virtually no effect on the temperature. In the mountainous part it varies from 16 to 24 °C. All year round, the sea water temperature remains above 25 °C on the island of Sri Lanka. In January, therefore, you can safely swim, just like in July.

As for humidity, it is high here and almost always exceeds 75%. The amount of precipitation is from 1000 (eastern and northern regions) to 5000 mm per year (southwest coast). The rainy season lasts from May to September, causing the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon determines inclement weather from October to April on the island of Sri Lanka. The rainy season, however, may shift somewhat in time. It depends on the area. In general, the island of Sri Lanka has a very favorable climate for tourism. In January, when it’s cold in our country and you really want summer, tours here are very popular.

Island population

The population of this island is about 18 million people. Of these, more than 500 thousand people live in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The ethnic composition of the population is rich. This is a multinational country. Its population consists of Tamils, Sinhalese, Burghers (descendants of the Dutch and Portuguese) and Moors.

Language and religion

Singali is the official language of Sri Lanka. Tamil and English are also considered state languages. As we already mentioned, Buddhism is very common on the island. Besides it, the main religions are Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The island of Sri Lanka does not have strict requirements for clothing, however, it is not recommended to visit temples in clothes with bare shoulders and back, or in shorts. Additionally, you must remove your shoes upon entry. About 70% of the population are Buddhists, 15% are Tamils ​​(Hindus), 8% are Christians, and 7% are Muslims. In this country, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, but Buddhism is given a dominant position here.

Attractions

The island of Sri Lanka offers many attractions to suit every taste. Tours here will be of interest to various categories of tourists. "Sri Lanka Resort Triangle" is the most popular excursion program on the island. It includes an introduction to three cities - Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Let's talk about each of them.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the first capital of the Sinhalese state. This city is unique; it was built back in the 2nd century. BC e. In his lifetime he saw 113 kings. The exact date of the founding of Anuradhapura is unknown. According to the astrological tradition of the Indo-Aryans, he was named after Anuradha, a star located in the constellation Scorpio. King Pandukabhaya in 380 BC e. established this city as the capital. To the west of it, the Basavak Kulam reservoir was built to supply water to the population. The city in its heyday occupied an area of ​​about 52 square meters. km, and its population reached several tens of thousands. In the 1st century AD e. aqueducts, bridges and roads, palaces, temples, monasteries, cemeteries and hospitals were built.

For 1.4 thousand years Anuradhapura was the capital. This is a true masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. And in our time, Anuradhapura is the capital of Buddhism. In order to visit it, many tourists come to the island of Sri Lanka every year. The city is located on the Aruvi River. Tourism is developed here, agricultural products are processed, as well as a number of things (wood carving, etc.).

Polonnaruwa

The next city, Polonnaruwa, was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries. This is one of the main cultural and historical centers of the country. The Hindu and Royal Palace ruins remain to this day. The main attraction of the city is Gal Vihara (12th century BC). These are 4 huge Buddha statues carved into granite rock.

Kandy

Kandy is the center of Buddhism and the religious capital of the island. An artificial lake has been created in the center of this city. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) is located on its banks (pictured below).

The city is rich in historical monuments. These include the courtyard and palace of the last king of Kandy. There is also an archaeological museum, near which there is a botanical garden and a university with a picturesque campus. Not far from these historical monuments there are rubber and tea plantations. Kandy is located 116 km from the island's capital, Colombo. It is famous as a center of crafts and arts, as well as bazaars, lapidaries, and a jewelry museum. This location is great for sightseeing and shopping. Nearby you will find views of the legendary mountains with beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Piradeniya

Piradeniya (Royal Botanical Garden) is located 4 km from Kandy. This is one of the largest gardens in Asia. There is a large collection of tropical plants and trees here. The island's gardeners have divided a large hilly area into park areas. These zones contain different types of tropical flora. Another interesting feature of the garden is the more than one hundred species of ornamental orchids growing here.

Dambula

Another local attraction is Dambula. This is a temple built in the 1st century BC. e., called the Sleeping Buddha. It is the largest cave temple in South Asia. Dambula consists of five caves. Not only the temple itself, but also its painting is the largest in South Asia. Dambula has a huge collection of Buddha statues. Moreover, many of them are more than two thousand years old.

Mount Sigiriya

We also recommend visiting the Lion Rock (Mount Sigiriya). This picturesque mountain is located in the center of the island of Sri Lanka and is one of its main attractions. Lion Rock is protected by UNESCO. On this mountain, at an altitude of about 180 meters, a picturesque city was built. It is surrounded by gardens with swimming pools, fountains and unusual staircases, the steps of which are carved between the jaws, throat and paws of a huge lion. One of the attractions of this place is a gallery of frescoes that depict a procession of half-naked palace ladies or princesses who seem to be floating in the air. These frescoes are covered with a special composition of egg white mixed with honey from wild bees. And to this day their bright colors have not faded. Today, unfortunately, only 17 of the 500 frescoes have survived.

