Sri Lanka in April which resort to choose. Where is sri lanka

If you ask an inexperienced person: “What do you associate Sri Lanka with?”, then the answer will probably be only bewildered silence. If we add that the island used to be called Ceylon, then the local tea will be called.

But not everyone knows that this tropical island - real paradise with a wonderful tropical climate, golden beaches, clear ocean water and exotic nature.

Resorts of Sri Lanka on the map

Since it is an island, almost all resorts are located here. on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Cities in the center of the country are interesting primarily for their cultural and historical heritage.

Where are the most popular?

The most popular resort places among tourists are located on the west coast islands in close proximity to the two main cities of Sri Lanka: the official capital with the unpronounceable name of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and the actual capital of Colombo. The reason for this is the proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport, which receives international flights.

The main resorts of this direction, and of the whole of Sri Lanka, are Hikkaduwa and Benton.

In addition, of interest are:

1. Negombo;
2. beruwella;
3. Ambalangoda.

South of the island

The southern part of the island is solid tourist area with numerous resorts. As in the metropolitan area on the west coast, the holiday season here lasts from to , and in the summer the rainy season begins, during which the ocean is very stormy.

The tourist infrastructure in this area is less developed than in the west. At the same time, the southern coast of Sri Lanka - the best place for budget holiday and surfers. The main resorts of the south can be called:

• Tangalle;
• Dikwella;
• Weligama;
• Khabaraduwa;
• Mirissa.

Read also in what kind of souvenirs you can bring from Sri Lanka as a gift.

East Coast

The East Coast cannot boast such a large number and variety of resorts. But it has one big advantage. Despite the modest size of the island, the southwestern and northeastern coasts are located in different climatic zones. And if in the south and west the high season lasts from October to May, then in the northeast the opposite is true. From May to October comes dry season, the most suitable for swimming and beach holidays. There are two important resort towns here:

1. Trincomalee;
2. Batticaloa.

Best Resorts

It is difficult to say unequivocally which resort in Sri Lanka is the best. But it is quite possible to try to visit several of them at once in one trip, especially since small distances allow this. An independent tourist can move both using roads and on trains- railways are laid through all the resorts of the south-western direction.

You can fly to the northeast with the help of local airlines, especially since ticket prices do not bite at all.

Description of cities

By a combination of factors among the numerous resorts of Sri Lanka, the following cities can be distinguished:

• Hikkaduwa located 100 kilometers south of Colombo. The most popular resort in Sri Lanka offers hotels for every taste and budget, clean beaches and interesting leisure activities. The tourist infrastructure is quite developed. The city beach is famous for the fact that sea turtles come to it, which you can feed from your hands. For divers, the local coral reef and sunken ships are of great interest;
• Bentota- the second most popular resort on the island. Located 65 kilometers from Colombo. It has a reputation as the most romantic resort in Sri Lanka - the city is often visited by newlyweds during their honeymoon;
• Unawatuna attracts with low prices and proximity to the large city of Galle, which can be visited for inspection. Unawatuna is the best place for swimming in Sri Lanka;
• Mirissa- a very quiet place with empty bounty-style beaches. This is a small, purely tourist town, in which there are practically no local residents. The tourist infrastructure is rather poorly developed. One of the attractions of the resort is a boat trip to blue whales;
• Tangalle- another calm resort without crowds of tourists. The ocean here is quite stormy, but the beaches are very beautiful and deserted. You can walk along them for several kilometers and not meet a single vacationer;
• Trincomalee on the northeast coast, it attracts with a drier climate, calm oceans, quiet beaches and an interesting symbiosis of cultures.

Trincomalee combines Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions that have left their mark on local architecture.

Which to choose?

All resorts in Sri Lanka offer approximately similar natural conditions. All the beaches in the country are sandy, and the ocean is approximately the same along the entire coast. True, the farther from the capital, the cleaner the water in it. So the choice of resort depends on other factors.

If you are going on holiday to Sri Lanka summer- then welcome to Trincomalee or Batticaloa. in winter the southwest direction is preferable. Those who want a quiet secluded holiday will suit Tangalle, where there are not so many tourists. Divers will prefer Hikkaduwa, which is considered the unofficial diving capital of the island, while Weligama or Mirissa are best suited for surfing.

Youth resorts

Sri Lanka is hard to name "party" place. Most tourists come here for peace and tranquility, generously provided by local resorts. For lovers of "nightlife" the following cities will be of interest:

1. Hikkaduwa, perhaps the most youthful resort in Sri Lanka. In addition to numerous active entertainments like diving and surfing, there is also a nightlife in the form of discos, which is not typical for Sri Lanka;
2. Unawatuna- a small town on the south coast, popular among young people due to low prices. Nightlife, unlike most Sri Lankan resorts, is also present here;
3. Arugam Bay or Pottuvil- great resorts for surfers.

Where to go with children?

The resorts of Sri Lanka are quiet, peaceful places and absolutely safe in terms of crime. It is only necessary to take into account that swimming in the open ocean is more dangerous for children than in the sea.

For children, swimming pools at local hotels are preferable, although there are several places in Sri Lanka with calm waters.

Jungle Beach and city ​​beach in Unawatuna are located on the edge of the bay and due to this there are no strong waves in the ocean.

AT batticola on the east coast, the ocean is calmer, and the beaches are in bays.
If bathing children is not planned, then almost any resort will do.

When visiting Sri Lanka, there are secrets and little tricks. There is nothing complicated in their implementation, so it is recommended to perform them.

• In summer we go to the northeast, in winter - to the southwest. Or vice versa, if you like. save on your vacation.
• Visit cultural attractions. Sri Lanka is not only golden beaches and the ocean, but also an ancient country with a rich culture. An excursion to the former capital of Ceylon, Kandy, a walk through the old city of Colombo or a trip to Sigiriya to the palace of King Kasyapa will pleasantly diversify your vacation.
• Thoroughly wash any fruit and drink only purchased water. Sri Lanka is a hot tropical country, any infection can ruin your vacation for a long time.

