See what "Sri Lanka (island)" is in other dictionaries. Sri Lanka - read about Sri Lanka before traveling to the island Useful phone numbers

Dear readers, today I again invite you on a journey. Indian Ocean with warm water, golden sand beaches, palm trees, gorgeous nature and exotic animals - all this can amaze even the most fastidious traveler. Where is this amazing place? - you ask. This is the former island of Ceylon, now its new name is Sri Lanka, where a vacation will delight you not only with picturesque landscapes, wild rivers and comfortable weather, but also with a large number of unique attractions, delicious food and unusually aromatic and strong tea.

The enchanting beauty of the island is complemented by a variety of resorts with hotels, welcoming and friendly people - the Sri Lankans. By the way, most residents speak several languages, including English and Russian. This place is great for a quiet and have a relaxing holiday the whole family.

Sri Lanka - where is such a country located?

Sri Lanka is largest island, located in the Indian Ocean. It is a Democratic Socialist Republic in South Asia. The name translates as glorious and blessed land. Until it gained independence, or rather until 1972, the island was called Ceylon. India is located in close proximity to Sri Lanka. Even before the beginning of the 15th century, these states were connected by an isthmus. Now, there is a sandbank at this place, since a strong earthquake in the 15th century destroyed it. The capital of the island is a city with a difficult name to pronounce - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, but the cultural and economically developed unofficial capital is the city of Colombo.

Sri Lanka has a rich world of flora and fauna. Almost 3,000 varieties of plants grow here, about 1,000 of which are flowering, over 700 species of medicinal flowers and herbs, and 150 varieties of wild orchids and ferns. Many people associate this country with elephants. And for good reason. Mighty elephants really live here, and not only that. The diversity of wildlife makes this island an amazing place. Beautiful butterflies, birds, reptiles, mammals - and many of them are protected by law, as they are listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.

Sri Lanka - monthly weather, rainy season, water temperature

The climate is tropical, with monsoon rainy seasons. An amazing feature of the monsoons in the summer is that they occur mainly at night. The weather is very favorable for relaxation all year round. The air temperature is always stable, about 28-30 degrees Celsius at any time of the year. Only in the mountainous region the temperature in winter reaches only 10 degrees Celsius. Beach paradise all year round - this is how this state can be described.

The rainy season is long. From December to May there are rains in the eastern part of the island, from May to September there are monsoons in the west of the country. Therefore, in winter, it is best to relax in the southern and western regions of Sri Lanka. For example, the most popular cities are Colombo and Galle. The weather here is excellent, dry and sunny, just as the rainy season is approaching in the east. But in the summer months, resorts located in the eastern region are perfect.

The water temperature here is always constant. The average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you can swim here all year round. Even at night you can bask in the warm waters of the ocean.

Sights of Sri Lanka, photos

Equipped beaches and comfortable hotels are not all that Sri Lanka can boast of. A huge number of ancient and unique attractions, 8 of which are included in the UNESCO list. Temples for all religions, various buildings and monuments in honor of Buddha, beautiful palaces, museums and temples are just a small part of the interesting places you can visit.

Currently, excursions around the country are very popular, which allow you to see the maximum number of attractions in a short time. Of course, if you have enough time and you like to leisurely enjoy exploring amazing places and architectural structures, then it is better to take a walk around the sights on your own. Here are some of them that you should definitely see, otherwise your trip around the island would be in vain. Tea center, sacred Bodhi tree, golden Buddha statue, Kumana national reserve and Adam's Peak.

Sri Lanka - holidays and reviews from tourists

All tourists who visited this amazing and mysterious place at least once were very pleased with their vacation. After reading many reviews, I made several useful discoveries for myself that will help improve my vacation in this country. Now I will share with you some tips.

• Don't buy tea in the city, otherwise you will buy a mixture of local Sri Lankan and second-rate Indian tea. You can buy one like this at home, in the supermarket. Be sure to visit the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, where you will buy really good Sri Lankan tea and enjoy the view of the tea plantations that cover all the slopes and peaks of the mountains.
• When swimming in the ocean, be careful, it is choppy and it is better to swim where you can feel the bottom. After a wave, you can be pulled into the ocean, and the point of no return is very easy to miss. There are no rescuers, and a cry for help may not be heard. Better swim in the pool.
• It is not customary to use regular toilet paper on the island. In their room they have a special hose with water supply, or a ladle (you know why). Therefore, if you cannot live without personal hygiene products, be sure to take it with you.
• There are a lot of impudent monkeys on the island, scurrying everywhere, which can seriously ruin your entire vacation. Do not leave your belongings unattended. When leaving your hotel room, be sure to close the windows, otherwise you may risk losing your belongings and causing significant damage to the room.

Holidays in Sri Lanka - independent travel

You can get from Moscow to Colombo by direct airline flights. Unfortunately, direct flights do not occur every day, but according to a schedule. If you urgently need to get to this island, you can use connecting flights. There are several of them - in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Koch and Istanbul.
How long does it take to fly from Moscow to Sri Lanka? The direct flight is the shortest flight time, it takes from 8 to 9 hours. If the flight has transfers, then it is a little longer; it can take up to 12 hours of flight time. Don't forget to get a visa before planning your trip to Sri Lanka.

The island's public transport is trains and buses. Therefore, you can travel around the country on your own only by train and buses.

