Where is Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka: Ceylon tea and a lot of pleasure Location and parameters of the island

I have been and continue to visit the countries of South Asia very often, although most often for work, but I come back to the most interesting places again, this time for the sake of relaxation. In order to get impressions not on the run, but wisely and carefully. This time, I visited Sri Lanka or, as it is also called, the island of Ceylon.

How to get to the island of Ceylon

I bought tickets, which from Moscow cost about 20,000 rubles. A few hours of flight and I’m there. The airport on the island is located in the town of Bandaranaike. From here you need to get to Colombo, which is thirty-five kilometers away. Transport links in Sri Lanka are quite well developed, so you can safely choose a bus, a local train, or a taxi.

I decided not to take risks with bus routes, so I took a taxi, which cost only 300 rupees. While still in Moscow, I booked a room in one of the hotels located on Negombo beach.

The trip took no more than twenty minutes, but this is not surprising, the distance is short. I really liked the guest house, and from its windows you can clearly see the sea and even have your own piece of the beach. It is very comfortable. By the way, there are not many tourists here, so no one disturbed my peace. The price of the house was quite affordable - approximately 3,000 rubles per night.

A little about the history of Ceylon

The capital of the island is Sri Jayawardanapura, although there is also an unofficial one - this is Colombo, recognized by the international community. For many years the island was attacked by various conquerors. There were Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and even British here.

Due to the fact that in Ceylon the leadership changed with enviable regularity, there is a huge mixture of architectural styles here. At the moment, many modern high-rise buildings and houses have been built here.

Climate

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You can relax on the island all year round, thanks to the subequatorial climate. The average air temperature remains at 26 degrees. Ceylon is always warm, but very humid. True, tsunamis occur here in the summer, so a winter holiday would be safer. By the way, there is no rain here during the winter months.

Transport

Transport links here are quite well developed. You can get to any point on the island equally comfortably by bus, taxi, or even by rail.

True, the fastest way is to travel by Tuk-Tuk. These are such funny things that vaguely resemble a three-wheeled motorcycle. Behind the driver there is a passenger booth. The drivers of these cars drive their vehicles so professionally that they are able to bypass almost any traffic jam or congestion on the road.

National food of Sri Lanka

Local food is very different from all European dishes. The fact is that spices and seasonings predominate here. The locals' favorite is curry. By the way, they eat very little meat on the island, preferring vegetables and fruits.

Local chefs are excellent at preparing seafood delicacies, so it is better to choose fish and seafood.

I can give advice right away. Under no circumstances try to eat in roadside cafes or shops. Very high risk of food poisoning. I didn’t go to just one cafe, I went around a dozen establishments. And she made disappointing conclusions.

But, in addition to local restaurants, there are also European ones. So there is plenty to choose from.

Sights of Ceylon

There are a lot of religious sites on the island. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is considered one of the most important.

True, it was completed not so long ago - in the first half of the twentieth century, but the first mentions of it date back to the third century BC. I was especially impressed by the colorful frescoes on the walls. This temple is a true example of Sinhala architecture.

The Sri Ponnambala Vaneswaram Temple is curious because a harvest festival is held on its premises every year. Its walls are made of light gray granite. The surprising thing is that there is no riot of colors here, as is usually the case in local temples.

I also visited the Dutch Museum. There are many exhibits on display here dedicated to the times of the Dutch rule over Sri Lanka. There are coins, weapons, and household items here. Previously, this building housed an institute and a post office. Entry costs 500 rupees. To be honest, not a particularly interesting place. A museum is like a museum. I have seen exhibitions much more interesting than this one.

You can visit the Yami Ul Alfar Mosque for free, which is attractive with its red and white colors.

I didn’t go inside, I just took a few photos.

Sri Bala Selva Vinayagar Murti is a temple dedicated to the famous Hindu gods Shiva and Ganesha. By the way, the most beloved god among Hindus is Ganesha with the head of an elephant. He is believed to be the god of all that is good in the world. And that it was he who accomplished all the wonders of the world.

Island of Ceylon. Tea plantations

It was the tea plantations that glorified the island of Ceylon for many years. Many people probably remember that same tea in a yellow packet with an elephant drawn on it. This tea was brought exactly from this island. The quality of the tea is excellent. Ceylon offers excellent excursions to tea plantations.

Here you can see how tea grows and how it is harvested. There is also a factory for sorting and packaging tea leaves. There is also a restaurant on site where you can taste all types of tea growing on the island. There are so many of these types that I couldn’t try them all, I was afraid of bursting))). You can also buy aromatic tea here as a souvenir for your family. I picked up ten packs, probably out of greed.

