Although many tourists from Russia come to Sri Lanka, there is still not such a large selection of operators offering group tours with Russian-speaking guides. In addition, due to big size islands, many excursions here last at least 2 days. Therefore, Sri Lanka is so attractive to independent travelers who want to create their own itinerary and travel around the island at their own pace.
If you are not one of those travelers who are able and, what is also important, not afraid to travel around the island on their own, then you can apply for the services of one of the Russian-speaking guides in Sri Lanka. Fortunately, there are enough such guides here. Some Sri Lankans studied in Russia and mastered the Russian language well. Upon returning to their native country, they began to use their knowledge of the Russian language and knowledge of the history, culture and sights of the island in order to help tourists from Russia get to know Sri Lanka better. Naturally, all this is not done for thanks, but still the cost of an excursion with a private Russian-speaking guide in Sri Lanka is relatively inexpensive.
As a rule, Russian-speaking guides in Sri Lanka have their own car, in which they conduct excursions. But sometimes the guide only offers the services of your assistant, and you will need to take care of transport yourself (although often the guide offers the opportunity to rent a car with or without a driver for little money). Naturally, in this case, the cost of the guide's services will not be very high, but you will have to pay for the transport yourself. But still, I repeat, in most cases, a private Russian-speaking guide in Sri Lanka has his own car. That is, in fact, by contacting such a guide, you get a car with a driver and a guide in one person.

The main advantages of contacting a Russian-speaking guide:
+ Communication in one language allows you to discuss all the details to the smallest detail. There should be no misunderstanding.
+ The guide usually has his own car, so the cost individual excursion it turns out to be low, since you, in fact, pay only for gasoline and the services of a guide.
+ You can make any route and spend as much time as you want in the place you like.
+ The guide can also act as an interpreter and your assistant, so it will be easier for you to travel with him.

Excursions in Sri Lanka with a Russian-speaking guide

The guide can advise you on many different routes in Sri Lanka, depending on what you want to see. However, you can create your own itinerary. To do this, you just need to study well the information about sights, cities, beaches and other places that may be of interest to you. After that, find all the places of interest on the map and imagine how it would be better to drive through these places. But, in any case, you will need to coordinate the route with the guide. Perhaps he will tell you about some of the nuances that you did not know about before.
Excursions in Sri Lanka with a Russian-speaking guide are best booked in advance. You must understand that during your stay in Sri Lanka you will not be the only tourists from Russia on this island, so it is likely that when you contact your guide a couple of days before your trip to Sri Lanka, he will tell you that He just doesn't have free days.
As for the prices for excursions in Sri Lanka with a Russian-speaking guide, they can be different. The main factor affecting the cost of the tour is its route and duration. Also, the cost depends on the specific guide. There are popular guides that many tourists turn to. Therefore, such guides raised prices for their services.
It is also worth remembering that the cost of a tour of Sri Lanka with a Russian-speaking guide usually does not include the cost of entrance tickets to various museums and other places. So for the entrance to these places you will have to pay separately.

How to find a Russian speaking guide in Sri Lanka

Many guides have their own pages in in social networks, including the Russian network Vkontakte. So we advise you to first look for guides in these networks, driving in queries like "excursions in Sri Lanka", "guide in Sri Lanka", etc. Try different options as the guides call their groups by different names.

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

The population of Sri Lanka is 21.6 million inhabitants. Sinhalese and Tamils ​​dominate among nationalities. The most common religion is Buddhism, which is followed by most Sinhalese. In addition, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are widespread in the country. The form of government in Sri Lanka is a semi-presidential republic. Administratively, the country is divided into 9 provinces - Central, North-Central, North, North-West, West, South, East, as well as the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva.

The main sectors of the economy are agriculture, textile production and mining of precious stones. Recently, the tourism industry has been gaining momentum. The most popular holiday destinations in Sri Lanka are the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwala and Kalutara.

Flight time:
Flights to Bandaranaike Airport, Colombo
from Moscow - from 8 hours 30 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - from 11 hours 25 minutes. (1-3 transplants)
from Kazan - from 12 hours 30 minutes. (1-4 transplants)
from Yekaterinburg - from 11 hours 55 minutes. (1-4 transplants)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 50 minutes. (1-4 transplants)

Current time in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte:
(UTC +5:30)

Most developed view sports - exotic cricket for Russians. The state conducts an active foreign policy, Sri Lanka is a member of well-known international organizations - the UN (United Nations), the IMF (International Monetary Fund), ADB (Asian Development Bank) and others.

