About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is definitely the paradise island of the Indian Ocean with compactness and diversity. The bio-diversity is incredible in Sri Lanka in comparison to its size and you will be surprised to understand that the island itself is a bio-diversity hotspot. The capital city is Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte although its commercial capital is, Colombo. Time zone in Sri Lanka is (GMT+5:30). The island gained independence in 1948 and today is govered by a Parliamentary Democratic System. Sri Lanka’s main exports are tea, rubber, coconut and garments. The land is blessed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, uncountable waterfalls and rivers, picturesque mountains, ample glassland and an astounding degree of wildlife highilghted by mammals, birds, fish and some spectacular butterflies. In fact, the two largest animals found on land and sea could be witnessed here – the Elephant and the Blue Whale! Sri Lanka is a fantastic getaway – may it be summer or even winter – because the island has its own climatic conditions to match every possible season! Above all, the country is a fabulous MICE destination with numerous conference and event facilities.

Length (432km) and Width (224km)

There are two main climatic zones called the Wet Zone and Dry Zone. Moreover, the country is distinguishable into three elevation zones: Central Highlands, the Plains and the Coastal Belt

The literacy of Sri Lankans is 92% and in which terms one of the highest ranked countries in South Asia

Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country. With the majority of its population being Buddhists (Theravada) there are Christians, Hindus and Muslims living in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is also a multi-ethnic country. The majority of its population comprises of Sinhalese 74.9%, Sri Lankan Tamil 11.2% and Sri Lankan Moors 9.2%. (Dept. of Census and Statistics, 2019)

Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages spoken in Sri Lanka. However, English is a widely used language in Sri Lanka and you should not be finding difficulties in conversing with Sri Lankans in English.

According to the 2017 statistics Sri Lanka has a population density of 21.4million (Dept. of Census and Statistics, 2019)

Sri Lankans are a very hospitable nation. The people are very friendly and would go out of the way to help you. Smiling is customary in Sri Lanka and failing to smile back would be considered offensive. The most popular greeting among locals would be Ayubowan (pronounced as Ayu-bo-wan) meaning, ‘May You Live Long!’

Two main monsoons – South West Monsoon brings rain to the South West part of the island between May to September while the North East Monsoon brings rain and wind to the North and Eastern regions between October to January. However, what is noteworthy is that these monsoon patterns have changed recently whereas rains and dry periods could come up quite unexpected.

Winter marks the tourist inflow to the Southern and Central parts of the island and reaches its peak between December to March. Meanwhile, the East Coast experiences the highest tourist inflow during the peak months of July and August when the weather is perfect for a beach vacation.

The mean annual temperature varies from 27°C in the coastal lowlands to 16°C at Nuwara Eliya, in the central highlands

The average monthly relative humidity ranges from 75% in January to 83% in October

Finding food outside hotels is quite easy in Sri Lanka, especially if you are staying close to a town or city. If you plan to eat outside your hotel you could obtain breakfast for an approximate cost of USD 3 – USD 4 whereas lunch and dinner consumed outside hotels would vary at approximately USD 7 to USD 10 respectively.

Most hotels in Sri Lanka offer International Buffets whereas there are so many Indian and Chinese restaurants one could find in and around Colombo. Meanwhile, most parts of the island have international fast food chains like Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonald’s, Dominos and Subway). However, it is noteworthy that Colombo is the place with the largest variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options.

There are various types of drinks available in Sri Lanka (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Sri Lankans love and take pride in their homegrown Arrack made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers or sugarcane, and also with grain (e.g. red rice) or fruit. But, if you walk into a pub or a bar in the island you will find various local and international brands of spirits and beer available. Bars close at 2100hrs.

The best way in finding a good restaurant may be checking their online reviews and ratings. If this is too much of a hassle, then simply ask your guide for some tips and help!

There are no strict regulations when it comes clothing in Sri Lanka. Other than in places like Nuwara Eliya (where the weather tends to get colder) you could simply wear summer clothes, short-sleeved garments, soft jeans etc. Swimwear is allowed along beaches of Sri Lanka, but nudity could be considered as an offensive act, hence illegal. On the other hand, you are expected to dress conservatively when visiting religious places such as temples. This would simply mean wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

Nudity and indecent exposure is an offense in public/common areas. We would not encourage you to get involved in religiously sensitive activities such as dressing like a Buddhist monk, displaying tattoos of lord Buddha as well as using religious symbols on clothing etc.