Adam's Peak

Another interesting mountain is Adam's Peak. Since ancient times it has been a place of pilgrimage for believers. They climb this mountain in order to touch the sacred footprint located at the top with their lips. Muslims believe that this is where Adam, the first man, first set foot on earth.

Colombo

The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo. There are many temples, cathedrals and mosques located here. The most famous temple is Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. It is an excellent example of Sinhala art and architecture. The frescoes that decorate the walls of the building tell us about the many lives of Buddha. For example, about how he visited the temple, about the legends and myths associated with his name. Other attractions in Colombo include the Temple of St. Anthony and Peter, the Cathedral of St. Lucia, Jamul Alfar (the main mosque of Sri Lanka), as well as the Hindu temples of Old and New Kathiresan and Ganesan.

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka offers tourists many interesting places. The weather, however, may not allow you to explore all the sights of this country. On hot days, many people prefer the beach to exploring the island. However, weather-related inconveniences can be avoided if your choice is Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka). The weather here is rarely too hot for walking. Nuwara Eliya resort is located at an altitude of about 1900 m above sea level. It is located at the foot of Pidurutalagala. This mountain is the highest peak in Sri Lanka. Here you will enjoy a favorable mild climate (temperature averages 15-20 degrees), as well as mountain landscapes, picturesque valleys and meadows. All this makes this place a popular resort. Nuwara Eliya, a land of blessed climate, is also known as “little England”, as it is called on the island of Sri Lanka. Tours here have been in constant demand for many years.

Elephant nursery and Bo tree

The government-owned elephant nursery is located in the town of Pinnawala. It was created to save animals that were harmed by poachers or left without parents. Today it is home to more than 60 elephants.

Sri Lanka is the country where the Bo tree grows, which is considered the tallest in the world. It is already more than two thousand years old. We also recommend visiting the endless tea plantations. This is the pride of Sri Lanka, thanks to which the island has gained worldwide fame. Sri Lankan spices, gems, exotic fruits, and batik are also very popular.

Transport

Please note that in this country, traffic is on the left. Most of the roads are in mountainous areas. Neither pedestrians nor drivers follow traffic rules. In this regard, it is best to rent a car with a driver on the island of Sri Lanka. Prices for this type of service are reasonable - the estimated cost per 1 km is 20 cents. You can also rent a car for personal trips. Your hotel reception can provide you with information about transport in Sri Lanka. Car rental prices start at $20 per day.

National cuisine

The cuisine here, even close to the European version we are used to, is quite spicy. The most popular type of food in hotels is a buffet. Those who don't like spicy food should consult the waiter about what to get. Mineral water, like other drinks, is not included in the price of dinner or lunch in Sri Lanka. This island is especially favorable for vegetarians.

Curried rice is the most common food item in Sri Lanka. Also popular here are seafood dishes (try lobster and sea shrimp), fish, meat, vegetables and poultry.

It is not recommended to abuse local strong drinks. The main one is arak. This is coconut moonshine, which even the local population does not drink a lot, but for variety you can try a little.

On the island you will find inexpensive and excellent tropical fruits: avocados, bananas (more than two hundred varieties), papaya, mangoes, avocados, oranges, coconuts, etc. Pineapples are especially good here.

Tips

Typically, bar, restaurant and hotel bills already include a tip of 12.5%. You can decide for yourself whether to give more. It is customary to tip porters, drivers and guides. As a rule, they are expected from Russian tourists, but not from Germans.

One of the best places to relax is the island of Sri Lanka. The time spent here is never forgotten.

Sri Lanka is a luxurious pearl in the Indian Ocean. This island-state with more than 2000 years of history is considered a treasure trove of the cultural and historical heritage of mankind. In short, Sri Lanka is tea, gems, an eventful history, amazingly picturesque views, a warm ocean and friendly people.

Geographical characteristics

The island of Sri Lanka, whose outline resembles a teardrop, is located in South Asia, 800 km from the equatorial line. It is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Manara and the Bay of Bengal, and the Palk Strait. In ancient times, Sri Lanka was connected to the mainland by the Adam's Bridge shoal, but, as legends tell, in 1481 this shoal was destroyed by an earthquake.

The area of ​​the island is 65,610 km², it stretches for 225 km in a west-east direction, and 445 km in a north-south direction.

The terrain in Sri Lanka is mostly lowland, with a mountain range in the center. The highest mountain is Pidurutalagala (2524 m), but the majestic Sri Pada, also called Adam's Peak (2243 m), is more famous. There are 2 capes on the island: from the south - Dondra, from the west - Dutch Bay.

