Historical city Galle (Sri Lanka) is located at south coast country, 116 km from Colombo and only 5 km from Unawatuna Beach. Built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, the port embodies South Asian traditions and elements of European architecture, and is a UNESCO protected site.
Before Colombo, Galle remained a major city and the main port of the country for 400 years. Then the Dutch recaptured it, redesigning the entire defensive system. The city was recaptured from the Dutch by the British, who did not change anything, so the atmosphere of that era is still preserved here. In the late 19th century, the British expanded Colombo's borders, making it a major port.
Galle was once Sri Lanka's largest center for trade between Persian, Arab, Indian, Greek and Roman merchants. Just over 100 thousand residents live here, among whom there are Buddhists, Hindus, Islam and Catholicism are preached. Developed industries include textile, food and glass.
Halle has many good hotels and restaurants, and although the city is located on the coast, tourists prefer Hikkaduwa. Despite the clear water of a greenish-turquoise hue, there are stones everywhere under the water; the city does not have a sandy beach.
Galle Fort
The city of Galle in Sri Lanka is divided into an old and a new part. The border is marked by three powerful bastions above cricket stadium. Here you will find many ancient buildings made in European style. Popular attractions in Galle include Galle Fort, built from granite by the Dutch at the end of the 17th century.
The ancient fort has hardly changed since colonial times, so the old part of the city is a must-visit to experience that atmosphere. Above the gate you will see the symbol of the Ottoman Empire - a stone with the image of a rooster. According to legend, the lost Portuguese sailors only thanks to his cry swam to an unnamed harbor, after which the city was named.
The fort is a UNESCO heritage site. The architectural structures of the fort are considered especially interesting. The weight of the roof is supported only by the walls, without the use of internal supports. You can walk inside the fort all day long. The popular New Oriental Hotel is located on its territory. This is the oldest hotel in the country, and it was built at the end of the 17th century for the governor. High-ranking officials and wealthy people prefer to relax here and now.
The port of Galle in Sri Lanka still receives fishing and cargo ships, as well as private yachts. The most prominent part of the fort is the lighthouse; in the evening it illuminates the way for distant ships. The harbor has its own unique and inimitable atmosphere, which tourists love so much. Photos of Galle in Sri Lanka show that you can admire there not only historical buildings, but also the beautiful Indian Ocean and unique sunsets.
New town
In the new part of the city there is a shopping center with shops and small cozy cafes. Stations and Central Market are located on the banks of the Holland Canal. Tourists enjoy visiting St. Mary's Cathedral.
Although there are almost no significant ancient monuments here, modern Halle is considered the heart of the city. The narrow streets of Morishe-Kramer-straat and Lane-Bahn still have open windows with wooden shutters, terraces and spacious rooms in the best Dutch traditions.
Attractions Galle
You will always find something to see in Halle. The city is usually visited for excursions to learn more about the culture of this region.
On Tserkovnaya Street there is National Museum of Culture, where you can learn all about the history of the city. Admission is paid, visiting hours are from 9.00 to 17.00 from Tuesday to Saturday.
National Maritime Museum Deserves attention National Maritime Museum on Queen Street. On the ground floor you will find an exhibition dedicated to fishing life. You can get to the Museum from 9.00 to 17.00. Working days are Tuesday-Saturday.
IN Dutch Period Museum The most interesting exhibits from the era of Dutch rule are exhibited. The museum is located in private houses on Leyn Baan street. Admission is free, visiting hours are from 8.30 to 17.30 daily.
Meera Mosque Tourists also like to visit ancient Gothic church Grote Kerk, which is located near the Amangalla Hotel, on Church Street. There you will find ancient tombstones with images of skulls and bones.
Mosques were built behind the Catholic Church of All Saints, tourists especially like Meera Masjid, but you need to visit this place in appropriate clothing.
Opposite the Dutch church is the house of the Dutch rulers with the original ovens inside. Rumor has it there are ghosts there.
Cricket is a popular sport here and the national team here has won many prizes. The cricket ground is considered to be immaculate for the game and is located among the oldest and most valuable monuments near the Galle Fort, which makes it even more unique.
What to see in the area
Located in the central part of Weligama Bay beautiful island Taprobane or in Sinhala Yakinige-Duva. At the beginning of the 20th century, a luxurious house was built here by the French Count de Manet, and the writer P. Bowles used it in his novel “The House of the Spider.” Now this place is a private resort where you can rent a villa.
Unawatuna. The secluded Unawatuna Beach is surrounded by coral reefs on all sides and is just 5 km from Galle. There is a highway running through the central part, unlike the city, so it is quite busy here. The popular resort place is popular with tourists and local residents, because here you can not only relax and swim, but also go diving, snorkeling and surfing.
Mirissa. In this small resort village near Weligama you can spend your holiday economically. In addition to spacious beaches, there are excellent conditions for surfing and snorkeling. Tourists who value a relaxing holiday will especially like it here.
