Sri Lanka: Ceylon tea and lots of fun. Sri Lanka - where is this country located and what is it like? Rainy season in Sri Lanka

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.

Few of us living in northern latitudes have wondered: what is the island of Sri Lanka, where is it located, what country is it, how to find it on the world map, what is it washed with? Many people are interested in the question - is Sri Lanka India or not? And what part of the world does Sri Lanka belong to?

In recent years, holidays on this piece of land in the middle of the vast expanses of the ocean have become increasingly popular. Tourists come here for the warm sea, sandy beaches, eternal summer, unique souvenirs, and the opportunity to see whales.

In contact with

Geographical location

Geographically, Sri Lanka is located at the southern tip of the Hindustan Peninsula, it can easily be found on the world map in the Indian Ocean, since the state is located in the south of Asia, then the part of the world to which it belongs is Asia. Sandy shores, with a total length of about 1300 km, are washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean.

The island has an elongated shape from south to north; it is separated from the mainland by the Polk Strait, more than five tens of kilometers wide. The southern part of the island consists of mountain terraces that move towards the center into the highlands.

Geographic coordinates of Sri Lanka - 7°45′00″ N. la., 80°46′00 e. d.

Brief information about the country

When Sri Lanka was colonized by England, Portugal and Holland in the 16th century, it was called Ceylon. Now the island is called Sri Lanka, and regarding how the official name sounds in Russian, Wikipedia answers - “Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka”.

Form of statehood – Democratic Socialist Republic. Type of government - presidential republic. The main nationality is Sinhalese. The first states appeared in the 5th century BC. The ancient inhabitants of the island traded with the Chinese, Arabs, and Romans.

From the 16th century to the mid-20th century it was a colonial possession:

• Portuguese;
• Dutch;
• English.

Capital

note: Officially, the main administrative center, the seat of government, is the city of Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte, founded in the 13th century as the Kotte fortress. Located between the Diyavana Oya and Kolonnava Oya riverbeds.

In fact, the economic and cultural center of the country is the city of Colombo, founded in the 7th century, presumably by Arab merchants. Initially, the city developed as a trading port.

Languages

The country has two official state languages ​​– Sinhala and Tamil. In tourist areas, residents understand English.

Visa

Residents of Russia must obtain a visa to visit. The easiest way is to fill out in advance the electronic form posted on the embassy’s website. Upon arrival, pay $35, present a valid passport, completed arrival card and receive a visa.

Note: A visa can also be issued directly upon arrival. However, this will cost more and take more time.

Population

Ceylon is home to more than 21.5 million people. More than ¾ of the population is the titular nation - the Sinhalese, 1/6 - the Tamils. The descendants of Arabs and Austronesians, who are immigrants from, do not exceed 1/12 of the country's population.

In addition, descendants of European colonialists live here: the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British. Their number is about 1/15 of the total number of citizens.

Religion

Take note: Four world religions are officially recognized: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity.

The Sinhalese, the bulk of the population, profess Buddhism. Tamils ​​are Hindus, Islam is traditionally preached by Arabs and Austronesians. The descendants of Europeans are Catholics.

Sea and ocean

In fact, Sri Lanka is washed by the waters of two seas included in the Indian Ocean. The Palk Strait, separating Ceylon from the mainland, connects the Gulf of Mannar in the west with the Bay of Bengal in the east.

The northwestern shores are washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mannar, which is part of the Laccadive Sea.

The northeastern part is washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, which by its characteristics is a sea. The bay is famous for its coastal mangrove forests, rich in unique underwater world.

The rest of the island's coastline is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean itself. The sea coast with lazy surf is perfect for a beach holiday. Fans of active recreation should choose ocean beaches with their ever-roaring waves.

Currency

The national currency of the republic is the Sri Lankan rupee. 1 US dollar costs about 153 Sri Lankan rupees. 1 Russian ruble costs approximately 2.62 rupees; a euro costs about 166 rupees.

Transport

Sri Lanka has a fairly developed ground transport infrastructure:

• tuk-tuks are the main type of transport, and are a cross between a motorbike and a pedicabs. It is allowed to bargain on the price of the trip;
• city ​​buses;
• an extensive network of intercity buses, which is the most comfortable form of transport;
• railway connections between populated areas;
• Taxi. Developed only in tourist areas and capitals.

Car and scooter rentals are also available. Just keep in mind that:

• the authorities do not recognize any rights other than local ones;
• Only persons over 21 years of age are allowed to drive.

Difference in time

Moscow time is 2.5 hours behind Sri Lankan time. The time is 4.5 hours ahead of Sri Lanka, and 1.5 hours ahead of Novosibirsk. It is located in almost the same time zone as Sri Lanka: the difference is only 30 minutes.