Sri Lanka is inhabited by 21 million people. It so happens that the predominant nationalities are the Sinhalese and Tamils; burghers, Moors and Veddas (indigenous population) also live. This situation has affected the language issue of the state: the national languages ​​are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is also often spoken.

History of the island

In the written chronicle "Mahavamsa", which from the 6th century. until 1815 was led by Buddhist monks, a detailed history of the island state is outlined.

Initially, these lands were inhabited by the ancestors of the Veddas, who belonged to the Australoid-Negroid race. As indicated in the chronicle, in 504 BC. The island lands were conquered by the Indian prince Vijaya. His followers ruled Sri Lanka throughout the 6th–5th centuries. BC, and then many immigrants from India settled on its territory. Vijaya gave the island the same name as his clan - “Sinhaladvipa”. In the 18th century, under the British, this name was reborn as “Silon” (“Ceylon”).

From the end of the 3rd century. until the 13th century the island belonged to the Sinhalese kingdoms, and by the end of the 13th century. its lands to the north and east were inhabited by large communities of Tamils. In the 15th century, the island was captured by troops from China, after which small states were formed on its territory.

In the 16th century The coastal island areas were occupied by immigrants from Portugal, who built a fortress in Colombo. The influence of the Portuguese colonialists grew and intensified, and by the end of the 16th century. they controlled the main part of the island.

In the 17th century The Portuguese were replaced by colonialists from Holland: in 1638-1639 they managed to conquer the island lands almost entirely. Until 1796, the entire territory was under their control.

In 1796, almost the entire island passed to Great Britain, and in 1798 it became its colonial territory. The kingdom of Kandy remained independent, but in 1815 it was included in the colonial lands.

Only in 1948 did Sri Lanka emerge from British rule, but remained a Dominion in the United Kingdom of England and acquired the name “Ceylon”.

Since the island ceased to be a colony of Great Britain, its recent history can be roughly divided into the following periods:

• 1948-1972 – Dominion of Ceylon. Autonomy in the Commonwealth of Nations under the leadership of the English ruler, nationalist reforms. The formation of preconditions for the beginning of interethnic discord, anti-Tamil pogroms, the eviction of Tamils ​​to India, the 1971 uprising.
• 1972-1978 - independent Republic. Closure of British military bases, nationalization of tea production.
• 1978-1983 – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Increasing ethnic strife. Internal war in the state against the backdrop of the fight against the LTTE insurgents demanding autonomy and secession.
• 2009-2017 – recovery period. Implementation of the restoration program with the full support of other states. Peaceful change of power in 2015: former Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena won early presidential elections. Fruitful cooperation with international partners, economic growth.

Climatic conditions

The island is located in the tropical zone, therefore, the climate here is tropical - warm and with high humidity.

The air temperature is even, the difference between the warmest and coldest months is 2-3°C. The average annual temperature on the island ranges from +27°C to +32°C, with the exception of mountainous areas where temperatures up to +10°C can be observed at night from December to March.

In May - September, the coasts in the west and south are in the rainy season - they are brought by the monsoon from the southwest. From October to January the rains prevail on the northern coast, but there they are caused by the monsoon from the northeast. The rainy season is characterized by powerful and short showers (they last on average 10-15 minutes, and at night), as well as powerful winds that raise high ocean waves.

Thanks to weather conditions, you can relax on the beaches of Sri Lanka all year round, just in different areas:

• in winter (October - April) - in the southwest;
• in summer (March - November) - in the northeast.

As for the Indian Ocean, its waters have a temperature that ranges from +27...+29°C.

Regions and cities

The Republic of Sri Lanka consists of 9 provinces, they contain 25 districts. The official capital is considered to be Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, where the parliament and the state judicial service are located. The government administration and presidential residence are located in the nearby city of Colombo, which has been recognized as the unofficial capital.

The following cities may be of greatest interest to travelers:

Colombo. In its northern part there is the Fort tourist center - almost all hotels, shops, and restaurants are located there.

Anuradhapura is a town in the North Central Province. It is famous for its temple and monastery buildings that have survived from ancient times.

Kandy is the ancient capital of the island state, located in the Central Province. Every year in Kandy, the Esala Peraher festival takes place, when a religious relic - the tooth of Buddha - is brought out to display.

There are many good resorts on the island. But the main question for most tourists remains: “Which resort to prefer?” So:

Bentota is popular among young families, adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. A variety of services that tourists can use are designed to suit any budget. Read .

Beruwela is suitable for vacationers who come to Sri Lanka primarily for the beaches. At the same time, there are hotels both for budget tourists and for luxury holidays.