How to get there

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

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

Climate and weather in Sri Lanka

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

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

Rainy season in Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

Cities and regions

Provinces of Sri Lanka

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

Cities of Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

Negombo is not Big city ok, located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort has the nickname "Little Rome". The fact is that Negombo is the unofficial center of Christianity in Sri Lanka. The city is quite developed, shops, restaurants, rental offices and other services are literally on every corner. The local beaches are deserted, so they are popular with lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday. True, most tourists use Negombo only as a transit point for a day or two, and then go to other resorts. Nevertheless, the city has much to offer and show to vacationers. The most popular pastime is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for fishing. The most significant sights are the remains of a Dutch fort and a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, which is located 10 kilometers from Negombo.

Resorts of Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to see

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in Sri Lanka

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

Things to do

Water sports

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

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

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

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

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

Ayurveda

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

Ecotourism

Ecotourism has long been a popular holiday destination all over the world. Recently, this type of recreation has begun to gain popularity among our compatriots. Tours to Sri Lanka are distinguished by a wide variety of ecotourism offers. The choice of vacationers is rafting on mountain rivers, a trip on off-road vehicles over rough terrain, a ride on elephants, mountain climbing and other original excursions.

Camping and safaris

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

Agritourism

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

Fishing

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

River safari

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

Helicopter tour

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

Hot air balloon flight

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

Golf

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

Sri Lankan wedding

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

Sri Lanka beaches

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

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

Movement around the country

Bus

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

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

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

Train

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

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

Knock Knock

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

Taxi

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

Car rental

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

With a driver

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

Without a driver

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

Airplane

The air carrier "Aero Lanka" carries out domestic flights in the directions of Colombo-Ratmalata, Colombo-Jaffna and Colombo-Trincomalee.

Communication

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

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

culture

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

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

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

Kitchen

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

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

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

String hoppers are rice vermicelli rolled up and steamed.

Umbalakada is a fine powdered fish.

Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes cooked in coconut milk.

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

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

Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked in coconut milk.

Rotti is a flatbread flavored with curry sauce.

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

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

Beverages

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

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

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

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

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

Purchases

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

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

Connection

Telephone communications

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

Sri Lanka phone code: +94.

Useful phone numbers

Internet

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

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

Safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

Embassy Russian Federation in Sri Lanka:

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

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

Where to stay

Standard hotels

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

boutique hotels

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

Bungalow

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

Villas

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

Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, is an island southeast of the Indian subcontinent. You need to go here to take a break from city life, dissolve in peace and quiet, make several sightseeing trips with a tour of the main attractions, and spend the rest of the time on the beach. And, of course, try the local tea "first hand", because it is thanks to tea that the former name of the island "Ceylon" is known all over the world.

How to get to Sri Lanka

You should not count on a cheap flight from Russia or the CIS countries to Sri Lanka, yet the remoteness of the island from our country plays a role and affects the cost of tickets.

Let's look at the site, which will find the most advantageous offers of air carriers, how much it will cost us to fly to Sri Lanka and back from Moscow in May 2016. At the time of writing, there is still almost half a year left until May, but we all know that it is better to look for tickets in advance, otherwise you will have to pay more, or even the tickets will run out. By the way, we have already written a detailed article about searching for tickets "".

So, round-trip tickets cost an average of about 30 thousand rubles. The most profitable option is a flight by Etihad Airways for 29,748 rubles in both directions. You will have to make a change in any case - there are simply no direct flights from Russia to Sri Lanka, so 1 change is already included even in the most optimal route.

There are also few options for where to fly in Sri Lanka itself, or rather, only two - the capital of Colombo or Hambantota Airport. Here, when choosing, you should be guided by what place on the island you have chosen for your vacation, and which airport is closer to this very place.

Currency and visa of Sri Lanka

Currency

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee LKR. At the exchange rate at the end of December 2015, one Russian ruble is equal to two rupees. In turn, one rupee is divided into 100 Sri Lankan cents. In circulation on the island are banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees. In coins, there are 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees, as well as 25 and 50 cents.

Coming to Sri Lanka, having only rubles with you, is not the best idea, because even if you find an exchanger ready to change Russian rubles, the exchange rate in it will definitely not please you. The best option is to bring US dollars to Sri Lanka, which you can exchange for local currency anywhere.

If you still have money from other Asian countries from past trips, for example, Indian rupees or Thai baht, feel free to take them with you on a trip, it will not be difficult to change them.

Bank cards are accepted on the island, but you can often become victims of fraud, so it is better to leave the card as a last resort.

