Nuwara Eliya is a city in the highlands of the central province of Sri Lanka. Its name means "city on the plain" or "city of light". The city is the administrative capital of the Nuwara Eliya district, with a picturesque landscape and a temperate climate. It is located at an altitude of 1886 meters and is considered the most important area in tea production. The city is located at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala (Pidurutalagala) - the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is known for its cool temperate climate - it is the coldest area

The city of Batticaloa got its modern name during the period of English colonial rule. The original name of the city was Madakalapuwa (the first "M" changed to "B" at the time the island was held by the Dutch), which means "muddy lagoon" in Sinhala. This name, in turn, is derived from the Tamil Madurankernikulum. Batticaloa is located on east coast Sri Lanka, on a flat flat spit separating the lagoon from the ocean. The city rises above sea level by an average of only 5 meters. Near

Ella is a small beautiful town in the southern part of the highlands of Sri Lanka. It is located in the middle of a picturesque countryside, with small vegetable gardens in the valleys, tea plantations on the hillsides and forests covering the mountain slopes. The climate is typical of the Sri Lankan highlands for most of the year, with hot afternoon sun but moderate air temperatures. There may be showers in the afternoon, but they usually go within an hour. At night you may need a jumper or

Trincomalee (Trincomalee) or simply Trinco (Trinco) - chief seaport and the administrative capital of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, is located on the east coast of the island, approximately 180 kilometers south of Jaffna. The population of the city is 99135 people. The city is built on a peninsula that separates the inner and outer ports. Trincomalee is one of the main centers of Tamil language culture on the island. The famous ancient temple Koneswaram was built in the city, which is mentioned in the Tamil chronicle Thirukonamalai,

Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Western Province, in the Colombo district. Population - 672.7 thousand inhabitants (2007), the population of Greater Colombo (which also includes the large cities of Moratuwa, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia and Sri Jayawardenepura-Kotte - the capital of the country) - 5,648,000 people. History The city's name comes from the Sinhala "Kola-amba-thota", meaning "mango harbour". Arab, Chinese, Roman merchants visited the harbor of Colombo over 2000 years ago. In the 8th century A.D. e. the Arabs settled here for a long time, controlling almost the entire sea

Ratnapura is a city in the southwest of Sri Lanka, at the foot of Mount Adam's Peak, the administrative center of the province of Sabaragamuwa. The population is about 48 thousand people. (2002). Trade and transport center in the area of ​​plantations of rubber and tea plantations. Connected by rail to Colombo and Badulla. Ratnapura is famous for its precious stones. Here, since the Middle Ages, stones such as "cat's eye", aquamarines, amethysts, sapphires have been mined. The largest sapphire weighing more than 400 carats "The Blue Beauty of Asia" was found near Ratnapura. Also near the city

Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the official capital of Sri Lanka (since 1982). Located in the southern suburbs of Colombo. Population - about 115 thousand people. (2002). The name Jayewardenepura means "City of Coming Victory" in Sinhala. This name was given to the city by its founder Alagakkonara. The name "Kotte" comes from the Tamil "kottey" - a fortress: fortified structures arose on this site in the 13th century. Historically, the part of the city, bounded by the moat, was called Etul Kotte (inner fort), and outside it - Pittacotte (outer fort).

Badulla is a city in the southwest of Sri Lanka, is the capital of the province of Uva and is considered one of the most ancient settlements of Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude of 680 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded on almost all sides by the Badulla River and mountains. As a result, a special microclimate is created in the city and its environs, characterized by high humidity and frequent thick fogs, as well as relatively low average temperatures for this region. The population is about 43 thousand people (2004).

Negombo is a popular resort town known for its historical heritage and picturesque beauty. Negombo is a beautiful resort town located along a beautiful west coast Sri Lanka. The city's close proximity to the Sri Lanka International Airport has made it a popular destination for travelers who usually start or end their trip to Sri Lanka here. Exuding Old World charm, Negombo has a rich historical heritage and is widely known for its magnificent and picturesque coastlines. Here in Negombo, there are many attractions that make

According to the economic situation, the city of Kandy, with a population of about 100 thousand people, ranks second in the republic after Colombo. Located in a mountain range at an altitude of 488 meters above sea level, the city is very picturesque. Its peculiar necklace is the river Mahaweli Ganga with shady banks. The city was founded in the XIV century. At the end of the 16th century, when the Portuguese captured the southwestern and northern coasts of the island, the Sinhalese rulers went into the mountains and founded a state with a capital in

Sri Lanka is small Island state 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. AT recent times the tourism industry is growing. Most popular places holidays in Sri Lanka - 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

Currently, the issue of direct regular flights between Moscow and Colombo remains open, but it is known that Aeroflot operates flights on this route during the season. Excluding this option, the best way to get to Sri Lanka at the moment is flights by 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 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. average temperature water in Indian Ocean around the country 27 ° C, it differs from the air temperature by only a couple of degrees.