More detailed information with photos about the Mirissa resort is presented in.
How to get to Galle
Inside the city, the transport interchange is quite developed and has many branches. The city is connected to the nearest major cities and Matara by railway tracks. You can get to Galle by train, bus and taxi; at the station you can always find out where the city of Galle is and how to get to it.
From Colombo. WITH railway station to Galle station. Only 2nd and 3rd class carriages or Rajadhani Express carriages, tickets for which can be purchased online. Travel time is 2.5-3 hours.
From Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Kandy, take a train to Colombo Fort, then transfer to the Colombo Fort – Galle train. Before your trip, check the current train schedule and ticket prices on the website www.railway.gov.lk.
WITH bus station There are many bus services from Colombo to Galle. You can get there by highway in 2-3 hours. If the route runs along the coast, the journey will take approximately 4 hours. The bus station in Galle is located across the road from the Fort, the main attraction of the city.
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Weather
You can visit this resort center at any time of the year. It is always warm in Galle (Sri Lanka). Summer and winter are characterized by slight temperature changes. There is almost no rain here from December to April. Even from May to November, short rains do not interfere with sightseeing.
What Halle looks like from the air and some practical information for those who want to visit the city are in the video.
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Sri Lanka is a small island state located in South Asia near the Hindustan Peninsula. 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 common religion is Buddhism, which is followed by the majority of Sinhalese. In addition, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are widespread in the country. The form of government in Sri Lanka is a semi-presidential republic. Administratively, the country is divided into 9 provinces - Central, North Central, Northern, Northwestern, Western, Southern, Eastern, as well as the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva.
The main sectors of the economy are agriculture, textile production and mining of precious stones. Recently, the tourism industry has been gaining momentum. The most popular places holidays in Sri Lanka - the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwela and Kalutara.
Flight time:
Flights to Bandaranaike Airport, Colombo
from Moscow - from 8 hours 30 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - from 11 hours 25 minutes. (1-3 transfers)
from Kazan - from 12 hours 30 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Yekaterinburg - from 11 hours 55 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 50 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
Current time in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte:
(UTC +5:30)
The most developed sport is cricket, which is exotic for Russians. The state pursues an active foreign policy, Sri Lanka is a member of well-known international organizations - the UN (United Nations), IMF (International Monetary Fund), ADB (Asian Development Bank) and others.
How to get there
At present, the issue of direct regular flights between Moscow and Colombo remains open, but it is known that Aeroflot operates flights on this route during the season. Excluding this option, the best way to get to Sri Lanka at the moment are flights of Emirates Moscow - Dubai - Colombo, Qatar Airways Moscow - Doha - Colombo and Etihad Moscow - Abu Dhabi - Colombo. All aircraft arrive at Colombo International Airport.
Many people are interested in an important question when buying a ticket from Moscow to Sri Lanka: how long to fly? If you choose a non-stop flight on the route Moscow - Sri Lanka, the flight will take 8 hours 45 minutes (flight to the capital of the country - Colombo). With connections it will be about 14 hours, but it depends on the connection times, which vary among airlines.
Climate and weather in Sri Lanka
The climate in Sri Lanka is warm and humid. The temperature is very even, without sharp fluctuations throughout the year. The difference between the warmest and coldest months is only 2-3 degrees Celsius. The average monthly temperature usually does not exceed 30 degrees. The seasons here differ in the amount of precipitation that falls. Most rain falls in summer. The coastal areas of Sri Lanka are the most comfortable for living. In large cities located inland, the weather is hot and humid. average temperature The water in the Indian Ocean near the country is 27 °C, which differs from the air temperature by only a couple of degrees.
Cooler temperatures can be found in the mountainous areas of Sri Lanka. The town of Nuwara Eliya is located at 1884 meters above sea level. The local average annual temperature is 18 °C. In cold weather at night, the thermometer can drop to an unprecedented level of 10 °C for Sri Lanka. Such “frost” forces owners local hotels and hotels use heating devices that turn on in the evening and at night. It will be useful and pleasant for tourists to know that it usually rains at night in Sri Lanka. Therefore, your holiday at the resort should not be overshadowed by precipitation. The even and favorable climate throughout the year allows vacationers not to think about choosing a month for their vacation in Ceylon. Here at any time of the year local residents and tourists feel comfortable.
Rainy season in Sri Lanka
It is quite difficult to understand how rapidly the climate in Sri Lanka is changing the first time, so you need to be more careful with its features. The island is dominated by an equatorial climate, the distinctive feature of which is the division into two seasons: dry and rainy season.
In addition, the Central Mountain Range rises in the middle of the island, creating a “rain shadow” for the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. This is the so-called “wet zone” of the island, where the southwest monsoons head from May to September. They form in the Arabian Sea and move towards the island as a large wall of warm, humid air. Moreover, due to mountain range the rest of the country (which is three-quarters of the island) is more or less dry at this time. These three quarters are the eastern and northern parts of the country, where the average annual precipitation is 1200-1800 mm. For comparison, in the southwest this figure is much higher - from 2540 to 5080 mm per year.
