However, you can find the right hotel in Sri Lanka quite easily for you using our simple criteria. In this article we will try to help you choose a hotel in Sri Lanka that you will like.
- these are the best places for tourists where you can have a good rest and spend time on beautiful beach, and also stop while traveling around this country on your own. And although most tourists choose to relax resort hotels located on the western and south coast island of Ceylon, many more good hotels in Sri Lanka are located in all tourist places, including in the mountainous part in the middle of the island. However, we recommend booking only the best and most trusted hotels, regardless of whether you are visiting Sri Lanka for just a few days or a week or two.
In general, all hotels in Sri Lanka belong to one of three types:
- Hotels of the colonial era, you can feel the atmosphere of that time - Cinnamon Lodge
- Modern 3, 4 and 5 star hotels on the beaches and in the most picturesque places of the island - CoCo Bay
- Inexpensive guest houses (guesthouses - Flamingo) and cheap hotels (usually without stars - Basecamp)
It is important to know:
- There is no uniform classification of hotels in Sri Lanka, as in many other Asian countries.
- The number of stars is indicated very arbitrarily, and usually they do not quite correspond to the usual standards high level comfort and service (such as, for example).
- However, during the high tourist season, it is best to choose five-star hotels for a holiday in Sri Lanka, or at least “four” hotels with a high rating on Booking and good reviews.
- They are usually not as expensive as others sea resorts peace. You can simply look at the suitable options for your dates using the link →
One of the best all-inclusive hotels in Sri Lanka with its own beach - Hikka Tranz Cinnamon 4* in Hikkaduwa
Food in hotels in Sri Lanka
Concerning food in hotels in Sri Lanka, then usually the hotel booking price includes only breakfast (BB), but sometimes when choosing a room online you can also choose half board (breakfast + dinner, HB) or full board(three meals a day, FB). These options are not much more expensive than the basic one. There are also several good hotels in Sri Lanka that offer an all-inclusive option (unlimited food + alcohol, ALL). I will definitely tell you about them below.
Sri Lanka hotels for young people
For an active holiday in Sri Lanka, it is better to choose a hotel near the diving center and surfing spots on the southern beaches of Weligama, Matara and for kitesurfing on the west coast in Kalpitiya. Also important is the presence of a water sports center (where you can rent a scooter or go water skiing), a swimming pool, a sandy beach and sports fields (for example, for playing volleyball).
- A small hotel with cozy bungalows, a beach, wonderful service - Eraeliya Villas & Gardens 4*
- Youth hotel with vegetarian breakfast, yoga and fast Wi-Fi Internet - Basecamp
- Hotel in Matara for a relaxing holiday and surfing - Surf Lanka Hotel 3*
- The cheapest accommodation on Kalpitiya beach, youth hangout - Scoop Cabana Kitesurfing
Concept hotels
Some hotels in Sri Lanka are built in the colonial style in very picturesque places, with beautiful green areas and buildings with architecture typical of the period of English influence. Unlike modern hotels, here you can still feel the spirit of this country of the last century. The interiors of the rooms are quite interesting; the predominant color of the walls is white, against which ebony wood stands out.
- One of the best 5* spa hotels in nature, with colonial architecture, is located on a lake in the Cultural Triangle area next to Mount Sigiriya - Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
There are also several specialized hotels in Sri Lanka offering procedures for restoring health according to the Ayurveda system.
- One of them is located in nature, very close to Sigiriya - Isiwara Paura Aurveda Lodge
There are also quite a few in Sri Lanka interesting hotels with eco concept. Their activities are based on a thrifty attitude towards natural resources, and they are located right in the middle of nature. Right from your room window you can watch rice growing, herons catching frogs and crocodiles basking in the sun.
- For example, inexpensive wooden bungalows on stilts in Chisamaharama - Lake view Tree House
Do you want to come on holiday to Sri Lanka and not have to worry about anything? Nothing could be easier! Choose an all-inclusive hotel where, in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, you will have unlimited access to alcoholic drinks in the bar and restaurants.