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• Try the local cuisine, which will especially appeal to vegetarians and lovers of sweets. It is desirable to taste culinary delights in establishments focused on local residents. But be careful - the food can be very spicy!
• As in any other developing countries, the tourist must master the art of bargaining, which is especially useful when visiting markets and private shops. Often there are no price tags on goods in such places.
• Should be careful while relaxing under the coconut palms. A falling nut weighing 2-3 kilograms is a fairly common cause of accidents.

Beaches and ancient artifacts, emerald tea plantations, elephants and just a great place to relax... Sri Lanka is waiting for you!
Sri Lanka is considered the pearl of the Indian Ocean, and with good reason. Given the small size of the country (Sri Lanka is slightly larger than Lithuania and smaller than Georgia), the variety of recreational opportunities is amazing: golden beaches, endless tea plantations, the richest wildlife and ancient temples. The so-called "cultural triangle" combines ancient capitals and Buddhist sights, hidden in the thickets of tropical forests, and the business center located on the shore of the lake - the city of Kandy - attracts pilgrims to the Temple of the Tooth.
Huge man-made lakes have irrigated the area for thousands of years and continue to provide water for rice fields, as well as elephants and other wildlife. Tea is grown in the mountainous area in the center of the country, and on the south coast is the fortified fortress of Galle, where the walls erected by the Portuguese served as protection for the Dutch churches. The country has excellent opportunities for eco-tourism: Sri Lanka was one of the first countries in the world where National parks, and more travelers come to the island to watch whales, see wild elephants, and see for themselves the record number of leopards living here. We have selected the best cities and places for those who want to go on an independent trip to Sri Lanka and don't miss out on the fun.

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CULTURAL TRIANGLE
In this territory, which is the historical center of Sri Lanka, there are at least four monuments included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.
CANDI
The second largest city in Sri Lanka, where the sacred Temple of the Tooth is located.
TEA LAND
On hilly tea plantations, Tamil women in colorful saris grow tea.
YALA
The national park is home to the sloth bear and Asia's largest population of elusive leopards.
UDA-VALAWE
In the national park, travelers are given a unique opportunity to get to know the wild Asian elephant.
HALLE
A pearl of the colonial era and one of the best examples of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia.
GOLDEN BEACHES
Palm-lined beaches and azure waters for an unforgettable experience
TRAVELING BY TRAIN
A comfortable way to admire the chic views of the tea country.
PERAJERA
One of the most colorful festivals in Sri Lanka, which features colorfully decorated elephants and Kandyan drummers.

How to get to Sri Lanka

The most popular and very convenient way to get to Sri Lanka is by plane. Airlines fly to Colombo from Moscow Emirates, Etihad and even AirBerlin. Depending on the chosen flight, the travel time will be from 11 hours, including 1 transfer, for example, in Dubai or Doha.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Fortunately for most travelers (and for the economy of Sri Lanka, for which tourism is the main source of income) throughout the year there are no extreme temperature changes in the country, the climate is mild and the average temperature rarely rises above 35 degrees and drops below 16 Celsius ( in the Central Highlands during the coldest season).
The ideal time to travel to Sri Lanka is from December to March if you are going to relax on the south and west coasts or in the mountains. In the event that you are going to spend a vacation on the east coast, then it is best to plan a trip between May and September.

Visa to Sri Lanka

Russian citizens need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The easiest way is to get e-visas on the ETA website.
A mandatory requirement for crossing the border is the presence of a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of the end of the trip. They may also require you to show your hotel reservations and round-trip air tickets.
You can also obtain a visa upon arrival at the Visa on arrival counter. The process is long and tedious. Therefore, it is much more reliable to take care of obtaining a visa in advance.

Ways to get around Sri Lanka

Traveling in Sri Lanka is possible only by land transport. The most accessible: trains and buses. Of course, the quality of transportation cannot be compared with European, but it is still possible to achieve the desired goal.
Another option is to rent a car and drive around the island on your own.
In cities, you can always use the services of a taxi, rickshaw, or, if you don’t want to deal with the peculiarities of public transport on the first day of arrival, you can book a transfer service from the airport to the hotel in advance from Russia.

• BOOKING A CAR ONLINE FOR TRAVELING IN SRI LANKA

Colombo

In Colombo, the travel route in Sri Lanka for any trip begins and ends, if only because the only airport in the country is located here. This is a small capital that most visitors to the island simply lose sight of, immediately heading either to the beaches or inland. The main sights of the city are the majestic buildings of the colonial era, the parliament, parks and wide streets. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean Galle Face Green- This is an amazing vacation spot, which is very popular with local residents. District Downtown replete with shops selling things made by local craftsmen, textiles and jewelry; there are also many restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

WHERE TO LIVE. THE BEST HOTELS IN COLOMBO
overlooking the promenade Galle Face Green overlooking the Indian Ocean hotel The Galle Face has been hosting guests since 1864. In architectural terms, the hotel consists of two wings Classic and Regency, which has 81 rooms. The wing of the Regency Hotel is 19th century architecture; it combines the best of the past and the present. In addition, this wing houses a museum where you can see the personal car of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and an art gallery. All of the hotel's rooms are furnished in a colonial style with fine wood furniture, fine linens and spacious bathrooms. Until the end of 2014, the hotel is undergoing restoration work, which mainly affects the Classic Wing. At the same time, the wing of the Regency Hotel is open to guests and has its own restaurant, swimming pool and spa-salon.
A younger but no less charming boutique hotel Wallawa nestled in landscaped gardens, just a 15-minute drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. The hotel building still retains the charm of the classical buildings in Sri Lanka. It has a modern spa-salon, a fusion restaurant and a cozy swimming pool in the garden - in short, this is a wonderful place to relax, where you can spend your first or last day on the island.
Surrounded by a luxurious garden hid Horathapola Estate- a small estate built in the 20s of the XX century, which has retained its charm. The bungalow in which travelers are invited to spend their holidays is truly wonderful: huge windows, antique furniture and many old photos. The gardens are luxurious and the beautiful salt water pool, surrounded by a huge coconut plantation, is beyond praise. The hotel's rooms are spacious and each has a balcony or terrace where you can dine and relax.