The north and east of the country are influenced by the northeastern monsoons, which occur here from November to February. Most of the cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal hit Bangladesh and the coast of India, but Sri Lanka also sometimes suffers, even despite some remoteness.
The rainy season in Sri Lanka is characterized by heavy and short (about 15 minutes) downpours, most often occurring at night. The main disadvantage for vacationers in such a situation is the strong wind, which creates big waves in the ocean, so it’s better to give up dreams of a calm and safe swim at this time.
The winter and autumn months on the island are characterized as inter-monsoon periods, when there are no heavy monsoon rains, but sometimes there are so-called “zenithal rains”, often found in equatorial regions. Thus, best time For holidays in the southwest, which is attractive to tourists, it is winter, and, accordingly, in the north and east it is summer.
Cities and regions
Provinces of Sri Lanka
- Central
- North Central
- North-Eastern
- Northern
- Sabaragamuwa
- South
- Western
Cities of Sri Lanka
There are many large and small cities in Sri Lanka. Below is information about the cities most interesting for tourists.
Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka, which is actually the capital of the country, located in the Western Province of the state. Colombo is a center of business, trade and culture. The population of the city is 740 thousand inhabitants, and the agglomeration (together with the suburbs, including the formal capital of Sri Jayawardenepura Kote) is 2 million 250 thousand inhabitants. Industry and high-tech manufacturing are booming in Colombo. The local port is one of the largest in the Asian region.
Interestingly, many areas have a specific vocational focus. This division has arisen since ancient times. In Colombo there is a district of artisans, poor people, traders, etc. Of course, today such a classification is gradually becoming obsolete, but is still largely relevant. 30 kilometers from Colombo there is a large international Airport. The city is developed culturally and religiously - it has its own university, observatory, and religious institutions for various faiths.
The tourist center is located in the northern district of the city - Fort. Hotels, shops, restaurants and other entertainment venues are concentrated here. The main attractions of the city are Galle Face Green Park, the National Museum, the Local History Museum, the Presidential Palace and Independence Square. In the suburbs of Komlombo you can visit one of the largest zoos on the continent - Dehiwala Zoo.
Anuradhapura is the district capital of the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The city is named after its founder, the Indian prince Anuradha. Population: 50,000 inhabitants. The most developed economic sectors are agriculture and handicrafts. The air temperature is warm and favorable throughout the year; the climate is characterized by high humidity. The city is famous for its attractions: Anuradhapura has the remains of ancient temples, monasteries and other cultural monuments. Among the most famous sites are the Ruanvelli and Thuparama stupas, the Abhayagiri and Isurumuniya monasteries, as well as 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 previously known as Senkadagalapura. The population of Kandy is more than 150 thousand people. The city is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and was formerly the capital of ancient Ceylon. The most significant cultural monument is the Dalada Maligawa Temple. The Sacred Tooth of Buddha is located here, and this famous artifact has become an object of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Every year, Kandy hosts the popular Esala Peraher festival, during which time the famous relic is put on display for the public to see. For ten nights in a row, a procession with elephants takes place on the streets, which is accompanied by ethnic music, fakirs and other local attributes. On the outskirts of Kandy is the largest botanical garden on the continent. It contains many rare species of tropical plants. In the vicinity of Kandy there is its own unique Spice Garden.
Negombo is a small town located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort is nicknamed "Little Rome". The fact is that Negombo is the unofficial center of Christianity in Sri Lanka. The city is quite developed, shops, restaurants, rental offices and other services are located here literally on every corner. Local beaches deserted, therefore they are popular among lovers of quiet and have a relaxing holiday. True, most tourists use Negombo only as a transit point for a day or two, and then head to other resorts. However, the city has a lot to offer and show vacationers. The most popular entertainment is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for fishing. The most significant attractions are the remains of a Dutch fort and a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, which is located 10 kilometers from Negombo.
Resorts of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island where people go on vacation all year round. Beach holidays, swimming in the Indian Ocean, trips to exotic places, complete relaxation, meetings that will be remembered forever, authentic village life, age-old traditions - one way or another, this is what is expected from the island.
The main question that tourists going on vacation to Sri Lanka ask themselves is which resort to choose? Indeed, there are a lot here good places, each with its own character and flavor. Thus, Hikkaduwa gathers surfers, divers and young people on its beaches. Bentota is aimed at demanding tourists, Kogalla - at independent tourists and those who have arrived for the "winter", etc.
Below are described best resorts Sri Lanka. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.
Bentota - popular beach resort in Sri Lanka. This romantic spot is popular with young families and adventure seekers. Tourists have a full range of services to suit any budget. The resort will appeal to lovers active rest: Ceylon’s most popular water entertainment center, Confifi Marina, is located here. Vacationers will be able to ride a boat, water ski, scooter or go scuba diving. The club also organizes excursions and boat trips.