Seafood market

It is better to come here very early, preferably around 6 am. Just at this time, fishermen return with a fresh catch. There is absolutely everything your little one wants: crabs, lobsters, shrimp, lobsters and much more. They also cook fish here.

Amazing smells emanate from everywhere. By the way, women cook here and adequate conditions have been created for cooking. I wasn't afraid to eat. The shrimp and mussels were absolutely delicious. And prices are significantly lower than in city restaurants.

Beach holiday

The cleanest and most well-groomed beaches of the coast are located along Lewis Place. This is where expensive hotels are located that monitor the cleanliness of the area. There are also a large number of restaurants and cafes for tourists. There are even a couple of shopping centers. So, while on the island, be sure to take a walk along this street.

There is also Negombo beach on the island, but it’s better not to go here. He is somehow unkempt and uncomfortable. Although there are tourists who relax here like savages. The beach may not be particularly clean, but the water is crystal clear.

How to entertain yourself in Ceylon

There are a lot of entertainments for tourists here, albeit related to water. Diving is considered the most popular. Diving can be done in Hikkaduwa Bay or Trincomalee Bay. Equipment can be rented for a nominal fee.

My favorite thing was swimming with the sea turtles.

To do this, you need to go to the South Coast, since this is where the most of them are found. Probably the locals feed them. If there are no turtles nearby, you can rent a boat and go further from the shore. The guides know almost all the places where their flocks can be found.

You can go surfing at Hikkaduwa Beach. This is where huge waves arise, the height of which reaches four meters. On the beach itself there are themed clubs for surfers. Personally, I don’t like standing on the board, or rather, I can’t. And constantly falling and catching the board makes me very nervous.

Shopping in Ceylon

Many tourists, coming to the island of Ceylon, prefer to buy pearls and precious stones such as rubies, sapphires and topazes. The extraction of these jewels is well established here. Even tourists are allowed to participate in the mining. True, for a fee. True, you need to purchase pebbles only in large stores, this way you can protect yourself from counterfeiting.

Conclusion

I was on the island for only 5 days, but I had enough time to enjoy the local beauty and attractions. I think that I will not visit the island of Ceylon again very soon. It is beautiful and interesting, but personally I prefer places where the infrastructure is more developed.

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia, better known as Ceylon, located off the southeastern coast of the Hindustan Peninsula. The capital is the city of Colombo.

Location and parameters of the island

Perhaps not every person knows where Sri Lanka is located on the world map. The country is located in the Indian Ocean on the island of Ceylon with coordinates: 79 degrees east longitude and 6 degrees north latitude. Discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1506.

Like some other South Asian states, the country was a colony. The island was owned by Portugal, Holland and England. The state gained its independence in 1948 under the name Ceylon, and in 1972 the country became known as Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is separated from the Asian continent by the Gulf of Manara, about 50 kilometers wide.

The island has the following parameters:

area is 65,600 square kilometers;
length from south to north 445 kilometers;
length from east to west 220 kilometers;
The length of the coastline is 1350 kilometers.

The northernmost point of Sri Lanka is Cape Pedro, the southernmost is the lighthouse in the village of Dondra.

In ancient times, the island of Ceylon was connected to Hindustan by a land bridge, but at the end of the 15th century, as a result of an earthquake, it lost land connections with the Asian mainland. The island itself, shaped like an egg, was called a pearl, a tear, “Sapphire Island.”

Flora and fauna

The island of Sri Lanka has a diverse flora and fauna. More than 250 species of birds are permanent inhabitants of the island, about 200 species of birds are migratory from Europe, Siberia, and Scandinavian countries, wintering here. In spring, about 250 species of butterflies migrate here.

The fauna of Ceylon is also diverse, representatives of which are:

buffalos;
wild boars;
deer;
jackals;
the Bears;
foxes;
porcupines;
elephants;
monkey.

More than 70 species of reptiles thrive on the island, including crocodiles, snakes, and turtles.

Diverse world and flora in Sri Lanka. More than 3,000 species of all kinds of plants grow here, including ferns, orchids, and medicinal herbs.

The island contains nature reserves, national parks and reservations that preserve unique nature.

A country's economy

Sri Lanka is a multinational country. The population reaches 20 million people. The main nationalities living on the island are Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burgers. All of them create the country's economy with their labor.

The island of Ceylon, where Sri Lanka is located, accounts for 10% of all tea produced in the world. The country ranks third in the world in this indicator after India and China. The production of precious stones, cinnamon, and rubber is also very developed here. And although the main industrial sector of the island is textiles, due to the abolition of quotas on clothing imports, local products have been replaced by Chinese ones.

The main economic center is the port of Colombo.

