Galle is the capital of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Galle - the capital of the southern province of Sri Lanka National cuisine of the Sri Lankans

The historic city of Galle (Sri Lanka) is located at south coast country, 116 km from Colombo and only 5 km from Unawatuna beach. Built in the 16th century by Portuguese navigators, the port embodies South Asian traditions and elements of European architecture, being a UNESCO protected site.

Before Colombo, Galle remained a major city and main port of the country for 400 years. Then the Dutch recaptured it, redeveloping the entire defensive system. The city was conquered from the Dutch by the British, who did not change anything, so the atmosphere of that era is still preserved here. In the late 19th century, the British expanded Colombo's borders, making it a major port.

Galle was once the largest center in Sri Lanka for trading between Persian, Arab, Indian, Greek and Roman merchants. A little more than 100 thousand inhabitants live here, among whom there are Buddhists, Hindus, Islam and Catholicism are preached. Such industries as textiles, food and glass are well developed.

Galle has many good hotels and restaurants, and although the city is on the coast, tourists prefer either Hikkaduwa. Despite the transparent water of a greenish-turquoise hue, there are stones everywhere under the water, the city does not have a sandy beach.

Fort Galle

Galle city in Sri Lanka is divided into old and new parts. The border is marked by three powerful bastions above the cricket stadium. Here you will find many old European-style buildings. Popular attractions in Galle include the Galle Fort, built by the Dutch from granite at the end of the 17th century.

The ancient fort has barely changed since colonial times, so the old part of the city is a must-see for that atmosphere. Above the gate, you will see the symbol of the Ottoman Empire - a stone with the image of a rooster. According to legend, the lost Portuguese sailors only thanks to his cry swam to the unnamed harbor, after which the city was named.

The fort is included in the UNESCO heritage list. The architectural structures of the fort are considered especially interesting. The weight of the roof is supported only by the walls, without the use of internal supports. You can walk inside the fort all day long. The popular New Oriental Hotel is located on its territory. This is the oldest hotel in the country and was built at the end of the 17th century for the governor. Here and now, high-ranking officials and wealthy people prefer to rest.

Galle Port in Sri Lanka still hosts fishing and cargo ships, as well as private yachts. The most prominent part of the fort is the lighthouse, which illuminates the way for distant ships in the evening. The harbor has its own unique and unrepeatable atmosphere that tourists love so much. Photos of Galle in Sri Lanka show that you can admire not only historical buildings there, but also the beautiful Indian Ocean and unique sunsets.

New town

In the new part of the city there is a shopping center with shops and small cozy cafes. The stations and the central market are located on the banks of the Dutch Canal. Tourists enjoy visiting St. Mary's Cathedral.

Although there are almost no significant ancient monuments here, modern Galle is considered the heart of the city. On the narrow streets of Moriche-Kramer-Strat and Lane-Bun, open windows with wooden shutters, terraces and spacious rooms in the best Dutch tradition are still preserved.

Attractions Galle

You will always find what to see in Galle. The city is usually visited for excursions to learn more about the culture of this region.

On Church Street there is National Museum of Culturewhere you can learn everything about the history of the city. The entrance is paid, the visiting time is from 9.00 to 17.00 from Tuesday to Saturday.

National Maritime Museum

Deserves attention National Maritime Museum on Queen Street. On the ground floor you will find an exhibition dedicated to the fishing life. The Museum can be accessed from 9.00 to 17.00. Working days are Tuesday-Saturday.

IN Dutch Period Museum the most interesting exhibits of the era of Dutch rule are exhibited. The museum is housed in private houses on Leyn Baan Street. Free admission, visiting time from 8.30 to 17.30 daily.

Meera Mosque

Tourists love to visit and the ancient gothic church Grote Kerk, which is located near the Hotel Amangalla, on the Church street. There you will find ancient headstones with images of skulls and bones.

Per catholic church All Saints have built mosques, especially tourists like Meera Masjid, but you need to visit this place in appropriate clothing.

Opposite the Dutch church is the home of the Dutch rulers with original stoves inside. Ghosts are rumored to be there.

Cricket is a popular sport here and the local national team has won many prizes. The cricket field is considered perfect for this game and is located among the oldest and most valuable monuments next to the Galle Fort, which makes it even more unique.

What to see in the vicinity

In the central part of Weligama Bay, there is the beautiful island of Taprobane, or Yakinige-Duva in Sinhalese. At the beginning of the 20th century, a luxurious house was built here by the French Count de Manet, and the writer P. Bowles used it in his novel "The House of the Spider". Now this place is a private resort where you can rent a villa.

Unawatuna... The secluded Unawatuna Beach is surrounded by coral reefs on all sides and is only 5 km from Galle. In contrast, the highway passes through the central part, so it is quite busy here. The popular resort place is popular with tourists and locals, because here you can not only relax and swim, but also go diving, snorkeling and surfing.