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN COLOMBO HOTELS

Halle

The fortified area of ​​Sri Lanka's southern city of Galle is a treasure trove of the colonial era and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city owes its existence to the development of trade and to several successive generations of seafaring merchants. Over the past 500 years, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have lived here, and they all left a noticeable mark on this area. Enormous ramparts and bastions surround the old fort city, which itself is quite small and can be easily explored on foot. The sleepy streets are dotted with colonial-era buildings, including churches, warehouses, a lighthouse and the former governor's house. There are many restaurants and boutiques here, and the annual Galle Literary Festival is held here, which attracts famous authors from all over the continent.

WHERE TO LIVE. THE BEST HOTELS IN GALLE In the 18th century within the walls Fort Printers there was a small printing house, and today it is a small boutique hotel located in the heart of Galle Fort. The hotel has only five rooms, the atmosphere here is very cozy. Each room is decorated with colorful textiles and antique furniture. In the shady courtyard, guests of the hotel can enjoy delicious food, and there is also a small pool for those who want to cool off after their tour of the fort.
Sri Lanka's oldest hotel has carefully preserved many of its original features and colonial-era feel. In the evenings, the pianist plays the piano on the terrace. If you like a more relaxing holiday, go to the library, which has a collection of photos of the former owners of the hotel, which until 2005 (until the hotel was acquired by the hotel group of Aman Resorts) was called New Oriental. Behind the hotel, away from the bustle of the fort, is the swimming pool and gardens.

Kandy

The second largest city in Sri Lanka is located in the center of the country, and getting here from the city of Colombo, the "Cultural Triangle" and the "Tea Country" is quite easy. This wonderful city is located on the shores of the lake and is best known for the sacred "Temple of the Tooth". The temple keeps a relic - the tooth of the Buddha, and at night many pilgrims come here to perform the rite of "puja". It's also worth taking your time to attend the colorful acrobatic show in the Kandan area, which involves watching a noisy carnival with colorful costumes and demon masks. Every summer, Kandana hosts one of the most colorful festivals in Sri Lanka, the ten-day Perahera. This holiday is dedicated to lunar calendar, it is attended by dozens of elephants in colorful decoration, many dancers and musicians perform on the streets.

WHERE TO LIVE. THE BEST HOTELS IN KANDY
200 year old bungalow Richmond Kandy House located in the countryside near Kandy, over time it has become a wonderful boutique hotel. The hotel has nine rooms, the design of the guest rooms of each of which is individual. In the gardens, surrounded by trees, there is a swimming pool, so this is a great opportunity for an alternative vacation for those who want to take a break from the bustle of the city.

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is largely known for the fact that tea is grown here and tea plantations can be found everywhere. Since tea plantations are located high in the mountains, here you can have a great rest from the scorching heat. In the dense tea plantations here and there you can see the bright saris of women busy collecting tea; this is a great opportunity to get to know the area while walking. As an alternative to the plantations of the "Tea Country" - Nuwara Eliya, you can take a trip by train. From Kandy, the train leaves early in the morning, and slowly moves through the hills. The carriages are quite comfortable, they have large windows and good visibility, so you can enjoy the charming views of countless tea plantations passing by.
But the impressions of the visit will be incomplete if you do not visit at least one of the many tea factories and do not stay in any wonderful house owned by the owner of the tea plantation.

WHERE TO LIVE. THE BEST HOTELS IN NUWARA ELIA
Jetwing Warwick Gardens is one of those factories. It is originally a former tea planter's home built in the 1880s. Despite the fact that the building is located in a secluded area, from here you can easily get to the nearby highland resort of Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains National Park. in five rooms Jetwing Warwick Gardens many original features and devices have been preserved, including, for example, fireplaces in working order. The small, elegant lodge has a grand piano and candelabra, which are used during meals in the common dining room.

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN NUWARA ELIA HOTELS

Land of kings

Once known as the "Land of the Kings," the Cultural Triangle is a rather unusual region that hosts no less than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the territory north of the city of Kandy are the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the cave temples of Dambulla and the mighty fortress on the rock of Sigiriya. For any visitor to the country who is interested in the history of Buddhism, it would be nice to stay in any of these three places for at least three days and get acquainted with the area. There are many good hotels here, all of them with pools where you can enjoy the coolness after a day's excursion. Against the backdrop of other cultural treasures of the country and wild elephants that live here in abundance, this territory is usually overlooked by most tourists.

ANURADHAPURA
The city of Anuradhapura - the first capital of Buddhism in Sri Lanka - is not just an ancient relic for tourists; it remains a sacred city to this day, centered around the sacred Bodhi tree, which is believed to have grown from an offshoot of the same Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. White-robed pilgrims mingle with a crowd of brightly-robed Buddhist monks, while restless, thin-bodied monkeys play in the ruins. Attractions are scattered over an area of ​​several square kilometers, which includes huge dagobas (Buddhist mausoleums) in the shape of a bell, which store Buddhist relics.

MIKHINTALE
Nearby Mihintale is believed to be the origin of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This place is still extremely significant for Buddhists in spiritual terms. Most of it is located on the top of the mountain, so getting there is difficult, but it's worth it.

SIGIRIYA
One of Sri Lanka's most famous landmarks, known as the "Lion Rock", Sigiriya Rock sits 200 meters above the plain - the perfect location for a fortress. However, when the invader - King Kasyapa built a fortress here in the 5th century, he created not just a fortress, but also a beautiful palace on top of a mountain, with luxurious gardens below. If you climb to the top of the mountain, you can see one thing that has hardly been touched by the past centuries: majestic views of miles of jungle and wooded hills. Until now, only the ruins of the palace have survived, but some features, such as massive lion paws and frescoes depicting handsome men, still allow visitors to imagine at least part of the former luxury of these places.

POLONNARUWA
The second largest Buddhist capital after Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa is more accessible and better preserved than its predecessors. Numerous attractions are grouped into clusters, which allows visitors to the city to easily imagine life in ancient city. Palaces, royal buildings and Buddhist tombs are masterpieces of art, the most famous of which are the beautiful images of the reclining and meditating Buddha in the Buddhist temple of Gal Vihara Therwada, carved into the rock. The details of these rock carvings are so well preserved that it's hard to believe that they are about 1000 years old.