Traveling by bus is only suitable within the city. The cost of bus travel is very low, while the price for private transport is the same as for public transport. There are even luxury buses - with air conditioning and free seats, but the price for such travel is much more expensive. But what can you do for comfort?
Remember, the first seats on local buses are reserved for monks - they cannot be occupied!

You can travel between cities on your own by train. Affordable prices and the ability to choose comfort have made this type of transport very popular among tourists and local residents. 1st class trains are not just luxurious, they are unique. In addition to air conditioning and free WI-FI, there is a very interesting interior of the cars, in vintage style. Train schedules are available on the official websites of railway stations.

You may also be interested in reading reviews from tourists or visiting the sacred Indian city, follow the links. I hope you will find it interesting to read and see photos about these travels.

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is Island state in South Asia, better known as Ceylon, located off the southeastern coast of the Hindustan Peninsula. The capital is the city of Colombo.

Location and parameters of the island

Perhaps not every person knows where Sri Lanka is located on the world map. The country is located in the Indian Ocean on the island of Ceylon with coordinates: 79 degrees east longitude and 6 degrees north latitude. Discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1506.

Like some other South Asian states, the country was a colony. The island was owned by Portugal, Holland and England. The state gained its independence in 1948 under the name Ceylon, and in 1972 the country became known as Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is separated from the Asian continent by the Gulf of Manara, about 50 kilometers wide.

The island has the following parameters:

• area is 65,600 square kilometers;
• length from south to north 445 kilometers;
• length from east to west 220 kilometers;
• The length of the coastline is 1350 kilometers.

The northernmost point of Sri Lanka is Cape Pedro, the southernmost is the lighthouse in the village of Dondra.

In ancient times, the island of Ceylon was connected to Hindustan by a land bridge, but at the end of the 15th century, as a result of an earthquake, it lost land connections with the Asian mainland. The island itself, shaped like an egg, was called a pearl, a tear, “Sapphire Island.”

Flora and fauna

The island of Sri Lanka has a diverse flora and fauna. More than 250 species of birds are permanent inhabitants of the island, about 200 species of birds are migratory from Europe, Siberia, and Scandinavian countries, wintering here. In spring, about 250 species of butterflies migrate here.

The fauna of Ceylon is also diverse, representatives of which are:

• buffalos;
• wild boars;
• deer;
• jackals;
• the Bears;
• foxes;
• porcupines;
• elephants;
• monkey.

More than 70 species of reptiles thrive on the island, including crocodiles, snakes, and turtles.

Diverse world and flora in Sri Lanka. More than 3,000 species of all kinds of plants grow here, including ferns, orchids, and medicinal herbs.

The island contains nature reserves, national parks and reservations that preserve unique nature.

A country's economy

Sri Lanka is a multinational country. The population reaches 20 million people. The main nationalities living on the island are Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burgers. All of them create the country's economy with their labor.

The island of Ceylon, where Sri Lanka is located, accounts for 10% of all tea produced in the world. The country ranks third in the world in this indicator after India and China. The production of precious stones, cinnamon, and rubber is also very developed here. And although the main industrial sector of the island is textiles, due to the abolition of quotas on clothing imports, local products have been replaced by Chinese ones.

The main economic center is the port of Colombo.

Sri Lanka's main export products are:

• cloth;
• precious stones: sapphires, emeralds, rubies;
• rubber;
• coconuts;
• fish;
• textile.

The country imports food, oil, transport, and industrial equipment.

Leisure and tourism

Recreation and tourism play an increasingly important role in the country's economy. The whole world knows the place where Sri Lanka is located, because the island is known as a seaside resort recreation center. There are also religious and historical Buddhist monuments here. Vacationers can visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the ancient capital of Sri Lanka - the city of Kandy.

Where Sri Lanka is located, there is no bustle or city noise. There is only nature and the sea here. The main entertainments for vacationers are:

• underwater diving;
• picnic in nature;
• fishing;
• cricket.

Resorts Sri Lanka

People planning to spend their current holiday on the island of Sri Lanka should know the positive aspects of choosing resorts in the country. These include:

• convenient and acceptable location of resorts to the airport;
• exotic nature;
• compact location of resorts along the coastline, making it possible to visit them by public transport;
• climatic favorability.

The list of resorts in Sri Lanka is quite large. We list those that are most in demand among tourists:

• Beruwela;
• Mount Lavinya;
• Tangale;
• Kalutara;
• Bentota;
• Hikaduwa;
• Kosgoda;
• Mirissa;
• Unawantuna;
• Hambantota;
• Dikwela.

Resorts Sri Lanka. How to get there? Each of the above island resorts can be reached from the airport by regular public transport in two to three hours. When choosing, be sure to take into account: the presence of underwater currents and wave heights. Where Sri Lanka is located is a subequatorial monsoon, bringing the heaviest rain from May to October. Therefore, it is important to decide on a temporary rest period. It is also recommended to have both a map of the country of Sri Lanka itself and a tourist map of the island, which shows the main attractions.

Sri Lanka is a luxurious pearl in the Indian Ocean. This island-state with more than 2000 years of history is considered a treasure trove of cultural and historical heritage humanity. In short, Sri Lanka is tea, gems, an eventful history, amazingly picturesque views, a warm ocean and friendly people.

Geographical characteristics

The island of Sri Lanka, whose outline resembles a teardrop, is located in South Asia, 800 km from the equatorial line. It is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Manara and the Bay of Bengal, and the Palk Strait. In ancient times, Sri Lanka was connected to the mainland by the Adam's Bridge shoal, but, as legends tell, in 1481 this shoal was destroyed by an earthquake.