Visa

Residents of Russia need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Fortunately, you can apply for it in advance online through the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) website http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. On the site, you will have to fill out an application form and pay a fee of $30. The decision to grant or refuse a visa is made within 24 hours.
It is important that your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip.

Climate of Sri Lanka

Everyone who has ever been to countries with a similar climate (for example, most Asian countries) knows what the rainy season is. There is also in Sri Lanka, and lasts from May to October. It is during the summer period that almost the entire annual rainfall falls on the island. But from November to April, holidays in Sri Lanka will in no case be overshadowed by the weather - with general dryness, the air temperature stays around 27-30 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is usually not lower than 25 degrees.

Transport on the island

Public transport in Sri Lanka is represented by a quite standard set: trains, buses, taxis and tuk-tuks characteristic of Asia.

Buses are convenient for short trips within cities. This is not the most convenient and comfortable mode of transport on the island, as most buses are long overdue for "retirement". But there is a plus - you will pay nothing for the trip, about 1-3 rupees per kilometer. Commercial buses are slightly more expensive, but are more often air-conditioned. In general, it is easy to determine the level of bus comfort by the letter assigned to the route number - ordinary N, semi-comfortable S and comfortable A / C.

For longer trips between cities, you can use regular express buses, which are somewhat different from the usual ones for the better. Stops of such buses are most often located at bus stations and near railway stations.

Trains also come in different comfort classes. You can look at the train schedule and their routes on the official website of the Sri Lankan Railways www.railway.gov.lk. True, there is often a problem with the schedule - trains are constantly late, so take this into account when planning your route.

If you do not want to depend on public transport schedules, you can rent a car. How to do this, we wrote in the article "". I would like to add that in Sri Lanka there is left-hand traffic, which takes some time to get used to, as well as a completely different driving culture than ours: a lot of horns, little space, chaotic traffic, constant overtaking on the highways in corners and not only, but also regular violation of all possible rules. In principle, it is allowed to rent a car in Sri Lanka by persons over 21 years old, but we still recommend this type of transport to slightly more experienced drivers.

The main cities and attractions of Sri Lanka

- the largest city of Sri Lanka and part-time capital. From here, most likely, your journey around the island will begin, since Colombo is the largest international airport in Sri Lanka. Even if you are going to relax in a resort, we still recommend that you set aside at least a day to explore the beauties of Colombo.

Temple Gangaramaya- the most popular place of worship among tourists in Colombo. The temple was built about one hundred and twenty years ago and immediately became not only a spiritual center, but also a training center for future monks. You can visit some of the premises of the school and a museum that tells about Buddhism and the famous "graduates" of the school and their achievements in the field of Buddhism. Entrance to the temple is free, it is open from 6 am to 6 pm every day. The temple is located at Sri Jinaratana Rd Slave Island, Colombo 2.

National museum- one of the main art centers on the island. It houses a collection of paintings by local artists, as well as the work of local artisans. There is no better place to experience colorful Sinhalese art than this museum. The museum is located on Sir Marcus Fernando Mw. and is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm except national holidays. Entrance costs 600 rupees for adults and 300 rupees for children.

A park " Viharamahadevi"- one of the many parks in the city. This one is considered the largest of them, and, of course, the most popular among tourists. The park was built by English colonists, due to which it could be called a "typically English park", if only for the famous Buddha statue. It is located in the prestigious Cinnamon Gardens area of ​​the city and is open to the public from 8 am to 6 pm.

Halle- large seaport in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. His fort is recognized as a UNESCO monument, and the nature around is worthy of all praise. If your holiday in Sri Lanka takes place near Galle, it would be a crime not to come here. Now we will explain why with examples.

Halle lighthouse is a historical, though restored, landmark, which is part of the Utrecht bastion in the Galle fort, which, as already mentioned, is included in the List World Heritage UNESCO. The fort, like the lighthouse (more precisely, its predecessor) played a significant role in the life of the city and its port. You can look at the lighthouse for free at any time of the day or night. By the way, Galle Fort is the only surviving fort in Asia, built by colonists many centuries ago.

Temple Yatagala Rajah macha Viharaya- one of the oldest Buddhist temples of the island, whose history goes back more than two thousand years. Another feature is its location, because the temple is located in the rock. Caves and artificially created rooms were painted by masters millennia ago, and today all this is available to visitors, because the temple has been perfectly preserved. Entrance inside is free, it does not have specific opening hours - you just need to have time to visit it during daylight hours. The temple is located about five kilometers from Galle, in the village of Unawatuna, where you can easily get there by bus, tuk-tuk, rented transport or taxi.

reserves Halle- attract tourists with a variety of landscapes, alluring mountains, clean shores and, of course, such an unusual flora and fauna for us. The most iconic reserves are: Sinharaja, rich in rare species of plants and animals; Mount Rumassala, the ascent to which will not be easy, but will more than pay off with the impressions from the views from the peaks; Kottawa, famous for its arboretum. The nature reserves of Sri Lanka are interesting in that a huge number of plants and animals can be found only on this island and nowhere else.