CAVE TEMPLE OF DAMBULLA

For followers of Buddhism, these temples are of great importance. It is believed that the earliest of them originated in the 1st century BC. Each of the subsequent emperors added some element to them over time, as a result of which, today, a complex of five separate temples has arisen. The cave temples house numerous statues and images of the Buddha, including the classic reclining Buddha in the largest cave. Being a historical monument, these temples are also a place of visit for numerous pilgrims. Travelers are guaranteed an unforgettable experience if they mingle with the crowd of pilgrims bringing symbolic offerings to the Buddha statues, and the air is filled with the scent of incense.

WHERE TO LIVE. THE BEST HOTELS OF THE LAND OF THE KINGS
When visiting Sigriya, it is worth stopping in the town of Habarana, where the hotel is located Jetwing Vil Uyana, which offers travelers luxury and comfort, and all the attractions of the "cultural triangle" are within reach. This is the first hotel in Sri Lanka, consisting of 25 stilt houses in the middle of nine hectares of rice fields. The main focus in Jetwing Vil Uyana focus on open spaces and nature. The chalets, located on the territory of rice fields, are raised on stilts; they have several levels, and some even have small pools. All rooms are very comfortable, they have cozy bathrooms, and you can dine and sunbathe on the balconies. The hotel gives the feeling that you are not in Sri Lanka, but somewhere in Thailand or Bali.

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN SIGIRIYA HOTELS

Another great hotel in Sigiriya - Cinnamon Lodge, located in the territory of luxurious gardens of four hectares. The forest and lake near the hotel are home to many rare representatives of flora and fauna. 137 rooms Cinnamon Lodge - two-story chalets - built in the traditional architectural style for these areas - with columns and verandas, cool terracotta floors and clay roofs. The hotel has many opportunities for recreation and entertainment: boat trips, playing tennis and badminton, bird watching, as well as live music concerts, which sometimes take place here in the evenings; this is a good place to start your acquaintance with the "cultural triangle".

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN ANURADHAPURA HOTELS

Traveling to the cave temples of Dambulla, it is best to choose a large hotel complex for overnight stays Amaya Lake near Kandalam lake, surrounded by hills. Travelers are offered 106 individual chalets equipped with air conditioning, a restaurant and a bar; there is also an impressive swimming pool. In two Ayurvedic centers, you can get a variety of therapies and recommendations from nutritionists in order to further convey your wishes to the hotel's chef, who will offer delicious vegetarian dishes from organic products prepared in accordance with the canons of Ayurveda.

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN DAMBULLA HOTELS

The best beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has long been and not without reason considered one of the best countries for a beach holiday. Getting to the golden beaches of the island is quite easy, and the accommodation here is varied - from small bungalows to luxurious five-star hotels. The easiest way to get to the beaches of the southern and western coasts; they are suitable for relaxation during a cultural tour of the island, for example, a great combination of beaches and a visit to the colonial city of Galle. The beaches of Sri Lanka are a wonderful place to relax, whether at the beginning or at the end of a trip around the country; you can even spend your entire vacation on the coast, you choose.

As for the beaches in Trincomalee on the east coast, due to civil war access to this region was simply impossible for a long time. The development of tourism in this region of Sri Lanka began only in 2010, when the cities and beaches on the east coast of Sri Lanka were finally opened for travelers to visit safely. Trincomalee is one of the main cultural centers of the Tamil community; here is the ancient Koneswaram temple, built on a rock, offering a breathtaking view of the harbor. Tourism in this part of Sri Lanka is still in its infancy, but the main argument to choose the east coast for a holiday in Sri Lanka is that best beaches the islands are located there, and excellent weather is provided to you, at a time when the southern beaches of Sri Lanka are influenced by the southwest monsoons.
WHERE TO LIVE. THE BEST BEACH HOTELS IN SRI LANKA
If you decide to spend your holidays on the south coast, then choose a hotel located near Galle Jetwing Lighthouse, built by one of the talented and influential architects of Ceylon - Jeffrey Bawa. The hotel is located on the top of a mountain with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean, and green terraces lead down to the sandy beach. 63 bedrooms are very comfortable and spacious, all rooms have balconies overlooking the ocean, and you can listen to the splash of waves breaking on the shore without leaving your cozy haven all day long. The hotel's additional services include a choice of dining options, two large swimming pools with sun decks, a fitness center and a spa where guests can enjoy a variety of relaxation and treatments.

In the beach area, north of Galle, is a charming boutique hotel Aditya named after the sun god. This is a wonderful place where you can relax and enjoy a luxurious holiday. And thanks to the fact that the hotel has only 12 rooms, privacy and peace are guaranteed here. The interior of the hotel is designed in Asian style, and each room claims to be individual. While relaxing in this hotel, you can spend the whole day by the pool or on the beach, or have a little fun with benefit. For example, join the hotel's chef and learn the secrets of the local cuisine, or ask the hotel staff to arrange a tour of the turtles for you.

South of Galle is the small fishing village of Weligama, which opened its doors in 2008. beach resort Weligama Bay Resort. The resort's room stock consists of suites and standard rooms in the main building, bungalows in a cozy garden; even closer to the beach and pool are six villas. The hotel has created a very cozy atmosphere for a luxurious holiday at affordable prices. This place is ideal for those who would like to relax for a while on the beach. In addition, one of the best whale watching spots in the country is located close to the hotel.

50 kilometers from Weligama is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka - Tangalle with a kind of "icon" - an example of a modern luxury holiday - a beach resort Amanwella. According to the owners of the hotel, only here travelers are guaranteed a unique experience of a beach holiday, which cannot be experienced at any other resort. And this is the truth of pure water: excellent service, perfect design that only complements the beauty of nature and does not draw all attention to itself, a clean sickle-shaped beach stretching for several hundred meters on both sides of the hotel, a huge infinity pool and a spacious terrace from where you can watch amazing sunsets.
If you are interested in a beach holiday in Trincomalee, then in 2010 a boutique hotel was opened in this region Chaaya Blu. If you want to try on the image of a modern Robinson Crusoe, book a hotel room Jungle Beach Resort. And when traveling with a large company in Trincomalee, the best place for a free life is a cottage Top Travel Agent. This does not oblige you to anything, various travel agents will send you answers and you will get an objective picture of prices. It also makes sense to contact Top Travel Agent for those who do not have time to organize their trip.

