The shape of the island of sri lanka resembles. Ceylon is the famous tea island of the Indian Ocean. Demodare Nine Arch Bridge

I have been and still am in the countries of South Asia, though most often for work, but I come to the most interesting places again, for the sake of rest. In order to get impressions not on the run, but with sense and arrangement. This time, I visited Sri Lanka or, as it is also called, the island of Ceylon.

How to get to the island of Ceylon

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

I decided not to risk the bus routes, so I took a taxi, which costs only 300 rupees. Still, while in Moscow, I booked a room in one of the hotels located on the Negombo beach.

The trip took no more than twenty minutes, but this is not surprising, the distance is rather small. I really liked the guest house, and from its windows you can clearly see the sea and even have its own piece of the beach. It is very convenient. By the way, there are not many tourists here, so no one disturbed my peace. The price of the house was quite affordable - about 3000 rubles per night.

A little about the history of Ceylon

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

Due to the fact that in Ceylon the leadership was replaced with enviable consistency, then architectural styles here it is mixed in measuredly unmeasured. On this moment, there are many modern high-rises and houses built here.

Climate

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You can relax on the island all year round, thanks to the subequatorial climate. The average air temperature is kept at around 26 degrees. Ceylon is always warm, but very humid. True, tsunamis happen here in summer, so winter rest will be safer. By the way, it doesn't rain here during the winter months.

Transport

Transport links are well developed here. Equally comfortable, you can get to anywhere on the island by bus, taxi, and even by rail.

True, the fastest is the movement on Tuk-tuk. These are such funny things, vaguely reminiscent of a three-wheeled motorcycle. There is a passenger booth behind the driver. The drivers of these cars manage their vehicles so professionally that they are able to bypass almost any traffic jam or congestion on the road.

National food of Sri Lanka

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

Local chefs are great at preparing seafood delicacies, so opt for fish and seafood.

I can give advice right away. In no case, do not try to eat in roadside cafes or shops. Food poisoning is very likely. I went to more than one cafe, walked around a dozen establishments. And she made disappointing conclusions.

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

Ceylon landmarks

There are many religious sites on the island. One of the most important is Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.

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

The Sri Ponnambala Vaneswaram temple is curious because every year a harvest festival is held on its territory. Its walls are made of light gray granite. Surprisingly, there is no riot of colors, as is usually the case in local churches.

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

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

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

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

Ceylon island. Tea plantations

It was the tea plantations that made the island of Ceylon famous for many years. Probably many people remember that same tea in a yellow pack, with an elephant painted on it. This tea was brought from this island. The quality of the tea is excellent. In Ceylon, there are excellent excursions to tea plantations.

Here you can see how tea grows, how it is harvested. There is also a plant for sorting and packing tea leaves. There is also a restaurant on the territory where you can taste all types of tea grown on the island. There are so many of these species that I could not try everything, I was afraid to burst))). Here you can also buy fragrant tea as a souvenir for your family. I got ten packs, probably out of greed.

Seafood market

It is better to come here very early, preferably around 6 in the morning. Just by this time, the fishermen are returning with a fresh catch. There is absolutely everything that your heart desires: crabs, lobsters, shrimps, lobsters and much more. Fish is also cooked here.

Mind-blowing smells are heard everywhere. By the way, women cook here and adequate conditions are created for cooking. I was not afraid to eat. The shrimp and mussels were absolutely delicious. And the prices are significantly lower than in city restaurants.

Beach vacation

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

There is also a Negombo beach on the island, but it's better not to meddle here. He's kind of unkempt and uncomfortable. Although there are tourists who rest here as savages. The beach may not be very clean, but the water is crystal clear.

How to entertain yourself in Ceylon

For tourists there is a lot of entertainment, though water-related. Diving is considered the most popular. Diving can be done in Hikkaduwa Bay or Trincomalee Bay. Equipment is rented for a nominal fee.

Most of all I enjoyed swimming with sea turtles.

To do this, you need to go to the South Coast, since there are most of them here. Probably locals feed them. If the turtles are not nearby, you can rent a boat and go further away from the coast. The guides know almost all the places where their packs might be.

