Traveling to Sri Lanka on your own. Sightseeing and beach route in Sri Lanka

America

Beaches and ancient artifacts, emerald tea plantations, elephants and just perfect place for relaxation... 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 world 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. In the mountainous area in the center of the country, tea is grown, and on south coast located fortified fortress 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 became one of the first countries in the world where national parks were created, and more 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 most best cities and places for those who want to go to independent travel to Sri Lanka and not to miss the most interesting.

SEARCH FLIGHTS TO SRI LANKA

9 reasons to take a solo trip to Sri Lanka

CULTURAL TRIANGLE
In this area, which is historical center Sri Lanka, located at least four listed monuments cultural heritage UNESCO.
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 better.
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 azure waters for an unforgettable holiday
TRAVELING BY TRAIN
A comfortable way to admire the chic views of the tea country.
PERAJERA
One of the brightest festivals in Sri Lanka, which features colorfully decorated elephants and Kandyan drummers.

How to get to Sri Lanka

most popular and very convenient way get to Sri Lanka 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 average temperature rarely rises above 35 degrees and drops below 16 Celsius (in the Central Highlands during the coldest time of the year).
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 on the first day of arrival public transport, 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 Pacific Ocean Galle Face Green- This amazing place recreation, which is very popular with the locals. 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 Personal car 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 manicured gardens, just 15 minutes drive from international airport"Bandaranaike". 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 vintage photo. 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

fortified territory southern city Sri Lanka's 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 more relaxing holiday- go to the library, which contains 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 the 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. There is a swimming pool in the gardens surrounded by trees, so this is - great opportunity alternative recreation for those wishing 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 review, so you can enjoy the enchanting 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 mountain resort 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, all of them have swimming 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; he remains to this day holy city, whose life is 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 the most famous sights of Sri Lanka, known as " Lion Rock”, the rock of Sigiriya is located at an altitude of 200 meters above the plain - perfect place position 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 beautiful palace on top of a mountain, with lush 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 the 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 a complex of five separate temples arose today. The cave temples contain numerous statues and images of the Buddha, including the classical reclining Buddha in the largest cave. Being historical monument, these temples are also a place of visit for numerous pilgrims. Travelers are guaranteed unforgettable experience, if you mix with the crowd of pilgrims bringing symbolic offerings to the statues of the Buddha, and the air is filled with aromas 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 for these areas architectural style- 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 a good place where you can start to get acquainted with the "cultural triangle".

DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN ANURADHAPURA HOTELS

Traveling to cave temples Dambulla, for overnight stays, it is best to choose a large hotel complex 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 and not without reason been considered one of the best countries for 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 Tamil community; located here ancient temple Koneswaram, built on a rock with a breathtaking view of the harbor. Tourism in this part of Sri Lanka is still in its infancy, but the main argument is to choose East Coast for a holiday in Sri Lanka is that the best beaches of the island are located there, and great weather is provided to you, at a time when southern beaches Sri Lanka is 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 top of a mountain from where great views to the Indian Ocean, and green terraces lead down to 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.

AT 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 chef and learn the secrets local cuisine, or ask the hotel staff to arrange an excursion for you to see the turtles.

South of Galle is the small fishing village of Weligama, which opened a beach resort in 2008. 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 most south point Sri Lanka - Tangalle with a kind of "icon" - a model of modern luxury holidays - 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 to Trincomalee, the most the best place for a free life - 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.

We welcome all lovers of independent budget (and not so) travel. We love to write final articles with brief information about the country - this means that next time we will send you on a new unforgettable adventure in uncharted lands. Today I, Lyudmila (since Andrey is on regular rides in Asia), will present to your attention a report or Sri Lanka travel guide. In the article you will learn the most important information on standard issues of independent and cheap travel, such as: visa, currency, weather, transport, food. So is our personal experience hitchhiking and on various types of cheap transport, about housing and registration with locals, about where you can put up a tent and about people.

But, first, I will briefly remind you how we got to Sri Lanka. Since Sri Lanka is an island, the most affordable way is, of course, by plane. While still in Russia, we bought air tickets from Oman (Muscat) to Sri Lanka (Colombo) for 9020 rubles. for two.