What to bring

Since ancient times, the island has been famous for its tea plantations, spices, and pearls. The number of tea varieties is so large that it is almost impossible to taste them all.

For decades, precious stones mined from the depths of Sri Lanka have been highly valued in jewelry markets: sapphires, emeralds, almandines, opals, tourmalines, topazes.

Therefore, you should bring from your trip:

• ceylon tea. You can buy it on plantations, in stores, and in the market. The price greatly depends on the proximity to tourist areas;
• spices: vanilla pods, pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks;

• natural essential oils tropical plants: vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood, wild lemongrass, vetiver;
• jewelry with precious stones.

Advice: When purchasing, you should pay special attention to the metal: gold and silver are exported, so no one is responsible for the quality of the metals.

The stones have a mineralogical passport, which will need to be presented when going through customs;

• cotton clothing. For its production, Indian cotton is used, characterized by long fibers that give the fabrics softness.

Climate

The island is entirely located in the zone of humid equatorial climate with a transition to subequatorial climate. The climate on the coast is monsoon.

The high season is winter. The climate is mild. There is practically no change in seasons. Ceylon is the kingdom of eternal summer. Even in the mountains, snow never falls. There are practically no average daily temperature fluctuations.

Note: the pole of cold is Nuwara Eliya, where the average daily temperature ranges from +11° to 13°C.

Air and ocean water temperatures are always almost the same, 30°-32°C. The sea water temperature is 1–2°C lower. Night temperatures rarely drop below +25°C.

In the highlands the climate is less hot, the temperature rarely rises above +25°C. Climatic conditions are such that the local southern winter is much warmer than our northern summer.

How to get there

Direct regular flights from Colombo International Airport operate only to one Russian city - Moscow. Flight period: from June to August.

Direct charter flights are organized from other Russian cities to Colombo, information about which can be obtained from the tour operator organizing the trips.

It is convenient for residents of the Asian part of the country to fly with transfers at the following airports:

• Beijing;
• Seoul;

There are year-round regular direct flights with these cities. Russian airlines have tariff agreements with Asian airlines operating flights to Ceylon.

For residents of the European part, it is convenient to fly via Dubai or Doha. In addition, you can fly from Russia to Ceylon via, Mumbai, Delhi, Tashkent. These routes require 2-3 transfers.

Resorts

Resort areas are located in almost all corners of the country:

Negombo

In the western part of the country, the most popular resort is the fishing village of Negombo, located on the shores of the lagoon of the same name. Historically, the area is notable for its Portuguese fort, which the Dutch turned into a prison. Of interest to fans of history, cultural studies, and ethnography.

Advice: Negombo is ideal for those who love a lazy time on the beach.

Colombo

The popular youth resort of Colombo, the cultural capital of the country, is located on the shores of the bay of the same name in the west of the country. Like any eastern city, Colombo lives in contrasts: poverty borders on wealth, shacks of the poor huddle next to fashionable buildings.

The cleanliness of wealthy neighborhoods is replaced by the trash of slums. Glitter and poverty, eternal celebration and eternal work, past and future - all this is intertwined on the streets of Colombo. Of interest to lovers of active recreation.

Bentota

A romantic resort on the sea coast is perfect for peace and lazy relaxation. It is a quiet place with a leisurely pace under the shade of palm trees. The main type of recreation is beach. Located southwest of Colombo.

Kalutara

It is located on the shores of the Laccadive Sea, where the Kalu River flows into it.

Aimed at lovers of active recreation and water sports.

Halle

The city is located in the southwest and is notable for its architecture. This resort is suitable for a relaxing, secluded holiday.

Induruwa

Located in the west of the country. It recently acquired the status of a resort, so the flow of tourists is still small. Fans of a leisurely, measured holiday will appreciate the sandy beaches in the vicinity of the town.

Unawatuna

A small town in the south of Sri Lanka on the shore of a bay protected from ocean waves by a coral reef. Popular among lovers of individual travel.

Take note: Unawatuna is ideal for a relaxing holiday with children.

Resort on the southern tip of the island. Quiet place away from civilization. The unique underwater world attracts diving fans.

Kogalla is famous for its boat excursions, where you can spot wild whales and dolphins.

Mirissa - the best beach

Experienced surfers come to Mirissa for the high waves. Untouched, wonderful nature and lack of economic activity create a feeling of paradise. The place is secluded and conducive to a romantic getaway. The usual resort entertainment is missing.

Surf paradise

The open ocean coast of the southern tip of the island is popular with surfers. The surf allows surfing all year round. Sandy beaches are good for beginner surfing. Experienced surfers catch waves among rocks and reefs.