Mirissa. In this small resort village near Weligama, you can spend your vacation economically. In addition to spacious beaches, there are excellent conditions for surfing and snorkelling. Especially tourists who value a relaxing holiday will like it here.

More detailed information with a photo about the resort of Mirissa is presented in.

How to get to Galle

Inside the city, the traffic intersection is quite developed and has many forks. The city is connected with the nearest large ones and Matara by railways. Galle can be reached by train, bus and taxi, at the train station you can always find out where the city of Galle is and how to get to it.

From Colombo. From the train station to the Galle station. Only class 2 and 3 cars or "Rajadhani Express" cars, tickets for which can be bought online. Travel time 2.5-3 hours.

From Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Kandy, a train follows to Colombo Fort, then change to the Colombo Fort - Galle train. Before the trip, check the current train schedule and ticket prices on the website www.railway.gov.lk.

There are many bus services from Colombo Bus Station to Galle. The highway can be reached in 2-3 hours. If the route runs along the coast, the journey will take approximately 4 hours. The Galle bus station is across the street from the Fort, the city's main attraction.

Use water from plastic bottles for drinking and cooking.

There is a lot of traffic in the city of Galle, so be careful on the roads.

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Weather

You can visit this spa center at any time of the year. It is always warm in Galle (Sri Lanka). Slight temperature fluctuations are typical in summer and winter. It almost never rains here from December to April. Even from May to November, intermittent rains do not interfere with sightseeing.

How Halle looks from the air and some practical information for those who want to visit the city - in the video.

Related entries:

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

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

There are so many interesting things on the island that, as a rule, travel is not limited to one destination. The ring is the ideal form of the Sri Lanka route. The beginning and the end is Bandaranaike airport, and everyone chooses the points on the circle to his 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, to take a closer look at the life and 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 unfold in terms of attractions and interesting places, so I love not only traveling on it myself, but also making itineraries for friends who come here.

Visa and border crossing

The popularity of Sri Lanka among independent travelers is associated, among other things, with the availability 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 citizens of the CIS: at the airport - $ 40, e-visa - $ 35. It is given for 2 entries within 30 days. This is convenient if you want to fly, for example, to the Maldives or India.

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

To apply for an electronic 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, after a few hours (up to a day) - a confirmation that the visa has been issued.

Please note that closer to the time of arrival in Colombo, stewardesses begin to offer migration cards to register 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 in your itinerary);
• signature.

You can fill out a migration card while still on the plane, and at the airport immediately go to passport control. The procedure consists in the fact 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 has ever asked me for a printout of an e-visa, a tourist voucher and a return flight 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 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 procedure, is located at 41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo.

Depending on the severity of the violation of migration legislation in Sri Lanka, various fines are provided, up to including in the list of persons who are denied entry to the island.

How to get there

By plane

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

How and how long to fly is the first question that any traveler asks. Direct regular flights there are no flights from Moscow to Colombo, but there are charters in high season (winter). That's about 8.5 hours of flight.

The main way to get from Moscow to Sri Lanka is by daily regular flights of Arab airlines, which carry out 1 transfer:

• Emirates -;
• Qatar Airways-Doha;
• Etihad -.

The flight time, taking into account the connection, increases to 12-14 hours. The ticket price is from 28,000 rubles.

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

Airline promotions and sales of tickets to Sri Lanka are carried out in the region of March and October. During this period, the cost of the flight can be reduced by 25-35%. It is convenient to keep track of prices and discounts.

Tourist regions

The most famous resorts of Sri Lanka are located in the south ( best beach - from Tangalle to Weligama) and southwest () of the island. Eastern Sri Lanka is gaining popularity with tourists every year, attracting with its purity, desolation and coral reefs. Also of interest are the two central regions of the country: mountainous Sri Lanka with developed trekking routes among 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 bright range of entertainment and interesting excursions.

Southwest coast

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

• - a promoted resort in Sri Lanka. Its beaches are preferred by newlyweds for a romantic trip or a wedding ceremony. You can navigate the prices for tours to Bentota. In addition, there is a special program to support the Bentota region as an Ayurvedic resort, therefore there are several specialized centers, and each hotel has its own SPA programs. One of its beaches houses 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 plus. 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, traditional water activities on the beaches - surfing, diving, fishing. This area, as an extension of Bentota, is also very clean, but cheaper. Among the minuses is the city of Beruwala itself. If you dare to venture out into the areas where locals, then 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 lovers. Unlike most resorts in Sri Lanka, there are many fun bars and discos here. And the main attraction of Hikkaduwa is the coral reserve.
  The local seafood, which can be tasted in street restaurants, is especially popular, including with me and my friends.
• Mount Lavinia- a resort with a long history and several large modern hotels. Currently, it is a large city adjacent to the economic center of the country of Colombo. The main attractions include the Dehiwela Zoo with more than 300 species of animals, as well as the huge Bolgoda Lake - the largest reservoir of fresh water in Sri Lanka. The resort is maximally focused on tourists: many hotels and even hostels fundamentally do not populate the 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 the area you will find both luxury hotels and cheap guest houses. Local fishermen catch several types of fish and seafood every day, which are skillfully prepared in local restaurants.
• - the southernmost resort in Sri Lanka. Near its beaches is the city of Matara and Cape Dondra - extreme point relative to the equator. The beaches of Mirissa are characterized by tranquility and tranquility. The few hotels in the resort are intended rather for those who travel around Sri Lanka on their own, there is no infrastructure for package tourists here.
  
