Sri Lanka itinerary. Useful Links - Useful Links Best Travel Guide to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island country in the south of Asia. If its neighboring India resembles a large icicle in outlines, then Sri Lanka is a drop that falls from this icicle directly to the equator. Advertising often compares Sri Lanka to heaven. In fact, it is. Cream-colored sandy beaches framed by green coconut trees, picturesque mountains, tea plantations, national parks where wild elephants and other exotic animals roam freely, ancient cities, colonial fortresses ... Sri Lanka is not very large in size, but very diverse.

Shakyamuni Buddha, Mohamed Ibn Batutta Anton Chekhov, Arthur Clark. This is a short list of famous travelers who have visited this wonderful island in the warm Indian Ocean. You can also add yourself to this list. Moreover, it is not as expensive as it seems, but it will be remembered for a lifetime.

Sri Lanka map

general information
Full title- Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Don't let the word "socialist" bother you too much. In the seventies of the last century, this country was really building socialism, but of a slightly different type than in the Soviet Union. Nobody prohibited private property in Sri Lanka, did not socialize the land, although cooperatives that remotely resemble our collective farms were actually created.
Historical names: Lanka, Ceylon, Taprabana, Serendib.
Square Sri Lanka - 65 610 km², that is, Sri Lanka is more than three times smaller than Belarus.
Population- 21.7 million people, that is, Sri Lankans are more than twice as many Belarusians.
The capital and the most Big city - Colombo (about 700 thousand inhabitants).
State- a presidential republic with a strong parliament and local government.
Traffic on the streets- left-sided.
Electricity- 110-120 volts, the connectors are usually Indian for 3 plugs, but our sockets are working fine.
Time: add 2 hours 30 minutes to the Belarusian time.

Languages
There is only one official language in Sri Lanka - Sinhalese... It belongs to the Indo-European family and is distantly related to the Belarusian language. The alphabet is of Indian origin, very far from ours and completely unreadable.
The second important language spoken (or at least known) by a good half of the population is Tamil... It is used as an official one in the field. He comes from South India, is in no way related to the Belarusian, is absolutely unreadable and incomprehensible.
Fortunately, in Sri Lanka, it is commonly used English language. Almost everyone speaks it, writes advertisements and road signs, publishes newspapers, reads books. Knowledge of English in Sri Lanka is much better than in neighboring India.
On Russian the language is spoken by some traders in the markets, servants in chain hotels, sometimes doctors and even businessmen. Many Sri Lankans studied in the former USSR... But don't expect to be able to agree everywhere in Russian without any problems.

Money
The national currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee, which is subdivided into 100 cents. It is very unstable and is constantly decreasing in price, although not as fast as our Belarusian ruble. Both bills and coins are used here. Due to inflation, bills are more common than coins. You can check the exchange rate of the Sri Lankan rupee against the dollar at the moment using a currency converter.
It is better to exchange some of the money at the airport. I warn you right away that the course at the airport is not the best. But in the exchange offices of the airport they change quickly. The exchange rate in city banks will be about the same as at the airport, but the exchange process takes a little longer. They change without problems in hotels, but if you want to change at a good rate, you have to bargain.
Where is the good Sri Lankan rupee exchange rate? Correct answer: from market traders and gas stations. They change at the rate of their national bank, or even higher. However, exchange in the market and at gas stations (as, indeed, in hotels) is a common practice, but not entirely legal, so ask quietly. There is no need to be afraid of punishment for illegal exchange or deception during the exchange. As a rule, everything is done quickly and honestly, but still beware of yelling or running around the market with a bunch of dollars in your fist. In hotels and in the market, and sometimes even in a store, you can pay in dollars or euros. But it's better - in rupees. Prices in dollars and euros are always higher.
Look for ATMs in the central part of cities.

Living standards and prices
The standard of living in Sri Lanka is the highest in South Asia, so there are no slums like Indian, hungry children, but beggars are sometimes found. Almost the entire population is literate. However, the standard of living is noticeably lower than in Belarus. There are, of course, very wealthy people, but most are poor. Do not particularly trust the tales of the Sri Lankans themselves about their salaries, country houses and other delights of life. Like all Asians, they love to brag about things that they never had. The price level is comparable to Malaysia, much lower than in Europe, higher than in India. Modestly, but tastefully in Sri Lanka (including hotel, transport and food) you can live for $ 30 - $ 40 a day, if you want - even cheaper, as well as more expensive.
Approximate prices in Colombo: lunch in a cafe without alcohol - $ 2-5, in a cafe at a large hotel - $ 10 - $ 30, local beer (quite normal) - $ 1.5 for a 0.5 liter bottle, a can of lemonade - $ 0, $ 7, wheat bread (0.5 kg) - $ 0.64, a liter bottle of drinking water - a third of a dollar. Fruits of local origin are sold in great abundance, by their appearance you cannot always determine what it is and what it is called, but, most importantly, they are not expensive. Large fruits such as coconuts or papaya are sold individually or in pairs, the rest are sold in 10 pieces (if you buy less, you will still pay as for 10). City bus travel - $ 0.2. Bargain with motor rickshaws (tuk-tuk). Let the taxi drivers turn on the meter. The fare per kilometer is less than half a dollar, plus half a dollar for a landing.