Beruwela is a resort located in the southwest of the country, near Colombo. This place will appeal to tourists who prefer beach holiday. However, lovers of a more active lifestyle will also find something to entertain themselves with. Large hotels have sports facilities - golf courses, tennis courts, and on the beaches tourists can enjoy traditional water activities. Along coastline The resort has 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 calling card of this place is its gorgeous coconut palms and amazing sandy beaches. The resort has a developed infrastructure. A large number of hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes are concentrated here. There is a popular scuba diving center on Wadduwa. Diving enthusiasts will be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the local ocean depths. Just a few kilometers away is another resort town - Kalutara, famous for the Buddhist temple Gangatilaka Vihara.
Kalutara is a resort town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. From time immemorial, the resort was famous for its herbs and spices. Throughout its history, little Kalutara has been under the yoke of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists. However, today the place has become one of the most modern and dynamically developing Sri Lankan resorts. The local specialty is amazing and juicy tropical fruits, which are placed in baskets created by local craftsmen using their own methods. However, the famous Kalutara spices are still respected all over the world. The main attractions of the resort are the Gangatilaka Vihara Stupa and the February Navam Parade.
Kogalla is a small but famous Ceylon resort. The relative distance from civilization (Colombo is more than 100 kilometers away) attracts tourists here who dream of taking a break from the hustle and bustle major cities. On the other hand, Kogalla has all the necessary infrastructure, including golf courses, diving centers, tennis courts and other entertainment. Not far from the resort is the town of Polonnaruwa. It is famous for the fact that the remains of the legendary palace of the ancient Sinhalese state have been preserved on its territory. Among others historical monuments You can highlight the Watadage Temple and the giant Buddha statues carved into the rocks.
Nuwara Eliya - famous resort in the mountains of Sri Lanka. The place is known as one of the few islands of coolness in sultry South Asia. Numerous local waterfalls are popular with tourists. Among other attractions, it is worth noting the unusual architecture of local buildings in the British style. The main places for recreation are a magnificent modern golf complex, Victoria Park, the picturesque Gregory Lake and a hippodrome where horse racing takes place every spring.
Mount Lavinia is a popular Sri Lankan resort, located just a few kilometers from the country's capital. The place is a fairly large commercial, industrial and economic center. The population of the city is 155 thousand inhabitants. Tourists especially note the wide sandy beaches here. The resort has several modern hotels. The main attractions are the Dehiwela Zoo, which is home to more than 300 species of animals, and the giant Bolgoda Lake with rich flora and fauna.
Hikkaduwa is a resort town located in the south of Sri Lanka. This city is considered a diving Mecca. Incredibly beautiful local coral reefs and other inhabitants underwater world attract vacationers from all over the world. The coral became the unofficial emblem of the city. In addition, there is a coral reserve on the territory of the city. Other attractions include a Buddhist temple and a large, beautiful lake.
What to see
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Leisure
Transport
Private guides in Sri Lanka
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Sri Lanka in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do
Water sports
Comfortable weather all year round, amazing pure water and the beauty of the underwater depths of Sri Lanka attract many outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
Diving - scuba diving with scuba gear, mask, fins and other equipment. The Indian Ocean, in addition to the most beautiful marine life and underwater reefs, keeps many secrets and mysteries. Diving near shipwrecks and underwater caves heightens the senses and makes diving in Sri Lanka simply unforgettable. Lankan diving centers have modern equipment and equipment, and are scattered around the entire perimeter of the island. When planning a diving holiday, you should take into account the travel time. The fact is that diving centers located in the southwest of Sri Lanka operate from mid-autumn to mid-spring, and in the northeast - from early spring to mid-autumn.
Snorkeling also allows you to contemplate the splendor of the underwater world, but only at shallow depths: snorkeling requires only a mask, fins and a snorkel. The purity and transparency of Sri Lankan waters easily allows you to engage in this exciting activity, because the underwater delights are visible at a depth of several meters.
Surfing is riding waves using special boards. Surfers have chosen many areas of Sri Lanka. The picturesque landscape, the relaxed atmosphere of the resort and, of course, good high waves make the island ideal for practicing this sport.
Windsurfing is riding the waves using a board equipped with a sail. This sport can be practiced in Negombo, Trincomalee, Bentota. Equipment is rented at specialized rental points. Some hotels specialize in windsurfing and offer tourists all the necessary equipment. The gathering place for experienced athletes was Arugam Bay.
Ayurveda
Traditional treatment in Sri Lanka is very developed. Ayurveda, which literally means the science of life, is especially popular. This is a whole range of traditional treatment methods, including aromatherapy, relaxation, meditation, massage, and healthy eating. Ayurveda implies comprehensive healing of the body, and not the treatment of only diseased organs. The most important thing is that this direction has no side effects or contraindications. All medical products are made entirely from natural ingredients. Several hotels in Sri Lanka offer to combine relaxation with treatment according to the Ayurveda system.