Wadduwa is famous for its sandy beaches, lined with coconut trees. The tourist infrastructure here is not very developed: there are several hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes, and a diving center operates. will appeal to those who like to immerse themselves in the culture of the country of travel.

Koggala is located at a relative distance from the civilized world, which makes it attractive to travelers dreaming of a relaxing holiday. All infrastructure is present, there are even tennis courts and golf courses. Read .

Mount Lavinia is a fairly large center of trade, industry and economy. It is popular due to its extensive and well-maintained beaches.

Nuwara Eliya has the reputation of being one of the few cool oases in the hot country of South Asia with Victoria Park, Lake Gregory, a golf complex, and a racetrack. But first of all, produced in the area.

Hikkaduwa is a diving Mecca, famous for its coral reefs and numerous inhabitants of the underwater world. In addition, the tourism infrastructure is most developed here.

Tangalle is interesting for its numerous secluded bays, wide deserted beaches, and places for snorkeling. The Tangalle resort is described in more detail.

Dambulla. On this mountain (its height is 350 m) there are several cave temples, where the most extensive selection of Buddha statues is presented. Built back in the 1st century BC. - an important religious site for numerous pilgrims and an interesting site for tourists.

Anuradhapura. This city on the banks of the Aruvi River was the capital in ancient times. The “Old City” is an archaeological zone, a couple of ancient temples, bell-shaped stupas (III-I centuries BC), and an archaeological museum.

Polonnaruwa. This city-museum was once the capital, and since 1982 it has been protected by UNESCO. In this city, tourists are most attracted by the Stone Temple and 4 Buddha statues, carved from a single granite block.

Fort Galle. The fortress, which is still in good condition, was built by the Dutch. They recaptured the bastion from the Portuguese in 1640, and the credit for the foundation belongs to them.

When it comes to entertainment, there is plenty to choose from on this island. The entertainment complexes operating at most resorts offer boat rides, banana boat rides, ski rides, and parasailing.

Helicopter flights to many attractions are organized from Ratmalana Airport, and hot air balloon flights are conducted in Udawalawe Park and Mount Sigiriya.

There are many golf clubs on the island with well-equipped courses.

Nightclubs and discos open after 22.00 and remain open until the morning. There are almost 2 dozen casinos in Colombo, almost all of them operate 24 hours a day. The most famous is the Colombo-3 CONTINENTAL CLUB.

Sri Lankan cuisine

The basis of Sri Lankan cuisine is a variety of fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, and rice. They eat very little meat here, giving preference to pork and chicken, and they don’t eat beef at all, since cows are considered sacred animals.

Like most eastern countries, food in Sri Lanka is very spicy. Curry is the name here for any dish prepared with a mixture of various spices ground into powder. The locals' excessive love for spices, especially chilli, makes all the local food fiery hot.

Coconut oil, juice, milk, shavings from the pulp of this nut, and palm nectar are added to many Sri Lankan dishes.

Food on the island is cheap: typically, lunch will cost around $2-4. In the most expensive establishments aimed at tourists, you will have to pay about $10.

Sri Lanka: the most important things about the currency

The currency of Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan rupees (LKR and Rs). There are notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000, and coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees.

You are allowed to bring any amount of currency into Sri Lanka, but amounts exceeding $15,000 must be declared. When importing more than $5,000, the currency must also be declared if you plan to take it back.

It is equally convenient to take dollars and euros to Sri Lanka - there are absolutely no problems with exchange.

Where to change currency

The exchange can be carried out at bank branches, exchange offices, hotels, jewelry retail outlets - in big cities this does not arise any difficulties. In areas where tourists rarely visit, exchanging money may be difficult and should be considered before traveling to such areas.

Although “private traders” offer to exchange at a rate that compares favorably with the bank rate, it is still better to carry out such transactions in official institutions. It should be taken into account that even at exchange offices located very close by, the exchange rate can vary greatly. Therefore, it makes sense to go through several exchangers to choose the one that offers the most favorable conditions.

You can make a reverse exchange, that is, exchange the remaining rupees in exchange for dollars at the purchase rate, before departure at the airport, but only if you have a certificate of the exchange completed (official exchange offices provide it when performing a currency transaction).

What you need to know about plastic cards

Plastic cards are quite common on the island; in big cities you can use them to pay in many hotels and shops. There are ATMs in all tourist areas, and even in most remote areas.

It should be taken into account that some banks classify Sri Lanka as a high-risk country when performing transactions with plastic cards.

If you do not inform your bank in advance that the plastic card will be used in Sri Lanka, there is a high probability that it will be blocked during the first use.

Transport on the island

If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka on your own, without the help of a tour operator, then you need to take care of the most convenient travel option.