Cultural capital of Sri Lanka richest history and a huge number of spiritual centers. The city is located in the center of the island, which makes it unsuitable for a beach holiday, but an excellent choice for a cultural holiday. And given the fact that transport between Gandhi and the major resorts of Sri Lanka is well established, you can easily combine these two types of recreation.

Temple tooth buddha- The temple, located in the former residence of the kings, is famous for its relic - the tooth of the Buddha, one of the four survivors of the cremation of the Buddha. There is always a huge queue to the shrine, but besides it, the temple has something to look at - frescoes, statues and even a library. The entrance to the temple costs 1000 rupees, it is open from 5:30 am to 8 pm. It is located on Sri Dalada Veediya Street.

Museum tea- As you know, Ceylon has long been considered the world capital of tea. So it would be strange not to visit the museum, which will tell about the history of growing tea bushes and harvesting, as well as the production process of the tea drink itself. The museum is located on Hantane Street, in the building of an old tea factory. Entrance - 500 rupees, from 8:15 to 16:45 on any day except Monday.

Palace complex- the residence of kings until the beginning of the XIX century. On the territory of the palace today are not only the living quarters of the royal family, but also the Temple of the Tooth Relic, as well as the National Museum of Kandy, which houses a huge collection of art from all over Sri Lanka. There is also an artificial lake and a beautiful royal park for walking. You can visit the territory of the Palace complex for free (except for the temple and the museum, there is a separate fee) during the daytime.

Natural attractions - the incomparable nature of Sri Lanka can surprise even tourists who come to the island not for the first time. Mountains, waterfalls, lakes, lagoons and tropical forests - well, what else can you say? Here is a small list of where you can drive on your own or book an excursion directly from your resort or from the city of Kandy: Udawattakelle Nature Reserve, Horton Plains National Park, Hunas Falls, Pusevalle Falls, Mount Sigiriya and much more.

Nuwara Elia- small resort town ok, famous for its tea production, nearby waterfalls and golf courses. Many excursions to neighboring reserves are sold in local travel agencies and on the streets, and the city itself resembles Europe in places, since many of its buildings were created by the colonists.

Botanical garden Hakgala This botanical garden is one of a kind. All because of its location, because Hakgala is considered high-altitude botanical garden which is what makes it unique. More than 6,000 plants grow here, many of which are unique to Sri Lanka. You can visit it all year round, it is located 10 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya along the A5 highway.

National a park Yala- the most famous and very first national park on the island. From Nuwara Eliya and closer cities (for example, Hambantota or Tangala), excursions are regularly carried to this amazing corner of Sri Lanka. Here, in the middle of wild nature, the ruins of ancient cities and monasteries are located, which are now occupied by wild animals. The best way to see the park is on a safari (from 6 am to 6 pm), which costs 5-6 thousand rupees.

waterfalls- a separate attraction of the city of Nuwara Eliya. There are so many of them here that you definitely want to see them all, because each of them is unique in its own way. There are also very high ones, such as Bambarakanda Ella, more than 240 meters high, there are also romantic ones dedicated to lovers, like the Brides Falls, and there are completely unusual ones, for example, local beer is brewed from the water of the Laksapana Falls waterfall.

teahouses plantations the heart of Nuwara Eliya. It is here that the main tea production on the island is concentrated. You can buy an excursion to one of the tea plantations offered by local guides, or you can just enjoy delicious fresh tea and do not forget to buy a few packs as souvenirs for friends and family, because you will not find such quality tea as here in a store near your house. .

Beaches and resorts of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is most often associated in our minds with resort vacation, which is easy to understand, because there are simply an incredible number of beaches suitable for relaxing and swimming on the island!

Bentota- the most popular beach on the island, famous for its cleanliness and comfort, and proudly included in the list of ten the best beaches Asia. In addition to a beach holiday, you can also do water sports here: windsurfing or diving.

Arugam Bay- a resort on the southeast coast was chosen by the servers of the whole world. The waves here are simply amazing, but a passive beach holiday is not very good - due to the special local microclimate on the beaches, it is especially hot and debilitatingly thirsty every second.