Ecotourism
Around the world, ecotourism has long been popular destination recreation. Recently, this type of recreation has begun to gain popularity among our compatriots. Tours to Sri Lanka offer a wide variety of ecotourism offerings. Vacationers can choose from rafting down mountain rivers, driving off-road vehicles over rough terrain, riding elephants, mountain climbing and other original excursions.
Camping and safaris
For tourists who are tired of the comfort of modern hotels and want to join the natural world, Sri Lanka offers a special excursion program with accommodation in tent camps at national parks. The tour program is compiled taking into account the individual wishes of vacationers. Tourists independently choose the parks to visit and other recreation criteria. Among the latter are the comfort of tent rooms, the number of days on the tour, and the purchase of additional excursions. The standard program lasts 9 days, during which all the main national parks of the country are visited. The camps provide all necessary living conditions and three meals a day.
Agritourism
Agritourism - best direction holiday 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, as well as care for domestic animals. As part of agrotourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with local culture, customs, and learn to cook national cuisine.
Fishing
The coastal waters of Sri Lanka are replete with the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. The abundance of plankton attracts a wide variety of species - from tuna to sharks. Excursion fishing usually starts early in the morning. Tourist groups They are taken out to fish several tens of kilometers from the coast. Vacationers are accompanied by experienced local fishermen, and all necessary gear is included in the price of the excursion.
River Safari
The so-called boat safari is very popular on the island. It's three hours river walk on the boat. During the excursion you will be able to meet many exotic birds and animals. As you move away from civilization by boat, you can find more and more interesting and unusual things - small islands of land, aboriginal settlements and unique vegetation. A local guide will cost only $20.
Helicopter excursion
The opportunity to take a helicopter ride has appeared quite recently. This is a very expensive entertainment, but there are still people who want it. The helicopter base is located 15 kilometers from the capital of Sri Lanka. From here you can fly to almost anywhere in the country. The maximum allowed number of tourists in the cabin of one helicopter is four people. The most popular excursion to Sigiriya will cost $2,000 per helicopter, in addition, you will have to fork out another $112 for each hour you wait for the helicopter.
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Another excursion that allows tourists to admire the amazing Sri Lankan landscapes from a bird's eye view. Air travel is only carried out in light windy weather that is safe for flights. The standard duration of the excursion is one and a half hours, and the cost is approximately $1000 for the entire group, which cannot exceed four people.
Golf
This game began to develop in Sri Lanka back in the 19th century. Today, the country has created several high-quality golf complexes that meet international standards. Beginning athletes can also enjoy the game: golf clubs offer special individual and group lessons for beginners.
Sri Lankan wedding
Newlyweds from all over the world are increasingly choosing Sri Lanka as their wedding venue. The ceremony takes place according to local traditions - the bride and groom dress in bright national costumes, the procession is accompanied by elephants and the beating of drums, and boys and girls in colorful outfits dance nearby. After exchanging rings, the newlyweds give each other a taste of rice boiled in coconut milk and wash it down with water. This ritual symbolizes the future mutual care of husband and wife. There are a number of other traditional wedding rituals - tying the little fingers of the bride and groom with gold thread, breaking a coconut to sprinkle milk on the newlyweds' clothes and lighting an oil lamp together. The cost of the ceremony should be discussed in advance with the organizer. The amount will vary depending on the number of services selected. But on average you can spend $1000.
Beaches of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka boasts magnificent sandy beaches 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 you can cut yourself with fragments of coral. Topless sunbathing is not accepted in Sri Lanka.
The resorts offer all kinds of water sports: diving, surfing, yachting, snorkeling, sailing.
There are 2 beach seasons on the island: on the west and south coasts there are winds from November to March. north winds, the sea is calm and the weather is comfortable. The western monsoon blows from April to October, bringing beach weather to the east coast.
Getting around the country
Bus
Buses are often crowded with passengers and very uncomfortable, but they can travel the entire island for almost nothing, for a few dollars. There are AC class buses, with air conditioning and guaranteed seats, they will cost twice as much.
Bus stops can be hectic, especially the larger ones, but almost everyone will be happy to practice their English and help out.
Private and municipal buses operate in major cities of the country. The fare for them is approximately the same. Public transport in Sri Lanka - one of the cheapest in the world.
Train
It is convenient to travel between Sri Lankan cities by train. From the capital you can get to any destination for no more than 300 rupees. Passengers have the opportunity to choose a carriage class with a suitable level of comfort. Sri Lanka has an extensive railway system, serving all the main cities of the island except the north and east.
Trains are more comfortable and colorful than buses, and thanks to the winding railway in the mountains, the railway network in the mountainous part of Sri Lanka is very scenic, especially on the Badullu-Nanu Oya line. If possible, it is better to sit on the right side of the train, this is where the most open best views. For tourists who want to explore the local views, there are special excursion carriages with large windows.