The visiting card of the resort is a boat trip to the blue whales that winter nearby. Also among the advantages of Mirissa is the ability to get there in 1.5 hours from Colombo by bus on the high-speed autobahn.
• Kalutara is a modern developing resort. It is known all over the world for its spices, as well as juicy tropical fruits that grow in the area. Gangatilaka Vihara Temple is the most famous landmark of the city. It is a huge, hollow stupa (the only one in Sri Lanka) that you can enter. I recommend that you definitely visit this unique object of its kind. The disadvantage 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 is no shallow water as such, so I do not recommend families with children.

Northeast coast

Since Sri Lanka's airport is on the opposite side of the island, getting to the northeast is more difficult. Nevertheless, there are several resorts here with their own unique features:

Central highlands

An unforgettable contrast to the beachfront Sri Lanka 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 a warm sweater to travel to these parts.

Two main points of visiting 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 make a fascinating three-hour train voyage among the 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 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 devote a little less time to exploring Anuradhapura, but a little more to Kandy. Each city has the minimum necessary tourist infrastructure: hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shops. In Kandy, of course, it is more developed, as it is the second largest city in Sri Lanka.

In addition to the above-mentioned cities, the attractions of the "cultural triangle" also include and, inspection of which takes about 3 hours for each object. But you can also set aside a separate day for them.

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

Top cities

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

Islands

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

Some of the northwestern islands end in tiva, which means island in Tamil: Puncudutivu, Mandaitivu. Some of the islands have retained the names of Dutch cities since the colonization of the country. For example, an island.

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 see them both as part of an independent trip (cheaper and more interesting with preliminary preparation), and you can buy excursions in agencies and from 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, outbuildings. The pearls of Sigiriya are a huge (140 x 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 everything about Sigiriya.

• Golden temple - a complex of cave temples shrouded in legends, in which there is a huge number of Buddha images - 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 of Buddha... A sacred place for Buddhists from all over the world! Perhaps this is one of the most luxurious temples in Sri Lanka. Previously, this place was royal Palace, 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 of Buddha.

Weather

Luck or not, but in Sri Lanka it is summer all year round: the daytime air temperature ranges from +28 ° С to +33 ° С (at night +24 ° С ... +26 ° С). The water temperature in Sri Lanka is +27 ° С ... +29 ° С.

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

The north-east and south-west coasts take turns to share the palm among visitors to Sri Lanka. In addition, tourists travel all year round 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 - it is better to go to the northeast in summer, and to the southwest in winter. 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 at the same time you can quite comfortably spend a few days on the beaches of the southwest coast:, Hikkaduwa,. May is a good time for sightseeing restvisiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are located on the island. A great addition to this route will be a vacation on the northeast coast: Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Appuveli.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka brings with it partly cloudy, short-term, often 2-5 minutes (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, the rest can be quite comfortable, in addition, in the low season, housing prices drop significantly.

Swimming in the ocean in the rainy season is still possible if you choose the right beach with a lagoon or closed by islands. This location calms the raging waves. There are similar sections of beaches in 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 is left-hand here.
Traveling around the island by public transport (buses, trains) is very cheap. For example, a transfer by car from the airport to Bentota is 68 dollars (10,000 rupees), the same distance by 2 buses is 2 dollars (300 rupees), by bus and then by train - 0.85 dollars (120 rupees).

Communication

Roaming or local communication

Sri Lanka is actively developing cellular communications and the Internet.

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 minutes of international, internal communication and Internet traffic.

Having bought a local SIM card, it will be much cheaper to talk to Russia than paying for roaming to domestic operators. For example, the cost of a minute for MTS is 250 rubles, and for Dialog - 9 rubles. Making landline calls from the hotel is 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 vacation. The minimum fare is $ 5.5 (Rs 780). This is enough for calls to Russia and communication in social networks for a couple of weeks. You can play it safe and, in order to be always connected, buy a more expensive Dialog tariff - more minutes and more Internet traffic.

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

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 (just behind the exchangers). Representatives of the cellular operator will perform all the manipulations with your phone to connect the tariff, but you can just 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 in mobile phone shops in cities. Top-ups are also widely available using telephone cards, which can be bought in stores, shops, post offices and gas stations.

Best of all, mobile communication covers the territory of Colombo and the resorts of the southwestern part of the island. In the north and east, only large cities can boast of stable mobile communications and the Internet.

Wifi

As a rule, Sri Lanka hotels have wi-fi. In large chain hotels, it is available everywhere, and in small hotels and hostels - at the reception and in public 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.