Interesting to know: Hikkaduwa is the most popular beach among surfers. Beginners can take individual lessons from professional instructors or sign up for classes at surf schools.

Surfing schools also operate in Kogalle, Unawatuna, and Weligama.

Shopping

Shopping is amazing in its variety and will bring true pleasure to those who love to shop.

Note: like everywhere else in the east, it is customary to bargain here. Local merchants do not like those who buy without bargaining. For them, this is one of the types of communication, a centuries-old tradition that is observed to this day. In addition, by haggling it is quite possible to reduce prices by several orders of magnitude.

While vacationing on the island, you should visit numerous jewelry factories with shopping centers. The range of jewelry shopping centers amazes with the variety and beauty of the products presented. Local jewelers can create custom jewelry with your favorite stones.

After taking a trip to the tea plantations, strolling through the spice gardens, it is worth visiting the shops. True, prices there are much higher than in small shops and markets.

At local markets you can buy exotic fruits, spices, herbs, and essential oils. In addition, here you can purchase clothes made from cotton or have them custom-tailored.

This is especially true for the countries of Southeast Asia. Even if tourists bring any plants or seeds, they can simply be confiscated at customs. To prevent this, it is recommended to refuse the purchase or issue a herbal passport. It is better to carry fruits in packed luggage, this way they will definitely not be confiscated.

Tips

Leaving a tip is voluntary. Hotel staff, guides, porters, and drivers are advised to tip a dollar.

In cafes and restaurants, tips are already included in the bill. In other cases, tourists determine the tip size themselves; the maximum amount can reach 10% of the check value.

Kitchen

The national cuisine of Sri Lankans is predominantly vegetarian with a lot of spices and herbs. The main food product is rice. Local cuisine originates from Indian cuisine; the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arabs, and Chinese contributed to it.

Therefore, modern dishes are a mixture of the culinary traditions of these peoples. A spice for all occasions is curry, which is served as a side dish with boiled rice.

Hotels offer tourists the usual Europeanized menu. National dishes are served in adapted form. You can try authentic Sri Lankan dishes in restaurants frequented by locals. For most Europeans, national dishes seem very spicy; this must be kept in mind when ordering dishes.

Flora and fauna

The fauna of this corner of the planet is one of the most diverse. The island is home to many endemic species of animals, amphibians, birds, insects that are found only here - 16% of the total.

More than half of the species are threatened with extinction:

• Indian sambar deer;
• Sri Lankan leopard;
• Sri Lankan elephant;
• sloth bear.

The island is also home to more than 200 species of birds, a quarter of which are also endangered. More than half of the amphibians may also disappear forever, and more than a hundred species live here, 90% of them are endemic.

Scammers on the island

You can come across scammers everywhere: on the street, in restaurants, shops, in transport. Traders and drivers usually quote a price that is many times higher than the actual price. There is only one piece of advice: find out the cost in advance and bargain desperately.

You can also become a victim of scammers when exchanging currency; tourists are often lured by a tempting exchange rate. Therefore, it is necessary to remain vigilant, not to be fooled by tempting offers, while maintaining a critical perception. As the saying goes: free cheese only comes in a mousetrap.

Attractions

Sri Lanka is a country with a thousand-year history and unique nature.

Traveling around the island, you can see architectural monuments that are cultural heritage under the protection of UNESCO:

• the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, built three thousand years ago by Indians;
• ancient man-made lakes;
• the Sigiriya palace complex, located on mountain terraces;
• Horton Place National Parks, Yala;
• royal botanical garden;
• legacy of the colonial period;
• numerous ancient temples.

In fact, the whole of Ceylon is one big attraction. Nearby are the eras of Ancient India and colonization, modern buildings and ancient palaces, botanical gardens and thousand-year-old plantations.

tour cost

The cost of a week-long package tour for two with departure from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk starts from 60 thousand rubles.

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.
  
The resort's signature feature is a boat trip to the blue whales that spend the winter nearby. Also among the advantages of Mirissa is the ability to get there in 1.5 hours from Colombo by bus along the expressway.
• 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!

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 the gallery of frescoes, which 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 unique world where, in a small area, there is such a diversity of cultures, landscapes and climatic zones that you cannot find even in countries whose territory is ten times larger.”

Sir Arthur Clarke

Autumn has come. The rays of the last autumn sun are flickering outside the windows, and everyone begins to think about how to extend their summer. Many of you will soon be chasing the warm rays. However, this raises the question “where?”
The answer is obvious. We are all going to Sri Lanka, the land of eternal summer, located near the equator. You will ask why"? There are many reasons, because in Sri Lanka everyone can find something to their liking.