The area of ​​the island is 65,610 km², it stretches for 225 km in a west-east direction, and 445 km in a north-south direction.

The terrain in Sri Lanka is mostly lowland, with a mountain range in the center. The highest mountain is Pidurutalagala (2524 m), but the majestic Sri Pada, also called Adam's Peak (2243 m), is more famous. There are 2 capes on the island: from the south - Dondra, from the west - Dutch Bay.

Sri Lanka is inhabited by 21 million people. It so happens that the predominant nationalities are the Sinhalese and Tamils; burghers, Moors and Veddas (indigenous population) also live. This situation has affected the language issue of the state: the national languages ​​are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is also often spoken.

History of the island

In the written chronicle "Mahavamsa", which from the 6th century. until 1815 was led by Buddhist monks, a detailed history of the island state is outlined.

Ancient city of Pollonaruwa

Initially, these lands were inhabited by the ancestors of the Veddas, who belonged to the Australoid-Negroid race. As indicated in the chronicle, in 504 BC. The island lands were conquered by the Indian prince Vijaya. His followers ruled Sri Lanka throughout the 6th–5th centuries. BC, and then many immigrants from India settled on its territory. Vijaya gave the island the same name as his clan - “Sinhaladvipa”. In the 18th century, under the British, this name was reborn as “Silon” (“Ceylon”).

From the end of the 3rd century. until the 13th century the island belonged to the Sinhala kingdoms, and by the end of the 13th century. its lands to the north and east were inhabited by large communities of Tamils. In the 15th century, the island was captured by troops from China, after which small states were formed on its territory.

In the 16th century The coastal island areas were occupied by immigrants from Portugal, who built a fortress in Colombo. The influence of the Portuguese colonialists grew and intensified, and by the end of the 16th century. they controlled the main part of the island.

In the 17th century The Portuguese were replaced by colonialists from Holland: in 1638-1639 they managed to conquer the island lands almost entirely. Until 1796, the entire territory was under their control.

In 1796, almost the entire island passed to Great Britain, and in 1798 it became its colonial territory. The kingdom of Kandy remained independent, but in 1815 it was also included in the colonial lands.

Only in 1948 did Sri Lanka emerge from British rule, but remained a Dominion in the United Kingdom of England and acquired the name “Ceylon”.

Since the island ceased to be a colony of Great Britain, it recent history can be conditionally divided into the following periods:

• 1948-1972 – Dominion of Ceylon. Autonomy in the Commonwealth of Nations under the leadership of the English ruler, nationalist reforms. The formation of preconditions for the beginning of interethnic discord, anti-Tamil pogroms, the eviction of Tamils ​​to India, the 1971 uprising.
• 1972-1978 - independent Republic. Closure of British military bases, nationalization of tea production.
• 1978-1983 – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Increasing ethnic strife. Internal war in the state against the backdrop of the fight against the LTTE insurgents demanding autonomy and secession.
• 2009-2017 – recovery period. Implementation of the restoration program with the full support of other states. Peaceful change of power in 2015: former Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena won early presidential elections. Fruitful cooperation with international partners, economic growth.

Climatic conditions

The island is located in the tropical zone, therefore, the climate here is tropical - warm and with high humidity.

The air temperature is even, the difference between the warmest and coldest months is 2-3°C. The average annual temperature on the island ranges from +27°C to +32°C, with the exception of mountainous areas where temperatures up to +10°C can be observed at night from December to March.

In May - September, the coasts in the west and south are in the rainy season - they are brought by the monsoon from the southwest. From October to January rains prevail on the northern coast, but there they are caused by the monsoon from the northeast. The rainy season is characterized by powerful and short showers (they last on average 10-15 minutes, and at night), as well as powerful winds that raise high ocean waves.

Thanks to weather conditions, you can relax on the beaches of Sri Lanka all year round, just in different areas:

• in winter (October - April) - in the southwest;
• in summer (March - November) - in the northeast.

As for the Indian Ocean, its waters have a temperature that ranges between +27...+29°C.

Regions and cities

The Republic of Sri Lanka consists of 9 provinces, they contain 25 districts. The official capital is considered to be Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, where the parliament and the state judicial service are located. The government administration and presidential residence are located in the nearby city of Colombo, which has been recognized as the unofficial capital.

The following cities may be of greatest interest to travelers:

Colombo. In its northern part there is the Fort tourist center - almost all hotels, shops, and restaurants are located there.

Anuradhapura is a town in the North Central Province. It is famous for its temple and monastery buildings that have survived from ancient times.

Kandy is the ancient capital of the island state, located in the Central Province. Every year in Kandy, the Esala Peraher festival takes place, when a religious relic, the tooth of Buddha, is brought out to display.

There are many good resorts on the island. But the main question for most tourists remains: “Which resort to prefer?” So:

Bentota is popular among young families, adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. A variety of services that tourists can use are designed to suit any budget. Read .

Beruwela is suitable for vacationers who come to Sri Lanka primarily for the beaches. At the same time, there are hotels both for budget tourists and for luxury holidays.

Lankan family on Wadduwa beach

Wadduwa is famous for its sandy beaches, lined with coconut trees. Tourist infrastructure It is not very developed here: there are several hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes, and there is a diving center. will appeal to those who like to immerse themselves in the culture of the country of travel.