Current airfare prices for flights to Sri Lanka:

days in the country - 17 days
mileage - 2000 km
financial expenses for two: air tickets Oman (Muscat) - Sri Lanka (Colombo) - 9020 rubles; Sri Lanka visa - 1960 rubles; for other expenses - $ 50 + 10 euros (~ 8170 rubles). The result is 19150 rubles. for two.
briefly about the weather - heat! It only rained a couple of times in two weeks.

Route map.

09.02-10.02 —
11.02 —
12.02 —
12.02 —
13.02 —
14.02 —
14.02 —
15.02 —
16.02 —
17.02 —
18.02 —
19.02-20.02 —
21.02 —
22.02 —
23.02 —
24.02-25.02 —

1. Visa for Russians. A tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival in Sri Lanka, or you can.

2. Language. The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala, Tamil and English. If in the first two they probably speak excellently, since they have been using them for many hundreds of years, then with the last one, even though a sufficient amount of time has passed from the last colonizers, things are very bad. Naturally, we will not mention the tourist areas where the English earn "daily bread." But if we are already talking about the “official” languages of the country, it is rather strange when a European asks something in bourgeois, and a local instead of answering asks in crooked English, does he speak English at all? Not bad at English language those who have passed the bench of the university express themselves.

3. Religion. The main religions are Buddhism (mostly Sinhalese - about 70%), Hinduism (more characteristic of Tamils - about 15%), Christianity (mixed population - no more than 8%), Islam (Malays and Moors - 8%).

4. Time zone. GMT+ 5:30. There is no daylight saving time.

5. Currency. The monetary unit of Sri Lanka is called the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR or Rs). One rupee is made up of 100 cents. Banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 Rs are in circulation.

Coins use 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees, there are also 25 and 50 cents, but they are rare.

The Russian ruble costs about 2.5 rupees, therefore, to convert the price from rupees to rubles, you can:

divide the cost in rupees by 2.5. For example: 100 rupees / 2.5 = 40 rubles.
multiply the cost in rupees by 4 and remove one 0. Example: 100 rupees * 4 = 400 (remove 0) = 40 rubles.

We took both dollars and euros with us, in Sri Lanka you can easily exchange both currencies. Money can be exchanged upon arrival at the airport after customs around the clock, as well as at any bank (working on weekdays from 9:00 to 15:00), a hotel or jewelry store. You can withdraw money from an ATM, but only in major cities. Hotels and shops accept Visa and Mastercard for payment, but outside resort areas It's safer to have cash.

You can pay for purchases in dollars, but in this case, the change will be given out in rupees and calculated at an unfavorable rate.

6. Housing, registrations and places for tents. You already know that we travel with a tent, but sometimes we can rent inexpensive accommodation, a hotel or a bungalow, and also willingly accept an invitation from local residents.

Let's start with the first point - the tent. You can put up a tent almost anywhere, though it’s difficult to ask the locals to enter the territory, most likely they will send you to the nearest temple, where, in their opinion, monks should help in such situations. We were also afraid to set up a tent near the jungle, especially if there are national parks nearby, where elephants and other animals live.

You can get an entry in churches and Buddhist temples, though you have to prove to the “dad” and the head monk that you are not a camel. According to the results of the “interview”, dinner, a fan and a soft bed can be automatically realized. As always, the main thing is to find a father, without him such issues cannot be resolved.

Once on the coast, we rented a bungalow for 500 rupees for two per day. We were lucky because it was not the season and the owner agreed to any guests. All the same, I had to bargain for such an amount, because in other places they did not offer less than 700.

And in the capital of Colombo, we tried to use Couchsurfing and our experience can be read in the last article of the same name.

If you want to visit Sri Lanka on your own, then it will not be difficult to find cheap hotel or hostel.

If you are traveling in season or just want to be sure in advance that you will have a roof over your head, then I advise you to use the Roomguru.ru service, which compares prices in all major booking systems (Booking, Agoda, etc.) and finds the best one!

Or take advantage of a very profitable private housing rental service, in my opinion. Often you can find really very affordable options. In addition, by registering on the site using this link, you will receive a great $20 bonus for your trip!

