The island of Sri Lanka is located. Where is Sri Lanka? What country is it
The island of Sri Lanka (until 1972 the island was called in the European manner - Ceylon) is a large island in the Indian Ocean southeast of the Hindustan Peninsula. The name of the island comes from Sanskrit, from where it is translated as “Blessed Land”.
The island of Sri Lanka is separated from Hindustan by the Palk Strait and the bay of the same name, as well as the Gulf of Manara. In the north and east, Sri Lanka is washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal. According to scientists, until about the 15th century, Sri Lanka was connected to Hindustan by a narrow isthmus, but after the strongest in about 1481, this isthmus was fragmented into a ridge of small islands - Adam's Bridge.
The total area of the island of Sri Lanka exceeds 65 thousand square kilometers.
The island of Sri Lanka is quite massive in area, so its geographical coordinates are usually determined by its approximate center: 7°37′ N. w. 80°46′ E. d.
At the moment, the island of Sri Lanka is part of the territorial composition of the state of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Tourism.
A holiday in Sri Lanka will be a well-deserved vacation after a hard year spent in work and worries. Sri Lanka is not just memories of Ceylon tea and the warm sea, it is unique world wonders in which every person would like to live. But if you were born in another country, this is not a reason to be upset, because there is an opportunity to visit this island, where there is a huge diversity of cultures, where climatic conditions seem to attract tourists from all over the world.
What can travelers remember about Sri Lanka? Firstly, these are endless holidays. It seems that local residents they live only for the sake of the next celebration. But it’s really interesting to watch - solemn processions, parades, masquerades, competitions and fun. People dressed up National costumes, music plays everywhere, thousands of people and even elephants, who are also dressed in original outfits, walk along the city streets.
Where to go? Tours to Colombo are especially popular. Here you have the opportunity to see a huge number of cathedrals, temples and mosques. All the cultures of the world have merged in this city. It is recommended to visit this city from November to May; this time is most favorable for vacationers.
Colombo International Airport is located relatively close to the city center. You can order a taxi or get to the center by bus. You can use the same vehicle to move around the city. Some require payment based on the distance you travel, others accept money by agreement before the trip.
If finances allow, it is preferable to travel by taxi. This type of transport is equipped with meters, so do not be afraid that you will have to overpay money out of your own pocket.
It is recommended to immediately go to the business center of the city. This is an excellent area where you can see the Presidential Palace, amazing gardens, parks, the National Museum and Art Gallery. Numerous offices and modern buildings only emphasize the ideal beauty of Colombo.
In Sri Lanka you can find something to suit your taste. This even applies national cuisine. It is so diverse that any traveler will discover his favorite dish.
The locals are friendly, but you should be careful when coming to the beach. Topless sunbathing is prohibited by law here, but at the entrance to the temple you must remove not only your headdress, but also your shoes.
This is a truly unique country with its own characteristics and advantages, which make you want to return here just a few days after you leave Sri Lanka.
Somewhere far away, in the heart of the Indian Ocean, there is “ Paradise Island" - Sri Lanka. Some people mistakenly believe that this is part of India. However, it is not. Sri Lanka is separated from the shores of sunny India by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. This is a place with its own culture, a special flavor of traditions. The whole atmosphere of the island is imbued with something enchantingly mystical and peaceful. No wonder Sri Lanka is called heaven on earth!
Stepping onto the island for the first time, it is difficult not to appreciate the scale of beauty and inspiration for which these places are famous. But is it only the incredibly bright sandy beaches with azure velvet water and tropical vegetation that will delight your soul? No! Sri Lanka is much more than an active tourism destination. There is something here that is difficult to find in the city smog of the usual everyday bustle. Let's look at what Sri Lanka is like.
Sri Lanka: attractions and features of the island
Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia near Hindustan. The official name of the state is the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. This status was assigned to the state in 1972.
The population of the island is 21.7 million people approximately at the end of 2018.
Languages spoken are Sinhala and Tamil. The people inhabiting Sri Lanka are generally represented by these two nationalities.
The main religion is Buddhism. Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are also common on the island.
The country is divided into nine provinces.
The island is washed by the waters of the Laccadive Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Sri Lanka is connected to the southern part of India by a huge fifty-meter man-made bridge, built during the Ramayana. The island has a huge number of temples, parks and natural attractions. We will tell you about some corners of the island separately. But it’s better to see it once to understand that heaven on earth exists and it’s called “Sri Lanka”!
Sri Lanka: where is it located on the world map?
Sri Lanka on the map is indicated by a “pattern” that resembles a drop or tear falling from India’s cheek. This is all because one side of the island is longer than the other. The total area of the area is 65 thousand kilometers. The small state is located near the southern part of India. Having found India, it is not difficult to find Lanka. By the way, the size of the island is 50 times smaller than India.