Koggala is located at a relative distance from the civilized world, which makes it attractive to travelers dreaming of a relaxing holiday. All infrastructure is present, there are even tennis courts and golf courses. Read .

Mount Lavinia is a fairly large center of trade, industry and economy. It is popular due to its extensive and well-maintained beaches.

Nuwara Eliya has the reputation of being one of the few cool oases in the hot country of South Asia with Victoria Park, Lake Gregory, a golf complex, and a racetrack. But first of all, produced in the area.

Hikkaduwa is a diving mecca, famous for its coral reefs and numerous inhabitants underwater world. In addition, the tourism infrastructure is most developed here.

Tangalle is interesting for its numerous secluded bays, wide deserted beaches, and places for snorkeling. The Tangalle resort is described in more detail.

Dambulla. On this mountain (its height is 350 m) there are several cave temples, where the most extensive selection of Buddha statues is presented. Built back in the 1st century BC. - important religious place for numerous pilgrims and interesting object

for tourists.

Anuradhapura.

Fort Galle.

The fortress, which is still in good condition, was built by the Dutch. They recaptured the bastion from the Portuguese in 1640, and the credit for the foundation belongs to them. When it comes to entertainment, there is plenty to choose from on this island. IN entertainment complexes

, operating at most resorts, offer boat rides, banana boat rides, ski rides, and parasailing.

Helicopter flights to many attractions are organized from Ratmalana Airport, and hot air balloon flights are conducted in Udawalawe Park and Mount Sigiriya.

There are many golf clubs on the island with well-equipped courses.

Nightclubs and discos open after 22.00 and remain open until the morning. There are almost 2 dozen casinos in Colombo, almost all of them operate 24 hours a day. The most famous is the Colombo-3 CONTINENTAL CLUB.

Sri Lankan cuisine

The basis of Sri Lankan cuisine is a variety of fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, and rice. They eat very little meat here, giving preference to pork and chicken, and they don’t eat beef at all, since cows are considered sacred animals.

Like most eastern countries, food in Sri Lanka is very spicy. Curry is the name here for any dish prepared with a mixture of various spices ground into powder. The locals' excessive love for spices, especially chilli, makes all the local food fiery hot.

Coconut oil, juice, milk, shavings from the pulp of this nut, and palm nectar are added to many Sri Lankan dishes.

Food on the island is cheap: typically, lunch will cost around $2-4. In the most expensive establishments aimed at tourists, you will have to pay about $10.

Sri Lanka: the most important things about the currency

The currency of Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan rupees (LKR and Rs). There are notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000, and coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees.

You are allowed to bring any amount of currency into Sri Lanka, but amounts exceeding $15,000 must be declared. When importing more than $5,000, the currency must also be declared if you plan to take it back.

It is equally convenient to take dollars and euros to Sri Lanka - there are absolutely no problems with exchange.

Where to change currency

Although “private traders” offer to exchange at a rate that compares favorably with the bank rate, it is still better to carry out such transactions in official institutions. It should be taken into account that even at exchange offices located very close by, the exchange rate can vary greatly. Therefore, it makes sense to go through several exchangers to choose the one that offers the most favorable conditions.

You can make a reverse exchange, that is, exchange the remaining rupees in exchange for dollars at the purchase rate, before departure at the airport, but only if you have a certificate of the exchange completed (official exchange offices provide it when performing a currency transaction).

What you need to know about plastic cards

Plastic cards are quite common on the island; in big cities you can use them to pay in many hotels and shops. There are ATMs in all tourist areas, and even in most remote areas.

It should be taken into account that some banks classify Sri Lanka as a high-risk country when performing transactions with plastic cards.

If you do not inform your bank in advance that the plastic card will be used in Sri Lanka, there is a high probability that it will be blocked during the first use.

Transport on the island

If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka on your own, without the help of a tour operator, then you need to take care of the maximum convenient option movement.

Sri Lanka's railway system serves the main cities of the island, with the exception of cities in the north and east of the country.

The maximum fare from Colombo to any station is 300 rupees. The trains are very comfortable, and passengers can choose a carriage with any degree of comfort at their discretion.

Many routes, especially in the part where the railways pass through mountainous terrain, are very picturesque. Tourists who want to admire the local views can use special carriages with large windows.

Aircraft

The airline Aero Lanka operates flights from Colombo to the following destinations: Jaffna - in the far north of the country.

Buses

Buses on the island are inconvenient, but they are very cheap: for just a couple of dollars you can travel across the entire island. Tickets for AC class buses will cost 2 times more, but this transport is much more comfortable: air conditioning is installed and seats will be provided. By big cities There are city and private bus routes, and travel for them will cost approximately the same.

Car rental

In Sri Lanka, it is rare to rent a car, which is explained by driving on the left and poor adherence to the rules by drivers and pedestrians. Still, you can rent a car in Colombo:

• With a driver– in this case, the driver’s services are paid. Some drivers are licensed by the state to engage in this type of activity. Many of them speak several languages ​​and have a wide knowledge of the island.
• Without driver– the average cost is 2400 rupees per day, which includes a mileage of 80 kilometers. All additional kilometers will cost 8 rupees each. A driver must be at least 21 years old to rent a car.

To Colombo and suburban area Convenient to take a taxi. If payment is made by meter, then for landing and the 1st kilometer of the journey you need to pay 28-30 rupees, for each subsequent kilometer - 24-26 rupees. If the taxi does not have a meter, then you need to agree on the price before the start of the trip.