7. People. People in Sri Lanka are different. Frankly, I didn’t really like them, probably because I like to communicate with those whose actions are more dominated by something sincere, open, so to speak, coming from the heart. The Sri Lankans seemed to me quite peculiar in this sense. Isn't it strange when they invite us to visit on their own initiative, and then they try to arrange an interrogation of who we are and what we are, in such a manner as if we were secret spies or robbers. Or when they treat us to dinner, and then hint that we donate or pay something. Or they try to help, but they try to keep within the radius of their observation, controlling our every step. All this creates a small, vaguely understood tension, which is why there is no lightness in the soul. Although the Sri Lankans themselves are quite friendly and ready to help in any situation.

8. Transport and hitchhiking. What is good about Asia is the absence of any logic or system like in Europe. That is, we could get into almost any public transport without having a coin of local money in our pocket and already on the way to think about how to get out of the current situation. A couple of times on the bus, we paid with gifts from Oman, and in the northern part of the island, you can generally ride trains for free, since there are no turnstiles and ticket control at the exit to the platform.

Actually Sri Lanka inexpensive country to try to cheat with paying for the ticket, so we were just experimenting. For example, they took a train ticket to the nearest station, but they themselves went further, where we needed to for free and no one checked us. However, I do not advise doing this in tourist areas, everything is much stricter there.

The quality of public transport itself leaves much to be desired. In cheap buses, instead of air conditioning, there are often simply no glass in the windows. And in more comfortable ones, if there is an air conditioner, then, as usual, it fizzes so that it is necessary to take warm clothes with you into the cabin, because there is no temperature regulator, and it is useless to constantly pull the driver to turn off the air conditioner.

Economy class train cars are also good: they can hardly be called even general or sedentary in our Russian understanding. On the way to the north, right at the stations, whole trains rusted, torn apart, without windows, overgrown with ivy. Sleeping on the train is also a rather difficult task, because the train, even though it goes at a low speed, shakes it on the old rails so that you bounce on the spot.

Tuk-tuks and taxis are the most expensive, slowest and shortest means of transport, so we rode them a couple of times by chance and for free, which you can read about in our articles about traveling around Sri Lanka.

Our main type of transportation around the country, of course, was hitchhiking. In Sri Lanka personal transport very expensive pleasure. An ordinary moto-bike can be compared with the price of buying a good house with a plot. And I generally keep quiet about cars. Therefore, there are practically no cars on the roads of the country and, to our happiness, there are no bikers, as in the same Vietnam. And the roads in Sri Lanka are not wide, in two lanes, one in one direction, the second in the other.

This does not mean that there are no cars at all, a couple of times we were brought up in miniature cars. However, usually these are either cars from the company, or the driver was a good businessman by the standards of the country.

Therefore, the main transport for hitchhiking was trucks with cramped cabs, sometimes with three people in the cabin. But this did not prevent them from giving a lift to two more tourists with backpacks along the way. Sri Lankan truckers hardly speak English, and in most cases they don’t even ask where we are going. Silently they sit down along the way and that's it, and if necessary, we ourselves will tell you where to stop. Less often they are carried in the bodies of various trucks, mainly in few tourist areas.

In any case, in settlements it was difficult to stop the transport, we had to get out on foot to the exit even at small villages. And the average time on the road is no more than an hour, then anyway someone picked it up.

Frankly, we thought that we would move very slowly around the country. In fact, it turned out that we traveled about 150-200 km per day - this is taking into account the fact that between the planned points there was about as much, or even less.

9. Food and prices. Sri Lanka cheap country when it comes to food. In any street cafe you can buy a serving of rice with some insanely hot sauce, dal, meat or vegetables within 200 rupees per serving. Maybe precisely because everything in Sri Lanka is hellishly spicy, we didn’t have to spend much, as it was a pity to spoil our stomachs at the beginning of a long journey. Even the attempts of the locals to treat us with homemade cooking were unsuccessful. Rarely, when the owner understood what it means not sharp. Not spicy Sri Lankan - it tastes almost like naked chili. I wonder what's hot then?

Therefore, we ate mainly fruits, rice with fruits, sometimes vegetables and dairy products. Rarely did they take rice with a teaspoon of dal.

By the way, yes, I was very surprised that milk could be found in Sri Lanka, though only in some village. And they sold it only in a boiled state.

The most unusual dish was pasta pies with sweet coconut inside. Too bad I don't have a photo, but I'll try to explain. Imagine a thin disc of cold sticky noodles, now bend it in half, sweet coconut inside and voila, the pasta pie is ready.