Capital of Sri Lanka
Jayawardenepura Kotte is translated from Sinhala as "blessed fortified city of approaching victory."
The official capital of the state in question is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. However, in fact, many consider Colombo to be the capital. And for good reason. The presidential residence is located in Colombo. But the Supreme Court and Parliament are located in Jayawardenepura Kotte. This is a relatively small town in which most of the government and administrative buildings are concentrated. There are many temples and cultural monuments in this town. The architecture is predominantly in the colonial European style. The area of the capital of Sri Lanka is 17 square kilometers. The city's population is about 115 thousand people. The name Jayawardenepura Kotte is translated from Sinhalese as “blessed fortified city of approaching victory.”
Excursions are often taken to this city, since the place is interesting both from the point of view of architecture and in terms of its special cultural flavor. After all, ancient traditions are carefully preserved in the capital of Sri Lanka. At the same time, the city's infrastructure is developed. Convenient transport links, many hotels, restaurants and cultural centers are available in this corner of the island.
In terms of amenities, the official capital of Sri Lanka can only compete with Colombo. The city is located on the west coast of the island. This is the largest city in the state of Sri Lanka, with an area of 37.7 thousand kilometers. Population – 800 thousand people. The largest shopping centers, the most important administrative facilities, banks and luxury hotels are concentrated on this territory of the island. Many people go on excursions to Colombo. And some people prefer to relax there. This is a landscaped area where you can find both the noise of the bustle of the city and secluded corners with beautiful natural landscapes.
Colombo Airport – Sri Lanka
Main air gates - international Airport Bandaranaike is also located near Colombo. This air harbor receives regular flights from around the world. You can get to the nearest cities from the airport by taxi. The journey will take no more than 1 hour.
How long is the flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka?
The remoteness of this wonderful corner of the world from our country leaves no doubt that the best means of transport to get to the shores of Sri Lanka relatively quickly and without problems is an airplane. The distance from Moscow to the island in a straight line is 6,700 kilometers. A direct flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka will take approximately 8 hours 40 minutes. In addition, those wishing to travel to Sri Lanka are offered connecting or connecting flights. Flight time with these options increases and can take 10 hours or more.
Visa
To travel to Sri Lanka, Russians need a visa. This does not depend on the length of stay in the state. Therefore, if you want to visit a paradise on earth, you should take care of obtaining a visa in advance. The duration of the visa varies depending on the intended purpose (tourist, residence, work). You can obtain this document online or upon personal request at the embassy.
Climate of Sri Lanka
Many see the island as an exotic resort. It's all about the climate of this corner of the world. Sri Lanka is famous for its distinct tropical climate. The division into summer and winter periods is quite formal here. After all, the air temperature during the daytime always remains stably around 28-30 degrees. The water temperature is also pleasantly high. There are always comfortable conditions for swimming and beach relaxation. However, there is a seasonal period of rainfall in Sri Lanka. At this time, it is better to stay home and not visit the island if you are not a prepared traveler, but a completely ordinary tourist. From May to October there are heavy rains on the island, which often turn into storms. Therefore, during this period, rest is difficult and the flow of tourists to the island is significantly reduced.
Sri Lankan cuisine
Traditional Sri Lankan spices (vanilla, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon), aromatic tea, exotic fruits are what this small state is famous for. Many of you have drank Ceylon tea and didn’t even think that it was grown in the vastness of Sri Lanka. After all, the island used to be called Ceylon.
Local cuisine is distinguished by spicy, colorful dishes, but still not as spicy as in neighboring India. Once you try something prepared according to local culinary traditions, you will definitely remember it, and perhaps you will want to repeat it! It’s also worth saying that most of the residents are vegetarians. After all, the main religion here is Buddhism.
Sights of Sri Lanka
You can literally fall in love with this island at first sight. Every corner is imbued with a special flavor. There are resort areas everywhere. No matter where you go in Sri Lanka, there is something to see. Detailed description of attractions in the article about
Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
This is the most famous Buddhist temple on the island. The building is part of the architectural ensemble of the royal palace. Another name is Sri Dalada Maligawa. The temple was founded in the 16th century. However, the previous temple building was destroyed and re-erected in the 17th century.
This is a permanent place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Incredibly beautiful architecture and the true spirit of culture are combined in this place.
Ancient city of Anuradhapura
The ancient city - the capital of the Sinhala kingdom is located in the north-central part of the state. The place was founded back in the 10th century BC. In the ancient city of Anuradhapura you will find the giant dagobas of Jevatanarama and Ruvanveli. The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree is located here.
Ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Another ancient city in Sri Lanka deserves the attention of travelers. For some period Polonnaruwa was lost in the jungle. Today it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you will find the ruins of the garden city, a man-made lake, as well as other architectural monuments.