Most tourists who are tired of popular popular places are looking for countries that are not too exotic and not known to everyone for their vacation. One of these wonderful places for tourists is Sri Lanka, where it is best to start relaxing in November. What is attractive about rest here, what you need to know about this country, what sights Sri Lanka is famous for, when it is better to relax, going to this island and much more, you will learn right now.

The unique country of Sri Lanka

Indeed, Sri Lanka is a country unique in every way. This is not just an exotic island and the birthplace of coconut trees, elephants, and also tea. It's much more:

• here you will see the last relic forest;
• near Kandy you can watch unspoiled and dense views;
• you visit the ancient city, as well as the ruins of Buddhist shrines and palaces that are lost in the jungle;
• you will find rivers teeming with crocodiles and forests overgrown with thick lianas.

Even all this will already be enough for your separate trip to visit Sri Lanka, right? And now remember the endless beaches of the island and you will understand that you need at least a month to visit them all. So, when and where is the best time to relax in Sri Lanka?

The best time to relax

All year round the island has a hot, humid climate, or at least warm, although it cannot be said that it is the same everywhere - it is influenced by the extent of Sri Lanka and the relief. On the plains the average annual temperature is kept at +31 degrees, in the mountainous part up to +24. The rainy season starts from May and ends in September for the southern and western coasts of the country, and for the eastern - from October to April.

Hence the conclusion: for a beach holiday on the west and south coasts, the best time is October - April, and for the eastern - May - September. However, it is worth noting that such a division is rather arbitrary, since in any direction at any time of the year in Sri Lanka there are always enough sunny days for a pleasant pastime, so you can go in any direction.

The most popular resorts of the island, according to tourists

In Sri Lanka, in addition to wonderful weather, there are also many excellent resorts with developed infrastructure and magnificent beaches. By analyzing the reviews of tourists who have already been here, you can find out which resorts or areas are the most popular on the island.

And in which resort of Sri Lanka do you want to relax, have you decided?

What must-see attractions in Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka, which is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, attracts travelers with both a beach holiday and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights. When planning your vacation, take seriously the question of what to see on the island, because there are quite a lot of natural and historical places that you want to visit. Unfortunately, in a short period of time, you will not be able to visit everywhere, but it is quite possible to see the main sights.

In Sri Lanka, first of all, inspect the architecture of the most ancient cities, such as:

Hindu temples are no less interesting - Ganeshan and Kanestan, which are located in Colombo in the Pettah area on Sea street. The Jami Ul Alfar Mosque is the main Muslim shrine of the city. It attracts everyone's attention with its facade, which is painted in white and red stripes.

The sights of Colombo include the Brown Gardens, offering guests of Sri Lanka to walk in the shade of various exotic plants. A huge park is laid out on former cinnamon plantations. There is a statue of the Buddha, around which there are bushes, flower beds and a rounded pool. From this sculpture stretches the main alley with green lawns and fountains.

Sri Lanka is a small island nation located in South Asia near the Indian subcontinent. The country received its modern official name - the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972. Previously, the state was known as Ceylon. The official capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. In fact, the capital functions are performed by the largest city in the country - Colombo.

The population of Sri Lanka is 21.6 million inhabitants. Sinhalese and Tamils ​​dominate among nationalities. The most common religion is Buddhism, which is followed by most Sinhalese. In addition, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are widespread in the country. The form of government in Sri Lanka is a semi-presidential republic. Administratively, the country is divided into 9 provinces - Central, North-Central, North, North-West, West, South, East, as well as the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva.

The main sectors of the economy are agriculture, textile production and mining of precious stones. Recently, the tourism industry has been gaining momentum. The most popular holiday destinations in Sri Lanka are the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwala 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 transplants)
from Kazan - from 12 hours 30 minutes. (1-4 transplants)
from Yekaterinburg - from 11 hours 55 minutes. (1-4 transplants)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 50 minutes. (1-4 transplants)

Current time in Sri Jayewardenepura 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), the 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 on this moment are Emirates flights 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 is the flight? If you choose a non-stop flight on the route Moscow - Sri Lanka, the flight will take 8 hours 45 minutes (flight to the country's capital - Colombo). With connections, it will be about 14 hours, but it depends on the time of connections, it is different for airlines.

Climate and weather in Sri Lanka

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

Cooler temperatures can be found in the highlands of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is located at 1884 meters above sea level. The local average annual temperature is 18 °C. In cold weather at night, the thermometer can drop to an unprecedented mark of 10 ° C in Sri Lanka. Such a “frost” forces the owners of local hotels and inns to 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, rest in 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 a holiday in Ceylon. Here, at any time of the year, locals and tourists feel comfortable.

Rainy season in Sri Lanka

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

In addition, the Central Mountain Range rises in the middle of the island, creating a “rain shadow” for the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. This is the so-called "wet zone" of the island, where the southwest monsoons go from May to September. They form in the Arabian Sea and move towards the island as a large wall of warm, moist air. At the same time, due to the mountain range in the rest of the country (and this is three-quarters of the island), it is more or less dry at this time. These three quarters are the eastern and northern parts of the country, where the average annual rainfall is 1200-1800 mm. For comparison, in the southwest this figure is much higher - from 2540 to 5080 mm per year.

The north and east of the country are under the influence of the northeast monsoons, operating here from November to February. Most of the cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal hit Bangladesh and the coast of India, but Sri Lanka also sometimes gets it, even 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 a strong wind that forms large waves in the ocean, so it is better to part with dreams of a calm and safe swimming at this time.

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

Cities and regions

Provinces of Sri Lanka

• Central
• North Central
• North Eastern
• Northern
• Sabaragamuwa
• South
• Western

Cities of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has many large and small cities. Below is information about the cities most interesting for tourists.