Sri Lanka's main export products are:

cloth;
precious stones: sapphires, emeralds, rubies;
rubber;
coconuts;
fish;
textile.

The country imports food, oil, transport, and industrial equipment.

Leisure and tourism

Recreation and tourism play an increasingly important role in the country's economy. The whole world knows the place where Sri Lanka is located, because the island is known as a seaside resort recreation center. There are also religious and historical Buddhist monuments here. Vacationers can visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the ancient capital of Sri Lanka - the city of Kandy.

Where Sri Lanka is located, there is no bustle or city noise. There is only nature and the sea here. The main entertainments for vacationers are:

underwater diving;
picnic in nature;
fishing;
cricket.

Resorts Sri Lanka

People planning to spend their current holiday on the island of Sri Lanka should know the positive aspects of choosing resorts in the country. These include:

convenient and acceptable location of resorts to the airport;
exotic nature;
compact location of resorts along the coastline, making it possible to visit them by public transport;
climatic favorability.

The list of resorts in Sri Lanka is quite large. We list those that are most in demand among tourists:

Beruwela;
Mount Lavinya;
Tangale;
Kalutara;
Bentota;
Hikaduwa;
Kosgoda;
Mirissa;
Unawantuna;
Hambantota;
Dikwela.

Resorts Sri Lanka. How to get there? Each of the above island resorts can be reached from the airport by regular public transport in two to three hours. When choosing, be sure to take into account: the presence of underwater currents and wave heights. Where Sri Lanka is located is the subequatorial monsoon, which brings the heaviest rain from May to October. Therefore, it is important to decide on a temporary rest period. It is also recommended to have both a map of the country of Sri Lanka itself and a tourist map of the island, which shows the main attractions.

Sri Lanka is a kaleidoscope country. Otherwise, I cannot name all the magnificent opportunities that it provides to tourists and travelers of any age, gender and religion.

Preparing each trip to this seemingly small island turns for me into a new and new combination of elements of a large construction set: endless sandy beaches, history and culture of antiquity, extreme sports, romance of the ocean, travel to emerald mountain peaks and much more.

There is so much to see on the island that, as a rule, the trip is not limited to one destination. A ring is the ideal form of a route in Sri Lanka. The beginning and end are Bandaranaike Airport, and everyone chooses the points on the circle to their own taste.

My first trip to Sri Lanka was very luxurious and expensive. But the island made such an impression on me that I wanted to come back here again, so I began to look for more affordable ways to travel around Sri Lanka, take a closer look at the life and way of life of the locals, gradually turning a seemingly impossible fairy tale into reality. So over time, Sri Lanka became my second home.

The island really has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and interesting places, so I love not only traveling around it myself, but also creating routes for friends who come here.

Visa and border crossing

The popularity of Sri Lanka among independent travelers is also due to the accessibility and ease of obtaining a visa. Package tourists can also appreciate the efficiency of the officers at the airport's passport control.

The cost of a visa to Sri Lanka for Russians and CIS citizens: at the airport - 40 dollars, electronic visa - 35 dollars. It is valid for 2 entries within 30 days. This is convenient if you want to fly, for example, to the Maldives or India.

I recommend applying for an electronic visa on the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) website - it’s cheaper and faster at the border. And if you have problems with entry, you will find out about it in advance, and not at the airport in Sri Lanka.

To apply for an e-visa, you must fill out a special form on the website.

Upon completion of registration, you will receive information that the application has been accepted, and after a few hours (up to 24 hours) you will receive confirmation that the visa has been issued.

Please note that closer to the time of arrival in Colombo, flight attendants begin to offer migration cards for registering entry into Sri Lanka. In this form you need to enter the following parameters in Latin:

First Name Last Name;
nationality;
passport number;
place of stay on the island (if you plan to travel around the island, then indicate the name and address of the first hotel on your route);
signature.

You can fill out a migration card on the plane and immediately go to passport control at the airport. The procedure is that you hand over the issued card and passport (it must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected end of the trip). Nobody ever asked me for a printout of an electronic visa, a tourist voucher and a return air ticket; all the necessary information is already contained in the electronic database of the Sri Lanka visa service. However, keep these documents handy just in case.

A Sri Lankan visa can be extended up to 3 months and in special cases up to six months. The Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration, where you can go through the relevant procedure, is located at 41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo.

Depending on the severity of the violation of migration laws in Sri Lanka, various fines are provided, including inclusion in the list of persons for whom entry to the island is prohibited.

How to get there

By plane

The island's main transport hub, Bandaranaike International Airport, is located near Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka.

How and how long to fly is the first question any traveler asks. There are no direct scheduled flights from Moscow to Colombo, but there are charters in the high season (winter). This is about an 8.5 hour flight.