Batticaloa- one of the hottest cities on the entire island, located on its east coast. There are a lot of sandy beaches in the city of the same name, because it is located on a wide sandy spit and is surrounded by lagoons and all kinds of water bodies. Great place to combine city sightseeing with beach holiday.

Beruwala- a resort that is preferred by more prosperous tourists. The weather and water temperature are excellent almost all year round. It is here that the 130-kilometer-long beach begins, so you don’t have to worry about not having enough space (as well as on any beach in Sri Lanka)!

Wadduwa- a resort town near the capital Colombo. A very popular place among tourists due to easy accessibility from the airport, and of course, because of the golden beaches and beautiful scenery.

Marissa- a well-deserved place in the list of the best beaches in Sri Lanka is this beach. The tourist infrastructure is not very developed here, and there are not many hotels and restaurants. But this is what makes the beach attractive to many travelers - privacy, originality, magnificent scenery and tranquility. Marissa is great for traveling with children, as there are several budget guesthouses here, and a smooth drop in depth allows children to swim near the shore.

Negombo- a resort town on the west coast of Sri Lanka. "Golden Mile" - this is the name of the local beaches of the city. The tourist infrastructure is excellently developed, and the city itself and its environs are also very interesting in terms of sightseeing holiday.

Tangalle- a resort town in the south of Sri Lanka, which is famous for its very mild climate. Sandy beaches stretch for several miles, the choice of hotels and apartments is very large, and you can have a bite to eat in one of the many tourist cafes. The width of the beaches is not very large - literally a couple of tens of meters, and you are already surrounded by palm trees, but this only adds originality to Tangalle. This resort is also great for surfing.

Unavantuna- a resort in the south of the island, which is most often chosen by travelers with children. The weather here is always pleasant, and the climate is mild, but more importantly, because of the reefs that separate the Unavantuna lagoon from the ocean, the waves here are not dangerous, and the storm is not a threat.

Uppuveli And Nilaveli- resorts in the northeast of Sri Lanka, which are becoming more and more popular among tourists. The reason for this is ideal conditions for everyone aquatic species sports (especially diving). And also whales and dolphins, which you can accidentally see from afar or specially on a thematic excursion.

Hiksaduwa- another mecca for diving enthusiasts, and all because of the incredible beauty of the coral reef that stretches along the coastline. It is also a great place for an off-season holiday as the climate is temperate even during the summer months and there are beaches suitable for swimming and relaxing.

Download free Sri Lanka travel guide in pdf format. The guide may take a few minutes to load.

Sri Lanka is full of interesting places. Here you will see many beautiful temples and grandiose in their size and art of processing Buddha statues. This place will meet you with the widest tea plantations, beautiful waterfalls. Delightful cultural and natural monuments. Before visiting this amazing place you need to plan a route, outline the main attractions to visit. In our guides you will find the most interesting and necessary information.

In our guide you will read about the main tourist places in Sri Lanka. He will introduce you to where to have fun surfing or fishing, with him you will learn how best to rent a yacht. UNESCO did not ignore this island, and our guide does not ignore these places included in the World Heritage Fund. You can also learn about the main cities of Sri Lanka. What to see, where to sleep and where to dine.

Colombo

Colombo is a city in the Western Province of the island. A number of sights make it stand out. TO mandatory attendance you need to take the Jami-Ul Alfar Mosque, Independence Hall and, of course, the Gangaramay Temple. A PDF guide can help you not get lost on the streets of this majestic city.

You will find interesting facts about the city, about the culture of its population, get acquainted with the local cuisine and restaurants where you can taste it. Of course, in it you will find information about the famous Colombo promenade Galle Face Green. You will get a lot of pleasure walking along it. The guide will be able to tell you about the museums of this city, and about the Buddhist holidays Navam Perahera and Esala Perahera, celebrated here on a special scale. With the help of our guide, which you can download from the link, you will learn about the best theaters in Colombo, where to have fun in the evening.

Kandy

Kandy was a capital city, but lost its former status after the conquest of the island by Europeans. The influence is gone, but the beauty remains. Here are the monuments of past eras. Our guide will help you navigate the sights of the city. He will lead you to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where one of the most important shrines of Buddhists is located. With an electronic guide, you will look into the city of Anuradhapura, and into the gardens of Peradeniya and many others. significant places. You will learn from it and where to relax after busy, interesting and: what restaurants are suitable for you, where you can comfortably stay for the night.