Useful information

Service phones: ambulance and fire department - 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 \u200b\u200bin Sri Lanka are Sinhalese and Tamil, but English is actively used in government agencies and the tourism sector. At the everyday level, mostly city dwellers 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 the resort areas, the Russian language is gaining more and more popularity among residents involved in the tourism sector, the knowledge of which allows the Sri Lankan to find a higher-paying job in this industry.

10 phrases you need to know

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

Features of the mentality

Two nationalities can be distinguished among the population of the island:

• sinhalese (75%), who for the most part profess Buddhism;
• tamils \u200b\u200b(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 areas of the city and region. From my own experience, I can note that the cleanliness and comfort of the area is highly dependent on the religion of the local residents. Buddhism implies the formation of harmony around, therefore its adherents constantly wash something, sweep, repair - they attach great importance to order. This contrast is striking as you drive through the country. In Muslim or Hindu areas, they do not think so much about the existence of beings, hence the rubbish, 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 do not think about their karma, as the vast majority of the inhabitants of the island do. Even if they are poor now, it is very important for them to move into the next life with a "clear conscience".

I love the locals for their tall moral principles, for family life (good upbringing of children and respect for elders). Sometimes all this resembles our Soviet era, although European values \u200b\u200bare 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.

And the Sri Lankans are very fond of holidays, often visit temples, attach great importance to ceremonies and rituals.

Food and drink

Feature of Sri Lankan cuisine

Sri Lanka's spicy and spicy food can be a big challenge. A magic 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 all Asian cuisines.

The charm of Sri Lankan cuisine is in its simplicity. Most dishes are based on vegetables, rice, fish, spices. This is the same constructor, in the center of which is Fig. Around it are various curry sauces - a mixture of ginger, turmeric, pepper, coriander, cinnamon, garlic. Lots of dishes local cuisine prepared using coconut juice, oil, shavings.

What do the locals eat

As true Buddhists, Sri Lankans practically do not eat meat and very rarely consume poultry. Basically, pork, beef, 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 in the use of her meat for food than in neighboring India.

As for seafood, they are not always available to an ordinary Sri Lankan, because their prices are high by local standards. All the catch is sold to cafes and restaurants. Typically, Sri Lankans eat small fish or umbalacada - fish powder that is added to sauces. But it is simply impossible to visit here and not try lobster, the freshest fish. For those who cook on their own, you can buy cheaply at special fish markets. They work from 4 am to 7 am.

Where to eat

In Sri Lanka, you can eat at almost every corner. These are mainly street eateries, cafes, restaurants.

Don't be afraid to eat in street places. The chance to taste stale and tasteless food is higher in cafes and restaurants. On the street, dishes are cooked in front of your eyes, and if there are many customers in this eatery, then the products are definitely fresh, the reputation of the institution is not spoiled by anything.

In expensive restaurants, you can lie in wait for various surprises and inconsistencies with expectations. Although it must be admitted, Colombo is home to the most upscale restaurants in Sri Lanka with stunning luxury national and European cuisine.

All fast food restaurants (KFC, MCDonalds, Burger King) are also concentrated in major cities. It should be noted that even in such establishments, local peculiarities food - many vegetarian options. A full lunch at your local MCDonalds costs $ 4 (Rs. 600).

Local food prices in Sri Lanka are very low.

In street eateries, you can get 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) for 1 person.

About drinks

• In a hot country like Sri Lanka, you must drink a lot. Tap water can be consumed only after boiling, but it is better to always buy bottled water, which is sold everywhere and is very cheap. The bottle must have sLS label (Sri Lanka Standards Institute).
• Milk is expensive here. It quickly deteriorates, so preservatives are often added to it. Milkshakes are widely sold in sachets 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 there are many farms and large dairies.

• Coconut milk is a popular drink in Sri Lanka. But remember that this is a powerful diuretic.
• Ceylon tea is a classic drink, aromatic and strong, so locals often dilute it with milk. The island's surroundings make the usual tea drinking ritual more elite and unforgettable.
• Fruit juices (from mango, banana, papaya) and lassi (yogurt, fruit, sugar, ice). Fresh will be prepared for you right at the street stalls. The magic words to the seller are "but ice, but suga" (ice is prepared from no one knows what kind of water, and the fruit is already sweet enough).

• Ginger beer is a soft drink similar to soft cola, but with a ginger flavor and aroma.
• Arak (Arrack) - coconut vodka. Often used with Jingzha to remove the fortress. Price: About $ 3.5 (Rs 500) per bottle. The best Arak variety is Old Reserve, which costs about $ 7 (Rs 1,000).
• 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.

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

5 dishes worth trying

Shopping

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

All kinds of goods can be found everywhere, 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 drop the price up to 50% of the original. 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 bargaining, but when buying precious stones, leather goods and clothing, be sure to bargain.

Fixed prices in Duty-free shops, supermarkets, shopping centers.