The main way to get from Moscow to Sri Lanka is daily regular flights of Arab airlines that make 1 transfer:

Emirates - ;
Qatar Airways -Doha;
Etihad - .

Flight time including connections increases to 12-14 hours. Ticket price - from 28,000 rubles.

You can get there from other Russian cities using the low-cost airline FlyDubai, which operates flights to major Russian cities with a transfer in Dubai. For cities such as, this is the most cost-effective flight in terms of time and cost.

Airlines hold promotions and sales of tickets to Sri Lanka around March and October. During this period, the cost of the flight can be reduced by 25-35%. Conveniently keep track of prices and discounts.

Tourist regions

The most famous resorts of Sri Lanka are located in the south (the best beach is from Tangalle to Weligama) and southwest () of the island. Eastern Sri Lanka is gaining popularity among tourists every year, attracting with its cleanliness, desert and coral reefs. Also interesting are the two central regions of the country: mountainous Sri Lanka with developed trekking routes among the green hills and the so-called “cultural triangle” - a historical area between the three ancient capitals of Ceylon (Anuradhapura, ).

Each resort has its own characteristics and offers vacationers a vibrant range of entertainment and interesting excursions.

South West Coast

Since the southwest of Sri Lanka is famous for its wide variety of beaches, I have compiled my personal rating of the best of them:

- a popular resort in Sri Lanka. Its beaches are preferred by newlyweds for a romantic trip or a wedding ceremony. You can find your way around prices for tours to Bentota. In addition, there is a special program to support the Bentota area as an Ayurvedic resort, so there are several specialized centers here, and each hotel has its own SPA programs. On one of its beaches there is the most popular water entertainment center on the island, there is everything from fishing, surfing to water skiing, yacht trips
The quiet lagoon of Bentota allows you to swim here all year round - this is its big advantage. And the relative proximity to the airport (115 km) makes the resort one of the most accessible on the island.
Beruwela- a resort with many attractions related to Islam. The main one is the ancient Kechimalai Mosque. Muslims from all over the world make pilgrimages here on religious holidays. Beruwala also has a number of large hotels with Ayurvedic SPA salons, tennis courts, golf courses, and traditional water activities on the beaches - surfing, diving, fishing. This area, as a continuation of Bentota, is also very clean, but it is cheaper. Among the minuses is the city of Beruwala itself. If you decide to go to areas where local residents live, you will be greeted by dirt and restless beggars - both children and adults.
Hikkaduwa- an excellent place for surfing and diving, which, although not fashionable, is adored by young people and extreme sports enthusiasts. Unlike most resorts in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of fun bars and discos. And the main attraction of Hikkaduwa is the coral reserve.
Local seafood, which can be tasted in street restaurants, is especially popular, including with me and my friends.
Mount Lavinia– a resort with a centuries-old history and several large modern hotels. Currently, it is a large city adjacent to the economic center of the country, Colombo. Among the main attractions are the Dehiwela Zoo with more than 300 species of animals, as well as the huge Bolgoda Lake - the largest fresh water reservoir in Sri Lanka. The resort is aimed at tourists as much as possible: many hotels and even hostels do not accommodate Sri Lankans themselves. The main advantage of Mount Lavinia is its proximity to the airport (49 km).
Tangalle– one of the southern resorts of Sri Lanka, designed for lovers of solitude (!!!), endless sandy beaches. There are also excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
In this area you will find both luxury hotels and cheap guest houses. Local fishermen daily catch several types of fish and seafood, which are skillfully prepared in local restaurants.
- the southernmost resort of Sri Lanka. Near its beaches is the city of Matara and Cape Dondra - the extreme point relative to the equator. The beaches of Mirissa are characterized by calmness and tranquility. The few hotels in the resort are intended more for those traveling around Sri Lanka on their own; there is no infrastructure for package tourists here.
Kalutara- a modern developing resort. It is known throughout the world for its spices, as well as the juicy tropical fruits that grow in the area. The Gangatilaka Vihara Temple is the most famous landmark of the city. This is a huge hollow stupa (the only one in Sri Lanka) that you can enter. I definitely recommend visiting this unique object of its kind. The downside of the resort is the relative proximity of the city of Kalutara itself, its noisy streets, bustle, railway, city drains that go past the beaches into the ocean. Also in Kalutara there are no shallow waters as such, so I do not recommend holidays with children.

Northeast coast

Since Sri Lanka's airport is located on the opposite side of the island, getting to the northeast is more difficult. But nevertheless, several resorts with their own unique characteristics can be distinguished here:

Central Highlands

An unforgettable contrast with beach Sri Lanka is guaranteed!