Visa
Until 2012, Belarusians, like citizens of most other European countries, flew to Sri Lanka without a visa. Now we (not only Belarusians, but all foreigners) are obliged to buy a visa. But don't worry. The visa is obtained at the airport upon arrival. Before reaching the border control, you will see a special table with a large Visa sign. As a rule, there is always a queue near him. There, pay $ 25 for a visa. They will supply you with this visa already at passport control.
But it is advisable to pay before arriving in Sri Lanka. For this there is an electronic visa. It is obtained through this site: www.eta.gov.lk... Select Russian in the left pane.
An e-visa costs $ 20. Paid by card. You will receive a payment notification by email. You can print it and take it with you, or you don’t have to take it, because your name and payment details go into the border guards database. In this case, there is no need to queue. You just go to passport control, where they give you a visa and say: "Welcome to Sri Lanka!"
A tourist visa is valid for 30 days. Then you can extend it.

Note:
To obtain a visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka. At passport control, they sometimes ask for a return ticket (an e-ticket printout is fine). On the plane or at the airport, you will have to fill out a migration application. If you do not know English, then it is better to do this on the plane, where there will always be a Russian-speaking flight attendant or another Russian-speaking passenger.

Nature
Sri Lanka's coastline is low, almost entirely composed of sandy and sometimes rocky beaches. There are mountains in the south of the central part of Sri Lanka. The most high mountain Pidurutalagala reaches 2524 m above sea level and, in general, cannot be compared with Everest or even Mont Blanc. Among the Sri Lankans themselves and visiting travelers, the most popular is the picturesque mountain, which is called the peak of Adam. It rises 2243 m above sea level. Northern part the center of the island is rather hilly, but the hills are not very gentle, sometimes they are raised rocks.
Sri Lanka - green Island... In the sense that there are trees or shrubs everywhere. In places arranged for fields, cream color predominates in the hot season. But don't be confused by the greenery. The notion that nature in Sri Lanka is natural, and the crops in the fields grow by themselves, are very deceiving. Since ancient times, Sri Lankans have been practicing a rather complex farming system, building huge reservoirs and dams, breaking up artificial plantations. All this requires a lot of work, no less than in Egypt when building the pyramids. Primordial rainforests and savannahs have survived only in a few national parks.
Outlandish birds, monkeys, insects and lizards can be seen throughout the country. Tame elephants are much less common, mainly in the south and west of the country. In Colombo, elephants are a curiosity, but they are common in Kandy. Real wildlife, no less interesting than African, is in national parks - wild elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, leopards, deer. However, tigers and lions, if such once lived in Sri Lanka, have not been here for a long time. Visit national parks much cheaper than in Africa or India and quite affordable even for a budget traveler.

The handsome crocodile I met in the national park

Climate
Sri Lanka is a tropical island. The air temperature on the coast almost does not change during the year and is about 28 degrees Celsius. In the mountains, temperatures sometimes drop to 20 degrees, or even lower, but frost or just real cold in Sri Lanka never happens. When traveling high into the mountains, it makes sense to take a jacket with you, but in other cases warm clothes are completely unnecessary. Our summer is considered the monsoon season - tropical rains, which do not differ very much from the Belarusian rains, but they come every day. In the mountains, the rains are much more abundant than on the coast. In the summer, it makes sense to take an umbrella with you on the road.

Possible problems
Until recently, Sri Lanka could be considered a completely safe country. After the end of the civil war, ethnic and religious conflicts periodically occurred in this country, but they did not differ on a wide scale, big amount victims or unprecedented atrocities, they did not concern foreigners at all. But on Easter 2019, explosions occurred in several Catholic churches and five-star hotels in Colombo, and there were casualties.
Unlike neighboring India, here you rarely find outright deception, fraud, cheating and swindle. But in tourist places, locals like to inflate prices for foreigners, so before buying or traveling on a tuk-tuk, find out the real price at a hotel or from ordinary people. The Moors of Sri Lanka have a bad habit of forgetting about the exact amount of prepayment, feeding in hotels on debt at unspecified high prices, forgetting to give change, saying nasty things about competitors. Otherwise, they are normal guys and very sincere in places. Feel free to write down how much they were given and how much you owe, use the services of their "bad" competitors. Then there will be no unexpected problems.
All Sri Lankans, regardless of religion, love to drink. They will treat your drunkenness with understanding, but they will expect the same from you. By the way, drinking beer and other alcohol on the street is prohibited.
Guides and waiters in expensive restaurants will expect a tip from you. Add 10% percent to the waiters, and ask the guides for the standard tip price in advance. In all other cases, you do not need to pay a tip.
Do not listen to stories that in Sri Lanka it is not customary to take pictures with your back to the Buddha, go to Hindu temples or meet girls. All this is possible. If you break unwritten etiquette, then you as a foreigner will be forgiven. But it is better not to break the laws.

How to get to Sri Lanka
There are almost 7 thousand kilometers from Minsk to Colombo, so everyone thinks that a flight to Sri Lanka from Belarus and back is very, very expensive. In fact, the flight may turn out to be cheaper than to some European countries.

Now about the airports of departure.

From Minsk
From Minsk-2 airport to Colombo fly
Etihad (from $ 1150 in both directions, but more often - even more expensive)
Turkish Airlines (approximately $ 940 - $ 1200 round trip).
If you want to save money, then fly through Kiev or Moscow.