Sri Lanka's railway system serves the main cities of the island, with the exception of cities in the north and east of the country.

The maximum fare from Colombo to any station is 300 rupees. The trains are very comfortable, and passengers can choose a carriage with any degree of comfort at their discretion.

Many routes, especially in the part where the railways pass through mountainous terrain, are very picturesque. Tourists who want to admire the local views can use special carriages with large windows.

Aircraft

The airline Aero Lanka operates flights from Colombo to the following destinations: Jaffna - in the far north of the country.

Buses

Buses on the island are inconvenient, but they are very cheap: for just a couple of dollars you can travel across the entire island. Tickets for AC class buses will cost 2 times more, but this transport is much more comfortable: air conditioning is installed and seats will be provided. There are city and private bus routes in large cities, and travel for them will cost approximately the same.

Car rental

In Sri Lanka, it is rare to rent a car, which is explained by left-hand traffic and poor compliance by drivers and pedestrians. Still, you can rent a car in Colombo:

• With a driver– in this case, the driver’s services are paid. Some drivers are licensed by the state to engage in this type of activity. Many of them speak several languages ​​and have a wide knowledge of the island.
• Without driver– the average cost is 2400 rupees per day, which includes a mileage of 80 kilometers. All additional kilometers will cost 8 rupees each. A driver must be at least 21 years old to rent a car.

It is convenient to travel by taxi in Colombo and the suburban area. If payment is made by meter, then for landing and the 1st kilometer of the journey you need to pay 28-30 rupees, for each subsequent kilometer - 24-26 rupees. If the taxi does not have a meter, then you need to agree on the price before the start of the trip.

More popular for traveling around the city is the tuk-tuk - a small scooter on three wheels with a cabin. Average payment for a trip: for 1 km - 15-20 rupees.

How to get a visa to Sri Lanka

Since 2012, the Sri Lankan government has introduced new rules for foreigners visiting the state. Foreign citizens, including citizens of CIS countries, receive a visa under the same conditions.

For a short-term (up to 30 days) stay in Sri Lanka, as well as for transit travel, you need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa.

Means of communication

Almost all hotels have a telephone connection, but the cost of calls from the room will be high.

The two most popular mobile operators are Dialog and Mobitel, with Etisalat, HUTCH and Airtel having a much smaller market share. The first 3 listed operators offer “tourist communication packages”, which include different amounts of minutes for international and domestic calls, as well as limited Internet traffic. You can purchase Dialog and Mobitel SIM cards without leaving Colombo airport.

Wi-Fi is available in all large resorts. Hotel business centers sell cards of varying prices. Communication via a USB modem is also possible and is available in almost all parts of Sri Lanka.

If you ask an inexperienced person: “What do you associate Sri Lanka with?”, the answer will probably be only bewildered silence. If we add that the island was previously called Ceylon, then local tea will be named.

But not everyone knows that this tropical island is real paradise with a wonderful tropical climate, golden beaches, clear ocean water and exotic nature.

Resorts of Sri Lanka on the map

Since it is an island, almost all resorts are located here on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Cities in the center of the country are interesting primarily for their cultural and historical heritage.

Where are the most popular ones?

The most popular resort places among tourists are located on the west coast islands in close proximity to the two main cities of Sri Lanka: the official capital with the unpronounceable name of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and the actual capital Colombo. The reason for this is its proximity to Bandaranaike International Airport, which receives international flights.

The main resorts in this direction, and throughout Sri Lanka, are Hikkaduwa and Bentona.

In addition, of interest:

1. Negombo;
2. Beruwella;
3. Ambalangoda.

South of the island

The southern part of the island is continuous tourist area, in which numerous resorts are located. As in the metropolitan region on the west coast, the holiday season here lasts from to, and in the summer the rainy season begins, during which the ocean is very stormy.

The tourism infrastructure in this area is less developed than in the west. At the same time, the southern coast of Sri Lanka is the best place for a budget holiday and surf lovers. The main resorts in the south are:

• Tangalle;
• Dickwella;
• Weligama;
• Khabaraduwa;
• Mirissa.

Read also in what souvenirs you can bring from Sri Lanka as a gift.

East Coast

The East Coast cannot boast of such a large number and variety of resorts. But it has one big advantage. Despite the modest size of the island, the southwestern and northeastern coasts are located in different climatic zones. And if in the south and west the high season lasts from October to May, then in the northeast the opposite is true. From May to October comes dry season, most suitable for swimming and beach holidays. There are two important resort towns here:

1. Trincomalee;
2. Batticaloa.

Best resorts

It is difficult to say unequivocally which resort in Sri Lanka is the best. But it’s quite possible to try to visit several of them in one trip, especially since the short distances allow this. An independent tourist can move around both using roads and trains- railways are laid through all resorts in the southwestern direction.