You will learn from the guide how to get to Adam's Peak to see how Sri Lanka emerges from the darkness of the night with its vast forests and rolling expanses. With our guide you will learn how to plan your time and not miss the opportunity to visit the tea plantations and the factory where the famous Ceylon tea is produced.

Download the guide to your laptop, phone or tablet. Use it without an internet connection.

The former island of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, is a country that historically was a colony of three European states(Portugal, Netherlands, Britain), survived civil war 26 years long (1983-2009) and a terrible tsunami 14 years ago, in 2004.

Sri Lanka is a puzzle country that cannot be assembled in a short trip. Endless sandy beaches and ocean, history and culture, surfing and other extreme sports, wild jungles, tea plantations and mangoes, Buddhism, yoga, self-discovery and much more.

Here, no one is in a hurry, it seems that the locals know some secret of happiness and mysteriously smile all the time.

Basic Information

Visa regime

A visa is required to enter Sri Lanka. There are two options for getting it:

To make an entry permit in electronic form, for this you need to fill out a form in English on the ETA - Electronic Travel Authorization website. The cost is $35, free for children under 12. Do not forget to print it, you will need to present it at passport control.

At the airport upon arrival. There are usually no queues. The cost of such a visa is $40. In addition to foreign travel, you need to present a hotel reservation and return tickets, sometimes they may be asked to prove financial solvency, for this you need a bank statement.

When your visa expires, you can renew it in Colombo or fly to a neighboring country (Malaysia or Singapore) and fly back.

The cost of extending a visa for a month at the immigration center in Colombo is $ 25, the time spent at the visa center is three to four hours

Visa application center in Colombo: Department of Immigration and Emigration Suhurupaya, Subuthi Dr, Battaramulla, 4th floor

Currency

Sri Lankan rupee, 100 dollars = 15,000 rupees.

Time difference with Moscow

When to go

Year-round: there is no bad weather in Sri Lanka, depending on the season, the location you should go to changes:

mid-September - April - the season in the south of the island;
April - October - the season in the east of the island.

How to get around

Buses

In Sri Lanka, the only ones in a hurry are the red bus drivers, codenamed "gansta buses". In general, there are two types of buses in Sri Lanka - public and private (red). But it is the Red drivers who play checkers most of the time in order to be the first to reach the final destination and collect the largest number of passengers along the way.

Relax, hold on tight, an oncoming ride with breeze, light music, trance or Sri Lankan love songs awaits you.

The bus network on the island is well developed, you can get anywhere in the country by changing at bus stations in big cities.

At the stations there are stands with signs or an electronic scoreboard indicating the final destination of the bus, the schedule can be found on the Internet.

“Matara, Matara, Matara,” the conductor says with great speed, gathering people along the road, locals come and go on the go, make stops for tourists, but you have to be very quick.

Express bus runs non-stop on the expressway from Colombo Airport to the south of the island to Matara and back. The cost is 530 rupees, the travel time is two to three hours.

Trains

Trains in Sri Lanka are not only the main transport, but also a local attraction.
Traveling by train around the island is an opportunity to see extraordinary landscapes from the window or vestibule of the car.

Train tickets are bought before departure, at the station, at the box office tickets can be purchased in the first, second and third class, in the second and third class you will have to sit in an empty seat.

You can buy first class train tickets in Sri Lanka in advance. Ticket sales begin 30 days before the date of the intended travel. Booking online is not possible.

Knowing the exact train schedule, you can easily change from one to another and get anywhere in the country on a budget.

Most tourists prefer one direction - to a mountainous country to drive past tea plantations. But the trip from Colombo to the south of the island to Galle is no less picturesque and runs along the coast overlooking the Indian Ocean.

You can travel by tuk-tuk between the villages and around the district, but to your question “how much does it cost to? ..” you can hear the answer “can you show me the way?”. Sometimes tuk-tuk drivers do not understand English, then you have to explain yourself by signs.

bike

You can rent a bike, the cost is about $100 per month.

Accommodation

As elsewhere in Asia, a simple law applies here - book accommodation for a couple of days in advance on Booking.com, and find accommodation for the entire period on the spot.

The cost depends on the conditions and location: a hotel room on the beach will cost you $ 60, and across the road from the beach - 30-50. You can find decent nice accommodation away from the beach (10-15 minutes walk) for 10-20 dollars. Rent a house with two bedrooms long term- from $350 per month.

Food

The cuisine of Sri Lanka is similar to Indian, but it was also influenced by the traditions of the metropolitan countries.