Here are some examples of average product prices:

pastries: bread - 30 rupees, cake - 35 rupees, buns - 20 rupees, cake - 80 rupees;
fruits: pineapple - 100 rupees, bananas - 30 rupees, mango - 20 rupees, coconut - 40 rupees;
dairy: ice cream - 30 rupees, milk 2 liters. - 70 rupees, yogurt - 30 rupees;
Cafe - average price for a portion of rice with vegetables - 150 rupees, noodles without everything - 50 rupees;
capital prices for vegetables

10. Briefly about the prices for mobile communications.

11. Attractions and prices. I don’t understand why this country has such a strange policy on the cost of an entrance ticket to attractions, because, honestly, the sights of Sri Lanka cannot boast of either grandiosity or any kind of uniqueness, with the possible exception of a couple of places. Everything else can be viewed at any Asian country and almost for free. Here are some examples of average prices:

monastery in Mihintal - 500 rupees;
Sigiriya - $ 35;
golden temple in Dambulla - 1500 rupees;
Anuradhapura - $ 25;
the ancient city of Polonnaruwa - $25.

Sri Lanka Travel is an itinerary for those seeking a varied travel experience. The route has a bit of everything - nature and culture, big cities and small villages, national parks and beaches, adventure and relaxation, extreme sports and travel comfort.

The route starts and ends in Colombo ()

Colombo, 1-2 days

Stroll through the old city of Colombo, immerse yourself in the frantic rhythm and color of Pettah's shopping districts, explore the city's main attractions, including the National Museum and the magnificent Buddhist temples - Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka, try local food and join local residents to the evening promenade along the promenade of Galle Face Green.

How to get from the airport

A taxi to the city from the airport will cost 17-20 dollars plus a couple of dollars for driving on the freeway, you can order a taxi upon arrival at the appropriate counter in the airport terminal or take a taxi directly in the hall or at the exit (negotiate the price and specify the way on the freeway). A slightly more expensive alternative is a hotel pick-up (ask when booking in the “message to the hotel” field) or ordering a transfer online (see useful links).

Where to live

How to get there

From Kandy to Dambulla - by local bus (about 2 hours), usually paid on the bus to the driver (check on the spot). The bus may pass through Dambulla, in which case ask the driver to point you to the stop in Dambulla.

How to get from Dambulla to Sigiriya - by tuk-tuk (about 30 minutes).

A more comfortable option, of course, is to take a taxi for two days from Kandy to Sigiriya via Dambula and back. But the option with a local bus is much more adventurous, it will give you the opportunity to get to know Sri Lanka better)

Where to live

Darshani Lodge is a small lodge located 1.5 kilometers from the Sigiriya fortress. The lodge has clean, simple cabins, a very pretty grounds, and a restaurant overlooking the rice terraces. The owners of the lodge are a friendly local family who, in addition to good conditions accommodation offers its guests delicious local food and organization of jeep safari.

Estimated budget

Lodge in Sigiriya - $40-45 per room/night
Local bus tickets $1-2/ticket
Tuk-tuk from Dambulla to Sigiriya - $ 10-15 / tuk-tuk
Entrance fees to the Dambulla caves - $ 10 / ticket
Entrance tickets to Sigiriya - $ 30 / ticket

Return to Kandy, transfer to Horton Plains

From Sigiriya you can return to Kandy and on the same day leave by train for the Horton Plains. Plan a whole day on the road and leave early in the morning from Sigiriya.

How to get from Sigiriya to Kandy

By taxi (if you have train reservations) or by local bus or tuk-tuk to Dambulla (about 30 minutes), by local bus to Kandy (about 2 hours). From the bus station in Kandy, take a tuk-tuk to Peradeniya railway station, at the station, take a second class ticket without a seat on the next train.

Estimated budget

Taxi - about 40-50 $
or Local bus plus tuk-tuks - 10-20 $ / person

Horton Plains, 1-2 days

Hike the endless wasteland and narrow paths past bizarre trees and waterfalls, bird watch and admire the incredible scenery of the legendary place with the dramatic name World's End - a huge sheer cliff, going somewhere in the infinite distance.

Stay overnight at a lodge next to the park to fully experience the beauty and atmosphere of these places. The lodges closest to the "pedestrian" part of the park are located in the southern part of the park near the village of Ohiya.