Knock Knock
The most popular transport in Sri Lanka are small scooters with a cabin, called tuk-tuk. They are unusual for us, but Sri Lankans regularly use them for everyday trips. A tuk-tuk is much cheaper than a regular taxi, the average price per kilometer is 15-20 rupees. It is not customary to pay tips in Sri Lanka.
Taxi
A more traditional type of transport will cost about 50% more. For a kilometer of travel you will have to pay about 30 rupees. If the taxi is not equipped with a meter, then the cost of the trip should be agreed upon in advance. You can “catch” a taxi driver right on the street or call him by phone.
Car rental
The country is well organized transport system, but Russians will be greatly surprised by two things - driving on the left and the possibility of animals driven by farmers and cars being adjacent to each other on the road.
With a driver
The car itself is often provided free of charge, and money is paid to the driver for his services. Some drivers/guides are licensed by the state to operate, some are extremely knowledgeable and speak multiple languages and specialize in the history and culture of the country. 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 traffic in Sri Lanka can rent a car for independent travel. Standard fee is 2400 rupees per day. This amount includes mileage of 80 kilometers, and for each additional kilometer you will have to pay an additional 8 rupees.
Airplane
The air carrier Aero Lanka operates domestic flights on the Colombo-Ratmalata, Colombo-Jaffna and Colombo-Trincomalee routes.
Communication
The main language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, the second language is Tamil. English is used in government and tourism. Don't expect the entire population everywhere to speak English fluently. It is much more common in beach and tourist areas. Most people in rural areas do not know English at all, except for a few simple words.
- Sinhalese: The greeting in Sinhala is “aayuBOvan”, which literally means “stay longer”; thank you in Sinhala is "stuti";
- Tamil: The greeting in Tamil is “vanakkam”; thank you - “nanri”;
- Arabic(Lankan Moors): When meeting a Muslim, it is polite to say “Assalamu alaikum”; thank you sounds like “jaza-ka alla.”
Culture
The culture of Sri Lanka has managed to preserve many of its own ancient traditions, despite the fact that European colonialists had a great influence on it. The country has managed to preserve traditional customs in many areas. Most of the ancient national works of art are, in one way or another, connected with the dominant religion in the country - Buddhism. Painting, sculpture and architecture developed under his influence. Original dances and songs are also an important object of Sri Lankan culture. Contemporary art in Sri Lanka is actively developing cinema, radio and television.
One of the main holidays for Sri Lankans is New Year. True, unlike our country, in Sri Lanka it is celebrated in April. There are many rituals associated with this event on the island, and of course there is a traditional chic fireworks display.
Sri Lanka's number one sport is cricket. The national team even became the world champion in this sport in 1996. In addition, American football, rugby and various martial arts are very popular. Among the latter are the Sri Lankan martial arts Cheena di, which was taught by Chinese monks, and Angampora, a fighting style using swords, daggers and other weapons.
Kitchen
National Sri Lankan cuisine has much in common with Indian cuisine, due to the geographical proximity of the two countries. Herbs, spices, juicy fruits, seafood - all these elements are traditional in both countries. The basis of the daily diet in Sri Lanka consists of dishes made from rice and curry. The latter, by the way, is not only seasoned with meat. The curry island serves side dishes, fish, vegetables and other dishes.
Since Sri Lankan and South Indian dishes are very similar, many local restaurants the menu indicates which cuisine is Sri Lankan and which is South Indian. In addition, different regions have their own cooking options. Food is generally very cheap, with an inexpensive lunch costing around a dollar. Rarely can a meal cost more than ten dollars, except in the most expensive places aimed at tourists. Colombo has a large selection of high quality restaurants.
Ceylonese cuisine often uses coconut ingredients - coconut juice, butter and shavings. There are many other dishes with other unusual ingredients for us.
String hoppers are rice vermicelli that are rolled and steamed.
Umbalakada is a small fish that has been ground into powder.
Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes cooked with coconut milk.
Bittara arra - pancake combined with fried eggs. To prepare it, place a chicken egg in the middle of the pancake.
Hakuru arra is a delicacy similar to Bittara arra, but sweetened with coconut.
Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked in coconut milk.
Rotti is a regular flatbread seasoned with curry sauce.
Pittu - Prepared from water, rice flour and coconut. Also served with curry sauce.
Kottu Rotti is a mixture of chopped unleavened rice cakes, vegetables and your choice of meat. This dish is found only in Sri Lanka, the most delicious Kottu Roti is from street vendors, freshly prepared.
Beverages
In Sri Lanka, you should not drink tap water, as it can cause intestinal disorders. Buy plain bottled water in stores. But it’s better to avoid buying local milk altogether. Thanks to the Sri Lankan climate, it spoils very quickly, although it is quite expensive.
The traditional non-alcoholic drink among Sri Lankans is Tambili, juice from the king coconut. Fresh juice can be prepared before your eyes right on the street, and it will cost less than what is sold in bottles.