Cooler temperatures can be found in mountainous areas Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is located at 1884 meters above sea level. The local average annual temperature is 18 °C. In cold weather at night, the thermometer can drop to an unprecedented 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 culturally and religious- 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 objects are Ruanvelli and Thuparama stupas, 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 over 150 thousand people. The city is one of 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 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.

Described below best resorts Sri Lanka. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.

Bentota is 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 active rest: 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. AT large hotels there are sports facilities - golf courses, tennis courts, and traditional water activities are offered to tourists on the beaches. Along coastline The resort has 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. Here is concentrated a large number of hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes. 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. Top Places to Stay - Gorgeous modern complex golf courses, Victoria Park, the picturesque Lake Gregory and the 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 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

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 are distinguished by a wide variety of ecotourism offers. The choice of vacationers is rafting on mountain rivers, off-road trips over rough terrain, elephant riding, 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

Agrotourism - best direction rest for those who want to get acquainted with the peculiarities of Sri Lankan life from the inside. Tourists can not only live in the usual conditions of a Ceylon village, but also take part in agricultural work, 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 walk on the boat. 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: on the west and south coasts from November to March northern winds 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, it is better to sit on the right side of the train, where the most 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, average price per kilometer - 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 strangeness traffic in Sri Lanka, they 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 - 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 of Sri Lanka, and where - South India. Besides, in different regions There are cooking options. As a rule, food is very cheap, an inexpensive lunch will cost about a dollar. Rarely can a meal cost more than ten dollars, except in the most expensive places tourist oriented. 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 represented by both fairly modern shopping centers 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. enjoy 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. Anti-malarial prophylaxis protects against infection when traveling 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 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.

The historic city of Galle (Sri Lanka) is located off the southern coast of the country, 116 km from Colombo and only 5 km from Unawatuna Beach. Built in the 16th century by Portuguese navigators, the port embodies South Asian traditions and elements of European architecture, being a UNESCO protected site.

Before Colombo, Galle remained a major city and the main port of the country for 400 years. Then the Dutch recaptured it, having redevelop the entire defensive system. The city was conquered from the Dutch by the British, who did not change anything, so the atmosphere of that era is still preserved here. At the end of the 19th century, the British expanded the borders of Colombo, making it the main port.

Once Galle was Sri Lanka's largest center for trade between Persian, Arab, Indian, Greek and Roman merchants. A little more than 100 thousand inhabitants live here, among whom there are Buddhists, Hindus, Islam and Catholicism are preached. Developed industries such as textile, food and glass.

There are many good hotels and restaurants in Galle, and although the city is located on the coast, tourists prefer Hikkaduwa or Hikkaduwa. Despite the clear water of a greenish-turquoise hue, there are stones everywhere under water; the city does not have a sandy beach.

Fort Galle

The city of Galle in Sri Lanka is divided into the old and the new part. The border is marked by three powerful bastions over the cricket stadium. Here you will find many old European-style buildings. Popular attractions in Galle include Galle Fort, built by the Dutch from granite at the end of the 17th century.

The ancient fort has hardly changed since the colonial times, so the old part of the city is a must to visit to feel that atmosphere. Above the gate you will see the symbol of the Ottoman Empire - a stone with the image of a rooster. According to legend, it was only thanks to his cry that the lost Portuguese navigators swam to the nameless harbor, after which the city was named.

The fort is on the UNESCO heritage list. The architectural structures of the fort are considered especially interesting. The weight of the roof is supported only by the walls, without the use of internal supports. You can walk all day inside the fort. On its territory there is a popular New East Hotel. This is the oldest hotel in the country, and it was built at the end of the 17th century for the governor. Here and now, high-ranking officials and wealthy people prefer to relax.