It is always very hot here during the day, and at night the temperature drops to 12 degrees, so you will need a jacket or warm sweater to travel to these parts.

Two main points of visit to the mountainous part of Sri Lanka, each of which has its own unique appearance and history, are Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By the way, between them you can take a fascinating three-hour voyage by train among pristine eucalyptus groves and emerald tea plantations.

"Cultural Triangle"

4 of the 8 UNESCO sites of the island of Sri Lanka are located in a small area, which is formed by lines connecting the cities of Anuradhapura, Pollonaruwa and Kandy. At different times, each of them was the capital of Ceylon.

To explore the main cities of the “triangle”, it is enough to allocate 1 day. You can spend a little less time exploring Anuradhapura, but a little more time exploring Kandy. Each city has the minimum necessary tourist infrastructure: hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shops. In Kandy, of course, it is more developed, since it is the second largest city in Sri Lanka.

In addition to the above cities, the attractions of the “cultural triangle” also include, visiting which takes about 3 hours for each object. But you can set aside a separate day for them.

It is convenient to book hotels in Sri Lanka on Booking - before you can compare hotel prices. You can view offers from owners for apartments and apartments at.

Top cities

In order to know Sri Lanka from A to Z, I recommend visiting cities that will show the island from different sides:

Islands

Sri Lanka is an island in itself, but nevertheless, it has a small number of satellite islands, some of which would be interesting to include in your travel itinerary.

The names of some northwestern islands end with “thivu”, which means “island” in Tamil: Punkuduthivu, Mandaitivu. Some of the islands have retained the names of Dutch cities since the colonization of the country. For example, an island.

The most notable:

Top attractions

The peculiarity of Sri Lanka lies in the unique opportunity to combine a relaxing holiday on the ocean with an educational excursion program. The island is home to 8 UNESCO sites, as well as various historical and natural attractions. You can explore them either as part of an independent trip (cheaper and more interesting with preliminary preparation), or buy excursions from agencies and representatives of travel agencies (very expensive, but reliable and more comfortable).

Sigiriya- a historical complex (UNESCO heritage site), located on a high cliff in the very center of the island. King Kasapa, who came here, turned the caves of the monks into a magnificent city with a palace, temples, and outbuildings. The pearls of Sigiriya are a huge (140 by 40 meters) gallery of frescoes, as well as images of a snake and a giant lion carved into the rocks, of which only the lower part with paws has survived. Read all about Sigiriya.

Golden Temple- a complex of cave temples shrouded in legends, which contain a huge number of images of Buddha - frescoes, drawings, statues. The paintings on the walls tell about the main moments of the Buddha's life. Read more about the temple and its surroundings.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. A sacred place for Buddhists all over the world! Perhaps this is one of the most luxurious temples in Sri Lanka. Previously, there was a royal palace on this site, so you can see a lot of interesting things: wood carvings, gilding, paintings, religious objects and much more. I wrote in detail about the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Weather

Luck or not, it’s summer all year round in Sri Lanka: daytime air temperatures range from +28 °C to +33 °C (at night +24 °C ... +26 °C). The water temperature in Sri Lanka is +27 °C ... +29 °C.

The tropical climate and monsoon winds determine the seasons on the island. There are two of them: dry and cool, wet and hot seasons. The comfort of beach holidays and swimming mainly depends on this. Otherwise, you can go to Sri Lanka at any time of the year, as there is sure to be something interesting in every period.

The northeast and southwest coasts take turns sharing the palm among visitors to Sri Lanka. In addition, tourists travel throughout the year to the excursion sites of the island, and also climb the mountains located in the central part of the country.

Conventionally, the periods of the high tourist season on the coasts can be divided according to the principle - in summer it is better to go to the northeast, and in winter - to the southwest. More detailed information by month:

The off-season in Sri Lanka is characterized by unpredictable weather - it may not be ideal, but it is quite suitable for relaxation. For example, in April is the best time to visit the mountainous part of Sri Lanka with its emerald tea plantations, but you can quite comfortably spend a few days on the beaches of the southwest coast:, Hikkaduwa,. May is a good time for an excursion holiday, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites located on the island. An excellent addition to this route would be a holiday on the northeast coast: Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Appuveli.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka brings with it partly cloudy weather, short-term, often 2-5 minute (sometimes up to 15 minutes) heavy torrential rains. As a rule, precipitation occurs at night, but there are exceptions. In the off-season, tourists can be frightened by strong winds, as well as large waves in the ocean, which practically reduce swimming to nothing.

If you choose a hotel with a swimming pool, your stay can be quite comfortable; in addition, during the low season, housing prices drop significantly.