Nine Arch Bridge Demodare
There is a “bridge to the sky” in Sri Lanka - the famous nine-arch bridge located between the small mountain towns of Ella and Demodara. The railway (operational) still runs across this bridge. Not only is the architecture of the bridge remarkable, but also the fact that it was built without a single steel part. The bridge was erected during the First World War.
Adam's Peak
A cone-shaped rock with a height of 2,243 meters is Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada. Many people visit this attraction as part of a trip around the island. At the top of this hill is a temple that houses the footprint of Buddha. An interesting fact is that this place is attractive not only for Buddhist pilgrims, but also for Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
These and other beautiful places on the island will leave an indelible impression of the small state called paradise! Visiting this corner of the world is like plunging into a fairy tale! Here you can touch another culture, feel a completely different rhythm of life, measured, leisurely, imbued with age-old wisdom and special traditions.
This is useful and interesting to know!
When going to Sri Lanka, it is worth knowing a few small features of life in this country. For example:
- If you want to say “yes” with a gesture, then you need to shake your head, but a nod means “no”.
- You should point somewhere or at something only with your right hand. The left hand is considered “unclean” and offering this hand for a handshake, handing it to someone or pointing somewhere is a sign of disrespect.
- When visiting Buddhist temples and other shrines of the island, you should dress modestly, covering your body as much as possible.
Other features of walking around the island relate more to household tricks. The climate in Sri Lanka is very hot and humid. If you can't stand the heat well, you should walk for a short time, giving yourself plenty of rest. Be sure to drink plenty of water and have a hat with you to avoid overheating in the sun.
There is a lot on the island souvenir shops, markets and shops. You shouldn't rush to buy everything at once. It’s better to bring something back from your trip that truly reflects the local flavor. In Sri Lanka, it is worth purchasing spices, aromatic tea or aromatic oils. Agree, this is more interesting than magnets and trinkets.
This is such a wonderful island of Sri Lanka, washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and the sea! When you get here, you begin to understand everything differently. Here you appreciate every moment of exhalation and inhalation and truly enjoy every minute of your life. Some everyday difficulties and concerns fade into the background during such a trip. Understanding comes, heaven on earth exists! This means that life is beautiful, this and every subsequent life...
Full name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Area: 65,610 sq. km.
Population: 21,675,648 people.
Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Official currency: Sri Lankan rupee.
In the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, not far from the coast of India, there is a small island shaped like a drop.
Everyone has heard about it at least once, and every day they probably enjoy its gifts - delicious black or green tea. His real name is rarely spoken, but his “nickname” Ceylon is heard by many. This is Sri Lanka!
Sri Lanka is separated from the Hindustan Peninsula by the narrow Palk Strait.
The people of Sri Lanka are called Sri Lankans.
At the beginning of the 19th century. the island was a colony (dependent territory) of Great Britain and was called Ceylon, and in 1972 it became independent and received a new name - Sri Lanka, which means “blessed land” in Sinhala.
Due to former British rule, almost everyone in Sri Lanka today speaks English language. Only he is not quite familiar. Often, a resident of the British Isles or the USA will not fully understand a Sri Lankan, although both will communicate in the same language. This is because local residents add a lot of “their” words to their speech.
The flag of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest. It features a Sinhalese lion and two multi-colored stripes. The lion is the symbol of the ancestors of modern Sri Lankans, the green and orange stripes mean the few Muslims and Hindus, and the red part of the flag symbolizes the predominant Buddhists on the island. In the corners of the flag there are 4 leaves of paipula, a tree sacred to Buddhists.
Sri Lanka is an island of precious stones. In its depths are rubies, garnets, moonstone, and amethysts. But the “king” of stones is sapphire - blue, pink, yellow, white and very rare star. A Lankan sapphire even adorns the English crown!
As in others Asian countries, motorized pedicabs are popular in Sri Lanka. Here they are called "knock-knock". This is the only safe means of transportation, since it can easily go around any obstacle. Chaos is happening on the streets of Sri Lankan cities! Local residents do not follow traffic rules. They can stop their vehicle whenever and wherever they want just to let a cow pass or go out to say hello to an acquaintance whom they suddenly saw on the street...
This is interesting!
Taking Sri Lankan rupees abroad, even as a souvenir, is prohibited by law.
An umbrella in Sri Lanka is not a means of keeping out the rain, but the main protection from the sun. It won’t save you from the downpours that happen here, but it won’t save you from the hot sun without an umbrella. That's why umbrellas are sold even in grocery stores.
In a cafe, before putting a dish on a plate, they put a plastic bag on it. In this way, Sri Lankans maintain hygiene, and there is no need to wash dishes after eating.
One state - two capitals
The small state of Sri Lanka can boast that it has not one capital, but two! This is the large metropolis of Colombo and the little-known town with the complex name of Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte. The first houses the residence of the President of Sri Lanka, and the second houses the country's parliament and the Supreme Court.