From Kiev
Low-cost airline Flydubai flies from Kiev Zhuliany airport to Colombo. A ticket purchased in a month costs about $ 680 - $ 700 round trip.
The budget company Air Arabia flies from Kiev Borispol airport. She has a more expensive ticket - 720 - 750 dollars, but in winter the price drops significantly.

From Moscow
From Domodedovo airport to our services:
Air Arabia ($ 580 - $ 620 round trip)
Emirates ($ 650 - $ 720 round trip)
Qatar Airways ($ 690 - $ 710 round trip)

Transport
In Sri Lanka, cheap and very effective bus transport... There are regular buses without air conditioning (they travel with open windows and doors, they stop often) and air-conditioned buses (they travel completely closed and rarely stop). Air-conditioned ones cost one and a half, or even twice as expensive, but they are faster and there is no crush, which happens in unconditioned ones. Judge for yourself the price - a ticket for regular bus from Colombo to Arugam Bay one way costs less than $ 10. And this distance is about 250 km. Sri Lanka also has a railway. Train tickets must be purchased in advance. They are always more expensive than a bus. We will not consider domestic flights on airplanes due to their insane high cost and short distances.
In cities, there are municipal buses, private minibuses, taxis and rickshaws (tuk-tuk). In theory, rickshaws are always cheaper than taxis. But you have to bargain with auto rickshaws, and the taxi runs on the meter (but doesn't always want to turn it on, insist!). Travel from the airport at night to the center of Colombo by taxi costs about $ 20, to Negombo Beach - $ 10, to Kandy - $ 60. There is an official taxi stand near the exit. There will also be offered several routes by taxi across the country "at very favorable prices." The prices are really not astronomical, especially since the price includes room and board, but for this money you will round Sri Lanka by bus several dozen times.
If you arrive at the airport during daylight hours, you can take a bus to the bus station in Colombo for a third or a half dollar, but for this you have to walk about 500 meters to the stop. Most likely, on the way, some knock-knock will catch you and persuade you to go for the same twenty.
In many tourist places, bicycles (similar to our Storks), cars and mopeds are rented. You need a license to drive mopeds and cars. The local police do not like violators.

History of Sri Lanka

125 thousand years ago - Pithecanthropus appeared in Sri Lanka
37 thousand years ago - the first people moved to Sri Lanka from South India modern type... Their direct descendants, obviously, are.
VI century BC - Gautama Buddha visits Sri Lanka, where he meets with the local population, which in Buddhist literature is called the names of demons. Somewhat later in 543 BC. NS. the ancestors of the modern Sinhalese, headed by Prince Vijaya, moved to Sri Lanka from Western India. They found the Sinhalese civilization.
3rd century BC - Sinhalese adopted Buddhism.
II century BC - Tamil Hindus migrate to the north of Sri Lanka from South India. A centuries-old struggle begins between the two peoples.
1505 - The Portuguese discovered Sri Lanka and began to conquer it.
1638 - Sinhalese princes made an alliance with the Dutch against the Portuguese.
1658 - The Dutch finally expelled the Portuguese, captured the entire coast and began to feud with the Sinhalese.
1796 - Great Britain invades the Dutch colonies in Sri Lanka.
1815 - The British conquer the last Sinhalese principality in Kandy.
February 4, 1948 - Sri Lanka is declared an independent state under the formal rule of the British Queen.
1971 - the communist uprising in Sri Lanka, by the way, not supported by the Soviet Union. It ended in defeat, but in 1972 the government of Sri Lanka proclaimed a course towards building socialism.
1978 - Sri Lanka became a republic with a president.
1983 - 2009 - civil war in the north and east of the country between the Sinhalese and Tamils.
2004 - The east coast was hit hard by the tsunami. One of the countries that provided assistance to Sri Lanka was Belarus.

The peoples of Sri Lanka
Little Sri Lanka is surprisingly densely populated, and from the very beginning of its written history - by different peoples. Most Sri Lankans, regardless of nationality, are polite, sociable people and very good-natured towards foreigners.

Sri Lankan cuisine
Sri Lanka's cuisine is rich in variety. The simplest dish, which costs $ 1 to $ 2 in a cafe, is a large plate of cooked rice, which is always served with stewed vegetables and sauce. Naturally, you can order rice with meat, fish, crab, egg, coconut and other ingredients, but they will cost a little more. Some restaurants serve several types of sauces at once. You can choose sharp and not very sharp. Sri Lanka is renowned for its curry spices. Each cafe has a slightly different curry, each chef has his own signature recipe. Small rice or wheat cakes, kotturoti, are quite popular. They, like rice, are served with a wide variety of ingredients.
In areas inhabited mainly by Buddhists and Christians, meat is served in places of public catering - beef, pork, chicken, goat meat, lamb, buffalo meat and the like. Hindus do not eat beef or buffalo, and Muslims do not eat pork. Fish and seafood are loved on the seaside and in the center of the country. I especially liked the freshwater fish cooked in coconut curry sauce.
Many fruits are grown in Sri Lanka. To be honest, I don't even know half of their names. For the price they are very affordable. Of the favorites - breadfruit (they eat a raw doughy core that has nothing to do with bread to taste), pineapples, papaya, mango, local sweet and sour bananas the size of a finger. Coconuts are grown for their milk, or rather juice, so they are cut young. One coconut is more expensive than a can of Coca-Cola, but it is much more refreshing than any lemonade. Coconuts are sold with the straws already inserted. After drinking milk, the straw and the nut itself are simply thrown away.
Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea producers. The Sri Lankans themselves drink tea with a lot of milk and sugar, so it tastes like condensed milk. But in the cafe you can ask for regular black tea. Sugar is brought to it separately. There are fruit juices on the streets that are not really juices. Usually this is a fruit of your choice from the counter passed through a blender, to which water and ice are added. Milkshakes are very popular, especially falouda (jelly pieces are added to it). Delicious ice cream is made in Sri Lanka.
As noted above, Sri Lankans love to drink. The only thing that stops them from rampant alcoholism is the high prices for alcohol. The most common alcoholic drinks are beer, wine (most often something like our ink), whiskey and vodka. The countryside is full of moonshiners. Moonshine is made from anything. But one kind of moonshine, made from arak coconut, is produced industrially. You can buy it at any beer shop. To taste - disgusting disgusting. A fairly democratic drink is punch. This is usually slightly fermented palm juice.