There are various modes of transport in Sri Lanka. Ground transport is done by cars, vans and buses. There are also numerous Tuk-Tuks available all over the country at cheaper rates. But, we would not recommend you to use Tuk-Tuks due the risk of accidents being fragile vehicles. Rail transport is quite popular too with trains carrying 1st Class (A/C), 2nd and 3rd Class operating across the island during all times of the day. However, if you do not pre-book, train tickets could get sold very fast in Sri Lanka. Air transfers are done by either Seaplanes or fixed-wing aircrafts or helicopters. Please speak to your local tour operator for further information

There are many taxi services at the airport arrival lobby. But, most tour companies provide transfers to their clients and these vehicles are insurance/passenger covered. They are also inspected by transport departments of such organizations from time to time making this mode of transfer the most recommended option.

Sri Lanka is generally a very safe place to travel. But, it would be advisable to check your travel advisories prior to your travel. While you are on tour, please keep all your valuables and belongings in safes provided at hotels. There is quite a high traffic flow near cities, so you might need to be extra cautious when crossing roads. Due to the number of stray dogs found along streets, in case one bites you inform your tour guide at your earliest. Especially, if mountain climbing or similary risky activities are involved you should abide by the instructions given by your guide/trekker. Always use seat belts during all excursions. If you are trekking, please wear leech socks. Last but not least, Sri Lanka is a malaria-free country. Yet, bring mosquito/insect repellent when travelling to Sri Lanka.

It is advisable to carry your personal first aid kit when travelling. Recommended inclusions in this kit would include bandages, antiseptic cream, gauze, plasters, antiseptic wipes, a scissor, Ibuprofen, paracetemol etc.

There are five different carriers in Sri Lanka (Dialog, Mobitel, Etisalat, Hutch and Airtel). Sri Lanka introduced 4G technology in 2013 and could be reached in most parts of the island. However, as you head further inland into more rural/remote areas mobile coverage could be limited to none. Meanwhile, the electric current is 230V, 50 cycles. Besides the primary plug type, which is similar to Indian plugs, you may well find US-, EU- and British-style plugs in your room. Adapters are readily available at markets, supermarkets and tourist shops for under USD 05.

You can apply visa to Sri Lanka online through the ONLY reputed government portal (https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp?locale=en_US)

There is no requirement of obtaining vaccines before arriving in Sri Lanka

Methods of obtaining medical care (Private/Government Hospitals, Institutes etc.)

Healthcare in Sri Lanka is offered efficiently by both Government and Private Hospitals located across all districts of the island. Due to the infrastructure facilities getting to the closest hospital even at a more remote location would not take more than 45 minutes to 1 hour.

If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka obtaining travel insurance is a MUST and highly advisable

ATM machine availability (Differences in urban and rural setups)

ATM machines are found everywhere in the country starting from the airport. However, the availability of ATMs could reduce as you head into the rural areas. Therefore, ensure that you use them at the nearest town/city before heading into a rural setup

There are many private and government banks operating in Sri Lanka through which we advise you to exchange your currency. If you cannot find a bank, then the most recommended option would be to exchange your currency from a registered money exchange center

Tipping is a way of life in Sri Lanka. Tipping your guide is completely at your discretion. If you are obtaining short services (porters/restaurant staff/bar keepers/room boys/photo stops/shoe keeping etc. an approximate figure of LKR 100 per service (2 – 4 pax) is advised.

Meanwhile, it is advisable that you allocate approximately LKR 500 – LKR 1000 (per group) for Long Services such as safaris, excursions, rafting etc.

