Galle is the capital of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Galle - the capital of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka Souvenirs from Ceylon

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

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

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

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

Fort Galle

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

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

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

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

New town

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

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

Attractions in Galle

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

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

National maritime museum

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

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

Meera Mosque

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

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

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

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

What to see in the surroundings

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

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

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

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

How to get to Galle

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

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

From Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Kandy there is a train to Colombo Fort, then transfer to the Colombo Fort - Galle train. Check before your trip current schedule movements railway transport and ticket prices on the website www.railway.gov.lk.

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

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

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

Find out the RATES or book any accommodation using this form

Weather

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Climate

Equatorial, with monsoon seasons.

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

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

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

Language

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

Currency

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

Transport

Movement is left-handed.

Kandy is another historical capital of Sri Lanka that we managed to visit. This is the last city of Sri Lanka, which remained a stronghold of independence from the British until 1815. Unlike the dead one, Kandy, although it has lost its official status, still holds the title of the spiritual center of Sri Lanka. And all because here is main shrine Buddhist island - tooth of the Buddha.

In the morning we drove off to the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala and returned to Kandy only in the evening. There are two main attractions in Kandy: the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Temple of the Tooth Relic. But we only made it to one of them. I am absolutely indifferent to gardens and parks, but I love temples of all religions, so the choice was obvious. After checking into the hotel, we went along the banks of Kandy Lake in the center of Kandy to the Temple of the Tooth.

An island rises in the center of a hand-dug lake. Allegedly, it housed the harem of the king of Sri Lanka. The lake was dug by the last king of Kandy. It seems to have happened at the beginning of the 19th century, it is known that the subjects did not approve of this wasteful and useless project. But for us tourists the lake is quite OK.

The baths of the Queen of Kandy were located in this pavilion.

Closer to the Temple of the Tooth, there is a small market where you can buy lotus flowers, which are usually offered to the Tooth.

The fence that runs along the entire shore of the lake to the temple symbolizes a heavenly cloud. During the holidays, lamps are inserted into the holes so that the entire lake is in the lights around the perimeter.

In the center of Kandy there are several pretty streets built in the colonial style during the British rule. Let's face it, after the British, nothing decent was built in the city. Most interesting building- This is the former residence of the governor, and now the Qeens Hotel, one of the oldest hotels on the island. Here is the conditional center of the city, the farther from it, the more trash and devastation.

This boy's family Madduma Bandara Ehelapola) was sentenced to death for resisting the British. His elder ten-year-old brother was afraid of the execution and hid with his mother. Then the younger brother, who was only eight years old, said: "I will show you an example of how to meet death." And he boldly went to the execution, however, asking the executioner to cut off his head the first time.

Well, enough walking, it's time to visit the main attraction of all of Sri Lanka.

Another monument on the way to the Tooth. The monk tearing down the British flag is Wariyapola Sri Sumangala. During the uprising against the British in the early 19th century, he stole the Tooth of Buddha from the temple and dragged it to the rebels, which greatly encouraged them. Then he was caught... and after a couple of years in prison, he was forgiven by the local governor.

The area around the Temple of the Tooth is quite pretty and well maintained. IN museum complex includes not only the temple itself, but also many other historical buildings. For example, in the photo of the former Royal Palace Kandy.

The most spectacular building is the octagonal tower in the wall of the complex (according to the reports, many tourists mistake it for the temple itself).

The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy was built in the 17th century. It is believed that the upper left fang of the Buddha is located there. This precious relic attracts white-robed pilgrims bearing lotus and jasmine flowers every day. According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha while he was lying on a funeral pyre. It was smuggled to Sri Lanka in the fourth century AD in the hair of Princess Hemamali, who was fleeing a Hindu army besieging her father's kingdom in India. The tooth immediately became an object of worship and reverence, it began to be considered one of the most precious relics. It was taken out only for special occasions and carried on the backs of elephants, which are sacred animals. Countless attempts have been made to capture and destroy the tooth.

When the capital was moved to Kandy, the tooth was brought there; he was placed in a temple built in his honor. The temple was built by the rulers of Kandy at the end of the 17th century, but then suffered heavily during the colonial wars against the Portuguese and Dutch in the 18th century. After the war, the original wooden buildings were restored in stone. In January 1998, Tamil separatists blew up the temple, damaging its façade and roof. Recovery began immediately after that.