Sri Lanka is a small island state located in South Asia near the Indian subcontinent. Modern official name- The country received 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 widespread religion is Buddhism, which is followed by the majority of the Sinhalese. In addition, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are widespread in the country. The form of government in Sri Lanka is a semi-presidential republic. Administratively, the country is divided into 9 provinces - Central, North-Central, North, North-West, West, South, East, as well as the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva.

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

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

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

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

How to get there

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

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

Climate and weather in Sri Lanka

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

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

The rainy season in Sri Lanka

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

In addition, the Central Mountain Range rises in the middle of the island, creating a "rain shadow" for the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. This is the so-called "wet zone" of the island, where the southwest monsoons go from May to September. They form in the Arabian Sea and a large wall of warm humid air moves towards the island. At the same time, due to the mountain range in the rest of the country (and this is three quarters of the island) at this time it is more or less dry. These three quarters are in the eastern and northern parts of the country, where the average annual rainfall is 1200-1800 mm. For comparison, in the 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 prevail here from November to February. Most of the cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal hit Bangladesh and the coast of India, but Sri Lanka also sometimes gets it, even though it is some distance.

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

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

Cities and regions

Provinces of Sri Lanka

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

Sri Lanka cities

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

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

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

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

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

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

Negombo is a small town located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort has the nickname "Little Rome". The fact is that Negombo is the unofficial center of Christianity in Sri Lanka. The city is quite developed, shops, restaurants, rental offices and other services are located here literally on every corner. Local beaches are deserted, so they are popular with lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday. True, most tourists use Negombo only as a transit point for a day or two, and then head to other resorts. However, the city has a lot to offer and show to holidaymakers. The most popular pastime is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for their fishing. The most significant sights are the remains of a Dutch fort and a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, which is 10 kilometers from Negombo.

Sri Lanka Resorts

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

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

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

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

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

Wadduwa is another Ceylon resort located near Colombo. The visiting card of this place is gorgeous coconut palms and amazing sandy beaches. The resort has a developed infrastructure. A large number of hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes are concentrated here. There is a popular diving center on Wadduwa. Diving enthusiasts will be able to fully appreciate the beauty of 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 has been famous for its spices and spices. Little Kalutara during her history had a chance to be under the oppression of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists. Nevertheless, today the place has become one of the most modern and dynamically developing Sri Lankan resorts. The local brand name is delicious and juicy tropical fruits that are stacked in baskets created by local artisans using their own method. However, the famous Kalutar spices are still respected all over the world. The main attractions of the resort are the Gangatilaka Vihara Stupa and the February Navam parade.

Kogalla is a small but famous Ceylon resort. The relative distance from civilization (more than 100 kilometers to Colombo) attracts tourists here who dream of taking a break from the hustle and bustle major cities... On the other hand, Kogall has all the necessary infrastructure, including golf courses, diving centers, tennis courts and other entertainment. Not far from the resort is the town of Polonnaruwa. It is known for the fact that the remains of the legendary palace of the state of the ancient Sinhalese have survived 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 cool islands in sultry South Asia. Numerous local waterfalls are popular with tourists. Other attractions worth noting are the extraordinary architecture of local buildings in the British style. The main places for recreation are the magnificent modern golf course, Victoria Park, the picturesque Lake Gregory and the racetrack, where horse races take place every spring.

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

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

What to see

sights

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in Sri Lanka

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

Things to do

Water sports

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

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

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

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

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

Ayurveda

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

Ecotourism

All over the world, ecotourism has long become popular destination recreation. Recently, this type of recreation has begun to gain popularity among our compatriots. Tours to Sri Lanka are distinguished by a wide variety of ecotourism offers. The choice of vacationers - rafting on mountain rivers, off-road driving on rough terrain, riding on elephants, mountaineering and other original excursions.

Camping and safari

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

Agritourism

Agritourism - best direction rest for those who want to get acquainted with the peculiarities of Sri Lankan life from the inside. Tourists can not only live in the usual conditions of a Ceylon village, but also take part in agricultural work and take care of pets. As part of agrotourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with the local culture, customs, learn to cook national dishes.