Colombo means “mangrove harbour” in Sinhala. The city is indeed located in an area with many mangroves. But there is another version of the name. It is believed that the Portuguese, who conquered Sri Lanka in the past, could have named the city this way in honor of the navigator Christopher Columbus.
Colombo is the largest city on the island and the largest port in Sri Lanka. It's noisy and crowded here all the time, the streets are filled with cars and tuk-tuks. Colombo is the only city in Sri Lanka where there are high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. And only here temples belonging to representatives of three religions at once coexist safely - churches (Christianity), mosques (Islam) and Buddhist temples.
Colombo is home to one of the best botanical gardens in Asia. Its highlights are the Orchid House and the Spice Garden. The world's rarest species of these plants grow in the Orchid House. And in the Spice Garden all the aromatic plants and herbs of the island of Sri Lanka are collected. The king of the garden is pepper, and the queen is cinnamon. It is thanks to the huge amount of spices that the island was interesting for many European countries. Their rulers always dreamed of capturing plantations of allspice, vanilla, cloves, and ginger, which had no equal in the world.
Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte is a town in the suburbs of Colombo. When at the beginning of the 16th century. Envoys of the Portuguese king arrived on the island, the guides managed to stretch the five-kilometer route between Colombo and Kotte into a three-day hike around the entire island! This was done to confuse uninvited guests and hide the exact location of the capital from them. The expression “to go to Kotte” for modern Sri Lankans means “to take a roundabout route.”
The city of Colombo was the capital during the domination of Ceylon by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. When the state became independent, the city of Kotte received the capital function.
Today Kotte is a beautiful, quiet town with many universities and colleges. The Sri Lankan Parliament sits here. A luxurious building was specially built for him in the center of the city lake. Various festivals and fun carnivals are often held on the streets, in which brightly and beautifully dressed elephants - the symbol and pride of Sri Lanka - always take part.
Elephant City
In the past, elephants were the main transport in Sri Lanka. They transported people and cargo in the mountains and jungles. Today this is done by tractors and trucks, but the elephant is still the main animal and symbol of the island. 
The Sri Lankan elephant is different from its African brother. The inhabitants of the hot continent are larger, their ears are of a different shape and they always have powerful tusks. Among Sri Lankan elephants, tusks can be seen on about one in 20 animals.
An elephant lives as long as a person - 70-80 years. An adult animal weighs about 5 tons. He needs 250 kg of reed or coconut palm leaves and 200 liters of water per day.
For us, elephants are a symbol of wisdom and tranquility. But Sri Lankans think differently. They consider giants a natural disaster and fight them. Most animals are not killed by poachers. They are shot... by farmers. Elephants wander into fields, destroy crops and even destroy houses. A herd of angry elephants can destroy an entire village! The giants are not stopped by either fences or traps, and it is useless to try to “negotiate” with them. Lankan elephants are considered more aggressive and “clueless” than their African relatives.
There are fewer and fewer elephants in Sri Lanka every year. To protect the animals from extinction, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was built on the island. This is a huge nursery where elephants left without parents, disabled elephants and retired elephants live. By the way, the oldest animal here is more than 60 years old, and the youngest is only two months old. He is given warm milk from the nipple to make him stronger and feel good.
Elephants are the main participants in all holidays and festivals in Sri Lanka. They are dressed in special mask costumes and decorated with jewelry.
Elephants have been trained for performances for many years. When elephants grow up, they “work off” their care and maintenance by giving tourists rides on their backs. This is the most popular attraction among visitors and the main business of local residents. Before riding, the elephant is saddled. This is done only for the sake of tourists. Sri Lankans ride bareback. Maintaining balance while riding is very difficult, but an excellent view opens from the back of the animal. Traveling on horseback, you become convinced that the elephant seems clumsy only from the outside. Despite its impressive weight, it moves almost silently. Usually an elephant walks at walking speed, but if necessary, giants can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h.
An elephant that has worked up an appetite during the trip must be thanked. The best way to do this is to feed him bananas, the elephant's favorite dessert.
The fauna of Sri Lanka is very diverse. Animals and birds on the island feel free, they are not afraid of humans and live next to him.
Based on materials
Sri Lanka (Sanskrit: श्री लङ्का, “Blessed Land”) is an island in the Indian Ocean. The largest island of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a unique, paradise island, one of the richest places on earth in history, attracting travelers from all over the world for recreation, and will forever remain in the memory of those who visit it!
Sri Lanka is a country with an incredible history, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, offering amazing historical treasures.
Sri Lanka is a country of exoticism, a country for those who dream of a romantic holiday and adventure, a country of all shades of green tropical plants, a country of great natural beauty - this is exactly what you can call a small island located in the Indian Ocean.