Temple buildings do not look magnificent or ornate. White with red roofs, they cluster around Kandy Lake. Striking contrast with simple appearance makes up the interior of the temple, richly decorated with carvings and inlays of wood, ivory, and lacquer.

Around the whole complex is a low white stone wall, with holes delicately carved into it. During celebrations, candles are inserted there, illuminating the entire temple. The tooth is in a two-story sacred vault. The relic lies on a golden lotus flower, enclosed in a precious box, lying on the throne.

Lotus flowers are brought to the tooth.

Even on a normal day, there are quite a lot of pilgrims and tourists here; on holidays, according to reviews, it’s not crowded at all.

For me, the most interesting hall was the temple room, where the history of the Tooth of Buddha was clearly depicted. Very interesting and informative.

I honestly walked around all the pictures (there are several dozen of them here) and read all the signatures. I will not torment readers with a complete set of pictures, I will post only a couple for example. Let's say this one shows how godless Hindus tried to break a tooth with hammers. And, of course, they were disgraced. The tooth soared into the sky and shone like a bright star. Oh! Well, everything, I'm silent, I'm silent.

Before it got dark at all, we wandered around the territory of the complex a little more.

Sri Lanka is a kaleidoscope country. Otherwise, I cannot name all the magnificent opportunities that it provides to tourists and travelers of any age, gender and religion.

The preparation of each trip to this seemingly small island turns for me into a new and new combination of elements of a large constructor: endless sandy beaches, history and culture of antiquity, extreme views sports, the romance of the ocean, travel to the emerald mountain peaks and much more.

There are so many interesting things on the island that, as a rule, the trip is not limited to one destination. The ring is the ideal form of the route in Sri Lanka. The beginning and end is the Bandaranaike airport, and everyone chooses the points on the circle to their taste.

My first trip to Sri Lanka was very luxurious and expensive. But the island made such an impression on me that I wanted to return here again, so I started looking for more available ways traveling around Sri Lanka, looking closely at the life and way of life of the locals, gradually turning a seemingly unrealizable fairy tale into reality. So over time, Sri Lanka became my second home.

The island really has where to turn around in terms of attractions and interesting places, so I love not only to travel on it myself, but also to make routes for friends who come here.

Visa and border crossing

The popularity of Sri Lanka among independent travelers is associated, among other things, with the availability and ease of obtaining a visa. Package tourists can also appreciate the efficiency of the officers at the passport control of the airport.

The cost of a visa to Sri Lanka for Russians and citizens of the CIS: at the airport - $ 40, an electronic visa - $ 35. It is given for 2 entries within 30 days. This is convenient if you want to fly, for example, to the Maldives or India.

I recommend applying for an electronic visa on the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) website - it is both cheaper and faster to cross the border. And if you have problems with entry, then you will find out about it in advance, and not at the airport in Sri Lanka.

To apply for an e-visa, you must fill out a special form on the website.

Upon completion of registration, you will receive information that the application has been accepted, after a few hours (up to a day) - confirmation that the visa has been issued.

Please note that closer to the moment of arrival in Colombo, flight attendants begin to offer migration cards for registering entry into Sri Lanka. In this form, you need to enter the following parameters in Latin:

First Name Last Name;
nationality;
passport number;
place of stay on the island (if you plan to travel around the island, then indicate the name and address of the first hotel in your itinerary);
signature.

You can fill out a migration card on the plane, and at the airport go straight to passport control. The procedure is that you hand over the issued card and passport (it must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected end of the trip). No one ever asked me for a printout of an electronic visa, a tourist voucher and a return air ticket, all the necessary information is already contained in the electronic database of the Sri Lanka visa service. However, keep these documents handy just in case.

Sri Lankan visa can be extended up to 3 months and special occasions up to half a year. The Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka, where you can go through the relevant procedure, is located at 41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo.

Depending on the severity of the violation of migration laws in Sri Lanka, various fines are provided, up to being included in the list of persons who are denied entry to the island.

How to get there

By plane

The main transport hub of the island - Bandaranaike International Airport - is located near Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka.

How and how much to fly is the first question that any traveler asks. There are no direct regular flights from Moscow to Colombo, but there are charters in high season(in winter). This is about 8.5 hours of flight.