Recommendation: Is it worth taking all-inclusive tours to Sri Lanka? It all depends on the place where you are going to go. For those who don’t want to waste time on vacation and worry about additional expenses, yes rather than no. This only applies to the best 5-star hotels, where they serve amazing dishes on the buffet. But in hotels 4* and below, most likely there will be food that is fairly standard for all hotels without seafood. And then it is better to take meals on a breakfast or half board basis, and go to cafes and restaurants located nearby during the day and evening.
Colombo Hotels
It is believed that there is not much to do in Colombo, but this is far from true. For example, you can go shopping there and buy a lot of quality clothes, or see the city center and other attractions, book a tour and go to local restaurants, devoting a whole day or even two days to this.
- Perfect clean new hotel V historical center — Fairway Colombo 4*
- Conveniently located fresh hotel for those who need something cheaper -City Beds The Regent
And for the most sophisticated travelers who, after exploring the city, leave by train from Colombo to the southern resorts, the stunning new Movenpick Hotel 5*
Hotels near the airport
Sometimes the distance from the hotel to the airport and the organization of transfer upon arrival are very important. The closer the hotel is to the airport, the faster you will be in your room after arrival and can go to the beach.
- The closest resorts in Sri Lanka to the airport are Negombo, Kalutara, Beruwela and Bentota. All of them are located on west coast countries. It’s worth going here in winter and early spring, when there is little rain and it’s sunny, the waves are calm and the ocean is clear.
- Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, Unawatuna, Tangale and Hambantota are located on south coast Sri Lanka and it takes much longer to get to them from the airport. The tourist season lasts from November to April.
- well and on east coast There are the famous beach resorts of Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Batticoloa, Arugam Bay and Pothuvil, which are not at all a short distance to get to, and it is better to get a good night's sleep before the journey. These resorts are not as crowded as in the west of Ceylon, and the tourist season lasts from May to September.
It is very important not to get lost at the Sri Lanka airport and get to your holiday destination safely. Many large hotels offer to arrange a meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. You will be greeted with a sign at the exit from the arrivals hall and transported without any problems by car or comfortable bus. You don't have to worry about anything, and the additional payment for a transfer is usually quite small, but it is very convenient.
Hotel near the airport of Sri Lanka – Airport Garden by Taj 5*
Helpful advice: If you arrive in Sri Lanka late or have an early flight, it is better to spend the night quietly in a hotel near Colombo airport.
- The best 5* hotel near the airport, with breakfast, spa and swimming pool - Airport Garden
- Inexpensive hotel two minutes from the airport with transfer and breakfast - Igloo Airport Villa
- New wonderful 3* hotel 6 km from the airport with clean rooms, transfer - Rohini Residence
When choosing the best resorts in Sri Lanka for a holiday, it is worth remembering that there are several important features for tourists.
The first of them is monsoons. From May to September the country is at the mercy of rains. The second nuance concerns tourist areas. Conventionally, there are two main directions: the southwest and southeast coasts. What is the difference between them, where is the best place to relax in Sri Lanka in the summer, a description of local resorts - you will find all this below.
South of Colombo to the town of Galle there is a scattering of the best resorts on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.
Negombo
Negombo was called “little Rome”, there are so many temples in this city, decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, frescoes, sculptures and ornaments. The city is rich in other attractions, including natural ones. For example, a few kilometers from Negombo there is a famous nature reserve Muthurajawela.
The beaches deserve special mention. Unreal beautiful views, magical sunsets, pleasant and clean sand, and warm sea make the inevitable parting with Negombo incredibly difficult for tourists.
Almost everything best hotels located right on the coast, there are many quite comfortable and cozy guest houses. Tourists will not have problems with food. Negombo has many restaurants with plentiful and tasty food and low prices.
The only drawback may be the quiet and measured flow of life at the resort, but it will appeal to couples looking for privacy, and parents who come to relax peacefully at sea with their children.