Swimming in the ocean during the rainy season is still possible if you choose the right beach with a lagoon or one closed by islands. This location calms the raging waves. There are similar stretches of beaches in both the southwest and northeast of Sri Lanka.

Moving around the country

Sri Lanka is a former colony of Great Britain, which is probably why traffic here is on the left.
Getting around the island by public transport (buses, trains) is very cheap. For example, a car transfer from the airport to Bentota costs 68 dollars (10,000 rupees), the same distance by 2 buses costs 2 dollars (300 rupees), by bus and then by train costs 0.85 dollars (120 rupees).

Connection

Roaming or local connection

Cellular communications and the Internet are actively developing in Sri Lanka.

The island, by analogy with Russia, has its own “big three” mobile operators - Mobitel, Dialog, Etisalat, each of which has its own travel offers for a set of international minutes, domestic calls and Internet traffic.

By purchasing a local SIM card, talking to Russia will be much cheaper than paying for roaming to domestic operators. For example, the cost of a minute for MTS is 250 rubles, and for Dialog it is 9 rubles. Calls from a hotel landline are also not cheap.

Which tariff to choose

In my experience, the most stable connection is Dialog, Etisalat. But Dialog is cheaper, so I prefer it for relaxation. The minimum tariff is 5.5 dollars (780 rupees). This is enough for calls to Russia and communication on social networks for a couple of weeks. You can play it safe and, in order to be always in touch, purchase a more expensive Dialog tariff - more minutes and Internet traffic.

If there is a need for frequent calls or remote work via the Internet, then the best option is Etisalat. A little more expensive, but the volumes of minutes and Internet traffic provided are greater.

Where to buy a SIM card

A SIM card from one of the local operators can be purchased directly at Colombo International Airport in the waiting room (immediately behind the exchangers). Representatives of the mobile operator will perform all the manipulations with your phone to activate the tariff, but you can simply buy a card and do all the operations yourself according to the instructions or with the help of English-speaking call center operators.

Similar SIM cards can be purchased at mobile phone stores in cities. Topping up your account using telephone cards is also available everywhere, which can be purchased in stores, shops, post offices and gas stations.

The areas of Colombo and the resorts in the southwestern part of the island are best covered by mobile communications. In the north and east, only large cities can boast of stable mobile communications and the Internet.

WiFi

As a rule, hotels in Sri Lanka have wi-fi. In large chain hotels it is available everywhere, and in small hotels and hostels - at the reception and in common areas. Most often this service is free.

In large cities and resorts there are also Internet cafes that allow you to access the Global Network, but they look very suspicious and unsafe.

Helpful information

Service numbers: ambulance and fire - 112, police - 119

Language and communication

In total, Sri Lanka has about 22 million citizens, of which 10 million live in Colombo, the economic capital of the island.

The official languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is actively used in government agencies and the tourism sector. At the everyday level, it is mainly city residents who speak a foreign language, but even in the outback they will try to answer you or find someone who speaks at least a little English.

In resort areas, the Russian language is becoming increasingly popular among residents involved in the tourism sector, knowledge of which allows a Sri Lankan to find a better-paid job in this industry.

10 phrases you need to know

Hello (may your years last) – Ayubovan;
Thank you – Situtius;
Please – Kurunakara;
Yes – Oh;
No – Epa;
How much does it cost - Kiyade gane;
Expensive – Ganan;
Cheap – Labayi;
The other is Anyt;
Drink – Bonava;
Doctor - Dostara.

Features of mentality

Among the population of the island, two nationalities can be distinguished:

Sinhalese (75%), who mostly profess Buddhism;
Tamils (12%), who live mainly in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka, their main religion is Hinduism.

Basically, religious communities live separately, forming entire districts of the city or region. From my own experience, I can note that the cleanliness and comfort of the area greatly depends on the religion professed by the local residents. Buddhism implies the formation of harmony around, so its adherents constantly wash, sweep, repair something - they attach great importance to order. This contrast is striking when driving through the country. In Muslim or Hindu areas, they don’t think so much about the existence of things, hence the garbage, and there are many times more unkempt places.

In general, Sri Lankans are very friendly and always ready to help. Of course, there are crooks, but they clearly don’t think about their karma, as the vast majority of the island’s inhabitants do. Even if they are poor now, it is very important for them to move on to the next life with a “clear conscience.”

I love local residents for their high moral principles, for their family life (good upbringing of children and respect for elders). Sometimes all this is reminiscent of our Soviet times, although European values are slowly being introduced into the minds of young people, destroying traditional foundations.

It is customary for them to set a large table with a huge number of different dishes. But if a foreigner comes to the family, then they feed him first, and only then the owners themselves begin to eat.