Surfing is available at Hikkaduwa Beach. It is here that huge waves arise, the height of which reaches four meters. The beach itself has themed surf clubs. Personally, I don't like standing on the board, or rather, I can't. And constantly falling and catching the board makes me very nervous.

Shopping in Ceylon

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

Conclusion

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

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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 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 - the 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 look closely 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 CIS citizens: 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 e-visa on the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) website - it is both cheaper and faster to cross the border. And if you have problems with entry, then you will find out 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) - confirmation that the visa has been issued.

Please note that closer to the time of arrival in Colombo, flight attendants begin to offer migration cards for registration of 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 are planning 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 air ticket, all the necessary information is already contained in the electronic database of the Sri Lanka visa service. However, keep these documents handy just in case.

A 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 the inclusion 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. There are no direct regular flights from Moscow to Colombo, but there are charters during the high season (winter). This is 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. Ticket price - 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 in Sri Lanka are located in the south (the best beach is from Tangalle to Weligama) and south-west () of the island. Eastern Sri Lanka is gaining popularity with tourists every year, attracting with its purity, desolation and coral reefs. Also interesting are two central regions countries: mountainous Sri Lanka with developed trekking routes among green hills and the so-called "cultural triangle" - the historical region 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, so 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 swimming 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- perfect 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.
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.
You will find both luxury hotels and cheap guest houses in the area. 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 - the 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.
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 drain 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 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 to travel to these parts you will need a jacket or a warm sweater.

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

To explore the main cities of the "triangle", it is enough to allocate 1 day. You can spend a little less time exploring Anuradhapura, but a little more - 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 cities listed above, the attractions of the "cultural triangle" also include and, the 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 the 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 tivu, 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 images of Buddha - frescoes, drawings, statues. The paintings on the walls tell about the main moments of the Buddha's life. Read more about the temple and its surroundings.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth 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, there was a royal palace in this place, 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 definitely something interesting.

The northeastern and southwestern coasts take turns dividing the palm among visitors to Sri Lanka. In addition, tourists travel all year round to the excursion sites of the island, as well as climb the mountains located in the central part of the country.

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

The off-season in Sri Lanka is characterized by unpredictable weather - it may not be ideal, but it is quite suitable for relaxation. For example, in April is the best time to visit the mountainous part of Sri Lanka with its emerald tea plantations, but you can quite comfortably spend a few days on the beaches of the southwest coast:, Hikkaduwa,. May is a good time for sightseeing rest visiting 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. It can scare tourists in the off-season strong wind, and big waves in the ocean, which practically negate swimming.

If you choose a hotel with a swimming pool, then the rest can be quite comfortable, in addition, in the low season, housing prices drop significantly.

Swimming in the ocean during the rainy season is still possible if you choose the right beach with a lagoon or 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 - former colony UK, maybe that's why road traffic here it is left-handed.
Move around the island by public transport(buses, trains) very cheap. For example, transfer by car from the airport to Bentota - 68 dollars (10,000 rupees), the same distance by 2 buses - 2 dollars (300 rupees), by bus and then by train - 0.85 dollars (120 rupees).

Connection

Roaming or local communication

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

The island, by analogy with Russia, has its own "big three" mobile operators - Mobitel, Dialog, Etisalat, each of which has its own travel offers on 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 to pay for roaming to domestic operators. For example, the cost of a minute for MTS is 250 rubles, and for Dialog - 9 rubles. Calls from a landline phone from a hotel are also not cheap.

Which tariff to choose

In my experience, the most stable connection is Dialog, Etisalat. But Dialog is cheaper, so I prefer it for 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 in touch, 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 the best option is Etisalat. 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 using telephone cards are also widely available, 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, there is wi-fi in the hotels of Sri Lanka. In large chain hotels, it is available everywhere, and in small hotels and hostels - at the reception and in public areas. Most of the time, 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

Telephone numbers of services: 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 in 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 (12%), who live mainly in the northern and eastern parts Sri Lanka, their main religion is Hinduism.