Each city on the island of Ceylon is unique: some are famous for their rich history, others fascinate with their natural beauty. Every city in Sri Lanka has a well-developed tourism infrastructure and every city in Sri Lanka welcomes tourists with open arms.
Sri Lanka is the oldest Buddhist country in the world.
oachMore than one thousand kilometers of palm trees and snow-white sandy beaches surround the island. Resorts in Sri Lanka are scattered throughout the country and offer ample opportunities for recreation in Sri Lanka: scuba diving, surfing, sailing and skiing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, excursions to caves. You can swim in calm waters, watch the sun descend across the horizon like fireball, plunge into the vast ocean
Sri Lanka (Ceylon): photos
Polonnaruwa - the ancient city of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Island: where is it located?
The state of Sri Lanka is located on an island in the Indian Ocean, located south of the Hindustan Peninsula between 5’54’ and 9’52’ north latitude, 800 km. from the equator. The northern and central parts of the island are in the subequatorial zone, and the southern part is in the equatorial zone. The total area is 65,610 sq. km, the length from north to south is 445 km, and from west to east 225 km.
Ceylon island on the world map
Sri Lanka Island: how to get there
There are no direct flights between Moscow and Colombo, but in winter charters fly here with a landing in Male. In addition, flights with fairly convenient connections are possible with Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi) and Qatar Airways (via Doha). Travel time is about 14 hours including connections.
There are also no direct flights to Sri Lanka from Minsk, Kyiv and Almaty: only through other European cities.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon): video
Real life on the island of Ceylon
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a small island state located in South Asia near the Hindustan Peninsula. The country received its current 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 dominate among the nationalities. The most common religion is Buddhism, which is followed by the majority of 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, Northern, Northwestern, Western, Southern, Eastern, 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, 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)
Current time in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte:
(UTC +5:30)
The most developed sport is cricket, which is 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
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 at the moment are flights of Emirates 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 to fly? If you choose a non-stop flight on the route Moscow - Sri Lanka, the flight will take 8 hours 45 minutes (flight to the capital of the country - Colombo). With connections it will be about 14 hours, but it depends on the connection times, which vary among 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 that falls. Most rain falls in summer. The coastal areas of Sri Lanka are the most comfortable for living. IN major cities, located inland, the weather is hot and humid. The average water temperature in the Indian Ocean near the country is 27 °C, which differs from the air temperature by only a couple of degrees.
Cooler temperatures can be found in the mountainous areas of Sri Lanka. The town of 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 level of 10 °C for Sri Lanka. This kind of “frost” forces the owners of local hotels and inns to use heating devices that are turned 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, your holiday at 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 their vacation in Ceylon. Local residents and tourists feel comfortable here at any time of the year.
Rainy season in Sri Lanka
It is quite difficult to understand how rapidly the climate in Sri Lanka is changing the first time, so you need to be more careful with its features. The island is dominated by an equatorial climate, the distinctive feature of which is the division into two seasons: dry and rainy season.
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 head from May to September. They form in the Arabian Sea and move towards the island as a large wall of warm, humid air. Moreover, 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 precipitation 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 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 suffers, 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 the strong wind, which creates large waves in the ocean, so it is better to give up dreams of 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 there are so-called “zenithal rains”, often found in equatorial regions. Thus, best time For holidays in the southwest, which is attractive to tourists, it is winter, and, accordingly, in the north and east it is summer.
Cities and regions
Provinces of Sri Lanka
- Central
- North Central
- North-Eastern
- Northern
- Sabaragamuwa
- South
- Western
Cities of Sri Lanka
There are many large and small cities 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 a 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) is 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 areas have a specific vocational focus. This division has arisen since ancient times. In Colombo there is a district of artisans, poor people, traders, 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, and religious institutions for various faiths.
The tourist center is located in the northern district of the city - Fort. Hotels, shops, restaurants and other entertainment venues are concentrated here. The main attractions of the city are Galle Face Green Park, the National Museum, the Local History Museum, 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. 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: Anuradhapura has the remains of ancient temples, monasteries and other cultural monuments. Among the most famous sites are the Ruanvelli and Thuparama stupas, the Abhayagiri and Isurumuniya monasteries, and the famous Aukan 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 previously known as Senkadagalapura. The population of Kandy is more than 150 thousand people. The city is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and was formerly 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 hosts the popular Esala Peraher festival, during which time the famous relic is put on display for the public to see. For ten nights in a row, a procession with elephants takes place on the streets, which is accompanied by ethnic music, fakirs and other local attributes. On the outskirts 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 its own unique Spice Garden.