You can fly to the northeast using local airlines, especially since ticket prices are not bad at all.

Description of cities

Based on a combination of factors, the following cities can be distinguished among the numerous resorts in Sri Lanka:

• Hikkaduwa is located 100 kilometers south of Colombo. The most popular resort in Sri Lanka offers hotels for every taste and budget, clean beaches and interesting leisure activities. The tourism infrastructure is quite developed. The city beach is famous for the sea turtles that come to it, which you can feed from your hands. The local coral reef and sunken ships are of great interest to divers;
• Bentota- the second most popular resort on the island. Located 65 kilometers from Colombo. It has a reputation as the most romantic resort in Sri Lanka - the city is often visited by newlyweds during their honeymoon;
• Unawatuna attracts with low prices and proximity to the large city of Galle, which can be visited for sightseeing. Unawatuna is the best place for swimming in Sri Lanka;
• Mirissa- a very quiet place with empty bounty style beaches. This is a small, purely tourist town with practically no local residents. The tourist infrastructure is rather poorly developed. One of the resort's attractions is a boat trip to blue whales;
• Tangalle- another calm resort without crowds of tourists. The ocean here is quite stormy, but the beaches are very beautiful and deserted. You can walk along them for several kilometers and not meet a single vacationer;
• Trincomalee on the northeast coast attracts with a drier climate, calm ocean, quiet beaches and an interesting symbiosis of cultures.

Trincomalee combines Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions, which have left their mark on the local architecture.

Which to choose?

All resorts in Sri Lanka offer approximately similar natural conditions. All beaches in the country are sandy, and the ocean is approximately the same along the entire coast. True, the farther from the capital, the cleaner the water. So the choice of resort depends on other factors.

If you are going on holiday to Sri Lanka in summer- then welcome to Trincomalee or Batticaloa. in winter the southwest direction is preferable. Those looking for a quiet, secluded holiday will find Tangalle, where there are not many tourists. Divers will prefer Hikkaduwa, which is considered the unofficial diving capital of the island, while Weligama or Mirissa are best for surfing.

Youth resorts

Sri Lanka is hard to name "party" place. Most tourists come here for the peace and tranquility generously provided by local resorts. For lovers of nightlife, the following cities will be of interest:

1. Hikkaduwa, perhaps the most youthful resort in Sri Lanka. In addition to numerous active entertainments such as diving and surfing, there is also nightlife in the form of discos, which is so unusual for Sri Lanka;
2. Unawatuna- a small town on the south coast, popular among young people due to its low prices. Nightlife, unlike most Sri Lankan resorts, is also present here;
3. Arugam Bay or Pottuvil- excellent resorts for surf lovers.

Where to go with children?

Resorts in Sri Lanka are quiet, peaceful places and absolutely safe in terms of crime. You just need to take into account that for children, swimming in the open ocean is more dangerous than in the sea.

For children, pools at local hotels are preferable, although there are several places in Sri Lanka with calm waters.

Jungle Beach And city ​​beach in Unawatuna are located on the edge of the bay and due to this there are no strong waves in the ocean here.

IN Batticola on the east coast the ocean is calmer and the beaches are in coves.
If you don’t plan to bathe your children, then almost any resort will do.

When visiting Sri Lanka there are some secrets and little tricks. There is nothing difficult in their implementation, so it is recommended to perform them.

• In summer we go to the northeast, in winter we go to the southwest. Well, or vice versa, if you want save money on your vacation.
• Visit cultural attractions. Sri Lanka is not only about golden beaches and the ocean, but also an ancient country with a rich culture. An excursion to the former capital of Ceylon Kandy, a walk through the old city of Colombo or a trip to Sigiriya to the palace of King Kasyapa will pleasantly diversify your holiday.
• Thoroughly wash any fruit And drink only purchased water. Sri Lanka is a tropical country with hot temperatures; any infection can ruin your vacation for a long time.

Very often, lovers fly to Sri Lanka to hold a mysterious wedding ceremony on the ocean shore. Read how much a wedding abroad costs.

• Try local cuisine, which will especially appeal to vegetarians and sweet tooths. It is advisable to taste culinary delights in establishments aimed at local residents. But be careful - the food can be very spicy!
• As in any other developing countries, the tourist must master the art of bargaining, which is especially useful when visiting markets and private shops. Often there are simply no price tags on goods in such places.
• Should be careful while relaxing under coconut trees. A falling nut weighing 2-3 kilograms is a fairly common cause of accidents.