The port of Galle in Sri Lanka still accepts fishing and cargo ships, as well as private yachts. The most prominent part of the fort is the lighthouse, in the evening it illuminates the way for distant ships. The harbor has its own unique and inimitable atmosphere, which is so loved by tourists. Photos of Galle in Sri Lanka show that you can admire there not only historical buildings, but also the beautiful Indian Ocean and unique sunsets.

New town

In the new part of the city there is a shopping center with shops and small cozy cafes. Stations and the central market are located on the banks of the Dutch Canal. Tourists like to visit St. Mary's Cathedral.

Although there are almost no significant historical monuments, modern Galle is considered the heart of the city. The narrow streets of Morishe Kramer Strat and Lane Ban still have open windows with wooden shutters, terraces and spacious rooms in the best Dutch tradition.

Attractions in Galle

You will always find something to see in Galle. The city is usually visited for excursions to learn more about the culture of this region.

On Church Street National Museum culture where you can learn all about the history of the city. Entrance fee, visiting time from 9.00 to 17.00 from Tuesday to Saturday.

National maritime museum

Deserves attention National Maritime Museum on Queen Street. On the ground floor you will find an exhibition dedicated to the life of a fisherman. The Museum can be accessed from 9.00 to 17.00. Working days - Tuesday-Saturday.

AT Museum of the Dutch period exhibited the most interesting exhibits from the era of Dutch rule. The museum is housed in private houses on Leyn Baan Street. Admission is free, visiting time is from 8.30 to 17.30 daily.

Meera Mosque

Tourists love to visit the ancient Gothic church Grote Kerk, which is located near the Amangalla Hotel, on Church Street. There you will find ancient tombstones with images of skulls and bones.

Mosques were built behind the Catholic Church of All Saints, especially tourists like Meera Masjid, but you need to visit this place in appropriate clothing.

Opposite the Dutch church is the house of the Dutch rulers with original stoves inside. It is rumored that there are ghosts there.

Cricket is a popular sport here and the local national team has won many prizes. The cricket field is considered impeccable for this game and is located among the most ancient and valuable monuments near Galle Fort, which makes it even more unique.

What to see in the surroundings

In the central part of the Weligama Bay, there is a beautiful island called Taprobane or Yakinige-Duwa in Sinhala. At the beginning of the 20th century, a luxurious house was built here by the French Count de Manet, and the writer P. Bowles used it in his novel The House of the Spider. Now this place is a private resort where you can rent a villa.

Unawatuna. The secluded Unawatuna Beach is surrounded by coral reefs on all sides and is only 5 km from Galle. A highway passes through the central part, in contrast to, so it is quite busy here. Popular resort place is popular with tourists and local residents, because here you can not only relax and swim, but also go diving, snorkeling, surfing.

Mirissa (Mirissa). In this small resort village near Weligama, you can spend your vacation economically. In addition to spacious beaches, there are excellent conditions for surfing and snorkeling. Especially tourists who appreciate a relaxing holiday will like it here.

More detailed information with a photo about the resort of Mirissa is presented in.

How to get to Galle

Inside the city, the transport interchange is quite developed and has many branches. With the nearest large and Matara (Matara) the city is connected by railway lines. Galle can be reached by train, bus and taxi, at the station you can always find out where the city of Galle is and how to get to it.

From Colombo. With railway station to Galle station. Carriages are only 2nd and 3rd class or Rajadhani Express cars, tickets for which can be bought via the Internet. Travel time is 2.5-3 hours.

From Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Kandy there is a train to Colombo Fort, then transfer to the Colombo Fort - Galle train. Before your trip, check the current rail timetable and ticket prices at www.railway.gov.lk.

There are many bus services from Colombo bus station to Galle. The highway can be reached in 2-3 hours. If the route runs along the coast, then the road will take about 4 hours. The bus station in Galle is located across the street from the Fort, the main attraction of the city.

For drinking and cooking, use better water from plastic bottles.

The city has Galleactive traffic, so be careful on the roads.

Find out the RATES or book any accommodation using this form

Weather

You can visit this spa center at any time of the year. It's always warm in Galle (Sri Lanka). Summer and winter are characterized by slight temperature fluctuations. There is almost no rain from December to April. Even from May to November, intermittent rains do not interfere with sightseeing.