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

Interestingly, many districts have a certain professional orientation. This division has been around for a long time. In Colombo there is an area of ​​artisans, the poor, merchants, etc. Of course, today such a classification is gradually becoming obsolete, but is still largely relevant. A major international airport is located 30 kilometers from Colombo. The city is developed culturally and religiously - it has its own university, observatory, spiritual institutions for various faiths.

The tourist center is located in the northern district of the city - Fort. Hotels, hotels, shops, restaurants and other entertainment facilities are concentrated here. The main attractions of the city are the Galle Face Green Park, the National Museum, the Museum of Local Lore, 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. The population is 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 known for its sights: the remains of ancient temples, monasteries and other cultural monuments have been preserved in Anuradhapura. Among the most famous sites are the Ruanvelli and Thuparama stupas, the Abhayagiri and Isurumuniya monasteries, as well as the famous statue of Aukan 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 over 150 thousand people. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once 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 becomes the venue for the popular Esala Peraher festival, at which time the famous relic is brought to the public. For ten nights in a row, a procession with the participation of elephants takes place in the streets, which is accompanied by ethnic music, fakirs and other local attributes. In the suburbs 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 a unique Spice Garden.

Negombo is a small town located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort has the nickname "Little Rome". The fact is that Negombo is the unofficial center of Christianity in Sri Lanka. The city is quite developed, shops, restaurants, rental offices and other services are literally on every corner. The local beaches are deserted, so they are popular with lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday. True, most tourists use Negombo only as a transit point for a day or two, and then go to other resorts. Nevertheless, the city has much to offer and show to vacationers. The most popular pastime is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for fishing. The most significant sights 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 to relax 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, centuries-old traditions - one way or another, this is exactly what is expected from the island.

The main question that tourists who are going on vacation to Sri Lanka ask themselves is which resort to choose? Indeed, there are many good places each with its own character and color. So, Hikkaduwa gathers surfers, divers and young people on its beaches. Bentota is focused on demanding tourists, Kogalla - on independent and those who arrived for the "wintering", 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. It offers tourists a full range of services designed for any budget. The resort will appeal to lovers of outdoor activities: the most popular Ceylon water entertainment center "Confifi Marina" is located here. Vacationers will be able to ride a boat, water skiing, scooter or scuba diving. The club also organizes excursions and boat trips.

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

Wadduwa is another Ceylon resort located near Colombo. The visiting card of this place is chic coconut palms and amazing sandy beaches. The resort has a developed infrastructure. A large number of hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes are concentrated here. There is a popular diving center on Wadduwa. Diving enthusiasts will be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the local ocean depths. Just a few kilometers away is another resort town - Kalutara, famous for the Buddhist temple of Gangatilaka Vihara.

Kalutara is a resort town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. From time immemorial, the resort has been known for its spices and spices. Little Kalutara in its history had a chance to be under the yoke of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists. However, today the place has become one of the most modern and dynamically developing resorts in Sri Lanka. The local trademark is amazing and juicy tropical fruits, which are put into baskets created by local craftsmen using their own method. However, the famous Kalutarian 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 well-known resort in Ceylon. The relative remoteness from civilization (more than 100 kilometers to Colombo) attracts tourists here who dream of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of large cities. On the other hand, Kogalla has all the necessary infrastructure, including golf courses, diving centers, tennis courts and other entertainment. Not far from the resort is the town of Polonnaruwa. It is known for the fact that the remains of the legendary palace of the state of the ancient Sinhalese have been preserved on its territory. Other historical monuments include Watadage temple and giant statues of Buddha 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 the racetrack, which hosts horse races every spring.

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

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

What to watch

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in Sri Lanka

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

Things to do

Water sports

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

Diving - scuba diving, mask, fins and other equipment. The Indian Ocean, in addition to the most beautiful marine life and underwater reefs, holds many secrets and mysteries. Diving near wrecks and underwater caves heightens the senses and makes diving in Sri Lanka simply unforgettable. Sri Lankan diving centers have modern gear and equipment, and are scattered around the entire perimeter of the island. When planning a diving holiday, consider the travel time. The fact is that diving centers located in the southwest of Sri Lanka work 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 the Sri Lankan waters easily allow you to engage in this exciting activity, because underwater delights are visible at a depth of several meters.

Surfing is riding the waves using special boards. Surfers have chosen many parts 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 with 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 the bay - Arugam Bay.

Ayurveda

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

Ecotourism

Ecotourism has long been a popular holiday destination all over the world. Recently, this type of recreation has begun to gain popularity among our compatriots. Tours to Sri Lanka are distinguished by a wide variety of ecotourism offers. The choice of vacationers is rafting on mountain rivers, a trip on off-road vehicles over rough terrain, a ride on 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 parks to visit and other criteria for recreation. Among the latter - the comfort of tent rooms, the number of days on the tour, the purchase of additional excursions. The standard program is designed for 9 days, during which all the main national parks of the country are visited. The camps provide all the 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 take care of pets. As part of the agro-tourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with the local culture, customs, learn how to cook national dishes.

Fishing

The coastal waters of Sri Lanka abound in the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. Saturation with plankton attracts a large variety of individuals - from tuna to sharks. Excursion fishing usually starts early in the morning. Tourist groups take out fishing for several tens of kilometers from the coast. Vacationers are accompanied by experienced local fishermen, and all the necessary equipment is included in the price of the tour.

River safari

The so-called boat safari enjoys great success on the island. This is a three-hour river boat trip. During the tour you will be able to meet many exotic birds and animals. Moving away from civilization on a boat, you can meet more and more interesting and unusual things - small islands of land, aboriginal settlements and unique vegetation. The services of a local guide will cost only $20.

Helicopter tour

The opportunity to take a walk in a helicopter appeared recently. This is a very expensive entertainment, but those who wish are still there. 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 allowable number of tourists in the cabin of one helicopter is four people. The most popular excursion to Sigiriya will cost $2,000 for a helicopter, in addition, you will have to fork out another $112 for each hour of waiting for a helicopter.