More popular for traveling around the city is the tuk-tuk - a small scooter on three wheels with a cabin. Average fare for a trip: for 1 km - 15-20 rupees.

How to get a visa to Sri Lanka

Since 2012, the Sri Lankan government has introduced new rules for foreigners visiting the state. Foreign citizens, including citizens of CIS countries, receive a visa under the same conditions.

For a short-term (up to 30 days) stay in Sri Lanka, as well as for transit travel, you need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa.

Means of communication

Almost all hotels have telephone service, but the cost of calls from your room will be high.

The two most popular mobile operators are Dialog and Mobitel, with Etisalat, HUTCH and Airtel having a much smaller market share. The first 3 listed operators offer “tourist communication packages”, which include different amounts of minutes for international and domestic calls, as well as limited Internet traffic. You can purchase Dialog and Mobitel SIM cards without leaving Colombo airport.

Wi-Fi is available for everyone big resorts. Hotel business centers sell cards of varying prices. Communication via a USB modem is also possible and is available in almost all parts of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a small island state located in South Asia near the Hindustan Peninsula. The country received its current 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 the nationalities. The most common religion is Buddhism, which is followed by the majority of Sinhalese. In addition, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are widespread in the country. The form of government in Sri Lanka is a semi-presidential republic. Administratively, the country is divided into 9 provinces - Central, North Central, Northern, Northwestern, Western, Southern, Eastern, as well as the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva.

The main sectors of the economy are agriculture, textile production and mining of precious stones. Recently, the tourism industry has been gaining momentum. The most popular holiday destinations in Sri Lanka are the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwela and Kalutara.

Flight time:
Flights to Bandaranaike Airport, Colombo
from Moscow - from 8 hours 30 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - from 11 hours 25 minutes. (1-3 transfers)
from Kazan - from 12 hours 30 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Yekaterinburg - from 11 hours 55 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 50 minutes. (1-4 transfers)

Current time in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte:
(UTC +5:30)

The most developed sport is cricket, which is exotic for Russians. The state pursues an active foreign policy, Sri Lanka is a member of well-known international organizations - the UN (United Nations), IMF (International Monetary Fund), ADB (Asian Development Bank) and others.

How to get there

At present, the issue of direct regular flights between Moscow and Colombo remains open, but it is known that Aeroflot operates flights on this route during the season. Excluding this option, the most optimal way to get to Sri Lanka is by this moment are flights of Emirates Moscow - Dubai - Colombo, Qatar Airways Moscow - Doha - Colombo and Etihad Moscow - Abu Dhabi - Colombo. All aircraft arrive at Colombo International Airport.

Many people are interested in an important question when buying a ticket from Moscow to Sri Lanka: how long to fly? If you choose a non-stop flight on the route Moscow - Sri Lanka, the flight will take 8 hours 45 minutes (flight to the capital of the country - Colombo). With connections it will be about 14 hours, but it depends on the connection times, which vary among airlines.

Climate and weather in Sri Lanka

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

Cooler temperatures can be found in the mountainous areas of Sri Lanka. The town of Nuwara Eliya is located at 1884 meters above sea level. The local average annual temperature is 18 °C. In cold weather at night, the thermometer can drop to an unprecedented level of 10 °C for Sri Lanka. This kind of “frost” forces the owners of local hotels and inns to use heating devices that are turned on in the evening and at night. It will be useful and pleasant for tourists to know that it usually rains at night in Sri Lanka. Therefore, your holiday at the resort should not be overshadowed by precipitation. The even and favorable climate throughout the year allows vacationers not to think about choosing a month for their vacation in Ceylon. Here at any time of the year local residents and tourists feel comfortable.

Rainy season in Sri Lanka

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

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

The north and east of the country are influenced by the northeastern monsoons, which occur here from November to February. Most of the cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal hit Bangladesh and the coast of India, but Sri Lanka also sometimes suffers, even despite some remoteness.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka is characterized by heavy and short (about 15 minutes) downpours, most often occurring at night. The main disadvantage for vacationers in such a situation is the strong wind, which creates big waves in the ocean, so it’s better to give up dreams of a calm and safe swim at this time.

The winter and autumn months on the island are characterized as inter-monsoon periods, when there are no heavy monsoon rains, but sometimes there are so-called “zenithal rains”, often found in equatorial regions. Thus, the best time to relax in the southwest, which is attractive to 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

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

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

Interestingly, many areas have a specific vocational focus. This division has arisen since ancient times. In Colombo there is a district of artisans, poor people, traders, etc. Of course, today such a classification is gradually becoming obsolete, but is still largely relevant. 30 kilometers from Colombo there is a large international Airport. The city is developed culturally and religiously - it has its own university, observatory, and religious institutions for various faiths.

The tourist center is located in the northern district of the city - Fort. Hotels, shops, restaurants and other entertainment venues are concentrated here. The main attractions of the city are Galle Face Green Park, the National Museum, Local Lore Museum, Presidential Palace and Independence Square. In the suburbs of Komlombo you can visit one of the largest zoos on the continent - Dehiwala Zoo.

Anuradhapura is the district capital of the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The city is named after its founder, the Indian prince Anuradha. Population: 50,000 inhabitants. The most developed economic sectors are agriculture and handicrafts. The air temperature is warm and favorable throughout the year; the climate is characterized by high humidity. The city is famous for its attractions: in Anuradhapura there are remains of ancient temples, monasteries and other cultural monuments. Among the most famous sites are the Ruanvelli and Thuparama stupas, the Abhayagiri and Isurumuniya monasteries, and the famous Aukan Buddha statue located near the city.