The main way to get from Moscow to Sri Lanka is the daily regular flights of Arab airlines, which carry out 1 transfer:

Emirates - ;
Qatar Airways-Doha;
Etihad - .

The flight time, taking into account the connection, increases to 12-14 hours. Ticket price - from 28,000 rubles.

You can get from other Russian cities with the help of the FlyDubai low-cost airline, which operates flights to major Russian cities with a transfer in Dubai. For cities such as, this is the most advantageous flight in terms of time and cost.

Promotions and sales of tickets to Sri Lanka are carried out by airlines around March and October. During this period, the cost of the flight can be reduced by 25-35%. Easy to keep track of prices and discounts.

Tourist regions

Most famous resorts Sri Lanka is located in the south ( best beach- from Tangalle to Weligama) and southwest () of the island. Eastern Sri Lanka is gaining popularity among tourists every year, attracting with its cleanliness, desert and coral reefs. Also of interest are two central district countries: mountainous Sri Lanka with developed routes for trekking among the green hills and the so-called "cultural triangle" - historic district between the three ancient capitals of Ceylon (Anuradhapura,).

Each resort has its own characteristics and offers vacationers a bright range of entertainment and entertainment. interesting excursions.

southwest coast

Since the southwest of Sri Lanka is famous for its wide variety of beaches, I made my personal rating of the best of them:

- the untwisted resort of Sri Lanka. Its beaches are preferred by newlyweds for a romantic trip or a wedding ceremony. You can navigate the prices for tours to Bentota. In addition, there is a special program to support the Bentota area as an Ayurvedic resort, so several specialized centers operate here, and each hotel has its own SPA programs. On one of its beaches there is the most popular water entertainment center on the island, there is everything from fishing, surfing to water skiing, yachting
The quiet lagoon of Bentota allows you to swim here all year round - this is its big plus. And the relative proximity to the airport (115 km) makes the resort one of the most accessible on the island.
Beruwala- a resort with many attractions related to Islam. The main one is the ancient mosque of Kechimalai. Muslims from all over the world make pilgrimages here during religious holidays. Beruwala is also home to a number of large hotels with Ayurvedic SPA-salons, tennis courts, golf courses, traditional water activities on the beaches - surfing, diving, fishing. This area, as a continuation of Bentota, is also very clean, but it is cheaper. Among the minuses is the city of Beruwala itself. If you decide to go to areas where they live locals, then you will be met by dirt and restless beggars - both children and adults.
Hikkaduwa- a great place for surfing and diving, which, although not fashionable, is adored by young people and extreme lovers. Unlike most resorts in Sri Lanka, there are many fun bars and discos here. And the main attraction of Hikkaduwa is the coral reserve.
Especially popular, including with me and my friends, are local seafood, which can be tasted in street restaurants.
Mount Lavinia- a resort with a long history and several large modern hotels. Currently, it is a large city adjacent to the economic center of the country, Colombo. Of the main attractions, one can note the Dehivela Zoo with more than 300 species of animals, as well as the huge Bolgoda Lake - the largest reservoir of fresh water in Sri Lanka. The resort is maximally focused on tourists: many hotels and even hostels do not basically populate the Sri Lankans themselves. The main advantage of Mount Lavinia is its proximity to the airport (49 km).
Tangalle- one of the southern resorts of Sri Lanka, designed for lovers of solitude (!!!), endless sandy beaches. There are also excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
In this area you will find luxury hotels, and cheap guest houses. Local fishermen daily catch several types of fish and seafood, which are skillfully prepared in local restaurants.
- the southernmost resort of Sri Lanka. Near its beaches is the city of Matara and Cape Dondra - the extreme point relative to the equator. The beaches of Mirissa are characterized by calmness and tranquility. A few resort hotels are intended more for those who travel around Sri Lanka on their own, there is no infrastructure for package tourists.

calling card

Kalutara- a modern developing resort. It is known all over the world for its spices, as well as juicy tropical fruits that grow in the area. The Gangatilaka Vihara Temple is the city's most famous landmark. This is a huge hollow stupa (the only one in Sri Lanka) that you can enter. I highly recommend visiting this one-of-a-kind facility. The disadvantage of the resort is the relative proximity of the city of Kalutara, its noisy streets, bustle, Railway, urban drains that go past the beaches into the ocean. Also in Kalutara there is no shallow water as such, so I do not recommend holidays with children.

northeast coast

Since the Sri Lanka airport is located on the opposite side of the island, getting to the northeast is more difficult. Nevertheless, there are several resorts with their own unique features:

central highlands

unforgettable contrast with beach sri lanka guaranteed!