Hot air balloon flight

Another excursion that allows tourists to admire the amazing Sri Lankan landscapes from a bird's eye view. Air walks are made only in low wind, safe weather for flights. The standard duration of the tour is one and a half hours, and the cost is approximately $1000 for the entire group, the number of which cannot exceed four people.

Golf

This game began to develop in Sri Lanka in the 19th century. To date, several high-class golf complexes have been created in the country that meet world standards. Novice athletes will also be able to enjoy the game: special individual and group lessons are held for beginners in golf clubs.

Sri Lankan wedding

Newlyweds from all over the world are increasingly choosing Sri Lanka as their wedding venue. The ceremony takes place according to local traditions - the bride and groom dress in bright national costumes, the procession is accompanied by elephants and drumming, young men and girls in colorful dresses dance nearby. After exchanging rings, the newlyweds give each other a taste of rice boiled in coconut milk and drink it with water. This ritual symbolizes the future mutual care of husband and wife. There are a number of other traditional wedding rites - tying the little fingers of the bride and groom with gold thread, breaking a coconut to sprinkle milk on the clothes of the newlyweds, 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 selected services. But on average, you can meet $1000.

Sri Lanka beaches

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

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

Movement around the country

Bus

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

Bus stops are busy, especially the big ones, but just about everyone will be happy to practice their English and help out.

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

A train

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

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

Knock Knock

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

Taxi

A more traditional mode of transport will cost about 50% more. For a kilometer of the way 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 negotiated in advance. You can “catch” a taxi driver right on the street or call by phone.

Car rental

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

With a driver

The car itself is often provided free of charge, and money is paid to the driver for his services. Some of the drivers/guides have a state license to carry out their activities, some of them are extremely knowledgeable and multilingual, specializing in the history and culture of the country. Those who go to see historical sites and nature reserves will be told about the environment.

Without a driver

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

Airplane

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

Communication

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

culture

The culture of Sri Lanka has managed to preserve many of its own ancient traditions, despite the fact that European colonizers 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, one way or another, are associated with the dominant religion in the country - Buddhism. Painting, sculpture and architecture developed under his influence. Original dances and songs are also an important object of Sri Lankan culture. From modern art in Sri Lanka, cinema, radio and television are actively developing.

One of the main holidays for the Sri Lankans is the New Year. True, unlike our country, in Sri Lanka it is celebrated in April. Many rituals are associated with this event on the island, and of course, the traditional chic fireworks are not complete.

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

Kitchen

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

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

Coconut ingredients are often used in Ceylonese cuisine - coconut juice, oil and shavings. There are many other dishes with other ingredients that are unusual for us.

String hoppers are rice vermicelli rolled up and steamed.

Umbalakada is a fine powdered fish.

Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes cooked in coconut milk.

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

Hakuru arra is a treat similar to Bittara arra but sweetened with coconut flakes.

Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked in coconut milk.

Rotti is a flatbread flavored with curry sauce.

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

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

The drinks

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

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

Other local drinks include ginger oil and cream soda. If you prefer the classic Coca or Pepsi, then 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 (oily with a chocolate flavor) and Lion Lager.

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

Purchases

Shopping in Sri Lanka is presented as quite modern shopping malls, and traditional markets with all kinds of folk goods - from spices to clothing made from natural fabrics. The prices for local products are very democratic. The most shopping opportunities, of course, are in Colombo, but the Sri Lankan outback, and even more so the tourist centers, also have something to offer tourists in terms of shopping.

You can read more about the opening hours of stores, what to buy, where to buy, and how to bargain in the article “Shopping in Sri Lanka”.

Connection

Telephone communications

Telephone communication is available in almost any hotel, but usually a call from the room is very expensive. It is more economical to use special phone 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 bought in supermarkets, kiosks and post offices. To call Russia, dial 007, area code and phone number.

Sri Lanka phone code: +94.

Useful phone numbers

Internet

Cellular communication on the island is 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 on the territory of large cities. In the outback of the country to get access to the "world wide web" is very problematic.

Security

Tourists traveling to Sri Lanka should follow a number of simple safety measures. You should be careful while walking in parks and reserves - look under your feet, do not turn off the tourist path and use mosquito repellents. If you go on an excursion to the jungle, then before the trip, just in case, you need to drink antimalarial pills. You need to be more careful with animals. Often there are cases when monkeys steal various things from unlucky tourists.

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

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

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

Try to be respectful of local cultural values. It is forbidden to appear in temples in shorts, short skirts or in other clothes that are too revealing, and before entering the sanctuary, you must take off your shoes. When buying jewelry and jewelry, do not forget to ask for a license to export goods from the country, otherwise there may be problems at customs. On full moon days, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited on the island.

Some traditions take some getting used to, especially for Europeans.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka:

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

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

Where to stay

Standard hotels

Classic hotels with 50 to 500 rooms. A suitable hotel of this class can be found for any budget. Because of their convenience, standard hotels have become popular with families or large groups. The all-inclusive system (all inclusive) is often used.

boutique hotels

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

Bungalow

Usually bungalows are small private houses, renovated and converted to the needs of tourists. Sometimes there is a private kitchen, a maid or a cook. Renting a bungalow is not cheap, but if you are going on vacation with a large company, then there is an opportunity to save money. Rental price $100-$200 per day.

Villas

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

Full name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Area: 65,610 sq. km.
Population: 21,675,648
Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Official currency: Sri Lankan rupee.

In the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, off the coast of India, there is a small island shaped like a drop.

Everyone has heard about him at least once, and every day they probably enjoy his gifts - delicious black or green tea. His real name is rarely spoken, but the "nickname" Ceylon is widely known. This is Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the narrow Polk Strait.

The inhabitants of Sri Lanka are called Sri Lankans.

At the beginning of the 19th century the island was a colony (dependent territory) of Great Britain and was called Ceylon, and in 1972 it became independent and received a new name - Sri Lanka, which means “blessed land” in Sinhala.