The basis of the usual daily menu here is rice and curry. A huge portion of rice is served with a set of small plates, where there will be bean pods, sweet pumpkin, potatoes, zucchini and peppers. The most delicious are jackfruit and dal (lentils with turmeric), snack - coconut sambol (coconut, red onion, chili, lime juice, salt). Plus, they bring crispy cakes - papadam.

In addition to wedge curry, there is a curry with chicken or fish: another plate with fish or meat will be added to the same vegetable snacks.

The locals eat with their hands, kneading all the snacks together with rice only in proportions known to them. Why? They say it tastes better this way.

In addition to curries, rice flour dishes are typical for Sri Lankan cuisine, for example, steamed vermicelli rolled into rolls - hoppers (string hoppers). From the same flour, coconut milk and yeast, pancakes are also baked here in the form of a bowl with crispy edges and a soft center - appa (hoppers), in the center of which an egg (bittara arra) is added.

Popular Sri Lankan street food is roti with various fillings and kottu, shredded local paratha bread with spices and a choice of meat or vegetables. Here they drink strong, very sweet tea with milk.

In addition to places with local food, new European cafes appear on the island every year where you can eat and drink good coffee, however, its cost will be comparable to Moscow.

The name of the village from the Sinhala language is translated as "village in the sand" or "sand village" - most of its coastline is made up of wide sandy beaches without reefs and stones. Weligama is primarily a resort for surfers, especially beginners.

There are many surf schools on the beach, where education is much cheaper than in surf camps and Russian schools. Classes are conducted by locals in English, the price of an individual lesson at Freedom Surf School is about $ 18, board rental is less than two dollars per hour.

Victor Lyuboshkin, surf instructor @victor.lyuboshkin
Sri Lanka is a beginner's paradise, a great place to start surfing. Weligama Bay- sand beach three to four kilometers long, there are weak waves compared to other surf spots on the island. The rest of the coast is reef spots for more advanced surfers.
True, it still falls short of the level of Balinese surfing. The reason is that the island of Sri Lanka lies on the tectonic plate of the mainland continent of Eurasia, and the primary break (this is the place where the wave breaks for the first time) occurs far from the coast. And the first collapse is the loss of a large wave power. Sri Lanka is a place where strong waves do not come, surfing here is driven by tropical cyclones.

Weligama is ideal for learning: there are small waves and a sandy bottom. Keep in mind: there will be a lot of people here, especially during the high season, in December-January the spots are overloaded. The season in the south is from the end of September to the end of March. From Matara to Galle there are many spots, including secret breaks that are not marked on the maps. In Midigama Rams, Lazy Left are some of the most popular. They are crowded with people, especially when the swell comes. But I note that if you do not know how to ride or do it badly, then there is very little chance of catching a wave.

In the south of the island, at the beginning of Weligama, there is a cool place that was opened by a young couple from Scandinavia - a hotel, cafe and shop Ceylon Sliders. Ceylon Sliders opened over a year ago, and before that, the guys did Sunshine Stories surf and yoga camp in Ahangama, where there were weekly packages with accommodation, meals, theory, surf lessons and yoga twice a day.

The hotel has five rooms, one of which has an ocean view. In the morning and in the evening, yoga is held on the roof of Sunshine Stories for everyone, the price is 1,200 rupees.

Maria Rönnbeck, Sunshine Stories & Ceylon Sliders:
The cafe focuses on breakfasts and brunches, the morning menu includes granola, smoothie bowls, avocado toasts and salads, fresh pastries. We have a local team working in the kitchen, although now we want to invite a European chef to develop an evening menu and training. Half of our employees are women, which is not typical for Sri Lanka, mostly men work here.
Must do? One of my favorite spots on the island is Secret Beach, in Mirissa, perfect for a sunset cocktail. From traditional cuisine, you should definitely try different types of curries in places where locals eat.

One of the most unusual experiences in Sri Lanka is night swimming with plankton. Everyone should try this: you make water with your hands, and it glistens. Geographically, this is a beach opposite Jaga Bay, not far from the Marriott hotel. It is advisable to swim on a clear starry night so that the glow is brighter, be sure to be naked. This will be remembered for a long time.

Mirissa
A couple of years ago, Mirissa was a quiet village, but now the entire beach is crammed with cafes and restaurants with tables on the sand near the ocean. Music festivals are held on the shore, in New Year the whole beach turns into one big disco.

There is surfing, snorkeling with turtles, a secret beach and Secret Beach Bar, the road to which passes through the jungle.

In the small port of Mirissa, you can book a boat to watch the whales. This is an absolute must in Sri Lanka. You can book such an excursion at any travel agency, hotel where you live, or even with a tuk-tuk driver.