Best Cities for Shopping

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

What to bring from this country

• ceylon tea (the best is from the highlands of Ella and Nuwara Eliya. I advise against buying Pekoe and Orange Pekoe; as well as Lipton and Dilmah);
• souvenirs: masks, ceramics, batik, leather products (for the exotic lover);
• spices (the cheapest cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, etc. in supermarkets).

Vacation with children

For a comfortable stay with children, Sri Lanka is quite a suitable place. The beaches are calm, the people are friendly, and the crime rate across the country is quite low. Sri Lankans themselves are very fond of children and respect women with children. The main thing is to try to comply with the following rules:

Security

If you follow the minimum precautions, then a trip to Sri Lanka will be an unforgettable plus sign for you. What to consider:

• Taste a cup of real Ceylon tea from the highlands of Nuwara Eliya.
• Participate in the colorful procession of Esala Perahera's festival.
• Climb the Sigiriya rock. This is a creation of nature framed by human hands.
• Walk along the golden beaches of Bentota.
• Admire the coral fish in the coastal waters.

Money

Sri Lanka's monetary unit is the Lankan rupee (LKR). A trifle is somewhat similar to ours - in 1 rupee 100 cents. Spring 2016 course:

• 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 - as a result, you will receive the cost of goods and services in rubles.

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

You can find exchangers by going to the waiting area of \u200b\u200bthe greeters, after receiving your luggage. It is impossible to miss them - the doors open, and in front of you there are at least 6 “counters”, where young people change currency at absolutely the same rate for all. The check that is issued when exchanging currencies allows the rupees to be converted back to your currency at the rate of purchase.

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

Sri Lanka's money is interesting to look at. The island has 10/20/50/100/500/1000/5000 rupee bills in circulation. On them you can see quite interesting, and most importantly, vivid images - local traditions, attractions, animals, peacocks.

But no matter what, these are the shabby and dirtiest bills I've ever come across. Either the state rarely renews the money supply, or the citizens themselves are not particularly careful about the banknotes.

The banking system is based on the 3 largest banks in Sri Lanka: Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. Thanks to them, there will definitely be no problems with ATMs in big cities, they are here at every turn. In smaller cities and in In beach resorts, these devices 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.

Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte - a city with such a long and almost unpronounceable name is the official, nominal capital of Sri Lanka. In fact, the capital is located in the city of Colombo. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is officially the capital with the longest name in the world!

This city is located in the southern suburb of Colombo and is part of the Greater Colombo metropolitan area. The name of the city in translation from Sinhalese means "blessed city-fortress of the coming victory". This name was given to him in the 13th century by Alagakkonara, the founder of the city, who began the construction of a local fortress. By the way, locals call the city simply Kotte, which means “fortress”.

In 1415-1565, Kotte was the capital of the Sinhalese state, and already the Portuguese, who seized the island, moved the capital to Colombo. In 1979, the city was returned to its former historical name, and in 1983 Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte became the official capital of the state.

Today, Kotte is a beautiful, quiet city, with a population of about 115 thousand people, an extensive infrastructure, in which a large number of universities, colleges and higher schools are located and, accordingly, there are always a lot of students.

The capital is now the seat of parliament and the Supreme Court. For the parliament, a huge, luxurious new building was built here in 1982, which is located on Duva Island in the middle of a beautiful lake. Some government agencies and structures were also moved here.

The city of Kotte is an original mixture of colonial European architecture, modern skyscrapers and traditional oriental temples. The city has a huge number of religious buildings, both Buddhist and Muslim and Christian. They attract tourists and pilgrims here. In the very center of the city, the remains of medieval fortifications, a ditch and a rampart have been preserved, which are gradually overgrown, leveled and simply disappear.

The city is also famous for its numerous magnificent beaches, which are not oversaturated with visitors and are famous for their cleanliness. There are also several interesting museums, art galleries and a beautiful zoo here.

Various festivals and fun carnivals are often held on the streets of the city, in which brightly and beautifully dressed elephants - the symbol and pride of Sri Lanka - take part.

Sri Lanka is a small island state located in South Asia near the Indian subcontinent. The country received its modern official name - the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 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 \u200b\u200bdominate among the 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, textiles and precious stones. The tourism industry has been gaining momentum lately. The most popular holiday destinations in Sri Lanka are the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwela 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 transfers)
from Kazan - from 12 hours 30 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Yekaterinburg - from 11 hours 55 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 50 minutes. (1-4 transfers)

The current time in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte:
(UTC +5: 30)

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

How to get there

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

Many people are interested in an important question when buying a ticket from Moscow to Sri Lanka: how long to fly? If you choose a non-stop flight on the route Moscow - Sri Lanka, the flight will take 8 hours and 45 minutes (flight to the capital of the country - Colombo). With connections, it will be about 14 hours, however, it depends on the connection time, 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. 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. The large cities in the interior of the country experience hot weather and high humidity. The average water temperature in the Indian Ocean around the country is 27 ° C, it differs from the air temperature by only a couple of degrees.

