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OVERVIEW
Relatively developed tourism infrastructure
Sri Lanka has a good tourism infrastructure, with well-
Capital: Colombo
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Language: Sinhala, Tamil, English
ATM Networks:
Electricity: 230-
Water: locals drink tap water but for tourists it is always better to drink bottled water
Tipping: Most locals do not tip at restaurants. Taxi and tuk tuk drivers won’t be expecting a tip but eaving some small change certainly won’t do any harm.
Airport: ATMs availably in “outer porch areas”. Two banks available in common lobby area. Taxis available outside the Terminal and takes 30 minutes to city center. Fares vary but expect to pay LKR 3000 ($17). Advisable to agree with the driver up front. There are travel counters in the lobby where transportation can be arranged. Best to arrange for shuttle between airport and accommodation.
Visa: Official online visa application site: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
SRI LANKA
Mistakes to Avoid
Sri Lanka looks small on a map, but it can take hours to get from place to place, and there are definite no-
For instance, don’t try to travel from Kandy to Yala National Park in one day, or from the Cultural Triangle to the beaches of Tangalle, or from Jaffna to Colombo. On the map (and on Google Maps), distances and approximate travel times are misleading.
Sri Lanka offers great diversity and looks like you can tick all the boxes in one week—you can’t.
WHERE TO STAY
Whether on a budget or looking to splurge, Sri Lanka has a wide selection of accommodation choices all available for booking online. Choose to stay in an ecolodge, a jungle retreat in the middle of the forests, or a tranquil hideaway beach resort — you’re spoiled for choice.
WHERE TO GO -
Galle is a charming little enclave located in the southern part of the island, oozing old-
The icon of the country, and a must-
Kaudulla National Park is one of the best places to see wild elephants roaming freely. The best time to visit is between August and December, when up to two hundred elephants congregate at the a main irrigation tank for the annual “gathering.”
Suggested Itineraries: The Best of Sri Lanka
GETTING AROUND
Cabs
Taxicabs, identified by their yellow tops and white number plates with red writing, are available in the capital and most towns. Negotiate the price before setting off. Radio cabs such as Ace, Quick and GNTC are more expensive. They have a higher minimum charge, but offer fixed price journeys andaare usually air-
Trains
Trains and planes leave on time. Choose from a list of historical ruins and beautiful temples that make the region so alluring.
Punctual and comfortable, Sri Lankan Railways runs train journeys over the country’s valleys, jungles, highlands, and tea plantations. It’s an excellent way to travel from one part of the island to another.
SAFE EATING
The food hygiene standards in Sri Lanka might be different to what you are used to back home so be sure to take care when eating out, especially when it comes to meat and fish, which should be thoroughly cooked through. Avoid anything that might have come into contact with water and anything that looks old or left outside for a long time.