Many tourists ask where the island of Sri Lanka is located on the map, in which country. We explain that the island-country is located in the Indian Ocean, southeast of India. The island is separated from it by a strait 50 kilometers wide.

In recent years, holidays on the island have become popular. This is truly exotic for residents of northern latitudes, who have never seen much sun in their lives, and many have never been to the ocean. Therefore, the island seems to us like a lost dream.

Since the opportunity to fly back and forth has arisen, how not to take advantage. Tourists come to soak up the sun, buy strange souvenirs, and breathe in ocean air rather than sea air. They are attracted by the opportunity to see whales. The island is favorably located, local residents took advantage of this advantage and began exporting coconuts, spices, and Ceylon tea to the mainland.

Country on an island

The city-country is home to 21 million people, a significant portion of which are employed in the tourism business. To finally understand where the island is, remember your school geography course and find the island of Ceylon on the map. This is the English name for the island of Sri Lanka.

The capital is Colombo, where 700 thousand people live. The area of ​​the island is comparable to the islands of Ireland and Tasmania. The coastline stretches for almost 1300 km. Abundance of beaches overlooking the ocean. The nature of the island is remembered by tourists for a long time as unique. Imagine that after a certain number of hours you will be transported from some Kostroma to the tropics. Don’t the plateaus there and the lush woody vegetation in which the island is buried seem miraculous?

History has left its mark on him. Until the mid-19th century, it was a colony of European countries, which inevitably affected its development. The first states on the island appeared in the fifth century BC, so it has a rich history. Since the 16th century it was colonized by England, Portugal and Holland.

These predatory countries have spread their influence wherever they go, continuing to hold the whole world in their hands and decide its destinies. The modern state in Sri Lanka is called the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, which is headed by a president.

The main distinctive features that attract tourists are the combination of tea plantations - the main souvenir of tourists, rice fields, quaint hills, Buddhist temples, warm sea, precious and semi-precious stones, unusual flora and fauna, spice plantations and idyllic beaches.

Local population

The cultural center of the island is the city of Colombo. There are two main nations living here - the Sinhalese and the Tamils. Therefore, the country has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil. And in coastal areas, people understand English, which is necessary to communicate with tourists. I wonder if anyone understands Russian or other Slavic languages?

The colonial past is reflected in the living descendants of the Portuguese and Spanish colonizers. But they make up no more than 15% of the population. I wonder how the indigenous population feels about them? Doesn’t he take revenge for the past, doesn’t he consider them outcasts? Or maybe, on the contrary, they retained their leading positions in management and business. And they continue to live happily and exploit the local population. In general, all this is interesting, and for real tourists it is an unexplored niche that they will definitely want to explore.

Sri Lanka is a developing country with the majority of its population engaged in agriculture. They cultivate tea plantations, fish, extract rubber, collect precious stones, collect coconuts, grow spices, mine precious metals and develop the textile industry.

In recent years, the tourism sector has been developing rapidly. More and more people want to fly here from different parts of the world. And residents of the northern hemisphere strive to spend six months at a time, leaving winter for warm summers on the ocean shore. What may seem interesting is that all four world religions are recognized and practiced here: Islam, Islam, Buddhism and Christianity.

Relax and enjoy!

The island has a favorable atmosphere for relaxation! Unlike the northern latitudes, the climate is exactly the opposite. In our summer it is stormy, but the rest of the year you can easily enjoy the light breeze.

The humidity here is truly high, and overly susceptible travelers and people with chronic illnesses will need acclimatization. If you study the climatic features of the coast well, you can stay where it is most favorable.

For example, the coast washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal resembles the sea. Lazy waves slowly run onto the sand and run back into the sea. If you want to watch the ever-roaring surf, you can go to the ocean coast, which occupies almost the entire rest of the island.

Gifts and souvenirs

Many tourists wonder what is best to bring from Sri Lanka. Of course, this is not an idle question for those who have climbed to the ends of the earth. Ceylon is famous for its excellent tea, plantations of which are everywhere. But it is impossible to try all growing varieties. Tourists are also attracted by products made of precious and semi-precious stones.

It's worth thinking carefully about gold and silver. These metals are exported; no one can vouch for the quality of the metal. Here you can buy real spices and even see how they grow. These, of course, are not tea plantations, but the vegetation is quite unusual for the usual latitudes.

The stores sell countless amounts of jewelry for every taste and budget. The main thing is to be able to choose them. Among the traditional local goods for which the island is famous is Indian cotton. It is particularly soft, as are products made from it. Therefore, Indian cotton is valued an order of magnitude higher than any other, feel free to buy it and take it home - you won’t go wrong, everyone will be happy.