Sri Lankans also love holidays, often visit temples, and attach great importance to rites and rituals.

Food and drink

Features of Sri Lankan cuisine

The hot and spicy food of Sri Lanka can be a big challenge. A magical phrase comes to the aid of the traveler “but spicy”, however, this does not guarantee that the food will be similar to European. This is a classic feature of the cuisines of all Asian countries.

The charm of Sri Lankan cuisine is in its simplicity. The basis of most dishes is vegetables, rice, fish, spices. This is still the same constructor, in the center of which is rice. Various curry sauces are placed around it - a mixture of ginger, turmeric, pepper, coriander, cinnamon, garlic. A lot of local dishes are prepared using coconut juice, oil, and shavings.

What do the locals eat?

As true Buddhists, Sri Lankans practically do not eat meat and very rarely consume poultry. Mostly pork, beef, and chicken dishes are prepared for tourists in resort areas and large cities. The cow is a sacred animal, but in Sri Lanka they are more tolerant when it comes to eating its meat than in neighboring India.

As for seafood, it is not always available to the average Sri Lankan, because... their prices are high by local standards. The entire catch is sold to cafes and restaurants. Typically, Sri Lankans eat small fish or umbalakadu, a fish powder that is added to sauces. But it’s simply impossible to visit here and not try lobsters and the freshest fish. For those who cook on their own, you can purchase cheaply at special fish markets. They work from 4 to 7 am.

Where to eat

In Sri Lanka you can eat on almost every corner. These are mainly street snack bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Don't be afraid to eat at street establishments. The chance of tasting stale and tasteless food is higher in cafes and restaurants. On the street, dishes are prepared before your eyes, and if there are many customers sitting in this eatery, then the food is definitely fresh, the reputation of the establishment has not been damaged in any way.

In expensive restaurants, various surprises and discrepancies may await you. Although we must admit, Colombo is home to the most upscale restaurants in Sri Lanka with amazing luxury national and European cuisine.

All fast food restaurants (KFC, MCDonalds, Burger King) are also concentrated in large cities. It should be noted that even in such establishments local dietary habits are taken into account - there are many vegetarian dishes. A full meal at your local MCDonalds will cost you $4 (Rs 600).

Prices for local food in Sri Lanka are very low.

In street eateries you can have a snack for 1-1.4 dollars (150-200 rupees). Lunch at a good restaurant in the resort area will cost 10-20 dollars (1500-2500 rupees) per person.

About drinks

In a hot country like Sri Lanka, you definitely need to drink a lot. Tap water can only be consumed after boiling, and it is better to always buy bottled water, which is sold everywhere and is very cheap. Must be on the bottle SLS label(Sri Lanka Standards Institute).
Milk is expensive here. It spoils quickly, so preservatives are often added to it. Everywhere they sell milkshakes in bags with the addition of cocoa, vanilla, etc. Pay attention to the expiration date. I advise you to buy milk in the areas of Nuwara Eliya, where many farms and large dairies are located.

A popular drink in Sri Lanka is coconut milk. But do not forget that this is a strong diuretic.
Ceylon tea is a classic drink, aromatic and strong, so locals often dilute it with milk. The surrounding environment of the island makes the usual ritual of tea drinking more elitist and unforgettable.
Fruit juices (mango, banana, papaya) and lassi (yogurt, fruit, sugar, ice). Fresh juice will be prepared for you right at the street kiosks. The magic words to the seller are “but ice, but sludge” (the ice is made from unknown water, and the fruit is already quite sweet).

Ginger beer is a soft drink similar to soft cola, but with ginger flavor and aroma.
Arrack – coconut vodka. Often used with Zhinzha to remove the strength. Price: about 3.5 dollars (500 rupees) per bottle. The best variety of Arak is Old Reserve, which costs about $7 (1,000 rupees).
The most popular types of beer in Sri Lanka: Anchor, Lion (Stout and Lager), Three Coins (similar to Belgian).

You won't find alcohol in supermarkets. It is sold in specialized Wine Stores.

Their prices are usually high, because... Sri Lanka has high import duties on alcohol. In addition, the sellers themselves make a decent markup. Alcohol and beer are sold without restrictions in hotels and restaurants.

5 dishes worth trying

Shopping

The shopping you can do in Sri Lanka has a special national flavor. This is felt regardless of the place, be it a market or a shopping center.

Everywhere you can find all kinds of goods: from spices to clothing and precious stones.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

The key rule of shopping in Sri Lanka is “Bargaining is appropriate!”, because in the process you can reduce the price by up to 50% of the original price. On the other hand, the cost of souvenirs and spices can be so meager in terms of rubles that it is easier to do without haggling, but when buying precious stones, leather goods and clothing, be sure to haggle.