It is always very hot here during the day, and at night the temperature drops to 12 degrees, so you will need a jacket or a warm sweater to travel to these parts.

The two main points of visit to the mountainous part of Sri Lanka, each of which has its own unique look and history, are Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By the way, between them you can make a fascinating three-hour journey by train among the pristine eucalyptus groves and emerald tea plantations.

"Cultural Triangle"

4 of the 8 UNESCO sites of Sri Lanka are located in a small area, which is formed by lines connecting the cities of Anuradhapura, Pollonaruwa and Kandy. At different times, each of them was the capital of Ceylon.

To visit the main cities of the "triangle", it is enough to allocate 1 day each. You can spend a little less time exploring Anuradhapura, but a little more - Kandy. Each city has the minimum necessary tourist infrastructure: hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shops. In Kandy, of course, it is more developed, as it is the second largest city in Sri Lanka.

In addition to the above cities, the attractions of the "cultural triangle" also include, which take about 3 hours to visit for each object. But you can set aside a separate day for them.

It is convenient to book hotels in Sri Lanka at Booking - before that, you can compare hotel prices. You can view offers from owners for apartments and apartments by.

Top cities

In order to know Sri Lanka from A to Z, I recommend visiting cities that will show the island from different angles:

Islands

Sri Lanka is an island in itself, but nevertheless, it has a small number of satellite islands, some of which will be interesting to include in the travel itinerary.

The names of some of the northwestern islands end in "tivu", which means "island" in Tamil: Punkudutivu, Mandaytivu. Some of the islands have retained the names of Dutch cities since the colonization of the country. For example, an island.

Most noteworthy:

Top attractions

The peculiarity of Sri Lanka lies in the unique opportunity to combine a relaxed vacation on the ocean with an educational excursion program. There are 8 UNESCO sites on the island, as well as various historical and natural attractions. You can view them as part of independent travel(cheaper and more interesting with preliminary preparation), and buy excursions in agencies and representatives of travel agencies (very expensive, but reliable and more comfortable).

Sigiriya- a historical complex (UNESCO heritage site), located on a high cliff in the very center of the island. The caves of the monks, who came here, the king of Kasapa turned into magnificent city with a palace, temples, outbuildings. The pearls of Sigiriya are a huge (140 by 40 meters) gallery of frescoes, as well as images of a snake and a giant lion carved into the rocks, of which only Bottom part with paws. Read all about Sigiriya.

golden temple- a complex of cave temples shrouded in legends, in which there is a huge number of images of the Buddha - frescoes, drawings, statues. The drawings on the walls tell about the main moments of the life of the Buddha. Read more about the temple and surroundings.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Sacred place for Buddhists around the world! Perhaps this is one of the most luxurious temples in Sri Lanka. Previously, there was a royal palace at this place, so you can see a lot of interesting things: wood carving, gilding, paintings, religious objects and much more. I wrote in detail about the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Weather

Luck or not, Sri Lanka has summer all year round: daily temperature air fluctuates in the range from +28 °С to +33 °С (at night +24 °С ... +26 °С). The water temperature in Sri Lanka is +27 °С ... +29 °С.

The tropical climate and monsoon winds determine the seasons on the island. There are two of them: dry and cool, wet and hot season. It mainly depends on comfort. beach holiday and bathing. Otherwise, you can go to Sri Lanka at any time of the year, as there is sure to be something interesting in every period.

The northeast and southwest coasts take turns sharing the palm among visitors to Sri Lanka. In addition, tourists travel all year round to the sightseeing objects of the island, and also climb the mountains located in the central part of the country.

Conditionally periods of high tourist season on the coasts can be divided according to the principle - in summer it is better to go to the northeast, and in winter - to the southwest. More detailed information by months:

The off-season in Sri Lanka is characterized by unpredictable weather - it may not be ideal, but it is quite suitable for relaxation. For example, in April best time to visit the mountainous part of Sri Lanka with its emerald tea plantations, but you can quite comfortably spend a few days on the beaches of the southwest coast:, Hikkaduwa,. May is a good time for sightseeing holiday, visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are located on the island. An excellent addition to this route will be rest on the northeast coast: Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Appuveli.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka brings with it partly cloudy, short-term, usually 2-5 minute (sometimes up to 15 minutes) heavy heavy rains. As a rule, precipitation occurs at night, but there are exceptions. It can scare tourists in the off-season strong wind, and big waves in the ocean, which practically nullify swimming.