Bentota
Bentota is the pearl of the resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka and one of the most popular places for a beach holiday. Here you can book a small guest house or a room in a hotel of a large global chain - in short, Bentota is more than open to tourists.
Best beaches– the main trump card of the resort. The long and wide coastal strip, fine and gentle sand, and warm sea water attract lovers of swimming and sunbathing here. The waves, although not as strong as, for example, in Hikkaduwa, open up space for surfers and windsurfers, and the enchanting underwater world will win the heart of any diver.
Those looking for something exotic and adventurous can visit the Water Sports Center (by the way, the largest in Sri Lanka) or go on excursions to see with their own eyes the impressive local temples and the world's largest sculpture of a seated Buddha. And that's not all, of course. The mysterious Tropical Art Nouveau Gardens, an exciting river safari, a trip to a turtle farm - and many, many more surprises await you.
Despite all of the above, Bentota is considered a quiet place where it is good to relax, being alone with yourself and feeling harmony with the world around you. Perhaps this is the secret have a nice holiday at this resort in Sri Lanka.
Hikkaduwa
This one is popular the resort bears the unspoken name of the capital of diving if not all of Sri Lanka, then the west coast for sure. There is a beautiful coral reef, sunken ships, and, of course, scuba diving training centers. For diving enthusiasts, this is the best holiday destination in Sri Lanka.
However, holidays in Hikkaduwa are somewhat controversial. This is a completely modern resort with a developed infrastructure - but there are no bounty-style beaches here: hotels and other buildings come so close to the water and obscure nature. Hikkaduwa has gorgeous, strong and high waves, which delights desperate surfers - but small child It would be better here in the pool.
Hikkaduwa itself is poor in attractions, but for noisy and life-loving young people this resort has much more freedom than in Negombo or Bentota.
West Coast Sri Lanka offers other resorts where you can go for a beach holiday: Kalutara, Unawatuna, Wadduwa, Beruwela, Mount Lavinia, Tangalle, Galle.
East Coast
At first glance, the resorts on the east coast of Sri Lanka are not as diverse and numerous as those on the west. However, they have one common and important feature - a record low amount of rain for the country, even in the off-season. If it is better to relax in western resorts from November to April, then for a tour to the eastern ones you can also choose the “forbidden” monsoon time - from April to September.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is an exotic and distinctive Sri Lankan resort. His main feature is an incomparable flavor: small two-story hotels, picturesque sandy beaches and special customs. The overwhelming majority of the local population professes Islam, with all that implies (modest and covered women's clothing, restraint in drinking alcohol, etc.).
Although the sea off the coast is shallow and children can easily splash around in it, Arugam Bay still attracts surfers more than family tourists. The waves here can be really steep – up to 2 meters high – so the resort organizes international competitions.
An interesting feature of Arugam Bay is its seasonality. When it rains in other parts of the country, the local beaches are sunny and hot. Therefore, when deciding which Sri Lanka resort is best to choose for a summer holiday, first of all remember Arugam Bay.
Hambantota
Hambantota is not usually included in the list of popular resorts in Sri Lanka - it is a developing city with modest infrastructure. There are few hotels and almost all of them are located on the coast; there is a small selection of cafes and restaurants.
But these not the most attractive conditions do not stop those who want to see the incredibly beautiful ocean or outlandish Buddhist temples, or visit fruit plantations. And there are quite a few such delights in Hambantota - to the great joy of connoisseurs of the exotic and at the same time cultural recreation.
Passikuda
Passikuda is a relatively young beach resort in Sri Lanka, but it has almost everything you might need for a vacation:
- sunny beaches with white sand;
- inexpensive accommodation options (guest houses, hotels);
- calm and shallow sea near the shore, without strong waves and undercurrents;
- a variety of leisure options (from boat trips to excursions).