Fishing

The coastal waters of Sri Lanka are replete with the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. Planktonic saturation attracts a wide variety of species - from tuna to sharks. Sightseeing fishing usually starts early in the morning. Tourist groups taken to fish for several tens of kilometers from the coast. Vacationers are accompanied by experienced local fishermen, and all the necessary equipment is included in the price of the excursion.

River safari

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

Helicopter excursion

The opportunity to take a helicopter ride has appeared quite recently. This is a very expensive entertainment, but there are still those who wish. The helicopter base is located 15 kilometers from the capital of Sri Lanka. From here you can fly to almost anywhere in the country. The maximum number of tourists in the cabin of one helicopter is four people. The most popular excursion to Sigiriya will cost $ 2,000 for a helicopter, in addition, you will have to fork out another $ 112 for each hour 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 trips are made only in weak, safe weather for flights. The standard duration of the excursion is one and a half hours, and the cost is approximately $ 1000 for the entire group, the number of which cannot exceed four people.

Golf

This game began to develop in Sri Lanka in the 19th century. To date, the country has created several high-quality golf complexes that meet international standards. Beginners will also be able to enjoy the game: there are special individual and group lessons for beginners in golf clubs.

Sri Lankan wedding

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

Sri Lanka beaches

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

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

Traveling around the country

Bus

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

Bus stops are bustling, especially the larger ones, but almost everyone will be happy to practice their English and help.

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

Train

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

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

Knock Knock

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

Taxi

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

Car rental

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

With a driver

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

Without driver

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

Airplane

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

Communication

The main language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, the second language is Tamil. English is used in government and tourism. Don't expect the entire population everywhere to 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 sounds "aayuBowan", which literally means: "stay longer"; thanks in Sinhalese is "stuti";
• Tamil: The Tamil greeting is “wanakkam”; thank you - "nanri";
• Arabic(Lankan Moors): when meeting with a Muslim, it will be polite to say "Assalam alaikum"; thanks sounds like "jazz-ka alla".

The culture

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

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

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

Kitchen

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

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

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

String hoppers are rice noodles rolled and steamed.

Umbalakada is a finely ground fish.

Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes made with coconut milk.

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

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

Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked with coconut milk.

Rotti is a regular curry flavored tortilla.

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

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

Beverages

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

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

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

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

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

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 clothing made from natural fabrics. Prices for goods from local producers are very democratic. Most shopping opportunities, of course, are in Colombo, but the Sri Lankan hinterland, and even more so tourist centers also has a lot to offer tourists in terms of shopping.

You can read more about store opening hours, what to buy, where to buy, and how to bargain in the article "Shopping in Sri Lanka".

Connection

Telephone communications

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

The dialing code of Sri Lanka is +94.

Useful phone numbers

Internet

Cellular communications on the island are underdeveloped and unstable. To enjoy mobile phone will work only in the capital, as well as in large cities and popular resorts.

You can access the global network through Internet cafes located in large cities. In the hinterland of the country, gaining access to the World Wide Web is very problematic.

Security

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

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

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

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

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

Some traditions take some getting used to, especially Europeans.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka:

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

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

Where to stay

Standard hotels

Classic hotels with rooms ranging from 50 to 500 rooms. A suitable hotel in this class can be found for every budget. Because of their convenience, standard hotels are popular with families or large groups. The all-inclusive system is often used.

Boutique hotels

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

Bungalow

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

Villas

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

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

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

Excursions in Sri Lanka with a Russian-speaking guide

How to find a Russian speaking guide in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a unique world where in a small area there is such a variety of cultures, landscapes and climatic zones that you will not find even in countries whose territory is dozens of times larger.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

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Sri Lanka weather map:

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Bentota: How To Fall In Love With Sri Lanka In 10 Days

It has been my dream to visit Sri Lanka for many years. I am not a fan of air travel and it always scared me away from relaxing in this beach paradise. But do we live once and when, if not now? For our vacation, we chose the Bentota resort because of the combination of passive and active recreation. When we arrived at the resort and I saw the ocean for the first time, I was overwhelmed with feelings. It is worth going through a long flight for this. The ocean fascinated me and frightened me with its power at the same time, such a feeling I did not know before. We bought the tour and knew perfectly well which hotel we would be staying in. In Sri Lanka, you can rent a bungalow, a room in a villa or a standard hotel.
Prices are varied, but you should not count on cheapness. If you have chosen Bentota for your vacation, then you will surely love active rest. There is an excellent water entertainment center "Confifi Marina". You will be able to master water skiing, surfing, windsurfing and diving. There are many travel companies in the resort who are ready to sell you an excursion for every taste. And there is plenty to choose from! I wanted to go everywhere, but we stopped at some options. Dambulla will surprise you with its cave temple, which houses a large collection of Buddha statues. Be sure to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. I have never seen such a combination of various plants and flowers. We also really liked the elephant nursery. Here you can see how they are fed and looked after. They are such amazing animals. Looking to the elephants ...

Food and groceries

We usually dined at the Passat, a small family restaurant in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. It cost 2-5, sometimes 10 $ per person. The staff is friendly, they speak Russian. Dinner at the fishermen's cost less than $ 1-2 and was even more tempting. Fresh seafood, directly from fishing nets, was prepared in front of us on the ocean shore. You can also control the amount of spices in food that are overused in local restaurants, for my taste.