How Galle looks like from the air and some practical information for those who want to visit the city - in the video.

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Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean located south of the peninsula Hindustan. total area 65610 sq. km, length from north to south 445 km, and from west to east 225 km. In the center of the island is the Central Mountain Range.

The average height of the mountains is 1000-2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise higher.

The highest point of the island - Mount Pidurutalagala has a height of 2524 m. However, the most famous is the majestic Adam's Peak (2243 m).

Usually on weekdays, shops are open from 9:30 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 13:00. Addresses of shops recommended by the Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism can be found in many guidebooks around the island.

In addition to tea, which, by the way, is allowed to be exported as a souvenir in an amount of more than three kilograms, silver and copper items are considered traditional souvenirs. These products are made in the Kandy region. Also beautiful pottery is also made in the Kandy area. They are painted mainly in red tones, decorating with various patterns. In the south of the island, various demon masks are made.

The oldest folk crafts include woodcarving and the manufacture of various fabrics. Sri Lanka is famous for its rich selection of precious and semi-precious stones and silk.

Tipping is not required. However, a receptionist at a hotel or a waiter at a restaurant will be happy with a few extra rupees.

It is recommended to wear light cotton clothing and a hat. Be sure to stock up on sunscreen and sunburn lotion. There are no strict clothing requirements in the country, but you should not visit the temples in shorts, in clothes with an open back and shoulders, and you should also take off your shoes when entering the temple.

Climate

Equatorial, with monsoon seasons.

Almost 95% of all precipitation falls during the summer rainy season. The rest of the months are pretty dry. Only in the northeast of the island does it rain in autumn, when the northeast monsoon passes over Ceylon.

The air temperature on the island practically does not change and is 26-28 C all year round. It is cooler in the mountains of the central part of the island, and at the coldest point, the mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya, located at an altitude of 1880 meters above sea level, is about 15 C.

There is high humidity in Sri Lanka, and this is felt when you exit the plane, when you get the feeling that you are being doused with a warm, "bath", air stream.

Language

The official languages ​​are Tamil, Sinhalese and English. The total population is 15 million people. By ethnic composition the country is multinational, the population consists of Sinhalese, Tamils, burghers (descendants of the Portuguese and Dutch) and Moors (descendants of Arab traders).

Currency

From Monday to Friday, banks are usually open from 9.00 to 13.00-15.00. During the holidays, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, they do not work. Money exchange is allowed only in banks and organizations that have received permission to do so. The list of these organizations includes most hotels.

Transport

Movement is left-handed.

Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte - the city with such a long and almost unpronounceable name is the official, nominal capital of Sri Lanka. In fact, the capital is located in the city of Colombo. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is officially the capital city with the longest name in the world!

This city is located in the southern suburbs of Colombo and is part of the Greater Colombo agglomeration. The name of the city, translated from Sinhala, means "blessed city-fortress of the coming victory." This name was given to it in the 13th century by Alagakkonara, the founder of the city, who began the construction of a local fortress. By the way, the locals call the city simply Kotte, which means “fortress”.

In 1415-1565, Kotte was the capital of the Sinhalese state, and already the Portuguese, who captured the island, moved the capital to Colombo. In 1979, the city was returned to its former, historical name and in 1983 Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte became the official capital of the state.

Today, Kotte is a beautiful, quiet city with a population of about 115 thousand people, an extensive infrastructure, which houses a large number of universities, colleges and higher schools and, accordingly, there are always a lot of students.

The capital now houses the Parliament and the Supreme Court. A huge, luxurious new building was built here for the parliament in 1982, which is located on the island of Duva in the middle of a beautiful lake. Some state institutions and structures were also moved here.

The city of Kotte is an original mixture of colonial European architecture, modern skyscrapers and traditional oriental temples. The city has a huge number of religious buildings, and Buddhist, and Muslim, and Christian. They attract tourists and pilgrims here. In the very center of the city, the remains of medieval fortifications, a moat and a rampart have been preserved, which are gradually overgrown, leveled and simply disappear.

The city is also famous for its many magnificent beaches, which are not oversaturated with visitors and are famous for their cleanliness. There are also several interesting museums to visit, art galleries and a beautiful zoo.

Various festivals and fun carnivals often take place on the streets of the city, in which brightly and beautifully dressed elephants, the symbol and pride of Sri Lanka, take part.