The most popular recreational activities here are snorkeling and boating. You can also fly over the resort and the beach on a seaplane and see all the heavenly beauty from above. True, in order to eat, you will have to go to the hotel - there is no choice of restaurants as such. Passikuda won't spoil you with shops either - it's better to go to neighboring towns for shopping.
A feature of some local beaches is coral shoots and sharp shells that you can accidentally step on. Therefore, tourists are advised to put on special slippers in advance (both on the beach and when entering the water).
Overall, it is a captivating and magical place. Here you can escape from worries, bustle and noisy human flows. You can relax on Passikuda during a family vacation; it is also suitable for a romantic trip, and even for a tour with friends - if, of course, you don’t mind spending time in peace and quiet.
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 holiday destinations in Sri Lanka are the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwela and Kalutara.
Flight time:
Flights to Bandaranaike Airport, Colombo
from Moscow - from 8 hours 30 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - from 11 hours 25 minutes. (1-3 transfers)
from Kazan - from 12 hours 30 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Yekaterinburg - from 11 hours 55 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 50 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
Current time in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte:
(UTC +5:30)
The most developed sport is cricket, which is exotic for Russians. The state pursues an active foreign policy, Sri Lanka is a member of well-known international organizations - the UN (United Nations), IMF (International Monetary Fund), ADB (Asian Development Bank) and others.
How to get there
At present, the issue of direct regular flights between Moscow and Colombo remains open, but it is known that Aeroflot operates flights on this route during the season. Excluding this option, the most optimal way to get to Sri Lanka is by this moment are flights of Emirates Moscow - Dubai - Colombo, Qatar Airways Moscow - Doha - Colombo and Etihad Moscow - Abu Dhabi - Colombo. All aircraft arrive at Colombo International Airport.
Many people are interested in an important question when buying a ticket from Moscow to Sri Lanka: how long to fly? If you choose a non-stop flight on the route Moscow - Sri Lanka, the flight will take 8 hours 45 minutes (flight to the capital of the country - Colombo). With connections it will be about 14 hours, but it depends on the connection times, which vary among airlines.
Climate and weather in Sri Lanka
The climate in Sri Lanka is warm and humid. The temperature is very even, without sharp fluctuations throughout the year. The difference between the warmest and coldest months is only 2-3 degrees Celsius. Average monthly temperature usually does not exceed 30 degrees. The seasons here differ in the amount of precipitation that falls. Most rain falls in summer. The coastal areas of Sri Lanka are the most comfortable for living. IN major cities, located inland, the weather is hot and humid. Average water temperature in Indian Ocean near the country 27 °C, it differs from the air temperature by only a couple of degrees.
Cooler temperatures can be found in the mountainous areas of Sri Lanka. The town of Nuwara Eliya is located at 1884 meters above sea level. The local average annual temperature is 18 °C. In cold weather at night, the thermometer can drop to an unprecedented level of 10 °C for Sri Lanka. This kind of “frost” forces the owners of local hotels and inns to use heating devices that are turned on in the evening and at night. It will be useful and pleasant for tourists to know that it usually rains at night in Sri Lanka. Therefore, your holiday at the resort should not be overshadowed by precipitation. The even and favorable climate throughout the year allows vacationers not to think about choosing a month for their vacation in Ceylon. 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 the 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, National Museum, Local Lore Museum, 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 among the objects included in the catalog world heritage UNESCO, 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 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 holiday 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 the best resorts in Sri Lanka. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.
Bentota is a 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 of active recreation: the most popular Ceylon 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 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 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. The unusually beautiful local coral reefs and other inhabitants of the underwater world attract vacationers from all over the world. The coral became the unofficial emblem of the city. In addition, there is a coral reserve on the territory of the city. Other attractions include a Buddhist temple and a large, beautiful lake.
What to see
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Leisure
Transport
Private guides in Sri Lanka
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Sri Lanka in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do
Water sports
Comfortable weather 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 major National parks countries. The camps provide all necessary living conditions and three meals a day.