Ceylon Island: 10 reasons to holiday in Sri Lanka

1. Meet the amazing, unique, diverse climate.

In 3 – 4 days of travel you can feel tropics on the coast Indian Ocean, enjoying the sun on endless sandy beaches, see ancient shrines of Buddhism and the oldest Bodhi tree, which is more than 2250 years old, to perform south african safari by jeep in a national reserve, enjoy the temperate climate of the central part of the island, admire the waterfalls and feel the coolness of the highlands, where the best famous Ceylon tea grows on fog-shrouded plantations.
Sri Lanka has the largest number of waterfalls relative to its land area than any country in the world.

2. Meet smiling faces and feel Sri Lankan hospitality, about which there are legends.

Sri Lankan hospitality is renowned throughout the world. People are friendly and ready to help those who are not familiar with local customs. Sri Lankans are very hospitable and are happy to invite people into their homes, no matter how humble they are. At first, it will seem unusual that everyone around you is smiling. However, after you return from your trip, the smiles of the island's residents, coming from the heart, will warm you in cold times.
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic society, the result of several waves of immigration. The main ethnic groups are Tamils ​​and Sinhalese. Muslims, Malays and Chinese also live here. The Portuguese and British brought with them Kaffirs from Africa, and the Dutch brought a special type of European traders - burghers.

3. Admire the rich cultural heritage civilization with a 2000-year history.

The richness of Sri Lanka's culture has been recognized by UNESCO, which has declared 6 of the country's archaeological sites as World Heritage Sites:

• Holy City Anuradhapura(4th century BC) - the first ancient capital
• Ancient city Polonnaruwa(10th century AD) – second ancient capital
• Golden Cave temple in Dambulla(1st century BC)
• Lion fortress on the rock Sigiriya(5th century AD)
• Holy City Kandy(17th century AD) – last royal capital
• Old City Halle and him fortress(17th century AD)

The seventh World Heritage Site is an ecological reserve - Sinharaja tropical rainforest, the jungle of which is officially one of the 34 most unique places on the planet in terms of its biodiversity.
Visiting the area called the “Cultural Triangle” , travelers can see huge dagobas(domed structures or stupas) and the remains of ancient buildings in the ruins of the cities of Anuradhapurai Polonnaruwa, climb the amazing stairs to the Dambulla Temple , behold sensual frescoes with the image of girls of divine beauty on the Sigiriya rock.
In the central part of the country is the last royal capital, the city of Kandy, considered the cultural center of the island and where it is located Dalada Maligawa Temple or the Temple of the Tooth, where it is kept sacred tooth of Buddha.
Galle Fort, with its 14 massive fortifications, regular streets and original Dutch-style single-storey houses, is as bustling with life as it was in the Middle Ages.

4. Feel the pulsating energy national holidays and festivals.

The diverse civilization of Sri Lanka has endowed the island with a stunning cultural heritage of colorful festivals related to Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.
For every full moon there is a holiday Singing. The most important of holidays, Vesak, Full moon day in May, which celebrates the birth of Buddha, his enlightenment and death.
The festival that attracts the most attention from tourists visiting Sri Lanka is Kandy Esala Perahera held in Kandy for 10 days in late July or early August . Among the Hindu festivals, it is worth noting Vel, held in Colombo in July, and festival in Kataragama on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, during which a torchlight procession is held. Hindus also celebrate Thai Pongal("harvest festival") Maha Shivaratri(“Great Night of Shiva”), the most important festival of the year for followers of the god Shiva, who are in the majority among Hindus in Sri Lanka, and Deepavali(“Festival of Lights”).
Lankan New Year, usually falling in mid-April, is a non-religious holiday that is celebrated by the entire population of the island, regardless of their religion.

5. Meet someone unique diversity of wildlife.

Thanks to the influence of Buddhism, which calls for honoring all living things, Sri Lanka pays great attention to environmental protection. In total, on the island there is 12 national parks and 52 nature reserves, occupying 14% of the total area of ​​Sri Lanka.
A safari in the national park gives you the opportunity to see 91 species of mammals (including 16 that live only in this region) - elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, sika deer, wild pigs, mouse and barking deer, wild boars, porcupines, anteaters, civet cats (a genus of wild cats), lemurs, giant squirrels, monkeys(including macaques, langurs gray and with pimples on the face).
National Park Yala considered the place of greatest concentration leopards in the world. National Park Uda Walawe famous for its huge population elephants.
Sri Lanka is one of the best places on earth to observe blue whales And. Sperm whales, killer whales, pilot whales and dolphins also regularly encountered during trips along the coast of Mirissa (southern coast of the island). On the beaches of the island you can often see turtles seven varieties.
The island is a paradise for those who love to watch birds. 233 species live here (33 endemic) - the number of bird species, taking into account migration, increases to 482. There are 171 species on the island reptiles(101 of them, including two species of crocodiles, are found only here), 244 species butterflies and 120 species dragonflies.