Cooler temperatures can be found in the mountainous regions of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is located at an elevation of 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 level in Sri Lanka of 10 ° C. Such "frost" forces the owners of local hotels and hotels to use heating devices, which are turned on in the evening and at night. It will be useful and pleasant for tourists to know that it usually rains in Sri Lanka at night. Therefore, rest at the resort should not be overshadowed by precipitation. An even and favorable climate throughout the year allows vacationers not to think about choosing a month for a vacation in Ceylon. Here locals and tourists feel comfortable at any time of the year.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka

It is quite difficult to understand how the climate in Sri Lanka is changing famously the first time, so you need to be 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.

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 are formed in the Arabian Sea and a large wall of warm humid air moves towards the island. At the same time, due to the mountain range in the rest of the country (and this is three quarters of the island) at this time it is more or less dry. These three quarters are in the eastern and northern parts of the country, where the average annual rainfall is 1200-1800 mm. For comparison, in the south-west this figure is much higher - from 2540 to 5080 mm per year.

The north and east of the country are influenced by the northeastern monsoons, which occur 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 distance.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka is characterized by strong and short (about 15 minutes) showers, most often at night. The main disadvantage for vacationers in such a situation is the strong wind, which 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 at the same time so-called "zenital rains" often occur in the equatorial regions. Thus, best time for recreation in the southwest, attractive for tourists, it is winter, and, accordingly, in the north and east - summer.

Cities and regions

Provinces of Sri Lanka

• Central
• North-Central
• Northeastern
• North
• Sabaragamuwa
• South
• Western

Sri Lanka cities

There are many cities and towns in Sri Lanka. Below is information about the cities most interesting for tourists.

Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka, which is actually the capital of the country, 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 manufacturing are booming in Colombo. The local port is one of the largest in the Asian region.

Interestingly, many districts have a specific professional focus. This division has arisen since ancient times. In Colombo there is an area of \u200b\u200bartisans, poor people, merchants, etc. Of course, today such a classification is gradually becoming obsolete, but it is still largely relevant. In 30 kilometers from Colombo there is a large international Airport... The city is culturally and religiously developed - it has its own university, observatory, religious institutions for various confessions.

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

Anuradhapura is the regional center of the North-Central Province of Sri Lanka. The city is named after its founder, the Indian prince Anuradha. Population - 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 famous for its attractions: in Anuradhapura, the remains of ancient temples, monasteries and other cultural monuments have been preserved. Among the most famous sites are the Ruanveli and Thuparama stupas, the Abhayagiri and Isurumuniya monasteries, and the famous Aukana Buddha statue 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 formerly known as Senkadagalapura. The population of Kandy is more than 150 thousand people. The city is one of the sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in the past it was the capital of ancient Ceylon. The most significant cultural monument is the Dalada Maligawa Temple. Here is the Sacred Tooth of Buddha, and this famous artifact has become a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Every year, Kandy becomes the site of 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, accompanied by ethnic music, fakirs and other local attributes. The suburb of Kandy is home to the largest botanical garden on the continent. It contains many rare species of tropical plants. In the vicinity of Kandy, there is a unique Spice Garden.

Negombo is a small town located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort has a 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. 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 head to other resorts. Nevertheless, the city has a lot to offer and show to holidaymakers. The most popular pastime is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for their fishing. The most significant sights are the remains of a Dutch fort and a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, which is 10 kilometers from Negombo.

Sri Lanka Resorts

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

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

The best resorts in Sri Lanka are described below. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.

Bentota is a popular beach resort in Sri Lanka. This romantic destination is popular with young families and adventure seekers. To services of tourists - a full range of services designed for any budget. The resort will appeal to fans of outdoor activities: the most popular Ceylon water entertainment center "Confifi Marina" is located here. Vacationers will be able to ride a boat, water ski, scooter or dive. The club also organizes excursions and boat trips.

Beruwela is a resort located in the south-west of the country, not far from Colombo. This place will appeal to tourists who prefer beach vacation... However, lovers of a more active lifestyle will also find something to entertain themselves. Large hotels have sports facilities - golf courses, tennis courts, and traditional water activities 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 Beruveli is the ancient Kechimalai mosque, 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 gorgeous 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 Gangatilaka Vihara.

Kalutara is a resort town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. For centuries, the resort has been famous for its spices and spices. Little Kalutara during her history had a chance to be under the yoke of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists. Nevertheless, today the place has become one of the most modern and dynamically developing Sri Lankan resorts. The local brand name is delicious and juicy tropical fruits, which are stacked in baskets created by local craftsmen using their own method. However, the famous Kalutar 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 famous Ceylon resort. The relative distance from civilization (more than 100 kilometers to Colombo) attracts tourists who dream of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of large cities. On the other hand, Kogall 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. Of the others historical monuments one can distinguish the Watadage temple and the 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 cool islands in sultry South Asia. Numerous local waterfalls are popular with tourists. Other attractions worth noting are the extraordinary architecture of local buildings in the British style. The main places for recreation are the magnificent modern golf complex, Victoria Park, picturesque Lake Gregory and the racetrack, where horse races take place every spring.