Agritourism
Agritourism is the best holiday destination for those who want to get to know the peculiarities of Sri Lankan life from the inside. Tourists can not only live in the usual conditions of a Ceylon village, but also take part in agricultural work, as well as care for domestic animals. As part of agrotourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with local culture, customs, and learn to cook national cuisine.
Fishing
The coastal waters of Sri Lanka are replete with the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. The abundance of plankton attracts a wide variety of species - from tuna to sharks. Excursion fishing usually starts early in the morning. Tourist groups 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.
On bus stops It's hectic, especially at big ones, but almost everyone will be happy to practice their English and help.
Private and municipal buses operate in major cities of the country. The fare for them is approximately the same. Public transport in Sri Lanka is 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 trips. Standard fee is 2400 rupees per day. This amount includes mileage of 80 kilometers, and for each additional kilometer you will have to pay an additional 8 rupees.
Airplane
The air carrier Aero Lanka carries out domestic flights in the directions Colombo-Ratmalata, Colombo-Jaffna and Colombo-Trincomalee.
Communication
The main language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, the second language is Tamil. English is used in government and tourism. Don't expect the entire population everywhere to speak English fluently. It is much more common in beach and tourist areas. Most people in rural areas do not know English at all, except for a few simple words.
- Sinhalese: The greeting in Sinhala is “aayuBOvan”, which literally means “stay longer”; thank you in Sinhala is "stuti";
- Tamil: The greeting in Tamil is “vanakkam”; thank you - “nanri”;
- Arabic(Lankan Moors): When meeting a Muslim, it is polite to say “Assalamu alaikum”; thank you sounds like “jaza-ka alla.”
Culture
The culture of Sri Lanka has managed to preserve many of its own ancient traditions, despite the fact that European colonialists had a great influence on it. The country has managed to preserve traditional customs in many areas. Most of the ancient national works of art are, in one way or another, connected with the dominant religion in the country - Buddhism. Painting, sculpture and architecture developed under his influence. Original dances and songs are also an important object of Sri Lankan culture. Contemporary art in Sri Lanka is actively developing cinema, radio and television.
One of the main holidays for Sri Lankans is New Year. True, unlike our country, in Sri Lanka it is celebrated in April. There are many rituals associated with this event on the island, and of course there is a traditional chic fireworks display.
Sri Lanka's number one sport is cricket. The national team even became the world champion in this sport in 1996. In addition, American football, rugby and various martial arts are very popular. Among the latter are the Sri Lankan martial arts Cheena di, which was taught by Chinese monks, and Angampora, a fighting style using swords, daggers and other weapons.
Kitchen
National Sri Lankan cuisine has much in common with Indian cuisine, due to the geographical proximity of the two countries. Herbs, spices, juicy fruits, seafood - all these elements are traditional in both countries. The basis of the daily diet in Sri Lanka consists of dishes made from rice and curry. The latter, by the way, is not only seasoned with meat. The curry island serves side dishes, fish, vegetables and other dishes.
Since Sri Lankan and South Indian 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 represented by both fairly modern shopping centers and traditional markets with all kinds of folk goods - from spices to clothes made from natural fabrics. Prices for goods from local producers are very reasonable. The greatest 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. enjoy mobile phone It will only work 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.
Useful information for tourists about Sri Lanka, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Sri Lanka, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Sri Lanka.
Geography of Sri Lanka
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, known as Ceylon until 1972, is an island state in South Asia.
Most The island is occupied by a low-lying plain, “broken” by outcrops of the crystalline foundation in the form of rocks and mesas. The entire southern part of the island is occupied by the low stepped mountainous country of the Massif Central. The slopes are abundantly overgrown with forests and dissected by short but stormy rivers. The most high point islands - Mount Pidurutalagala (2524 m.).
State
State structure
Democratic Socialist Republic. Member of the Commonwealth. The head of state and government is the president, who has broad powers. The legislative body is a unicameral parliament (National State Assembly).
Language
Official language: Sinhala
Almost the entire population speaks English.