Basically, religious communities live separately, forming whole 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 on to the next life with a "clear conscience."

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

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

And 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 the European one. This is a classic feature of all kitchens. Asian countries.

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. A lot of local dishes are 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. Mainly 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 of eating her meat than in neighboring India.

As for seafood, they are not always available to an ordinary Sri Lankan, because prices are high by local standards. All the catch is sold to cafes and restaurants. Typically, Sri Lankans eat small fish or umbalacada, a 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 prepared 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 amazing 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 dietary habits are taken into account - there are many vegetarian dishes. 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 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 only be consumed 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 bags with the addition of cocoa, vanilla, etc. Pay attention to the expiration date. I advise you to buy milk in the areas of Nuwara Eliya, where there are many farms and large dairy factories.

A popular drink in Sri Lanka is coconut milk. 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 environment makes 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. Magic words to the seller - "but ice, but suga" (ice is prepared from who 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 Jinzha 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 mark-up. Alcohol and beer in hotels and restaurants are sold without restrictions.

5 dishes worth trying

Shopping

The shopping that you can do in Sri Lanka has a special national flavor. It feels like no matter the location, whether it's a market or a shopping mall.

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 scanty 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.

Top 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, as a rule, comes down to buying souvenirs.

What to bring from this country

Ceylon tea (the best is from the highlands of Ella and Nuwara Eliya. I advise 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 in the country as a whole 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

The monetary unit of Sri Lanka 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 the 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, sights, 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 with 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. small towns and at beach resorts, these devices are concentrated, as a rule, in shopping centers or at large train stations. In addition, credit cards of international payment systems are accepted for payment in chain hotels and shopping centers.

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

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

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

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

The island of Sri Lanka is rich in first-class beaches, modern hotels and a host of ancient attractions. Entertainment is completely quiet, peaceful: picnics, fishing and diving. Capital Colombo, waterfalls and National parks- everything about Sri Lanka: tours, reviews, weather, prices.

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The style of recreation in Sri Lanka can be briefly defined as follows: away from the hustle and bustle, closer to the sea and nature. There is hardly a more "leisurely" country in the world than Sri Lanka: no one is in a hurry here, everyone enjoys life - including the service personnel in hotels (though, this does not apply to top establishments - everyone is running around in soap, to please the guests). Most of the attractions in Sri Lanka are natural, just like most entertainment. Noisy discos and rocker smoke until morning are not in favor here, but picnics in nature, fishing or barbecues on the beach are as many as you like. Well, diving, of course. What Sri Lanka cannot please is its proximity to our immense: the flight here is long.

In general, it is very easy to determine the person who will definitely like it here. Firstly, there are few blank pages left in his not the first international passport. Secondly, he is either fond of world culture and history (and ancient Sri Lanka is very rich in interesting monuments), or - a desperate sea daredevil who wants, in addition to palm trees, sand and the sea, to have a diving center nearby, and surfers headquarters. Thirdly, he will certainly squint at your fragrant cup of tea. After all, Ceylon, aka Sri Lanka, supplies a quarter of the world with this drink.

Regions and resorts of Sri Lanka

Money

The country's monetary unit is the Lankan rupee (LKR), in 1 rupee 100 cents. Current exchange rate: 1 LKR = 0.34 RUB (1 USD = 181.33 LKR, 1 EUR = 201.67 LKR).

It is better to exchange currency at Colombo airport. It makes sense to keep the receipt received until the end of the trip: in this case, upon departure, it will be possible to convert back unspent local money at the airport bank at the purchase rate. In addition, currency is changed at any hotel and bank. The latter are open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Friday. For exchange, we recommend taking US dollars with you: they are accepted in all branches, and in tourist areas you can pay with them directly at hotels and all kinds of retail outlets.

You can pay in large hotels and shops credit cards, there are ATMs in almost all cities of the country. However, it is better to warn the staff of your bank in advance about the upcoming visit to Sri Lanka: due to the critical level of financial fraud on the island, the credit card can be blocked at the first attempt to use it.