Negombo is a small town located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort is nicknamed "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 located here literally on every corner. Local beaches are deserted, so they are popular among lovers of quiet and have a relaxing holiday. True, most tourists use Negombo only as a transit point for a day or two, and then head to other resorts. However, the city has a lot to offer and show vacationers. The most popular entertainment is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for fishing. The most significant attractions 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 on vacation 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 from the island.
The main question that tourists going on vacation to Sri Lanka ask themselves is which resort to choose? Indeed, there are a lot here good places, each with its own character and flavor. Thus, Hikkaduwa gathers surfers, divers and young people on its beaches. Bentota is aimed at demanding tourists, Kogalla - at independent tourists and those who have arrived for the "winter", etc.
Below are described best resorts Sri Lanka. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.
Bentota - popular beach resort in Sri Lanka. This romantic spot is popular with young families and adventure seekers. Tourists have a full range of services to suit any budget. The resort will appeal to lovers active rest: Ceylon’s most popular water entertainment center, Confifi Marina, is located here. Vacationers will be able to ride a boat, water ski, scooter or go scuba diving. The club also organizes excursions and boat trips.
Beruwela is a resort located in the southwest of the country, near 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 on the beaches tourists can enjoy traditional water activities. 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. Business card This place has 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 scuba 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. From time immemorial, the resort was famous for its herbs and spices. Throughout its history, little Kalutara has been under the yoke of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists. However, today the place has become one of the most modern and dynamically developing Sri Lankan resorts. The local specialty is amazing and juicy tropical fruits, which are placed in baskets created by local craftsmen using their own methods. However, the famous Kalutara 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 (Colombo is more than 100 kilometers away) attracts tourists here who dream of taking a break from the bustle of large 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 famous for the fact that the remains of the legendary palace of the ancient Sinhalese state have been preserved on its territory. Other historical monuments include the Watadage Temple and giant Buddha statues 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 a hippodrome where horse racing takes 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 wide sandy beaches here. The resort has several modern hotels. The main attractions are the Dehiwela Zoo, which is home to more than 300 species of animals, and the giant Bolgoda Lake with rich flora and fauna.
Hikkaduwa is a resort town located in the south of Sri Lanka. This city is considered a diving Mecca. The unusually beautiful local coral reefs and other inhabitants of the underwater world attract vacationers from all over the world. The coral became the unofficial emblem of the city. In addition, there is a coral reserve on the territory of the city. Other attractions include a Buddhist temple and a large, beautiful lake.
What to see
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
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 with scuba gear, mask, fins and other equipment. The Indian Ocean, in addition to the most beautiful marine life and underwater reefs, keeps many secrets and mysteries. Diving near shipwrecks and underwater caves heightens the senses and makes diving in Sri Lanka simply unforgettable. Lankan diving centers have modern equipment and equipment, and are scattered around the entire perimeter of the island. When planning a diving holiday, you should take into account the travel time. The fact is that diving centers located in the southwest of Sri Lanka operate 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 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 is riding waves using special boards. Surfers have chosen many areas 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 using 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 Arugam Bay.
Ayurveda
Traditional treatment in Sri Lanka is very developed. Ayurveda, which literally means the science of life, is especially popular. This is a whole range of traditional treatment methods, including aromatherapy, relaxation, meditation, massage, and healthy eating. Ayurveda implies comprehensive healing of the body, and not the treatment of only diseased organs. The most important thing is that this direction has no side effects or contraindications. All medical products are made entirely from natural ingredients. Several hotels in Sri Lanka offer to combine relaxation with treatment according to the Ayurveda system.
Ecotourism
Around the world, ecotourism has long been popular destination recreation. Recently, this type of recreation has begun to gain popularity among our compatriots. Tours to Sri Lanka offer a wide variety of ecotourism offerings. Vacationers can choose from rafting down mountain rivers, driving off-road vehicles over rough terrain, riding 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 tent camps in national parks. The tour program is compiled taking into account the individual wishes of vacationers. Tourists independently choose the parks to visit and other recreation criteria. Among the latter are the comfort of tent rooms, the number of days on the tour, and the purchase of additional excursions. The standard program lasts 9 days, during which all major National parks countries. The camps provide all 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 care for domestic animals. As part of agrotourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with local culture, customs, and learn to cook national cuisine.
Fishing
The coastal waters of Sri Lanka are replete with the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. The abundance of plankton attracts a wide variety of species - from tuna to sharks. Excursion fishing usually starts early in the morning. Tourist groups are taken out for fishing several tens of kilometers from the coast. Vacationers are accompanied by experienced local fishermen, and all necessary gear is included in the price of the excursion.