How to get from Kandy

By train from Peradeniya railway station (about 4.5 hours)

Book second class with a seat reservation or first class in Observer carriages. When booking a hotel in Colombo, indicate in the notes (in English) that you need assistance in booking a train ticket. Alternatively, you can book tickets at a local travel agency (see useful links) or buy at Colombo Station.

From the railway station to the park or lodge can be reached by tuk-tuk.

Where to live

Hill Safari Eco Lodge is the perfect place for nature lovers. The lodge is located in the mountains, about a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from both Ohiya train station and the park's main entrance. Here is magnificent nature, nice clean rooms, peaceful atmosphere, excellent homemade food, pleasant hosts. When choosing this lodge, consider possible problems with mobile communication and lack of Internet (relevant at the time of writing). Stock up on cash, the lodge does not accept credit cards, and the nearest ATM is 30 kilometers away).

Estimated budget

Lodge on Horton Plains - $20-25 per room/night
Tuk-tuk from Ohiya railway to the lodge - 3-5 $ / tuk-tuk
Entrance fees to the park - about $ 20-25 / ticket

Ella, 2-3 days

Spend a couple of days of pleasure walking among tea plantations, exotic gardens and rice fields to waterfalls, small temples and local attractions, indulge in hedonistic breakfasts on the terrace with a gorgeous view, excellent treatments at the local spa and traditional Sri Lankan dinners, which are usually served by a host of small plates with curry, chutney and other goodies.

Getting there from Horton Plains

By train from Ohiya Station (1.5 hours). Second class tickets without a seat reservation can be bought on the spot before the train leaves.

Where to live

Ella River Front - this is one of those small beautiful Ella guesthouses with stunning views of Ella Rock and the waterfall from the terraces. Excellent breakfasts, simple but very clean rooms, silence, pleasant hosts, homemade Sri Lankan food. This guesthouse is already located outside the city, on foot for 10 minutes, a dollar by tuk-tuk.

Estimated budget

Guest house in Ella - $ 35-40 per room / night
Train tickets - $ 1-2 in the second class without seat reservation

Yala National Park, 1 day

Get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife of Sri Lanka with a half-day jeep safari in national park Yala is looking for beautiful leopards, wild elephants, crocodiles, wild boars and buffaloes.

The main base for visiting the park is the village of Tissamaharama, which is an hour's drive from Yala.

How to get from Ella

By taxi to Tissamaharama (ask the owners of the guesthouse in Ella to organize a taxi or book a transfer online, see Useful Links). More a budget option — local buses with a change in the town of Wellawaya.

Where to live

Nature Resort is a budget guesthouse with fairly clean bungalows. Scenic location overlooking rice fields, delicious food in local restaurant, friendly staff and safari organization in national park Yala is the undoubted pluses of this place. Plus, in the guesthouse you can take bicycles and explore Tisza. Book a room with a safari right away (there is such an option in the room options) or request the organization of a safari in the booking notes.

Estimated budget

Guest house in Tissamaharama with safari - $ 110-120 per room / night including safari for two
Taxi - about $ 50 / car

Mirissa, 3-5 days

Spend a few days on one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka without doing anything. Try your hand at surfing or just jumping on the huge waves of the Indian Ocean, try your luck in finding whales in the ocean, take a steam bath in the local sauna and take a couple of sessions of healing Ayurvedic massages, enjoy a barbecue on the beach and enjoy the traditional fire shows in the evening.

How to get from Tissamaharama

By taxi or tuk-tuk to Tangalle or Matara bus stations, from there by regular bus to Mirissa.

Where to live

Palace Mirissa is far from the cheapest option, but if you want to pamper yourself after a long trip and ascetic guest houses in Sri Lanka, then Palace Mirissa is a wonderful choice. Nice bungalows with a characteristic design are located on a hill (many bungalows have ocean views). Very nice area with peacefully walking peacocks, fantastic view from the terrace of the restaurant.