Religion
Buddhists - 69%, Hindus - 15%, Christians - 8%, Muslims - 8%.
Currency
International name: LKR
1 Sri Lankan rupee equals 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1,2,5 rupees. Large hotels and shops accept international credit cards for payment. Foreign currency brought into the country must be declared.
It is recommended to exchange money at Colombo Airport. The receipt received during the official currency exchange should be kept until the end of the trip. In this case, when departing from Colombo, you have the opportunity to convert unspent money at the airport bank at the purchase rate. You can also exchange money at any hotel and bank.
History of Sri Lanka
The island of Sri Lanka was inhabited about 100 thousand years ago and constantly attracted more and more new settlers, thanks to which a significant number of representatives of the most dissimilar races, cultures and religions were concentrated on its small territory in ancient times. This enriched the island and led to constant conflicts and wars.
In the 5th century BC, Indo-Aryan conquerors created the first state here, which collapsed in the 5th century AD and was conquered by the Negroid South Indian Tamil tribes. In the 8th century, dominance again passed to the Aryan branch of the newcomers, and in the 15th century, there were three kingdoms of different ethnicities in Sri Lanka, constantly at war with each other. The Portuguese colonialists took advantage of this, establishing their dominance over the coast of the island in the 16th century; they were replaced by the Dutch in the 17th century. The British who came after them in 1796 declared the conquered region to be another royal colony - Ceylon. But they managed to conquer the island only in the first half of the 19th century.
The heavy foreign yoke, which turned the flourishing island into a raw materials appendage of the distant metropolis, forced the local population to rise to the liberation struggle more than once and suffer bitter defeats. Exploitation, which intensified in connection with the First and Second World Wars and the acute economic crisis of the 1920s and 1930s, made the national patriotic front more decisive, numerous and united.
In 1948, the British government had to grant Ceylon independence as a dominion. In 1972, under public pressure, the island was proclaimed the Republic of Sri Lanka. All forms of political dependence on England were eliminated. Now this distant piece of land in the Indian Ocean good-naturedly reveals its secrets to all lovers of ancient exoticism and shares the gentle sun and warm water.
The island of Sri Lanka was inhabited about 100 thousand years ago and constantly attracted more and more new settlers, thanks to which a significant number of representatives of the most dissimilar races, cultures and religions were concentrated on its small territory in ancient times. This enriched the island and led to constant conflicts and wars....
Popular attractions
Tourism in Sri Lanka
Popular hotels
Tips
Tipping is not necessary; service fees (up to 10%) are often included in the bill. However, hotel porters and porters expect a small tip (20-30 rupees). You are also supposed to thank the waiter with a small tip, but only for good service.
Visa
Office hours
Banks are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Shops are open from 10.00 to 22.00.
Souvenirs
Sri Lanka is famous all over the world for its precious stones: sapphires, rubies, amethysts, garnets, topazes and especially the famous " moonstone", which is mined only here. It is recommended to purchase jewelry in specialized stores, requiring the issuance of an appropriate receipt or export certificate. The quality of the stones here is excellent, and the prices are relatively low. Also good souvenirs would be Ceylon tea, spices, aromatic oils, handicrafts, especially masks, batik, ceramics and leather goods.In cities you can buy inexpensive high quality textiles.
Medicine
There is a risk of contracting malaria, Japanese encephalitis B, hepatitis B, typhus, Bengal cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, Dengue fever, etc., but only if basic hygiene standards are not observed. Preventive vaccination against malaria (there is a risk of infection in the interior of the country) or the use of anti-malaria tablets, as well as vaccination against hepatitis A and B, is recommended.
Safety
It is not recommended to drink raw water and use ice sold on the street - it can be made from raw water. It is recommended to drink only mineral water in plastic bottles with a factory stopper, and to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap. Be sure to thoroughly wash (and preferably scald) vegetables and fruits, and do not allow the seller to cut the fruits with his knife.