Due to former British dominance, almost everyone in Sri Lanka speaks English today. Only he's not exactly normal. Often, a resident of the British Isles or the United States will not fully understand the Sri Lankan, although both of them will communicate in the same language. This is because the locals add a lot of "their" words to the speech.

The flag of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest. It depicts a Sinhalese lion and two multi-colored stripes. The lion is a symbol of the ancestors of modern Sri Lankans, the green and orange stripes mean a few Muslims and Hindus, and the red part of the flag symbolizes the Buddhists prevailing on the island. In the corners of the flag there are 4 paipula leaves, a sacred tree for Buddhists.

Sri Lanka is an island of gems. In its bowels - rubies, garnets, moonstone, amethysts. But the "king" of stones is sapphire - blue, pink, yellow, white and very rare star. Sri Lankan sapphire even adorns the English crown!

As in other Asian countries, motor cycle rickshaws are popular in Sri Lanka. Here they are called "tuk-tuk". This is the only safe means of transportation, as it can easily go around any obstacle. Chaos is happening on the streets of Sri Lankan cities! Local residents do not follow the rules of the road. They can stop their vehicle whenever and wherever they want, just to let a cow pass or go out to say hello to a friend they suddenly saw on the street ...

It is interesting!
Taking Sri Lankan rupees abroad, even as a souvenir, is prohibited by law.

An umbrella in Sri Lanka is not a remedy for rain, but the main protection from the sun. From the showers that come here, he will not save, but under the hot sun without an umbrella in any way. Therefore, umbrellas are sold even in grocery stores.

In a cafe, before putting a dish on a plate, they put a plastic bag on it. Thus, the Sri Lankans observe hygiene, and the dishes do not need to be washed after eating.

One state - two capitals

The small state of Sri Lanka boasts that it has not one capital, but two! This is a large metropolis of Colombo and a little-known town with the complex name of Sri Jayewardanapura Kotte. The first is the residence of the President of Sri Lanka, and the second is the country's parliament and the Supreme Court.

Translated from the Sinhalese language, Colombo means "mangrove harbour". The city is really located in an area where there are a lot of mangroves. But there is another version of the name. It is believed that the Portuguese, who conquered Sri Lanka in the past, could have named the city in honor of the navigator Christopher Columbus.

Colombo is the largest city on the island and the largest port in Sri Lanka. It is noisy and crowded all the time, the streets are filled with cars and tuk-tuks. Colombo is the only city in Sri Lanka where there are high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. And only here temples belonging to representatives of three religions at once safely coexist - churches (Christianity), mosques (Islam) and Buddhist temples.
Colombo is home to one of the finest botanical gardens in Asia. Its highlights are the Orchid House and the Spice Garden. The world's rarest species of these plants grow in the Orchid House. And in the Spice Garden, all the fragrant plants and herbs of the island of Sri Lanka are collected. The king of the garden is pepper and the queen is cinnamon. It was thanks to the huge amount of spices that the island was of interest to many European countries. Their rulers have always dreamed of capturing plantations of allspice, vanilla, cloves, ginger, which had no equal in the world.

Sri Jayewardanapura Kotte is a town in the suburbs of Colombo. When at the beginning of the 16th century envoys of the Portuguese king arrived on the island, the guides managed to stretch the five-kilometer path between Colombo and Kotte into a three-day trip around the island! This was done to confuse uninvited guests and hide the exact location of the capital from them. The expression "to go to Kotta" for modern Sri Lankans means "to drive in a roundabout way."

The city of Colombo was the capital during the reign of the Portuguese, Dutch and British in Ceylon. When the state became independent, the city of Kotte received the capital function.

Today Kotte is a beautiful, quiet town with many universities and colleges. The Sri Lankan parliament sits here. A luxurious building was specially built for him in the center of the city lake. Various festivals and fun carnivals often take place on the streets, in which brightly and beautifully dressed elephants, the symbol and pride of Sri Lanka, always participate.

elephant city

In the past, elephants were the main means of transportation in Sri Lanka. They transported people and goods in the mountains and jungles. Today, tractors and trucks do this, but the elephant is still the main animal and symbol of the island.

The Sri Lankan elephant is different from its African brother. The inhabitants of the hot continent are larger, their ears are of a different shape and they always have powerful tusks. In Sri Lankan elephants, tusks can be seen on about one in 20 animals.

An elephant lives as long as a person - 70-80 years. An adult animal weighs about 5 tons. On the day he needs 250 kg of cane or coconut palm leaves and 200 liters of water.

For us, elephants are a symbol of wisdom and tranquility. But the Sri Lankans think differently. They consider the giants a natural disaster and fight them. Most animals are not killed by poachers. They are being shot by…farmers. Elephants wander into fields, destroy crops and even destroy houses. A herd of angry elephants can take down an entire village! Neither fences nor traps stop the giants, and it is useless to try to “negotiate” with them. Sri Lankan elephants are considered more aggressive and "stupid" than their African relatives.

There are fewer and fewer elephants in Sri Lanka every year. To protect the animals from extinction, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was built on the island. This is a huge nursery where baby elephants are left without parents, disabled elephants and retired elephants. By the way, the oldest animal here is over 60 years old, and the youngest is only two months old. He is drunk with warm milk from the nipple so that he gets stronger and feels good.

Elephants are the main participants in all holidays and festivals in Sri Lanka. They are dressed up in special costumes-masks, decorated with jewels.

Elephants have been trained for performances for many years. When elephants grow up, they "work out" caring for them by riding tourists on their backs. This is the most popular attraction among visitors and the main business of local residents. Before riding, the elephant is saddled. This is done only for tourists. Sri Lankans ride bareback. It is very difficult to maintain balance while riding, but an excellent view opens from the back of the animal. When traveling on horseback, you are convinced that the elephant seems clumsy only from the outside. Despite its impressive weight, it moves almost silently. Usually an elephant walks at walking speed, but if necessary, giants can reach speeds of up to 40 km / h.

The elephant, who worked up an appetite during the trip, must be thanked. The best way to do this is to feed him bananas, the elephant's favorite dessert.

Animal world Sri Lanka is very diverse. Animals and birds on the island feel free, they are not afraid of humans and live next to them.

Based on materials