The cost is 6 thousand rupees ($ 40) per person for a small boat of 20-30 people, in time - 2.5-4 hours, depending on how far you have to swim. Emotions are guaranteed, especially when the whale goes into the depths and waves its tail.

Amy, photographer, lives in Sri Lanka for nine months @amiad_sofer
Sri Lanka is a great place to shoot, every day you can take hundreds of cool pictures. I recommend driving ten minutes from the beach deep into the villages to be in the jungle; around you are happy people living a simple life - no posturing.

On the coast there are many wild beaches - ideal places for shooting at sunrise or sunset.

My favorite place for surf photography is Mirissa: before going down to Secret Beach, you will come to a mountain full of palm trees. Below you will see a secret surf spot. When the swell comes, there will be only a couple of people in the water, and you can take photos from above, everything will be perfectly visible, plus there is very good light.

Madiha (Madiha)
One of my favorite places in the south of the island, The Doctor's House is located near Matara. Shrimp pizza, tuna salad and mango daiquiri (850 rupees) at sunset, happy hour until 18:00: two cocktails for the price of one.

Almost every Sunday there are concerts with live music, sometimes they arrange flea markets, look for the schedule on the Facebook page.

Only foreigners hang out here, many of those who live on the island.

Matara
One of the largest cities in Sri Lanka, all movements on public transport in the southern part of the island pass through the bus station of the city.

Hiriketia (Hiriketia)
Authentic little village with a more relaxed vibe, popular with Europeans. Five years ago, there were no tourists in Hiriketia, and it was a small fishing village where whites were looked with surprise.

You can come here for one day (from Matara to Dikwella for an hour and a half by bus, then take a tuk-tuk for 100 rupees and get to the beach): sunbathe on the bounty beach with blue water Dikwella Beach or surf on Hiriketia Beach, and have a drink in the evening at Dots Bay House.

If you want privacy - go to Tangalle (Tangalle) - the place is famous for its amazing deserted beaches.

In the south of the island is the national park "Udawalawe" (Udawalawe National Park) - the sixth largest park in Sri Lanka. The main attraction of the park are elephants, buffaloes, spotted and sambur deer, wild boars, jackals. Udawalawe is the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian elephants at any time of the year. Located 170 kilometers from Colombo.

Central part of the island

Route for three days, start from Matara

1st day
Ella is a small town located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by tea plantations, mountains, jungles and tropical forests.

How to get there
By bus or train via Colombo or Matara. Distance to international airport Colombo is 215 kilometers, to Matara - 168 kilometers.

The nearest major city is Bandarawela. You can get to Ella by bus through the cities of Badulla and Wellawaya. Ella can also be reached by train - railway station Badulla.

The journey from Colombo by train will take about ten hours. A visit to Ella is combined with cities central region: Kandy, Hatton (Adam's Peak) and Nuwara Eliya.

There are four trains a day from Colombo to Ella, which pass through Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, and Kandy. Prices depend on the class of the carriage and the place of departure. First class tickets must be purchased at least a day in advance, while second and third class tickets can be purchased on the day of departure. For January and local holidays, it is better to take care of tickets in advance.

From Matara - by bus number 31 to Bandarawela, which departs twice a day, runs according to a clear schedule, the journey takes about 5.5 hours.

Things to do in Ella
One day is enough to get to know Ella.
Among the surrounding attractions you can visit Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, Ravana Falls, Demodara Nine Arch Bridge.

The only thing - you have to make a choice: climb Ella Rock or Little Adam's Peak? If you want both, you'll have to stay longer.

Tip: Take sports shoes, a sweatshirt, a windbreaker or a raincoat with you, it can rain suddenly here, in the evenings and early mornings it is cool in the mountains.

Little Adam's Peak

We chose a simpler option for ourselves and at dawn we went to Small Adam's Peak. The path passes through tea plantations and villages, uphill along the equipped path and steps. From the top there is a stunning view of the mountains.

After descending from the mountain, we went to the Demodara nine-arch bridge for photos. A couple of hours there, breakfast in the city and continuation of the journey towards Kandy.

Demodara nine-arch bridge

Southeast coast of Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay - surfing never alone
Arugam Bay is located near a fishing village three kilometers from small town Pottuvil (320 kilometers from Colombo) in the southeast of Sri Lanka. There used to be fishing villages here too, but now this place is in the top ten the best places in the surf world.

They say that the best surfers are born here, here are high-quality waves and all surfing on the island came from here. Surfing in Arugam Bay was discovered by Australians 50-60 years ago.