Kandy is one of the oldest Sri Lankan cities. It is located in the central part of the country. The city was previously known as Senkadagalapura. The population of Kandy is more than 150 thousand people. The city is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and was formerly the capital of ancient Ceylon. The most significant cultural monument is the Dalada Maligawa Temple. The Sacred Tooth of Buddha is located here, and this famous artifact has become an object of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Every year, Kandy hosts the popular Esala Peraher festival, during which time the famous relic is put on display for the public to see. For ten nights in a row, a procession with elephants takes place on the streets, which is accompanied by ethnic music, fakirs and other local attributes. In the suburbs of Kandy there is the largest Botanical Garden on the continent. It contains many rare species of tropical plants. In the vicinity of Kandy there is its own unique Spice Garden.

Negombo is a small town located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort is nicknamed "Little Rome". The fact is that Negombo is the unofficial center of Christianity in Sri Lanka. The city is quite developed, shops, restaurants, rental offices and other services are located here literally on every corner. Local beaches are deserted, so they are popular among lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday. True, most tourists use Negombo only as a transit point for a day or two, and then head to other resorts. However, the city has a lot to offer and show vacationers. The most popular entertainment is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for fishing. The most significant attractions are the remains of a Dutch fort and a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, which is located 10 kilometers from Negombo.

Resorts of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island where people go on vacation all year round. Beach holidays, swimming in the Indian Ocean, trips to exotic places, complete relaxation, meetings that will be remembered forever, authentic village life, age-old traditions - one way or another, this is what is expected from the island.

The main question that tourists going on vacation to Sri Lanka ask themselves is which resort to choose? Indeed, there are a lot here good places, each with its own character and flavor. Thus, Hikkaduwa gathers surfers, divers and young people on its beaches. Bentota is aimed at demanding tourists, Kogalla - at independent tourists and those who have arrived for the "winter", etc.

Below are the best resorts in Sri Lanka. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.

Bentota is a popular beach resort in Sri Lanka. This romantic spot is popular with young families and adventure seekers. Tourists have a full range of services to suit any budget. The resort will appeal to lovers of active recreation: the most popular Ceylon water entertainment center, Confifi Marina, is located here. Vacationers will be able to ride a boat, water ski, scooter or go scuba diving. The club also organizes excursions and boat trips.

Beruwela is a resort located in the southwest of the country, near Colombo. This place will appeal to tourists who prefer a beach holiday. However, lovers of a more active lifestyle will also find something to entertain themselves with. Large hotels have sports facilities - golf courses, tennis courts, and on the beaches tourists can enjoy traditional water activities. Along the coastline of the resort there are several hotels of different classes for people with different income levels. The main attraction of Beruveli is the ancient Kechimalai Mosque, to which thousands of Muslims from all over the world make pilgrimages every year.

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

Kalutara is a resort town on southwest coast Sri Lanka. From time immemorial, the resort was famous for its herbs and spices. Throughout its history, little Kalutara has been under the yoke of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists. However, today the place has become one of the most modern and dynamically developing Sri Lankan resorts. The local specialty is amazing and juicy tropical fruits, which are placed in baskets created by local craftsmen using their own methods. However, the famous Kalutara spices are still respected all over the world. The main attractions of the resort are the Gangatilaka Vihara Stupa and the February Navam Parade.

Kogalla is a small but famous Ceylon resort. The relative distance from civilization (Colombo is more than 100 kilometers away) attracts tourists here who dream of taking a break from the 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 famous for the fact that the remains of the legendary palace of the ancient Sinhalese state have been preserved on its territory. Other historical monuments include the Watadage Temple and giant Buddha statues carved into the rocks.

Nuwara Eliya is a 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 - magnificent modern complex golf course, Victoria Park, picturesque Lake Gregory and a hippodrome where horse racing takes place every spring.

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

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

What to see

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in Sri Lanka

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

Things to do

Water sports

Comfortable weather 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 with scuba gear, mask, fins and other equipment. The Indian Ocean, in addition to the most beautiful marine life and underwater reefs, keeps many secrets and mysteries. Diving near shipwrecks and underwater caves heightens the senses and makes diving in Sri Lanka simply unforgettable. Lankan diving centers have modern equipment and equipment, and are scattered around the entire perimeter of the island. When planning a diving holiday, you should take into account the travel time. The fact is that diving centers located in the southwest of Sri Lanka operate from mid-autumn to mid-spring, and in the northeast - from early spring to mid-autumn.

Snorkeling also allows you to contemplate the splendor of the underwater world, but only at shallow depths: snorkeling requires only a mask, fins and a snorkel. The purity and transparency of Sri Lankan waters easily allows you to engage in this exciting activity, because the underwater delights are visible at a depth of several meters.

Surfing is riding waves using special boards. Surfers have chosen many areas of Sri Lanka. The picturesque landscape, the relaxed atmosphere of the resort and, of course, good high waves make the island ideal for practicing this sport.

Windsurfing is riding the waves using a board equipped with a sail. This sport can be practiced in Negombo, Trincomalee, Bentota. Equipment is rented at specialized rental points. Some hotels specialize in windsurfing and offer tourists all the necessary equipment. The gathering place for experienced athletes was Arugam Bay.