Estimated budget

Comfortable beach bungalow in Mirissa - $100-120 per room
Taxi from Tisza to the bus station - about $ 10 / car
Bus - about 7-10 $ / ticket

Galle, 1-2 days

Stay in one of the pretty colonial mansions on the grounds of Galle Fort. Wander through the picturesque streets, watching colorful scenes from the life of old Galle, walk along the wall surrounding the fort at sunset, explore the boutiques and shops of the old city in search of cute jewelry and souvenirs, and celebrate the purchase with fruit juice in one of the local cafes)

How to get from Mirissa

On a tuk tuk

Where to live

Albert Guest House - This tiny guest house, located on the territory of the old fort, is more like a guest house than an ordinary hotel. Nice clean rooms, excellent homemade breakfast, pleasant atmosphere, good wi-fi.

Estimated budget

Guest house in Galle - $ 35-40 per room
Tuk-tuk - 10-15 $ / per tuk-tuk

Bentota, 1-2 days

Walk along the endless sandy beach, enjoy the wild beauty of the desert coastline, visit one of the volunteer turtle conservation centers, learn more about turtle hatching and take part in the ritual release of baby turtles into the ocean.

How to get from Galle

By train (just over an hour)

Where to live

Shangri Lanka Villa - an absolutely charming villa 5 minutes walk from a deserted beach near Bentota. A three-storey villa with large comfortable rooms is surrounded by lush nature, on the territory there is a small swimming pool and a massage room. At the reception you can call a tuk-tuk and / or order a transfer to the airport.

Estimated budget

Villa in Bentota - $ 70-90 per room
Train tickets - $ 1-2 in the second class without seat reservation
Tuk-tuks of the railway station - lodge / hotels - 5-6 $

Transfer to Colombo airport, flight home

From Bentota it is convenient to go to the airport by taxi or transfer. Travel time is about 2 hours, the cost is about $ 50-70, you can book a transfer on the spot at the hotel or online.

Visa Sri Lanka

To visit Sri Lanka for tourism purposes, citizens of Russia and the CIS must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - Tourist ETA visa. This can be done via the Internet on the website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka. It's very simple, you need to go to the site and follow the instructions in Russian - fill out an individual or group questionnaire, pay, after a while you will receive a confirmation by e-mail. It is best to print the confirmation and take it with you on your trip. The cost of a monthly visa is $20. You can also get a visa on arrival, it will cost a little more - $ 25. Please read before your trip up-to-date information regarding the visa on the website of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, as well as on the forum of independent travelers.

Hotels in Sri Lanka

There is one feature of the hotel business in Sri Lanka. In many hotels, the price from the "street" can be higher than through the Internet. If you are faced with such a situation, then you can always use free wifi and book a room directly at the hotel through the system.

Transport in Sri Lanka

In this route we used the following transport (for 5 people):

Minivan Colombo -> Polonnaruwa (rented on arrival at the airport, as usual, they are not traded at the airport, the prices are too high, the alternative is to go to Colombo and take the car there, wasting time)
Tuk-tuk in Polonnaruwa (offered by the owner of the guesthouse, bargaining agreed)
Car Polonnaruwa -> Sigiriya (rented through the owner of the guesthouse)
Minivan Sigiriya -> Peredeniya -> Pinnawala -> Nuwara Eliya (rented via tuk-tuker in Sigiriya, 16,000 rupees, 2 days)
Neighborhood Nuwara Eliya (rented a minivan in a cafe where we had breakfast, 5000 rupees for the whole day)
Minivan Nuwara Eliya -> railway station Nanu Oya (rented on the main street of Nuwara Eliya, there is a parking lot for rent)
Train Nanu Oya -> Ella (tickets were bought half an hour before departure, the price is from $ 2 to $ 10, depending on the class of the car, 1st class (~ $ 3) is comparable in comfort to Aeroexpress trains to airports in Moscow)
Minivan Ella - Tangalle (rented on the main street of Ella, 8000 rupees, a dozen cars offer their services for transfers to anywhere in the country. We agreed with the driver in advance that he would take us to hotels in Tangalle)
Local bus Tangalle -> Galle (ticket costs 140 rupees, if you sit down and do not go during rush hour standing, it is quite comfortable. They go fast, the seats are arranged in two rows, one has two seats, the other has three. The distance between the seats is quite normal even for my 190 cm height)
We returned from Tangalle to Marakolliya beach in a minivan for 5000 rupees, a tuk-tuk on the same route costs 4000 rupees
Minivan from Marakolliya beach -> airport in Colombo (rented at the hotel, 4-5 hours drive)

For comparison, look at the prices for transfers at.