If you choose a hotel with a swimming pool, then the rest can be quite comfortable, in addition, housing prices drop significantly in the low season.

Swimming in the ocean during the rainy season is still possible if you choose the right beach with a lagoon or closed islands. This location calms the raging waves. There are similar stretches of beaches in the southwest and northeast of Sri Lanka.

Moving around the country

Sri Lanka is a former colony of Great Britain, which is probably why the traffic here is left-handed.
Move around the island public transport(buses, trains) very cheap. For example, a car transfer from the airport to Bentota is 68 dollars (10,000 rupees), the same distance on 2 buses is 2 dollars (300 rupees), by bus and then by train - 0.85 dollars (120 rupees).

Connection

Roaming or local calls

Sri Lanka is actively developing cellular communications and the Internet.

The island, by analogy with Russia, has its own "big three" mobile operators - Mobitel, Dialog, Etisalat, each of which has its own travel offers for dialing minutes for international, domestic calls and Internet traffic.

Having bought a local SIM card, talking to Russia will be much cheaper than paying for roaming to domestic operators. For example, the cost of a minute for MTS is 250 rubles, and for Dialog - 9 rubles. Calls from a landline from a hotel are also not cheap.

Which tariff to choose

In my experience, the most stable connection is Dialog, Etisalat. But Dialog is cheaper, so I prefer it for relaxation. The minimum fare is 5.5 dollars (780 rupees). This is enough for calls to Russia and communication in social networks for a couple of weeks. You can play it safe and, in order to be always in touch, purchase a more expensive Dialog tariff - more minutes and Internet traffic.

If there is a need for frequent calls or remote work via the Internet, then the best option– Etisalat. A little more expensive, but the volume of minutes provided and Internet traffic is larger.

Where to buy a SIM card

A SIM card from one of the local operators can be purchased directly at the Colombo International Airport in the waiting room (right behind the exchangers). Representatives of the mobile operator will perform all the manipulations with your phone in order to activate the tariff, but you can simply buy a card and do all the operations yourself according to the instructions or with the help of English-speaking call center operators.

Similar SIM cards can also be purchased at mobile phone stores in cities. It is also widely available to replenish the account using phone cards, which can be bought in stores, shops, post offices and gas stations.

The best thing mobile communications covered the territory of Colombo and the resorts of the southwestern part of the island. In the north and east, only large cities can boast of stable mobile communications and the Internet.

WiFi

As a rule, hotels in Sri Lanka have wi-fi. In large chain hotels, it is available everywhere, and in small hotels and hostels - at the reception and in common areas. Most of the time, this service is free.

In large cities and resorts, there are also Internet cafes that allow you to access the Global Network, but they look very suspicious and unsafe.

Helpful information

Telephone services: ambulance and fire - 112, police - 119

Language and communication

In total, there are about 22 million citizens in Sri Lanka, of which 10 million live in Colombo, the economic capital of the island.

The official languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is actively used in government agencies and tourism. At the household level, mostly residents of cities speak a foreign language, but even in the outback they will try to answer you something or find someone who speaks at least a little English.

In resort areas, the Russian language is becoming increasingly popular among residents involved in the tourism sector, knowledge of which allows the Sri Lankan to find a better-paid job in this industry.

10 phrases you need to know

Hello (may your years last) - Ayubovan;
Thank you - Situtiy;
Please - Kurunakara;
Yes - oh;
No - Epa;
How much does it cost - Kiyade gane;
Expensive - Ganan;
Cheap - Labai;
The other is Anit;
Drink - Bonava;
Doctor - Dostara.

Features of the mentality

Among the population of the island, two nationalities can be distinguished:

Sinhalese (75%), who mostly profess Buddhism;
Tamils (12%), who live mainly in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka, their main religion is Hinduism.