6. Replenish the lack of adrenaline adventures and active sports.

An island with a coastline of 1,340 km. is the ideal place for windsurfing, water skiing, jet skis, surfing, sailing, scuba diving(including diving on sunken ships), snorkeling, speed boats, and banana boat rides. The best places for water sports are located on the west coast - in the Negombo region ; on the southwest coast - in Wadduwa, Kalutara and Beruwella; and also in Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Tangalle and Hambantota on the south and southeast coast. Aquatics centers are supervised by certified PADI instructors.
Sri Lanka has more than 100 thousand rivers, lagoons and reservoirs. You can ride here all year round kayaking And canoe, combining these activities with hiking and camping stops. The fast current and rapids of the Kelani Ganges next to Kitulgala ideal for rafting between November and April.
Alternative activities include activities paragliding, rock climbing, caving (caving) and mountain biking.

7. Relax in the best hotels Asia, combining the highest service and design.

There are various hotel options in Sri Lanka. In Colombo you will find modern five star hotels, and colonial era hotels, in which you can feel the charm and romance of past centuries.
The island has stunning hotels in amazingly beautiful places. On the coast, especially in the west and south, there are a huge number of resort hotels. Several of them were designed by one of Asia's most famous 20th-century architects, Geoffrey Bawa. Bawa's designs are in a style called "tropical modernism", which is characterized by blurring the boundaries between external and internal space, so that the architecture and landscape of the surrounding area interact with each other. Also on the western and southern shores the number of boutique hotels.
In the cities of the mountainous region of the country such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela , concentrated hotels of the colonial era. For those who are going to fairly remote regions of the island, perhaps for the purpose of sporting adventures, there are wonderful colonial-style houses, factory buildings on tea and rubber plantations, jungle huts, tree houses And eco-shelters, and campings.

8. Enjoy exotic national cuisine.

The variety of types of rice, spices, vegetables and fruits, coupled with the customs brought to the island by foreigners, formed the varied and interesting cuisine of Sri Lanka. Rice used with curry(any dish made from eggplant, potatoes, green bananas, chicken, fish, etc. with the addition of spices) of varying degrees of spiciness: from spicy-spicy to dynamite-like spiciness. Just as traditional hoppers(a snack similar to pancakes) thong hoppers(steamed rice noodles) and pita(a mixture of coconut and flour). Dish lamprais, rice and additional meat or vegetable ingredients baked in banana leaves, was inherited from the Dutch. Always available in large quantities fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, squid and lobsters. Desserts include fermented milk buffalo milk curd, watered palm honey, and similar to caramel, vatallapam.
In Sri Lanka there are various cutlets, pies, malu pang(fish bun), and Kimbula Banis(crocodile shaped bun).
Fruits mango, pineapple, banana, papaya, and lesser known but wonderful sapodilla, mangosteen, rambutan, woodapple(a fruit with a very hard skin, called wood apple), durian, passion fruit, avocado, etc.

9. Try it Ayurvedic procedures and relax in spa center.

Sri Lanka is a place where you can restore not only your body, but also your spirit. The most popular method to restore and rejuvenate a tired body and soothe a weary soul remains Ayurveda- The oldest system of medicine in the world. Ayurvedic programs consist of a number of herbal treatments and various types bath And massages, as well as cleansing and rejuvenation techniques such as yoga, meditation and special diets.
In spas located in hotels, guests are offered not only Ayurvedic, but also other types of treatments, such as Thai massage, hydrotherapy, herbal baths, reflexology and beauty treatments. For those who need an energy recharge, we offer meditation courses.

10. Commit profitable purchases.

There are different ways to shop in Sri Lanka:

• Bargaining with a souvenir seller, spending time on the beach;
• Choosing fruits in a village shop, making your way between bags of rice;
• Visiting fashion sales (Sri Lanka is a major clothing exporter), enjoying strolls through the modern shopping centers of Colombo.

Stop by the gift shop and purchase a piece adorned with the island's national animals such as the makara (mystical animal), lion, swan, elephant and lotus, which are intricately engraved on the copper products(boxes, trays, lanterns, vases) and silver products(jewelry decorated with filigree carvings, tea sets. In addition, very popular national masks, lacquered ceramics, batik, textiles, lace, wood carving.