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

Hikkaduwa is a resort town located in the south of Sri Lanka. This city is considered a Mecca for diving. Unusually beautiful local coral reefs and other inhabitants of the underwater world attract tourists from all over the world. Coral became 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

sights

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.
It is registered on the project Experts.Tourister.Ru.

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, snorkeling, 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 sharpens the senses and makes diving in Sri Lanka an unforgettable experience. Sri Lankan diving centers have modern gear and equipment, and are scattered around the perimeter of the island. When planning a diving holiday, the travel time should be considered. The fact is that diving centers located in the southwest of Sri Lanka are open 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 allows you to engage in this exciting activity, because the underwater delights are visible at a depth of several meters.

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

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

Ayurveda

Traditional treatment in Sri Lanka is very developed. Especially popular is the direction of Ayurveda, which in translation means the science of life. This is a whole range of traditional 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 medical products are completely made from natural ingredients. Several hotels in Sri Lanka offer to combine rest with Ayurveda treatment.

Ecotourism

All over the world ecotourism has long become a popular holiday destination. 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 - rafting on mountain rivers, off-road driving on rough terrain, riding on elephants, mountain climbing and other original excursions.

Camping and safari

For tourists who are tired of the comfort of modern hotels and who want to join the natural world, a special excursion program is offered in Sri Lanka with accommodation in campgrounds at national parks. The tour program is made taking into account the individual wishes of the tourists. Tourists independently choose parks to visit and other criteria for recreation. Among the latter are the comfort of the 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 of the country are visited. In the camps, all the necessary living conditions and three meals a day are provided.

Agritourism

Agritourism is the best holiday destination for those who want to get acquainted with 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 and take care of pets. As part of agrotourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with the local culture, customs, learn to cook national dishes.

Fishing

The coastal waters of Sri Lanka are replete with the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. Planktonic saturation attracts a wide variety of species - from tuna to sharks. Sightseeing 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 tour price.

River safari

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

Helicopter excursion

The opportunity to take a helicopter ride has appeared quite recently. This is a very expensive entertainment, but there are still people interested. 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 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 the 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 weak, safe weather for flights. The standard duration of the excursion 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, the country has created several high-quality golf complexes that meet international standards. Beginners will also be able to enjoy the game: there are special individual and group lessons 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 is held according to local traditions - the bride and groom dress in bright national costumes, the procession is accompanied by elephants and drumming, young men and women in colorful dresses are dancing nearby. After exchanging rings, the newlyweds give each other a taste of rice cooked in coconut milk and wash it down with water. This ritual symbolizes the future mutual care of the husband and wife. There are a number of other traditional wedding ceremonies - tying the little fingers of the bride and groom with a golden thread, breaking a coconut to sprinkle milk on the newlyweds' clothes, 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 services selected. But on average, you can keep within $ 1000.

Sri Lanka beaches

Sri Lanka boasts stunning sandy beaches that stretch for 1000 km along the entire coast of the island. When swimming in the ocean, you should be careful: deep currents are quite dangerous, and besides, you can get cut by pieces of coral. Topless sunbathing in Sri Lanka is not accepted.

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

Getting around the country

Bus

Buses are often packed with passengers and very uncomfortable, but they can travel the entire island for almost 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 bustling, especially the larger ones, but almost everyone will be happy to practice their English and help.

Private and municipal buses run in the major cities of the country. The fare in them is about the same. Public transport in Sri Lanka - 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 destination for no more than 300 rupees. Passengers have the opportunity to choose their own class of carriage with a suitable level of comfort. Sri Lanka has an extensive rail system serving all major cities on the island except the north and east.

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

Knock Knock

The most popular transport in Sri Lanka is a small scooter with a cab called tuk-tuk. They are unusual for us, but Sri Lankans regularly use them for everyday travel. 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 form of transport will cost about 50% more. For a kilometer of travel 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 agreed in advance. You can "catch" a taxi driver right on the street or call him by phone.

Car rental

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

With a driver

The car itself is often provided free of charge, and money is paid to the driver for his services. Some drivers / guides have a state license to carry out their activities, some of them have extremely broad knowledge and speak several languages, specialize in the history and culture of the country. For those who go to see historical sites and nature reserves, they will tell about the environment.

Without driver

Those who are not embarrassed by the oddities of traffic in Sri Lanka can rent a car for independent travel. The standard rate is Rs 2,400 per day. This amount includes the mileage of 80 kilometers, and for each additional kilometer you will have to pay 8 rupees.

Airplane

Air carrier "Aero Lanka" operates domestic flights on 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 to speak English fluently everywhere. 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 sounds "aayuBowan", which literally means: "stay longer"; thanks in Sinhalese is "stuti";
• Tamil: The Tamil greeting is “wanakkam”; thank you - "nanri";
• Arabic (Sri Lankan Moors): when meeting with a Muslim, it will be polite to say "Assalam alaikum"; thanks sounds like "jazz-ka alla".