Souvenirs and other goods

Prices for souvenirs are negotiable. You can and should bargain. In addition to small plates-magnets (maximum $ 1), I bought local beach accessories: handbags, panamas, slippers, scarves and pareos from local handicraftsmen from $ 1 to $ 10. The same, but made in China is even cheaper.

Cost of services and entertainment

By renting a tuk-tuk for $ 10 per day, you can visit the surrounding sights, admire the views, and explore the plantations. A trip to the local market for fruit costs $ 1 and takes 10 minutes one way. In a word, the rest turned out to be quite economical, and for a traveler who loves the ocean, silence and solitude, it is almost ideal.

In large cities, the beaches are poorly equipped, there is no need to talk about comfort. Negombo was named the most beautiful beach. Firstly, it is located near the airport, has a wide coastline and all the amenities for relaxation. There are hotels and hotels nearby.

What can you buy?

You can buy cheap things in Sri Lanka. Initially, you cannot say that the population of the country can be called dandies and fashionistas. Because most of the inhabitants are Hindus, and they wear traditional clothes. Tourists can only buy the sari as a souvenir, but they will not wear it. Maximum once. But spontaneous markets sell other goods: tracksuits, sweaters, shorts, jeans. Shopping has one more feature. In Sri Lanka, they sell branded things for a penny. Lots of fakes. I will tell you an easy way to distinguish a quality product on the shelves of Sri Lanka from a low-quality one. A low-quality one will be cheap, just do not rush to buy. Uneven seams, poor quality fabric - all these signs should stop you. A branded thing for a penny will be sold only if there is a marriage. For example, buttons are not sewn correctly or the collar is dirty. Indeed, they sell branded items on the shelves, but it is difficult to find them. I decided to buy Ceylon tea. I definitely won't be wrong with this purchase. First I got to the tasting. The expert tasted 50 types of tea, just imagine, the taster manages to taste all the varieties presented in 10 minutes. Of course, I tasted for a long time. With difficulty I chose one variety. Remember: if you want to buy delicious tea, it must be pure black without additives.

Entertainment

As entertainment, a tourist can choose to visit temples. There is one interesting rite in Sri Lanka. I passed it. Locals offer to perform a ritual right near the temple. You need to buy a coconut and make a wish. If the coconut breaks and milk spills out, then the wish will come true. In Sri Lanka, you can arrange entertainment for yourself for free: watch the fishermen work early in the morning.

What to see in Sri Lanka? Collected in one article the best sights of Sri Lanka, which you must visit during your vacation on the island: photo, video and description, as well as a map with their location.

Guided tours or self-guided visits?

Most of the sights of the island of Sri Lanka can be seen both as part of an excursion or on your own.

If you have time, it is more convenient to rent a car and travel around all the interesting places in Sri Lanka on your own. If you come on a tour for 5-14 days, then you will have to choose only a few of their available places, since it is impossible to visit all of them in a short time.

How to find cheap flights? They are easy to find through the search engines Aviasales and Skyscanner. It is best to search in both search engines and consider different departure dates.

What to visit in Sri Lanka: TOP-10 interesting places

Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura - the first capital of ancient Ceylon, is located 200 km northeast of Colombo. You can get from the capital by bus, which takes 6 hours. There is a railway connection between the cities, the train takes 5 hours.

All attractions are concentrated in the old city of Anuradhapura. Tourists are charged everywhere, but a single ticket can be purchased for 3700 rupees. By ticket you can visit the Abhayagiri complex.

All monuments can be viewed in two days. Due to the heat, it is advisable to do some sightseeing from any transport: bus or rented car. A parking space costs about Rs 25.

The Bodhi tree, sacred to Buddhists, is also worth a visit. This ancient ficus grew from a shoot taken from a tree under which Buddha became enlightened. Therefore, the Bodhi tree is the most sacred and most ancient in Sri Lanka.

Inspection of the sacred tree will cost a tourist 200 rupees.

Video about the sights of the city of Anuradhapura:

What you can see next:

• The Bronze Palace is located 50 meters from the Bodhi tree. It was built before our era and has lost its original appearance. It is forbidden to enter the territory of the palace.
• You can view the largest brick stupa - Jetavana for free. This large structure dates back to the third century AD. Located 300 m from the tree.
• At a distance of one kilometer from Bodhi is the Isurumuniya Palace, carved into the rock. It was built before our era. The entrance is paid and costs 200 rupees.
• You can see the ruvanvelisia and Mirisaveti stupas for free. Both structures are located 200 meters from the tree.
• The Abhayagiri complex is located in the northern part of the city. On its territory is the second highest stupa of the city of Anuradhapura, there are Buddha statues, a museum, a pond and two lakes.
• You can explore the Vessagiriya caves, the royal palace of King Vijayabahu and artificial reservoirs for free.
• A visit to the Museum of Folk Art will cost 300 rupees.

Gal Viharaya in Polonnaruwa

Monuments in Polonnaruwa are available not only for viewing with group excursions, but they can be visited independently and examined in 2 days.

In Polonnaruwa, be sure to see the Temple in the Rock or Gal Viharaya with its huge statues of Buddha. This temple has no analogues and is located on the territory of a huge Archaeological Park. The entrance to the park is paid, the ticket price is 3250 rupees.

Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Polonnaruwa Museum. The territory of the park is huge, and it is recommended to move around it by car, motorcycle or bicycle.

On the territory of the park there are several temples and monasteries, a stupa, a complex of the royal palace. There are also artificial reservoirs and stupas.

Photo and description: Gal Viharaya © vasse nicolas, antoine / flickr.com

How to get there:

• Polonnaruwa is located 200 km east of Colombo. It is very inexpensive and convenient to travel to Polonnaruwa by train. There are two flights: one train leaves early in the morning and arrives at noon. The second departs at 7pm and arrives at Polonnaruwa at midnight. The ticket costs from 185 to 600 rupees.
• The second option is a bus service. Due to the heat, it is best to take the earliest flight. The duration of the trip from Colombo to Polonnaruwa is 6 hours and the ticket costs 160 rupees.

Sri Lanka attractions nearby:

• The Yindu complex of Naipena Vihara;
• Palace of King Nissankamalla;
• The ruins of the library and the statue of King Parakramabahu 2.5 kilometers from the park;
• Near the ruins of the library, you can see the Parakrama Sea - this is a lake created by order of the king.

Sigiriya

One of the most famous attractions in Sri Lanka according to the TripAdvisor rating is Sigiriya (Lion Mountain). It is a 370 m high rock with a complex of cultural monuments inside and at the top. She is the object of many tourist routes and is protected by UNESCO.

Tickets to visit are 3900 rupees. The price includes a visit to the museum, where they will tell the history of all structures.

Panorama overlooking the Lion Rock:

How to get there:

• You can get there by buses No. 48 and 49 from the Pettah bus station in Colombo to the Inamaluwa stop. There you need to change to bus number 490/1, following the route Dambulla - Sigiriya. The total travel time is 6 hours.
• From Colombo, buses towards Lion Mountain leave every 30 minutes.

What can be seen near Sigiriya:

• Pidrunagala cave temple, located 1.5 km north of Sigiriya, entry tickets cost 200 rupees;
• Dambula city and cave temple;
• City of Polonaruwa with landmarks.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth of Buddha in Kandy

Kandy is the second most populous city, literally in the center of Sri Lanka.

The city is famous for its Temple of the Sacred Tooth of Buddha, which is the main Buddhist temple Sri Lanka. It is located on the shore of a man-made lake. The temple itself has retained its original architecture, which can be seen from the outside and from the inside. The entrance to the temple is paid - 1500 rupees.

How to get there:

• To get to Kandy from Colombo, you need to travel 120 km, moving directly east by bus number 1, departing from the Pettah bus station. Travel time will be 4 hours.
• It is even faster to get from Colombo to Kandy by train, in just 2.5 hours.

In addition to this Buddhist shrine in Kandy, there are other attractions that are worth seeing:

• The largest botanical garden in Asia is located 12 kilometers from the city.
• Elephant nursery, where they bring up little elephants left without mothers.
• A stone's throw from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth is National Museum Kandy. It occupies part of the royal palace and houses the royal regalia and other historical artifacts. The ticket price is 500 rupees. Here, on the territory of the palace, is the International Museum of Buddhism. The entrance to the museum costs 500 rupees.
• There are four Hindu temples not far from the Temple of the Tooth Relic. There are also Hindu temples outside Kandy.
• Within the city is the amazing Udawattakele Nature Reserve - the forbidden forest, a piece of Sri Lanka's wilderness. It is a must to visit it to understand what the real nature of the island looks like.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu Park is located 180 km north of Colombo and 30 km west of Anuradhapura. Six dozen lakes are located within its borders. Wilpattu Park is the largest in the world in terms of size. It is also the oldest park on earth.

To see more attractions in the park, it is worth renting a car. Entrance costs Rs 2,300.

There is a huge number of local and arriving birds. There is also the Bengal monitor lizard, a large and active predator. You can also see local swamp crocodiles reaching 4 meters in length.

The park is home to deer and monkeys, as well as elephants and leopards.

How to get there:

• You can get here by bus from Colombo and other cities. The driver must be warned in advance to stop at Wilpattu Park.

What to see nearby:

• Attractions of the city of Anuradhapura;
• Mihintale Temple.

Dambulla Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is located in the small town of Dambulla and is part of the whole temple complex consisting of six temples and caves. The city is located near the Sigiriya rock. You can see everything in 1 day.

The complex was built in the first century BC. In the twelfth century, more than 70 gilded Buddha statues were installed here.

The Museum of Buddhism is located very close to the Golden Temple. There are also ticket offices where you can buy tickets to the temple, which costs about 1,500 rupees.

There are many paintings on the theme of the earthly life of the Buddha, as well as water that does not obey gravity and flows upward.

Panorama from the mountainside where the temple is located:

How to get there:

• You can get to Dambula from almost any city by bus. They arrive at city ​​station, from where you can reach the temple on foot in 20 minutes or take a tuk-tuk for 100 rupees.

Sri Lanka attractions nearby:

• If you move 100 m from the temple, you can see the Museum of Buddhism. There is a collection of specimens of painting on the rocks here. A ticket there costs 250 rupees.
• You can view the Somavati stupa for free. It is located at the foot of a small mountain on which the complex is located.
• It will be interesting for tourists to visit the Dambula market, which is located near the bus station.