Tourist Police – 1912 / +94 11 2 421 451

Ambulance / Fire & Rescue – 110

Police Emergency – 118 / 119

Accident Service-General Hospital-Colombo – +94 11 2 691 111

Government Information Center – 1919

Report Crimes – +94 11 2 691 500

Why you should visit Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka  a country of 4000 years civilization
• Compactness and Diversity
• Amazing landscape with many choices for pre and post Tours
• Remarkable diversity of cultures, customs and languages
• Year-round Tropical  climatic conditions
• Diverse experiences combined in one destination
• Wide variety of Western, Eastern & Scrumptious
• Friendly people
• Cost effective destination
• Events

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE

Dambulla is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The popular cave temple complex in Dambulla dated to the 2nd century BC is declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. There are over 80 caves in Dambulla, some of which are used for meditation by monks. The Famous Rock temple has five separate caves containing 153 magnificent Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan monarchs and 4 Hindu deities. The Iron wood Forest (Namal Uyana) the ancient garden with a wide variety of plants built in the 10th century and Rose Quarts Mountain range which is 500 million years old cannot be missed while in Dambulla.

SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS

Sigiriya is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka close to Dambulla. It is a fortress complex of a ruined palace and one of the World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO. Undoubtedly the most treasured historical monument in Sri Lanka and probably the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, the most looked forward feature of the fortress is the frescoes. Another fascinating detail is its mirror wall. Every step from the entrance to the top is a marvel on its own, and the interesting surroundings makes the tedious climb to the top easy.

POLONNARUWA ANCIENT RUINS (THE LOST CITY)

Polonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is the second largest city in this province and famous for its clean and beautiful environment, amazing ancient constructions and most importantly the huge lake ‘Parakrama Samudra’ built in 1200 The city has many untouched ancient archeological relic sites and remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. UNESCO has declared the ancient city as one of the World Heritage sites.

ANURADHAPURA – SACRED BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Anuradhapura is the largest and oldest of all ancient cities in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is a fitting climax to any tour of the Cultural Triangle and world famous for its well-preserved ruins of the Great Sri Lankan Civilization. The Civilization which was built upon this city was one of the greatest civilizations of Asia and in the world. Anuradhapura was the royal seat of more than 250 Buddhist and Hindu kings recorded in the royal genealogies, and the preeminent city on the island for some 1400 years.
The city now a UNESCO heritage site lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya. Founded in the 4th century BC it was the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom till the beginning of the 11th century AC. During this period, it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia.

KANDY – THE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH

Kandy the popular charming hill capital of Sri Lanka is surrounded by hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. It is the cultural center of the island and a UNESCO heritage city. The sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined at the Dalada Maligawa, the temple of the tooth. While in Kandy, a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens is a must where you can see around 4000 species of plants. The arts and crafts center in Kandy, the main Buddhist monasteries Malwatta and Asgiriya Monasteries are places that must be visited. Kandy is a great place for souvenir shopping and to learn about its rich culture and history.

GALLE – DUTCH GALLE FORT

Galle the beautiful colonial town along the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka is a city that cannot be missed. Galle is popular for the 300-year-old fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 36-hectare fort was built by the Dutch in 1663, surrounded on three sides by the ocean. The streets within the fort are crammed with colonial remnants from the Dutch clock tower, Reform church and the commander’s house to the British coat of arms on the outer wall. Travelers can enjoy the beautiful colonial architecture; visit the Galle Maritime Museum, the Galle lighthouse, Bodhi tree and the reclining Buddha Statue in the temple.

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF SRI LANKA

The newest addition to the list of Sri Lanka UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Central Highlands region encompasses three areas:
– Peak Wilderness Protected Area
– Horton Plains National Park
– Knuckles Conservation Forest
“The region is considered a super biodiversity hotspot,” noted UNESCO when announcing the heritage site designation.
This is where go to hike up Adam’s Peak (the island’s highest point at 7,400 feet above sea level) or the easier Little Adam’s Peak; gape at rushing waterfalls; explore tea plantations; and soak up the British colonial atmosphere in scenic hill towns.

SINHARAJA RAINFOREST

Sinharaja is located between the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka. It is a rain forest and national park. School children in the age group of 13 and above are often taken on excursions to this forest reserve as it is included in their school curriculum. This is one of world heritage sites declared by UNESCO. This is home to a variety of endangered mammal, birds, reptiles, butterflies including leopards. It is ideal for trekking but advisable to do so with a forest guide.