Basically, religious communities live separately, forming entire districts of the city, region. From my own experience, I can note that the cleanliness and comfort of the area is very dependent on the religion practiced by the locals. Buddhism implies the formation of harmony around, so its adherents are constantly washing, sweeping, repairing something - they attach great importance to order. This contrast is striking when you drive through the country. In Muslim or Hindu areas, they don’t think so much about the existence of things, hence the garbage, there are many times more unkempt places.

In general, the Sri Lankans are very friendly and always ready to help. Of course, there are swindlers, but they obviously do not think about their karma, as the vast majority of the inhabitants of the island do. Even if they are poor now, it is very important for them to go into the next life with a "clear conscience".

I love the locals for their high moral principles, for the family way of life (good upbringing of children and respect for elders). Sometimes all this reminds us of our Soviet times, although European values are slowly being introduced into the minds of young people, destroying traditional foundations.

They usually set a large table with a huge number of different dishes. But if a foreigner came to the family, then the first to feed him, and only then the owners themselves start the meal.

And the Sri Lankans are very fond of holidays, often visit temples, attach great importance to rites and rituals.

Food and drink

Feature of Sri Lankan cuisine

The spicy and spicy food of Sri Lanka can be a big challenge. The magic phrase comes to the aid of the traveler “but sleepy”, however, this does not guarantee that the food will be similar to European. This is a classic feature of the cuisines of all Asian countries.

The charm of Sri Lankan cuisine is in its simplicity. The basis of most dishes is vegetables, rice, fish, spices. This is still the same constructor, in the center of which is rice. Around it are various curry sauces - a mixture of ginger, turmeric, pepper, coriander, cinnamon, garlic. Lots of dishes local cuisine prepared using coconut juice, oil, shavings.

What do the locals eat

As true Buddhists, the Sri Lankans practically do not eat meat and very rarely consume poultry. Mostly pork, beef, chicken dishes are prepared for tourists in resort areas and major cities. The cow is a sacred animal, but in Sri Lanka they are more tolerant in terms of eating its meat than in neighboring India.

As for seafood, they are not always available to a simple Sri Lankan, because. prices are high by local standards. The entire catch is sold to cafes and restaurants. As a rule, the Sri Lankans eat small fish or umbalacada - fish powder, which is added to sauces. But to visit here and not try the lobsters, the freshest fish, is simply impossible. For those who cook on their own, you can buy cheaply at special fish markets. They work from 4 am to 7 am.

Where to eat

In Sri Lanka, you can eat on almost every corner. These are mainly street eateries, cafes, restaurants.

Don't be afraid to eat in street places. The chance to taste stale and tasteless food is higher in cafes and restaurants. On the street, dishes are prepared in front of your eyes, and if a lot of customers sit in this eatery, then the products are definitely fresh, the reputation of the institution has not been spoiled in any way.

In expensive restaurants, various surprises and inconsistencies in expectations can lie in wait for you. Although it must be admitted, in Colombo there are the most upscale restaurants in Sri Lanka with amazing luxury national and European cuisine.

All fast food restaurants (KFC, MCDonalds, Burger King) are also concentrated in large cities. It should be noted that even in such establishments, local food habits are taken into account - there are many vegetarian dishes. A full meal at a local MCDonalds will cost $4 (600 rupees).

Prices for local food in Sri Lanka are very low.

In street eateries you can eat for 1-1.4 dollars (150-200 rupees). Lunch in a good restaurant in the resort area will cost 10-20 dollars (1500-2500 rupees) for 1 person.

About drinks

In such a hot country like Sri Lanka, you must definitely drink a lot. Tap water can only be consumed after boiling, but it is better to always buy bottled water, which is sold everywhere and is very cheap. The bottle must be SLS label(Sri Lanka Standards Institute).
Milk is expensive here. It spoils quickly, so preservatives are often added to it. Everywhere they sell milkshakes in bags with the addition of cocoa, vanilla, etc. Pay attention to the expiration date. I advise you to buy milk in the areas of Nuwara Eliya, where many farms and large dairy factories are located.

A popular drink in Sri Lanka is coconut milk. But do not forget that this is a strong diuretic.
Ceylon tea is a classic drink, fragrant and strong, so locals often dilute it with milk. The environment of the island makes the usual ritual of tea drinking more elite and unforgettable.
Fruit juices (from mangoes, bananas, papaya) and lassi (yogurt, fruit, sugar, ice). Fresh will be prepared for you right in the street stalls. magic words to the seller - "but ice, but sludge" (ice is made from no one knows what water, and fruits are already quite sweet).