Transfer from Bandaranaike Airport (Colombo) to Polonnaruwa

Travel insurance for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka beaches

If the main purpose of your trip is a beach holiday, then you do not need to go to Sri Lanka. There are many other places for a beach holiday, for example. A beach holiday in Sri Lanka can only be interesting as an addition to the excursion program, this combination is the main value of a holiday in Ceylon. If we talk about the south and southwest coast, where the season is from October to March, then in my opinion, the most beautiful beaches are east of the city of Tangalle. The beach, in my opinion, is a very good choice for 3-5 days on the beach.

Route map to Ella Rock

So how do you get to . First of all, we reach railway and move along the sleepers towards Nuwara Eliya. After about an hour, before the sign 166 1/2, you need to turn left onto the path (sharp turn). Further through the bridge across the river and at the first fork to the left up. Further along the path without turning (keeping to the widest path) walk for about 20 minutes. Further past the tea plantation, a slight rise (sloping) for 50 meters begins, then you will see a ruined foundation with a wall - on the left. Another rise and go to the first observation deck before a steep climb. Then all the time up a steep climb with a climb of about 200 m. And now, at the end of the path - an exit to the observation deck - overlooking the town of Ella (to the left) and small Adam's Peak (straight). The height of this place is about 1320 m.

Sri Lanka is an island in Indian Ocean located near India. Before gaining independence from the English "friends" in 1972, everyone called this territory - the island of Ceylon. Wonderful place: endless beaches, amazing nature and hospitable hosts.

The alternation of a beach holiday with various excursions is what attracts tourists from all over the world to the country. Some go on their own, others - through a tour company. What's better?

With very limited time, it is better to use the help of tour operators. They will take care of the entire organization of the trip. And if there is more time, then it is more interesting to make a trip on your own. In any case, you need to be well prepared for it.

Which resort should you go to? How to apply for a visa?

How long does the flight take? How to spend smarter cash? Where to stay and what to see? The best beaches Sri Lanka. Things to do? How much does it cost to rent a house, villa, room? What to bring from Ceylon? Attractions. Tour price? Cost of food in Sri Lanka? How much money to take with you? We have tried to answer these and many other questions that arise when planning such a trip.

Calculating the budget for a trip to Sri Lanka for two people

The cost of round-trip air tickets from Moscow to Sri Lanka depends mainly on the date of purchase of tickets and the class. The earlier you buy a ticket, the cheaper it will be. The best acquisition time is 60-90 days. Its cost still depends a little on the time of departure and arrival, the duration of transfers: than more convenient flight for the passenger - the more expensive it is. Tickets are cheaper from Tuesday to Thursday.

We bought a ticket to Sri Lanka three months before the trip. Route: Moscow (Russia) - Doha (Qatar) - Colombo (Sri Lanka). The cost of a two-way economy class ticket for one person was $460 in our case. Approximate travel time: 5.20 to Qatar from Moscow, about 5 hours to Colombo airport. The time difference from the Kremlin chimes is +2 hours 30 minutes.

Or, in the old-fashioned way, they issued a visa on their own - online. The cost is $30 US.

Before arrival, we booked a house through booking for the first three days of our stay on the island in order to look around and find accommodation to our taste and budget. Good house(Villa Aloha) with two bedrooms for four people with traditional one air conditioning cost $ 30 per day for rent.

To save time, effort and increase mobility, we rented a smart scooter on the first day. With his help, the search for a house ended successfully.

We rented a wonderful house for $420 per month.

Relying on intuition in choosing a house, we pulled out a winning ticket. What distinguished it from most rental houses was a well-thought-out ventilation system, which is very important in a tropical climate.

The cost of renting housing is influenced by many factors: season, rental period, area of the premises, comfort, location, etc. Most of these not unimportant points are covered in the article about our rented house in Sri Lanka.

The room will cost much less. Once I was offered a room for rent by a passer-by for 10,000 rupees (~$70) per month. What it was, I did not specify, but I remembered the number. I bring it for comparison.

There are a lot of free housing, both in Hikkaduwa and other resorts. Booking something in advance, even temporarily, in principle, is not necessary.

Keep in mind that it always gets dark on the island early, around 18:00, and in the light of the Sun it’s more fun to do all this.