Ayurveda

Traditional treatment in Sri Lanka is very developed. Ayurveda, which literally means the science of life, is especially popular. This is a whole range of traditional treatment methods, including aromatherapy, relaxation, meditation, massage, and healthy eating. Ayurveda implies comprehensive healing of the body, and not the treatment of only diseased organs. The most important thing is that this direction has no side effects or contraindications. All medical products are made entirely from natural ingredients. Several hotels in Sri Lanka offer to combine relaxation with treatment according to the Ayurveda system.

Ecotourism

All over the world, ecotourism has long been a popular holiday destination. Recently, this type of recreation has begun to gain popularity among our compatriots. Tours to Sri Lanka offer a wide variety of ecotourism offerings. Vacationers can choose from rafting on mountain rivers, off-road trips over rough terrain, riding elephants, mountain climbing and other original excursions.

Camping and safaris

For tourists who are tired of the comfort of modern hotels and want to join the natural world, Sri Lanka offers a special excursion program with accommodation in tent camps at national parks. The tour program is compiled taking into account the individual wishes of vacationers. Tourists independently choose the parks to visit and other recreation criteria. Among the latter are the comfort of tent rooms, the number of days on the tour, and the purchase of additional excursions. The standard program lasts 9 days, during which all the main national parks of the country are visited. The camps provide all necessary living conditions and three meals a day.

Agritourism

Agritourism is the best holiday destination for those who want to get to know the peculiarities of Sri Lankan life from the inside. Tourists can not only live in the usual conditions of a Ceylon village, but also take part in agricultural work, as well as care for domestic animals. As part of agrotourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with local culture, customs, and learn to cook national cuisine.

Fishing

The coastal waters of Sri Lanka are replete with the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. The abundance of plankton attracts a wide variety of species - from tuna to sharks. Excursion fishing usually starts early in the morning. Tourist groups are taken out for fishing several tens of kilometers from the coast. Vacationers are accompanied by experienced local fishermen, and all necessary gear is included in the price of the excursion.

River Safari

The so-called boat safari is very popular on the island. This is a three-hour river boat ride. During the excursion you will be able to meet many exotic birds and animals. As you move away from civilization by boat, you can find more and more interesting and unusual things - small islands of land, aboriginal settlements and unique vegetation. A local guide will cost only $20.

Helicopter excursion

The opportunity to take a helicopter ride has appeared quite recently. This is a very expensive entertainment, but there are still people who want it. The helicopter base is located 15 kilometers from the capital of Sri Lanka. From here you can fly to almost anywhere in the country. The maximum allowed number of tourists in the cabin of one helicopter is four people. The most popular excursion to Sigiriya will cost $2,000 per helicopter, in addition, you will have to fork out another $112 for each hour you wait for the helicopter.

Hot Air Balloon Flight

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

Golf

This game began to develop in Sri Lanka back in the 19th century. Today, the country has created several high-quality golf complexes that meet international standards. Beginning athletes can also enjoy the game: golf clubs offer special individual and group lessons for beginners.

Sri Lankan wedding

Newlyweds from all over the world are increasingly choosing Sri Lanka as their wedding venue. The ceremony takes place according to local traditions - the bride and groom dress in bright national costumes, the procession is accompanied by elephants and the beating of drums, and boys and girls in colorful outfits dance nearby. After exchanging rings, the newlyweds give each other a taste of rice boiled in coconut milk and wash it down with water. This ritual symbolizes the future mutual care of husband and wife. There are a number of other traditional wedding rituals - tying the little fingers of the bride and groom with gold thread, breaking a coconut to sprinkle milk on the newlyweds' clothes and lighting an oil lamp together. The cost of the ceremony should be discussed in advance with the organizer. The amount will vary depending on the number of services selected. But on average you can spend $1000.

Beaches of Sri Lanka

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

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

Getting around the country

Bus

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

On bus stops It's hectic, especially at big ones, but almost everyone will be happy to practice their English and help.

Private and municipal buses operate in major cities of the country. The fare for them is approximately the same. Public transport in Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest in the world.

Train

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

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

Knock Knock

The most popular transport in Sri Lanka are small scooters with a cabin called tuk-tuk. They are unusual for us, but Sri Lankans regularly use them for everyday trips. A tuk-tuk is much cheaper than a regular taxi, the average price per kilometer is 15-20 rupees. It is not customary to pay tips in Sri Lanka.

Taxi

A more traditional type of transport will cost about 50% more. For a kilometer of travel you will have to pay about 30 rupees. If the taxi is not equipped with a meter, then the cost of the trip should be agreed upon in advance. You can “catch” a taxi driver right on the street or call him by phone.

Car rental

The country has a well-organized transport system, but Russians will be greatly surprised by two things - driving on the left and the possibility of animals driven by farmers and cars coexisting on the road.

With a driver

The car itself is often provided free of charge, and money is paid to the driver for his services. Some drivers/guides are licensed by the state to operate, some are extremely knowledgeable and speak multiple languages ​​and specialize in the history and culture of the country. For those who go to see historical places And nature reserves they will talk about the environment.

Without driver

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

Airplane

The air carrier Aero Lanka operates domestic flights on the Colombo-Ratmalata, Colombo-Jaffna and Colombo-Trincomalee routes.

Communication

The main language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, the second language is Tamil. English is used in government and tourism. Don't expect the entire population everywhere to speak English fluently. It is much more common in beach and tourist areas. Most people in rural areas do not know English at all, except for a few simple words.