In addition, tourists in any country are attracted by national dishes and exotic fruits, which can be purchased everywhere, both fresh and dried. Stock up on natural essential oils for memories and for gifts and souvenirs, which are specially produced for tourists and thus are distributed throughout the world. However, be careful with the seeds. It is strictly prohibited to import seeds and plants into Russia that have not passed phytosanitary control.

Where to stay?

The World Wide Web has a fairly colorful and detailed description of each of the famous resorts in Sri Lanka. Here, as they say, there is something for every taste and budget. The cultural capital of Colombo is also famous for its popularity and is presented to tourists as a city of contrasts. Here, along with fashionable buildings, shacks of the poor live. Eternal idleness and eternal hunger coexist side by side.

This can be observed in any large eastern city. That's how life works. In the south of the island stretches the beautiful Mirissa beach. This is a sandy beach, a secluded place, suitable for a romantic getaway. There are no usual and noisy tourist attractions here. That's why he's good. It was chosen by beginner surfers riding the waves. And having learned, they move to more lush places between the rocks.

What to eat?

As for national cuisine, you will definitely try it, but it is better to do it in small restaurants that are visited by locals. In hotels, tourists are served quite European dishes and Europeanized national dishes, not as spicy as they are used to here.

Curry is considered a spice of all times. Locals prefer vegetarian food, the main ingredient of which is rice. The local cuisine has Indian national roots and is therefore similar to the national dishes of India.

wild nature

The flora and fauna on the island will amaze you as much as anything else. Here you can find relict animals that are no longer found anywhere else on the globe. The same applies to equatorial forests on mountain slopes. They contain such rare species of trees that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Naturally, these animals, plants and birds are very few in number and are on the verge of extinction. The tourism business for them is a kind of stress and an additional threat to life.

Fraudsters are everywhere

A separate warning to tourists is to beware of scammers. They lie in wait everywhere, in cafes, restaurants, transport; traders at the bazaar will first of all charge you a price for an item that you do not give. You can always bargain, especially since this is encouraged in the country.

It’s the same with drivers, they will never name the real cost of the trip, and after looking at the tourist, they will definitely try to charge him more. There is nothing personal about this - just business.

Let's go to Sri Lanka!

So, you have decided to visit Sri Lanka. You can buy a two-week tour for two, or go on a trip on your own. It is worth taking care of an electronic visa, air tickets, and medical insurance necessary for tourists traveling abroad. Book a hotel, order a transfer, provide guides, or plan your own route for future excursions. Or maybe you just like to lie on the beach most of the time and wander around the area or sightsee in the evening.

Many people wonder whether family holidays are possible in Sri Lanka? It is possible, but you need to take into account that children find it difficult to endure such long flights. And most importantly, a long acclimatization awaits them on the island, which is unpleasant. Sri Lanka is a kingdom of the tropics, a riot of colors and vegetation. Among the animals that can attract tourists are monkeys, Asian elephants, and palm squirrels.

Climate zones

Since the island is long, natural areas replace each other. Mountains occupy a significant part of the island and rise to a height of up to 2500 meters. The famous tea plantations are located here. But there are also local attractions that tourists consider it a duty to visit. For example, the giant Bambarakanda waterfall.

The second climatic zone on the island is the tropical regions. And the third, most noteworthy for tourists, is the coastal zone with beautiful equipped beaches. This island does not know snow, it does not even fall in the mountains, where the temperature drops to a maximum of 12 degrees Celsius. And with appropriate humidity, this invigorating effect is pleasant and easily tolerated.

The island where dreams come true

The island of Sri Lanka on the map and in life is an exotic place. Arriving there, you find yourself in a kind of paradise, with outlandish coconut palms, smelling of the sea breeze and leaving vivid memories of your vacation on this wonderful island.

Those who like to travel thoroughly can prepare in advance and see the island on a world map in Russian or an interactive map on the Internet with the names of various objects of the island in Russian. It is small in size, you can travel far and wide and learn everything about the life of the local natives, who willingly find a common language with tourists.

How much does a vacation cost?

It is estimated that a flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka will cost less than, say, from St. Petersburg. From other cities it is more expensive, the airlines have their own problems, which a mere mortal is not destined to understand. Prices for tours are not constant and change throughout the year. It is possible to track and buy a trip for two for quite reasonable money.

How long is the flight?

Question: how long does it take to fly? It is known that Aeroflot arrives in 8 hours 35 minutes. In which plane to do this is up to you

Why do you need Sri Lanka?

In general, a holiday in Sri Lanka is recommended for those who are tired of the standard Turkey and Egypt, who want real exoticism, to see live Indian elephants, not just alive, but living in nature, in the wild, or serving as pets to local residents. Isn’t this real exoticism, worthy of diversifying the leisure time of a successful person who can afford to get to know his native planet closely, love it more and take care of it?