Other local drinks include ginger oil and cream soda. If you prefer classic Coke or Pepsi, you can buy them in almost any grocery supermarket on the island.
The most popular beers are Three Coins (brewed according to a Belgian recipe), Lion Stout (buttery with a chocolate flavor) and Lion Lager.
For those who prefer strong alcohol, we can recommend the local drink - Arrack. It usually costs about $4 a bottle and is often drunk with ginger beer. Quality depends on price, but the Old Reserve brand is widely recommended and costs $7.50.
Purchases
Shopping in Sri Lanka is presented as quite modern shopping centers, as well as traditional markets with all kinds of folk goods - from spices to clothes made from natural fabrics. Prices for goods from local producers are very reasonable. The greatest shopping opportunities are, of course, in Colombo, but in the Sri Lankan outback, and even more so tourist centers it also has something to offer tourists in terms of shopping.
You can read more about store opening hours, what to buy, where to buy, and how to bargain in the article “Shopping in Sri Lanka”.
Connection
Telephone communications
Telephone service is available in almost any hotel, but calling from your room is usually very expensive. It is more economical to use special telephone cards and call from automatic machines or make calls from the nearest post offices. Cards in denominations of 100, 500 and 1000 rupees can be purchased at supermarkets, shopping kiosks and post offices. To call Russia you need to dial 007, the area code and the phone number.
Sri Lanka dialing code: +94.
Useful phone numbers
Internet
Cellular communications on the island are poorly developed and unstable. You can use a mobile phone only in the capital, as well as in large cities and popular resorts.
You can access the global network through Internet cafes located in large cities. In the outback of the country, gaining access to the World Wide Web is very problematic.
Safety
Tourists going on holiday to Sri Lanka should follow a number of simple measures to ensure safety. You should be careful when walking through parks and reserves - watch your step, do not turn off the tourist path and use mosquito repellents. If you are going on an excursion to the jungle, then before the trip, just in case, you need to take anti-malarial tablets. You need to be more careful with animals. There are often cases when monkeys steal various things from unlucky tourists.
As in many others tourist areas, in Sri Lanka you should be wary of pickpockets and do not leave valuables unattended. It is better for women not to be alone on the streets or on the beach at night. Over the past few years, there has been a slight increase in crimes against tourists, but these cases are rare.
Tourists are advised not to travel to areas controlled by the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). Some areas are mined, and armed clashes occur in cities. In addition, military action by the government is also possible. However, thanks to the large number of government checkpoints, the likelihood of entering military territory through negligence is extremely low. These areas are significantly removed from the places that tourists usually visit. However, it is not uncommon to see heavily armed soldiers on the streets, major highways and at the airport.
Before traveling to this country, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, polio, and tetanus. If you plan to travel outside the tourist areas, especially during the rainy season, you should be vaccinated against typhus. The areas of Gampaha (eg Negombo), Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya, as well as the city of Kandy (but not the district), are considered malaria-free. In other parts of the country, there is malaria and the greatest likelihood of getting sick is in Anuradhapura. During the dry season, during the day when traveling or traveling by train to Kandy (including trips to Peradeniya Gardens) or Nuwara Eliya, using a DEET repellent should be sufficient. The risk of infection increases after sunset. Antimalarial prophylaxis protects against infection when traveling to the north (especially Anuradhapura), east, and southeast (however, some types of drugs are not available there).
Try to respect local cultural values. You cannot appear in temples in shorts, short skirts or other clothes that are too revealing, and you must take off your shoes before entering the sanctuary. When buying jewelry and treasures, do not forget to ask for a license to export the goods from the country, otherwise problems may arise at customs. On full moon days, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited on the island.
Some traditions take some getting used to, especially for Europeans.
Embassy Russian Federation in Sri Lanka:
Address: Embassy of the Russian Federation, 62 Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha, Colombo-7, Sri-Lanka.
Phone: (8-10-941) 57-4959, 57-3555.
Where to stay
Standard hotels
Classic hotels with room capacity from 50 to 500 rooms. A suitable hotel of this class can be found for any budget. Because of their convenience, standard hotels are loved by vacationers with families or large groups. The all-inclusive system is often used.
Boutique hotels
Recently, hotels of this type have become increasingly popular. Boutique hotels are small hotels with 3-15 rooms. Guests of such hotels prefer silence, comfort and tranquility, which are so lacking in large hotels. Boutique hotels are on average more expensive than regular hotels, but they have their own unique look. Customers receive much more attentive service and service. The standard cost for renting a double room is $100-$250 per day.
Bungalow
Bungalows are usually small private houses, renovated and converted to suit the needs of tourists. Sometimes there is a private kitchen, maid or cook. Renting a bungalow is not cheap, but if you are going on vacation with a large group, then there is an opportunity to save money. Rental cost $100-$200 per day.
Villas
Villa is a luxurious house with many rooms, all possible amenities and maximum comfort. They are usually rented out entirely and are suitable for wealthy people. A villa, like a bungalow, is profitable to rent for a large group of people, for example, several families. The average rental cost is $300-$1000 per day. It varies depending on the level of the villa and the distance from the sea.