Ginger beer is a soft drink similar to soft cola, but with a ginger flavor and aroma.
Arak (Arrack) - coconut vodka. Often used with Zhinzha to remove the fortress. Price: around $3.5 (500 rupees) per bottle. The best variety of Arak is Old Reserve, which costs about 7 dollars (1000 rupees).
The most popular types of beer in Sri Lanka: Anchor, Lion (Stout and Lager), Three Coins (similar to Belgian).

You will not find alcohol in supermarkets. It is sold in specialized Wine Stores.

Prices in them are usually high, because. Sri Lanka has high import duties on liquor. In addition, the sellers themselves make a decent margin. Alcohol and beer in hotels and restaurants are sold without restrictions.

5 dishes worth trying

shopping

The shopping you can do in Sri Lanka has a special national flavor. This is felt regardless of the place, be it a market or a shopping center.

Everywhere you can find all kinds of goods: from spices to clothes and precious stones.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

The key rule of shopping in Sri Lanka is “Bargaining is appropriate!”, because in the process you can drop the price up to 50% of the original one. On the other hand, the cost of souvenirs and spices can be so meager in terms of rubles that it’s easier to do without bargaining, but when buying precious stones, leather goods and clothes, be sure to bargain.

Fixed prices in duty free shops, supermarkets, shopping malls.

The best cities for shopping

Shopping, similar to classic European, is perhaps only available in Colombo. There are a number of large shopping centers, including those with well-known international brands. IN resort areas shopping, as a rule, comes down to buying souvenirs.

What to bring from this country

Ceylon tea (the best is from the highlands of Ella and Nuwara Eliya. I advise you not to buy Pekoe and Orange Pekoe; as well as Lipton and Dilmah);
souvenirs: masks, ceramics, batik, leather goods (for a lover of the exotic);
spices (the cheapest cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, etc. in supermarkets).

Vacation with children

For a comfortable stay with children, Sri Lanka is a very suitable place. The beaches are calm, the people are friendly, and the crime rate in the whole country is quite low. The Sri Lankans themselves are very fond of children and respect women with children. The main thing is to try to follow the following rules:

Safety

If you follow the minimum precautions, then a trip to Sri Lanka will be unforgettable for you with a plus sign. Things to consider:

Taste a cup of real Ceylon tea from the highlands of Nuwara Eliya.
Take part in the bright procession of the Esala Perahera festival in.
Climb the rock of Sigiriya. This is a creation of nature framed by human hands.
Stroll along the golden beaches of Bentota.
Admire coral fish in coastal waters.

Money

The monetary unit of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). A trifle is somewhat similar to ours - 1 rupee 100 cents. Course for spring 2016:

1 dollar is equal to 146 Sri Lankan rupees;
1 euro - 170 rupees;
1 ruble - 2.02 rupees.

For convenience, you can divide all prices by 2 - as a result, you will get the cost of goods and services in rubles.

Yes, currency on the island can be exchanged at any hotel, bank, large shopping center, but I have never met a better rate than at Colombo airport for all trips to Sri Lanka.

You can find exchangers by going to the waiting area for those who meet you, after receiving your luggage. It is impossible to miss them - the doors open, and in front of you there are at least 6 “counters” where young people change currency at exactly the same rate for everyone. The check, which is issued at the currency exchange, allows you to convert rupees back into your currency, at the rate of its purchase.

By the way, please note that the export of the national currency from the country is prohibited, so do not forget to exchange the rest of the money back for dollars or euros.

Sri Lankan money is interesting to look at. The notes in circulation on the island are 10/20/50/100/500/1000/5000 rupees. On them you can see quite interesting, and most importantly, vivid images - local traditions, sights, animals, peacocks.

But no matter what, these are the most worn and dirty bills that I have ever seen. Either the state infrequently updates the money supply, or the citizens themselves are not particularly careful about banknotes.

The basis of the banking system is the 3 largest banks in Sri Lanka: Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC. Thanks to them, in big cities there will definitely be no problems with ATMs, they are here at every turn. In more small towns and on beach resorts these devices are concentrated, as a rule, in shopping centers or at large stations. In addition, chain hotels and shopping centers accept for payment credit cards international payment systems.