Fixed prices in duty-free stores, supermarkets, shopping centers.

Best cities for shopping

Shopping, similar to the classic European one, is perhaps only available in Colombo. There are a number of large shopping centers there, including well-known international brands. In resort areas, shopping usually comes down to buying souvenirs.

What to bring from this country

Ceylon tea (the best is from the highlands of Ella and Nuwara Eliya. I advise you not to buy the Pekoe and Orange Pekoe varieties; as well as Lipton and Dilmah);
souvenirs: masks, ceramics, batik, leather goods (for those who like exotic things);
spices (the cheapest cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, etc. in supermarkets).

Vacation with children

For a comfortable holiday with children, Sri Lanka is a completely suitable place. The beaches are calm, the people are friendly, and the crime rate throughout the country is quite low. Sri Lankans themselves love children very much and treat women with children with respect. The main thing is to try to follow the following rules:

Safety

If you take minimal precautions, your trip to Sri Lanka will be an unforgettable plus. Things to consider:

Try a cup of real Ceylon tea from the highlands of Nuwara Eliya.
Take part in the colorful procession of the Esala Perahera festival in .
Climb the Sigiriya rock. This is a creation of nature framed by human hands.
Stroll along the golden beaches of Bentota.
Admire the coral fish in the coastal waters.

Money

The monetary unit of Sri Lanka is the Lankan Rupee (LKR). The change is somewhat similar to ours - 1 rupee 100 cents. Course for spring 2016:

1 dollar is equal to 146 Sri Lankan rupees;
1 euro - 170 rupees;
1 ruble – 2.02 rupees.

For convenience, you can divide all prices by 2 - in the end you will get the cost of goods and services in rubles.

Yes, currency on the island can be exchanged at any hotel, bank, or large shopping center, but in all my trips to Sri Lanka I have never seen a better rate than at Colombo airport.

You can find exchangers by going to the greeters' waiting area after receiving your luggage. It is impossible to miss them - the doors open, and in front of you are no less than 6 “counters”, where young people change currency at the absolutely same rate for everyone. The check that is issued when exchanging currency allows you to convert rupees back into your currency at the purchasing rate.

By the way, please note that the export of national currency from the country is prohibited, so do not forget to exchange your remaining money back into dollars or euros.

Sri Lankan money is interesting to look at. Banknotes in circulation on the island are in denominations of 10/20/50/100/500/1000/5000 rupees. On them you can see quite interesting, and most importantly, vivid images - local traditions, landmarks, animals, peacocks.

But no matter what, these are the most worn and dirty bills I have ever seen. Either the state infrequently updates the money supply, or the citizens themselves are not particularly careful with banknotes.

The basis of the banking system is the 3 largest banks of Sri Lanka: Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. Thanks to them, in large cities there will definitely be no problems with ATMs, they are here at every step. In smaller cities and in In beach resorts, these machines are concentrated, as a rule, in shopping centers or at large train stations.In addition, in chain hotels and shopping centers, credit cards of international payment systems are accepted for payment.

Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉

Flights- You can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

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

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

The island is located in the Indian Ocean, not far from Hindustan. Its length is 430 km, width 225 km, area approximately 65,000 sq/km. The coastline stretches for 1340 km. In the central part of Sri Lanka there are mountains, along the entire coast there is a plain.

Climate

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

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

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

Population and religion

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

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

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

Currency

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

Attractions

Sri Lanka is rich in its cultural heritage. There are many historical monuments here that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These include the historical cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, sacred Kandy, the Golden Temple in Dambulla, the old part of Galle and its fortifications, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and the highlands of Central Sri Lanka.

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

Safety

The Tamil-Sinhala conflict raged in the country for many years, but in 2009 it ended with the victory of government troops. However, security measures are still heightened in Sri Lanka, people in military uniform are often seen on the streets, and there are checkpoints on the roads.

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

In large cities and tourist centers, tourist police units keep order.

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

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

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

Leave comments, subscribe to blog updates, there is still a lot of useful information ahead. Don’t forget to share the article on social networks, let your friends also know about this wonderful place.

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

Tatiana Solomatina

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, it was led by Buddhist monks, and a detailed history of the island state is outlined.

Ancient city of Pollonaruwa

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 Sinhala 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 also 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.

Sri Lankan family on Wadduwa beach

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. In large cities, there are city and private bus routes, and travel in them will cost approximately the same.

Car rental

In Sri Lanka, it is rare to rent a car, which is explained by driving on the left and poor adherence to the rules 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 fare 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 your 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.