Kandi is another one historical capital Sri Lanka, which we were able to visit. This is the last city in Sri Lanka that remained a stronghold of independence from the British until 1815. Unlike the dead, Kandy, although it has lost its official status, still still holds the title of the spiritual center of Sri Lanka. And all because here is the main shrine of the island’s Buddhists - the tooth of Buddha.
In the morning we went to the elephant nursery in Pinnawala and returned back to Kandy only in the evening. Kandy has two main attractions: the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Temple of the Tooth Relic. But we only made it to one of them. I am absolutely indifferent to gardens and parks, but I love temples of all religions, so the choice was obvious. After checking into the hotel, we walked along the shore of Kandy Lake in the center of Kandy to the Temple of the Tooth.
An island rises in the center of the hand-dug lake. Allegedly, it housed the harem of the king of Sri Lanka. The lake was dug by the last king of Kandy. It seems that this happened at the beginning of the 19th century, it is known that the subjects did not approve of this wasteful and useless project. But for us tourists the lake is quite OK.
This pavilion housed the baths of the Queen of Kandy.
Closer to the Temple of the Tooth there is a small market where you can buy lotus flowers, which are customary to offer to the Tooth.
The fence, which runs along the entire shore of the lake to the temple, symbolizes the cloud of heaven. During the holidays, lamps are inserted into the holes so that the entire lake is illuminated along the perimeter.
In the center of Kandy there are several pretty streets built in the colonial style during the English rule. Let's face it, after the British, nothing decent was built in the city. The most interesting building is the former residence of the governor, and now the Qeens Hotel, one of oldest hotels islands. Here is the conditional center of the city, the further from it, the more trash and devastation.
This boy's family ( Madduma Bandara Ehelapola) was sentenced to death for resisting the British. His older ten-year-old brother was afraid of execution and hid with his mother. Then the younger brother, who was only eight years old, said: “I will show you an example of how to face death.” And he boldly went to execution, although he asked the executioner to cut off his head the first time.
Well, that's enough walking, it's time to visit the main attraction of all Sri Lanka.
Another monument on the road to the Zub. The monk tearing down the British flag is Wariyapola Sri Sumangala. During the rebellion against the British in the early 19th century, he stole the Buddha's Tooth from the temple and took it to the rebels, which greatly inspired them. Then he was caught... and after a couple of years in prison, he was forgiven by the local governor.
The area around the Temple of Tooth is quite nice and well maintained. The museum complex includes not only the temple itself, but also many other historical buildings. For example, in the photo the former Royal Palace Kandy.
The most impressive structure is the octagonal tower in the wall of the complex (many tourists, judging by the reports, mistake it for the temple itself).
The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy was built in the 17th century. It is believed that the upper left fang of Buddha is located there. This precious relic attracts white-robed pilgrims carrying lotus and jasmine flowers every day. According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha while he was lying on the funeral pyre. It was smuggled into Sri Lanka in the fourth century AD in the hair of Princess Hemamali, who fled the Hindu army besieging her father's kingdom in India. The tooth immediately became an object of worship and veneration; it began to be considered one of the precious relics. It was taken out only for special occasions and carried on the backs of elephants, which are sacred animals. Countless attempts have been made to capture and destroy the tooth.
When the capital was moved to Kandy, the tooth was taken there; he was placed in a temple built in his honor. The temple was built by the rulers of Kandy in the late 17th century, but was then badly damaged during the colonial wars against the Portuguese and Dutch in the 18th century. After the war, the original wooden buildings were restored in stone. In January 1998, Tamil separatists blew up the temple, damaging its façade and roof. Recovery began immediately after this.
The temple buildings do not look magnificent or ornate. White with red roofs, they cluster around Kandy Lake. A striking contrast to the simple appearance makes up the interior of the temple, richly decorated with carvings and inlays made of wood, ivory, and lacquer.
Around the entire complex there is a low white stone wall, with holes delicately carved into it. During celebrations, candles are inserted there, illuminating the entire temple. The tooth is in a two-story sacred vault. The relic lies on a golden lotus flower, enclosed in a precious casket lying on the throne.
Lotus flowers are brought to the tooth.
Even on a normal day there are quite a lot of pilgrims and tourists here; on holidays, according to reviews, it’s not crowded at all.
For me, the most interesting room was the temple room, where the history of the Tooth Relic was clearly depicted. Very interesting and informative.
I honestly walked through all the paintings (there are several dozen of them here) and read all the captions. I won’t torment readers with a full set of paintings, I’ll just post a couple as examples. Let's say this one shows how godless Hindus tried to break a tooth with hammers. And, of course, they were put to shame. The tooth soared into the sky and shone like a bright star. Oh! Well, that's it, I'll keep quiet.
Before it got completely dark, we wandered around the complex a little more.