Culture

The culture of Sri Lanka managed to preserve many of its own ancient traditions, despite the fact that the European colonialists 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, in 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. Film, radio and television are actively developing from contemporary art in Sri Lanka.

One of the main holidays for Sri Lankans - New Year... True, unlike our country, in Sri Lanka it is celebrated in April. There are many rituals associated with this event on the island, and of course it is not complete without the traditional chic fireworks.

The number one Sri Lankan sport 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 types of weapons.

Kitchen

National Sri Lankan cuisine has a lot in common with Indian, 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 made from rice and curry. The latter, by the way, is not only seasoned with meat. On the island, side dishes, fish, vegetables and other dishes are served with curries.

Since the dishes of Sri Lanka and South India are very similar, many local restaurants indicate on the menu where the cuisine is from Sri Lanka and where is from South India. In addition, different regions have their own cooking options. Food is generally very cheap, with an inexpensive lunch costing about a dollar. Rarely can a meal cost more than ten dollars, except in the most expensive placestourist-oriented. Colombo has a large selection of high quality restaurants.

Coconut ingredients are often used in Ceylon cuisine - coconut juice, oil and shavings. There are many other dishes with other ingredients that are not familiar to us.

String hoppers are rice vermicelli rolled and steamed.

Umbalakada is a finely ground fish.

Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes made with coconut milk.

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

Hakuru arra - A treat similar to Bittara arra, but sweetened with coconut flakes.

Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked with coconut milk.

Rotti is a regular curry flavored tortilla.

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

Kottu Rotti - A blend of chopped unleavened rice cakes, vegetables and meats 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 buying local milk altogether. Due to the Sri Lankan climate, it deteriorates very quickly, although it is quite expensive.

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

Other local drinks include ginger oil and creamy soda. If you prefer the classic "Koku" or "Pepsi", then you can get them in almost any grocery supermarket on the island.

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

For those who prefer strong alcohol, we can recommend the local drink - Arak (Arrack). It usually costs about $ 4 a bottle and is often drunk with ginger beer. Quality depends on price, but Old Reserve is widely recommended for $ 7.5.

Purchases

Shopping in Sri Lanka is presented as quite modern shopping centersas well as traditional markets with all kinds of folk goods - from spices to clothing made from natural fabrics. Prices for goods of local producers are very democratic. Most shopping opportunities, of course, are in Colombo, but the Sri Lankan hinterland, and even more so tourist centers also has a lot 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".

Communication

Telephone communications

Telephone communication is available in almost any hotel, but usually it is very expensive to call from the room. It is more economical to use special telephone cards and make calls 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's dialing code: +94.

Useful phone numbers

the Internet

Cellular communications on the island are poorly developed and unstable. It will be possible to 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 in large cities. In the hinterland of the country, getting access to the World Wide Web is very problematic.

Security

Tourists going on holiday to Sri Lanka should follow a number of simple safety measures. You should be careful when walking in parks and reserves - look at your step, do not turn off the tourist path and use anti-mosquito remedies. If you are going on an excursion to the jungle, then before the trip, just in case, you need to take antimalarial pills. You need to be more careful with animals. There are often times when monkeys steal various things from unlucky tourists.

As in many other tourist areas, pickpockets should be wary of in Sri Lanka and valuables should not be left unattended. It is better for women not to be alone at night on the streets or on the beach. There has been a slight increase in crimes against tourists over the past few years, but these cases are rare.

Tourists are advised not to travel 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 by negligence. These areas are far removed from the places that tourists usually visit. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to see heavily armed soldiers on the streets, main thoroughfares 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 are planning a trip outside the tourist areas, especially during the rainy season, you need to get vaccinated against typhus. Areas of Gampaha (eg Negombo), Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya, and the city of Kandy (but not the district) are considered malaria-free. In the rest of the country, there is malaria and most likely to get sick in Anuradhapura. During the dry season, during the day on the road, or when traveling by train to Kandy (including travel to the Peradeniya Gardens) or to Nuwara Eliya, you should use DEET repellent, this should be enough. The risk of infection increases after sunset. Antimalarial prophylaxis ensures against infection when traveling north (especially to Anuradhapura), east, and southeast (however, some types of drugs are not available there).

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

Some traditions take some getting used to, especially Europeans.

Embassy of the 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 rooms ranging from 50 to 500 rooms. A suitable hotel in this class can be found for every budget. Because of its convenience standard hotels loved by vacationing families or large groups. The all-inclusive system is often used.

Boutique hotels

Recently, hotels of this type have become 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 receive much more attentive service and service. The standard cost of renting a double room is $ 100- $ 250 per day.

Bungalow

Usually bungalows are small private houses, renovated and converted for the needs of tourists. Sometimes they have their own kitchen, maid or cook. Bungalow rent is not cheap, but if you are going to have a rest in a large company, then there is an opportunity to save money. The rental price is $ 100- $ 200 per day.

Villas

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