• Sinhalese: The greeting in Sinhala is “aayuBOvan”, which literally means “stay longer”; thank you in Sinhala is "stuti";
• Tamil: The greeting in Tamil is “vanakkam”; thank you - “nanri”;
• Arabic(Lankan Moors): When meeting a Muslim, it is polite to say “Assalamu alaikum”; thank you sounds like “jaza-ka alla.”

Culture

The culture of Sri Lanka has managed to preserve many of its own ancient traditions, despite the fact that European colonialists had a great influence on it. The country has managed to preserve traditional customs in many areas. Most of the ancient national works of art are, in one way or another, connected with the dominant religion in the country - Buddhism. Painting, sculpture and architecture developed under his influence. Original dances and songs are also an important object of Sri Lankan culture. Contemporary art in Sri Lanka is actively developing cinema, radio and television.

One of the main holidays for Sri Lankans is New Year. True, unlike our country, in Sri Lanka it is celebrated in April. There are many rituals associated with this event on the island, and of course there is a traditional chic fireworks display.

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

Kitchen

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

Since Sri Lankan and South Indian food are very similar, many local restaurants will list Sri Lankan cuisine and South Indian cuisine on their menus. In addition, different regions have their own cooking options. Food is generally very cheap, with an inexpensive lunch costing around a dollar. Rarely can a meal cost more than ten dollars, except in the most expensive places aimed at tourists. Colombo has a large selection of high quality restaurants.

Ceylonese cuisine often uses coconut ingredients - coconut juice, butter and shavings. There are many other dishes with other unusual ingredients for us.

String hoppers are rice vermicelli that are rolled and steamed.

Umbalakada is a small fish that has been ground into powder.

Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes cooked with coconut milk.

Bittara arra - pancake combined with fried eggs. To prepare it, place a chicken egg in the middle of the pancake.

Hakuru arra is a delicacy similar to Bittara arra, but sweetened with coconut.

Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked in coconut milk.

Rotti is a regular flatbread seasoned with curry sauce.

Pittu - Prepared from water, rice flour and coconut. Also served with curry sauce.

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

Beverages

In Sri Lanka, you should not drink tap water, as it can cause intestinal disorders. Buy plain bottled water in stores. But it’s better to avoid buying local milk altogether. Thanks to the Sri Lankan climate, it spoils very quickly, although it is quite expensive.

The traditional non-alcoholic drink among Sri Lankans is Tambili, the juice from the king coconut. Fresh juice can be prepared before your eyes right on the street, and it will cost less than what is sold in bottles.

Other local drinks include ginger oil and cream soda. If you prefer classic Coke or Pepsi, you can buy them in almost any grocery supermarket on the island.

The most popular beers are Three Coins (brewed according to a Belgian recipe), Lion Stout (buttery with a chocolate flavor) and Lion Lager.

For those who prefer strong alcohol, we can recommend the local drink - Arrack. It usually costs about $4 a bottle and is often drunk with ginger beer. Quality depends on price, but the Old Reserve brand is widely recommended and costs $7.50.

Purchases

Shopping in Sri Lanka is represented by both fairly modern shopping centers and traditional markets with all kinds of folk goods - from spices to clothes made from natural fabrics. Prices for goods from local producers are very reasonable. The greatest opportunities for shopping, 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 store opening hours, what to buy, where to buy, and how to bargain in the article “Shopping in Sri Lanka”.

Connection

Telephone communications

Telephone service is available in almost any hotel, but calling from your room is usually very expensive. It is more economical to use special telephone cards and call from automatic machines or make calls from the nearest post offices. Cards in denominations of 100, 500 and 1000 rupees can be purchased at supermarkets, shopping kiosks and post offices. To call Russia you need to dial 007, the area code and the phone number.

Sri Lanka dialing code: +94.

Useful phone numbers

Internet

Cellular communications on the island are poorly developed and unstable. You can use a mobile phone only in the capital, as well as in large cities and popular resorts.

You can access the global network through Internet cafes located in large cities. In the outback of the country, gaining access to the World Wide Web is very problematic.

Safety

Tourists going on holiday to Sri Lanka should follow a number of simple measures to ensure safety. You should be careful when walking through parks and reserves - watch your step, do not turn off the tourist path and use mosquito repellents. If you are going on an excursion to the jungle, then before the trip, just in case, you need to take anti-malarial tablets. You need to be more careful with animals. There are often cases when monkeys steal various things from unlucky tourists.

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

Tourists are advised not to travel to areas controlled by the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). Some areas are mined, and armed clashes occur in cities. In addition, military action by the government is also possible. However, thanks to the large number of government checkpoints, the likelihood of entering military territory through negligence is extremely low. These areas are significantly removed from the places that tourists usually visit. However, it is not uncommon to see heavily armed soldiers on the streets, main highways and at the airport.

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

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

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

Embassy Russian Federation in Sri Lanka:

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

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

Where to stay

Standard hotels

Classic hotels with room capacity from 50 to 500 rooms. A suitable hotel of this class can be found for any budget. Because of their convenience, standard hotels are loved by vacationers with families or large groups. An all-inclusive system is often used.

Boutique hotels

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

Bungalow

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

Villas

Villa is a luxurious house with many rooms, all possible amenities and maximum comfort. They are usually rented out entirely and are suitable for wealthy people. A villa, like a bungalow, is profitable to rent big company people, for example, several families. The average rental cost is $300-$1000 per day. It varies depending on the level of the villa and the distance from the sea.