River Safari
The so-called boat safari is very popular on the island. This is a three-hour river boat ride. During the excursion you will be able to meet many exotic birds and animals. As you move away from civilization by boat, you can find more and more interesting and unusual things - small islands of land, aboriginal settlements and unique vegetation. A local guide 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 who want it. 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 allowed number of tourists in the cabin of one helicopter is four people. The most popular excursion to Sigiriya will cost $2,000 per helicopter, in addition, you will have to fork out another $112 for each hour you wait 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 travel is only carried out in light windy weather that is safe for flights. The standard duration of the excursion is one and a half hours, and the cost is approximately $1000 for the entire group, which cannot exceed four people.
Golf
This game began to develop in Sri Lanka back in the 19th century. Today, the country has created several high-quality golf complexes that meet international standards. Beginning athletes can also enjoy the game: golf clubs offer special individual and group lessons for beginners.
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 the beating of drums, and boys and girls in colorful outfits dance nearby. After exchanging rings, the newlyweds give each other a taste of rice boiled in coconut milk and wash it down with water. This ritual symbolizes the future mutual care of husband and wife. There are a number of other traditional wedding rituals - tying the little fingers of the bride and groom with gold 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 spend $1000.
Beaches of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka boasts magnificent sandy beaches, which 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 you can cut yourself with fragments of coral. Topless sunbathing is not accepted in Sri Lanka.
The resorts offer all kinds of water sports: diving, surfing, yachting, snorkeling, sailing.
There are 2 beach seasons on the island: on the west and south coasts, from November to March, northern winds blow, the sea is calm, and the weather is comfortable. The western monsoon blows from April to October, bringing beach weather to the east coast.
Getting around the country
Bus
Buses are often crowded 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 can be hectic, especially the larger ones, but almost everyone will be happy to practice their English and help out.
Private and municipal buses operate in major cities of the country. The fare for them is approximately 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 a carriage class with a suitable level of comfort. Sri Lanka has an extensive railway system, serving all the main 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 as this offers the best views. For tourists who want to explore the local views, there are special excursion carriages with large windows.
Knock Knock
The most popular transport in Sri Lanka are small scooters with a cabin called tuk-tuk. They are unusual for us, but Sri Lankans regularly use them for everyday trips. A tuk-tuk is much cheaper than a regular taxi, the average price per kilometer is 15-20 rupees. It is not customary to pay tips in Sri Lanka.
Taxi
A more traditional type 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 upon 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 - driving on the left and the possibility of animals driven by farmers and cars coexisting 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 are licensed by the state to operate, some are extremely knowledgeable and speak multiple languages and specialize in the history and culture of the country. They will tell those who go to see historical sites and nature reserves 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. Standard fee is 2400 rupees per day. This amount includes mileage of 80 kilometers, and for each additional kilometer you will have to pay an additional 8 rupees.
Airplane
The air carrier Aero Lanka carries out domestic flights in the directions 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 speak English fluently. 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 “aayuBOvan”, which literally means “stay longer”; thank you in Sinhala is "stuti";
- Tamil: The greeting in Tamil is “vanakkam”; thank you - “nanri”;
- Arabic(Lankan Moors): When meeting a Muslim, it is polite to say “Assalamu alaikum”; thank you sounds like “jaza-ka alla.”
Culture
The culture of Sri Lanka has managed to preserve many of its own ancient traditions, despite the fact that 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 are, in one way or another, connected 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. Contemporary art in Sri Lanka is actively developing cinema, radio and television.
One of the main holidays for Sri Lankans is 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 there is a traditional chic fireworks display.
Sri Lanka's number one sport is cricket. The national team even became the world champion in this sport in 1996. 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
National Sri Lankan cuisine has much in common with Indian cuisine, due to the geographical proximity of the two countries. Herbs, spices, juicy fruits, seafood - all these elements are traditional in both countries. The basis of the daily diet in Sri Lanka consists of dishes made from rice and curry. The latter, by the way, is not only seasoned with meat. The curry island serves side dishes, fish, vegetables and other dishes.
Since Sri Lankan and South Indian food are very similar, many local restaurants will list Sri Lankan cuisine and South Indian cuisine on their menus. In addition, different regions have their own cooking options. Food is generally very cheap, with an inexpensive lunch costing around a dollar. Rarely can a meal cost more than ten dollars, except in the most expensive places oriented towards tourists. Colombo has a large selection of high quality restaurants.
Ceylonese cuisine often uses coconut ingredients - coconut juice, butter and shavings. There are many other dishes with other unusual ingredients for us.
String hoppers are rice vermicelli that are rolled and steamed.
Umbalakada is a small fish that has been ground into powder.
Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes cooked with coconut milk.
Bittara arra - pancake combined with fried eggs. To prepare it, place a chicken egg in the middle of the pancake.
Hakuru arra is a delicacy similar to Bittara arra, but sweetened with coconut.
Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked in coconut milk.
Rotti is a regular flatbread seasoned with curry sauce.
Pittu - Prepared from water, rice flour and coconut. Also served with curry sauce.