From morning until 21:00, housing is easy to rent everywhere. Later, the choice is limited: either hotels open around the clock or you have to use the help of the nearest "assistant". He will come to you in the most unexpected place.

Having extended the visa to Colombo, we once returned to last train to Hikkaduwa and met a family from Saratov. They had just arrived and were on their way to rest in Bentota. Who helped them find accommodation at this late hour will surely surprise you.

The minimum vocabulary required to find a room: Hello, Hav A Yu, Room Rent, To People, Seven Day, To Price, Know Gut Price, Expensive, Nex Time, May Price - Gut Price - Van Southen Fife Handret Rupiys, Okay, Senk yuh, goodbye. Smile and shake hands.

The inconspicuous phrase "next time" makes life very easy.

Round-trip tickets for two people - $920 ($460 + $460 = $920). Visa on arrival at the airport for two people - $70 ($35+$35).

The road to the selected resort. For example, from the capital of Sri Lanka to Hikkaduwa, bus travel is no more than 230 rupees per person.

The cost depends on the distance and transport. From the airport to Colombo, an air-conditioned bus ticket is 230 rupees (~ $ 1.5). From Colombo to Galle - travel on such a bus will cost 270 rupees (~$ 2), to Matara a little more expensive about $ 3. The city of Matara is the southernmost point of the island of Sri Lanka, there is almost no further land. Only . From its top to good weather the equator is visible.

When traveling by train in a class 3 carriage, transportation costs can be half as much.

We traveled a lot around the island, visited the most famous beaches, 23 excursions helped us to form our own opinion about many sights of Sri Lanka, rented accommodation on two coasts, traveled through the country's inner cities and concluded that if you wish, you can easily find a decent overnight stay for two people with a toilet and shower, however, without air conditioning for 1500 rupees or a little more.

We ourselves quickly adapted and air conditioning became irrelevant for us.

We will calculate the rent of a room for two with a margin - 2000 rupees for 1 day. For 7 days - 14,000 rupees ($100).

The cost of excursions, routes and travel are described in detail in our articles. Let's sum up the cost entrance tickets for 5 excursions: we will take to Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, on a sea safari in Mirissa, a visit to a tea factory, Royal Botanical Garden, Temple of the Tooth Relic and extreme ascent to Adam's Peak. We receive no more than 10,000 rupees per person or 20,000 for two. There is no time left to buy if you spend so much on excursions.

I would plan like this: the first day - the day of arrival, check-in, we try some water; Day 2 - acquaintance with the resort - lobster beach, the next 2-3 days on excursions, the sixth day in reserve. Day 7 - the day of departure: the beach, the delivery of housing, we wipe our tears.

Seven days to get to know Sri Lanka are very few, at least 2 weeks, and preferably a month.

Food expenses are about the same as at home. Of course, if you have not set a goal to prepare for the sumo championship on the island.

For our calculation, we will take the cost of an enhanced tourist ration, also with a large margin - 2,000 rupees for two and no standing at the stove. For seven days - 14,000 rupees (~$100)

Transport on the island is plentiful and very accessible. If two tourists travel from Hikkaduwa to Colombo and back by bus every day, then in 7 days you can spend only 5,000 rupees.

To become a real tropical "night wolf" you must either have a scooter. This is about 5,000 rupees more to the holiday budget. This, of course, is optional. In Sri Lanka, whoever is bigger has the advantage on the road. Remember this and take care of yourself.

The island has excellent conditions for shopping.

It is especially good to do it in Colombo, Matara, Galle and other "big" cities. If you want, you can find quality items at a low price. Personally, we liked the trading network of men's, women's and children's clothing "Fashion Bug". For purchases we put 10,000 rupees for two.

Total: $1550.

Conclusion: for a full 7 day trip to Sri Lanka, two tourists need about $ 1,550. If you subtract from the sum everything superfluous in your opinion, the result will be even more attractive.

As can be seen from the analysis of expenses, the lion's share is eaten by tickets for the flight. Therefore, it is beneficial, having arrived in Sri Lanka, to stay there longer.

The materials of the article will help to accurately predict the costs of this increasingly popular tourist route. What do tour operators offer? Compare their offers and make your choice. Each type of recreation, in its own way, is unforgettably good.

Truth in numbers. Good luck.