Unique park Sinharaja

In Sinharaja Park, you can see what the rain forests of Sri Lanka looked like. In a small area of ​​the park, there are rare plants and animals. Sri Lanka's last wild elephants, leopards, monkeys, three species of endemic deer, reptiles and many insects are still found here.

The excursion to the park is a pedestrian one. The flora of the rain forest is very widely represented here. Many plants are now found only in this park. It is not uncommon to see a tree 50 meters high. There are beautiful waterfalls

The entrance to the park is paid and costs 500 rupees. If you did not manage to arrive early, then you can stay overnight in a special camp, which is at each entrance, in order to go on an excursion in the morning. A four-hour guided walk will cost Rs 1,600, an eight-hour - Rs 3,200.

How to get there:

• From Colombo, you can get to Sinharaja Park by bus. The forest is located very close to the city of Galle.

The nearest attractions are located in the city of Unawatuna:

• Japanese pagoda, admission is free;
• Unawatuna Temple, admission is also free;
• Yatagala Temple in the vicinity of Unawatuna;
• Turtle Farm, entrance - 400 rupees.

Adam's Peak

One of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka is Adam's Peak. This is a mountain with a height of 2243 m, to the top of which you can climb as part of an excursion.

At the top there is a depression that resembles a giant footprint. This is the "sacred footprint" of the Buddha. For the followers of Hinduism, this is the footprint of the supreme deity Shiva. And Christians consider this imprint to be the trace of the Apostle Thomas. A temple was built over the trail.

To climb to the temple, you need to overcome more than 5 thousand steps. The stairs are 8 km long. Every 150 meters, there are platforms on the stairs where you can relax, buy water and food.

Many begin their ascent at night in order to reach the summit by dawn. The staircase is well lit. It is always windy and cold at the top of the peak, and you need to take warm clothes with you.

The ascent lasts, depending on from 3 to 5 hours, and the descent takes no more than an hour and a half. Access to the stairs is free of charge.

How to get there:

• You can get to Adam's Peak from Colombo by bus departing from the Pettah bus station, following to Hatton. You can also come here by train.

What to visit in Sri Lanka nearby:

• Badulla city and attractions;
• Sinharaja Rain Forest;
• Elephant Orphanage in Pinavelle.

Ratnapura

At the foot of Adam's Peak is the city of Ratnapura. From Colombo you can get here by bus or train. The path length is 100 km.

This is the center for the extraction of Sri Lankan gems. The world's largest sapphires were found here. There are no modern high-rise buildings and entertainment facilities in the city. Strange huts are visible everywhere, which close the entrances to the places where gems are mined.

Tourists who come here on a guided tour will see how they are mined. The most daring can go down inside, underground and inspect the arrangement of the mines.

The work of the gem miners is very primitive. The rock is mined with a pick and shovel and then washed in a local river. Sediment from larger fractions is sorted manually. The tour will continue at the factory for processing the mined jewels.

What can be seen in Ratnapura:

• Ratnapura has state museum, where there are collections of jewelry made from local precious stones, tools of labor of the most primitive tribe of Sri Lanka - the Veddas, the remains of prehistoric animals.
• Near the city, there is the highly revered temple of Maha Saman Deval.
• Local market located right in the city center. For the sake of this market, many visit Ratnapura. Here you can buy precious stones very cheaply.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

The Sri Lanka Botanical Garden is one of the best in the world.

The largest river in Sri Lanka, the Mahaveli, flows through the park. Here it forms a loop. The park was created on the site of the ancient royal gardens, which were laid out in the 13th century.

There are collections of thermophilic conifers, ebony trees, palms, bamboos, ficuses, ferns. The main asset of the park is a collection of decorative and specific orchids.

There are corners dedicated to the design of gardens and parks. This and suspension bridge, and a Japanese garden, a flower garden, alleys of different palm trees, a spice garden, its own waterfall.

The garden features named trees planted by famous people from all over the world. Including there are trees planted by Nicholas II and Yuri Gagarin.

The entrance to the garden is paid. Entrance fee is 1500 rupees.

How to get there:

• From Colombo you can take a bus to Kandy. In Kandy you need to take buses No. 644 and No. 652 and get to the stop called "Botanicgarden".

What sights can be seen nearby:

• Temple of the Tooth of Buddha;
• Sigiriya;
• Royal Palace of Kandy;
• Dambula.

Hikkaduwa

Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches with the purest ocean water. Hikkaduwa is a resort located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka about 100 km from Colombo. If you go from Bandaranaike Airport, a taxi will cost about 9 thousand rupees.

The beaches are large with a wide strip of excellent clean sand. There are beaches open to all the winds with a real ocean wave, and there are closed beaches where the excitement is not felt at all.

There is also a coral reef here. It collapsed badly under the impact of the 2004 tsunami waves. Can be seen swimming in shallow water sea ​​turtles and a variety of fish.

The Hikkaduwa Coral Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka.

What else can you see in Hikkaduwa:

• National Park;
• Mines of precious stones;
• Monument to the victims of the tsunami;
• Museum of masks 10 kilometers from Hikaduwa.

Sri Lanka attractions on the map

On the map below you will find the location of all the attractions of Sri Lanka in Russian.

To display only the objects you need on the map, click on the menu icon in the upper left corner and uncheck all categories except "attractions".