Kottu Rotti is a mixture of chopped unleavened rice cakes, vegetables and your choice of meat. This dish is found only in Sri Lanka, the most delicious Kottu Roti is from street vendors, freshly prepared.
Beverages
In Sri Lanka, you should not drink tap water, as it can cause intestinal disorders. Buy plain bottled water in stores. But it’s better to avoid buying local milk altogether. Thanks to the Sri Lankan climate, it spoils very quickly, although it is quite expensive.
The traditional non-alcoholic drink among Sri Lankans is Tambili, juice from the king coconut. Fresh juice can be prepared before your eyes right on the street, and it will cost less than what is sold in bottles.
Other local drinks include ginger oil and cream soda. If you prefer classic Coke or Pepsi, 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 (buttery with a chocolate flavor) and Lion Lager.
For those who prefer strong alcohol, we can recommend the local drink - Arrack. It usually costs about $4 a bottle and is often drunk with ginger beer. Quality depends on price, but the Old Reserve brand is widely recommended and costs $7.50.
Purchases
Shopping in Sri Lanka is represented by both fairly modern shopping centers and traditional markets with all kinds of folk goods - from spices to clothes made from natural fabrics. Prices for goods from local producers are very reasonable. The greatest opportunities for shopping, 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 store opening hours, what to buy, where to buy, and how to bargain in the article “Shopping in Sri Lanka”.
Connection
Telephone communications
Telephone service is available in almost any hotel, but calling from your room is usually very expensive. It is more economical to use special telephone 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 purchased at supermarkets, shopping kiosks and post offices. To call Russia you need to dial 007, the area code and the phone number.
Sri Lanka dialing code: +94.
Useful phone numbers
Internet
Cellular communications on the island are 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 in large cities. In the outback of the country, gaining access to the World Wide Web is very problematic.
Safety
Tourists going on holiday to Sri Lanka should follow a number of simple measures to ensure safety. You should be careful when walking through parks and reserves - watch your step, do not turn off the tourist path and use mosquito repellents. If you are going on an excursion to the jungle, then before the trip, just in case, you need to take anti-malarial tablets. You need to be more careful with animals. There are often cases when monkeys steal various things from unlucky tourists.
As in many other tourist areas, in Sri Lanka you should be wary of pickpockets and do not leave valuables unattended. It is better for women not to be alone on the streets or on the beach at night. Over the past few years, there has been a slight increase in crimes against tourists, 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 occur in cities. In addition, military action by the government is also possible. However, thanks to the large number of government checkpoints, the likelihood of entering military territory through negligence is extremely low. These areas are significantly removed from the places that tourists usually visit. However, it is not uncommon to see heavily armed soldiers on the streets, major highways and at the airport.
Before traveling to this country, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, polio, and tetanus. If you plan to travel outside of tourist areas, especially during the rainy season, you should be vaccinated against typhus. The areas of Gampaha (eg Negombo), Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya, as well as the city of Kandy (but not the district), are considered malaria-free. In other parts of the country, there is malaria and the greatest likelihood of getting sick is in Anuradhapura. During the dry season, during the day when traveling or traveling by train to Kandy (including trips to Peradeniya Gardens) or Nuwara Eliya, using a DEET repellent should be sufficient. The risk of infection increases after sunset. Antimalarial prophylaxis protects against infection when traveling to the north (especially Anuradhapura), east, and southeast (however, some types of drugs are not available there).
Try to respect local cultural values. You cannot appear in temples in shorts, short skirts or other clothes that are too revealing, and you must take off your shoes before entering the sanctuary. When buying jewelry and treasures, do not forget to ask for a license to export the goods from the country, otherwise problems may arise 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 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 room capacity from 50 to 500 rooms. A suitable hotel of this class can be found for any budget. Because of their convenience, standard hotels are loved by vacationers with families or large groups. The all-inclusive system is often used.
Boutique hotels
Recently, hotels of this type have become increasingly popular. Boutique hotels are small hotels with 3-15 rooms. Guests of such hotels prefer silence, comfort and tranquility, which are so lacking in large hotels. Boutique hotels are on average more expensive than regular hotels, but they have their own unique look. Customers receive much more attentive service and service. The standard cost for renting a double room is $100-$250 per day.
Bungalow
Bungalows are usually small private houses, renovated and converted to suit the needs of tourists. Sometimes there is a private kitchen, maid or cook. Renting a bungalow is not cheap, but if you are going on vacation with a large group, then there is an opportunity to save money. Rental cost $100-$200 per day.
Villas
A villa is a luxurious home with many rooms, all possible amenities and maximum comfort. They are usually rented out entirely and are suitable for wealthy people. A villa, like a bungalow, is profitable to rent for a large group of people, for example, several families. The average rental cost is $300-$1000 per day. It varies depending on the level of the villa and the distance from the sea.