Lonely Planet Sri Lanka – latest copy August 2003. Many hotel address/tel inaccuracies but good for general.
Insight Guide to Sri Lanka – Focuses on sightseeing / culture. Well written and stunning photography.

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Travelers cheque arrive. However there are many authorized exchange counters at the arrival lounge and in Colombo.

The exchange rates depend on the international market rates. The rates are fairly flat in banks but hotels offer even lower rates. Money can be exchanged at the black market rates which will offer you better rates, namely jewelers, large stores etc. but discretion is essential. Always make sure to compare with the back rates before you exchange.

The banks are open Mon – Fri 8am – 3pm and closed at the weekends and Poya Days. The main banks are Bank of Ceylon, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Peoples, Hatton national, Sampath and Commercial.

Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa) are commonly accepted in hotels and restaurants and many shops, but do check first. Cash points are in most major towns but careful as they attract a lot of beggars.

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Telephone: Country code is 94, outgoing International code :00.

Mobile Tel: there are good telecommunication networks. The sim cards and recharge cards for your preferred networks can be purchased for cheap. Recharge cards and internets cards are available any communication center.

Fax: Available in most hotel receptions and communication centers around the country.

Internet: all Colombo hotels and almost every hotel in Sri Lanka are equipped with internet facilities. There are many number of internet cafes available for you in towns as well.

Post: Airmail to Europe takes about 7 days.

Electricity: Note that when you charge your equipment such has mobile phone, laptop or camera, our output is 230-240 V AC, 50Hz. A voltage stabilizer is obtainable from a good electrical store. You will need to use an interchanging international adaptor as there are two types of plug fittings used in Sri Lanka.

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On the basis of reciprocity, citizens of The Republic of Singapore and The Republic of Maldives are exempted from the requirement of obtaining ETA to visit Sri Lanka.

The authority to issue ETA lies with the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

A person can directly apply for on-line ETA. In addition to this option, an applicant can go for an alternative option

Official and Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from ETA processing fee, only when their applications are submitted through the state agencies such as Ministries, Statutory Bodies etc.

The ETA is initially limited to 30 days from the date of arrival and it may be extended up to six (06) months.
More information or Apply for a visa http://www.eta.gov.lk./slvisa/

Insurance – A policy to cover theft, loss and medical issues is a must. You may also wish to check out cover for activities such as diving, white water rafting, cycling and abseiling etc.

Driving License – International driving license is valid for only 3 months and must be obtained in your home country. To extend it to Sri Lankan travel, you must attend the RAC office in Central Colombo. You will require 2 photos.

It is a good idea to photocopy all relevant documents – passport, travel, insurance policy etc., and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you separate from the originals.

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Cots and extra beds are readily available at a small fee and often complimentary for less than 5yrs and Children under 12 yrs sharing with parents will usually stay for free and get 50% discount on meals.

Amenities like disposable nappies and Carpool are hard to find except in the major supermarkets in Colombo, Kandy.

Sun cream and hats are a must. It is better to bring it on your own. They are available in supermarkets and any cosmetic shop.

Responsible babysitting services are available in most hotels and payment is usually at your discretion. Rs. 300-500 would be very well received and a small price to pay for a “night off” or “dinner à-deux”.

Prams or backpacks for very young children should be packed. Bear in mind the heat with backpacks.

Many stray dogs & cats roam the streets. Most are harmless but cleanliness is not apparent and children should be deterred from making “furry friends”.

Cars and 1st/2nd class trains are suitable for young children. Avoid the overcrowded small buses should definitely be avoided.

Before departure reconfirm your airline ticket at least 3 days before. To reconfirm your tickets the passport number, ticket number, departure date and time. Please seek assistance from your travel agent if needed.

Health and care.

There are many medical care centers available in Sri Lanka. Colombo offers the service of some good clinics and specialists. There are general hospitals in each town as well.

You could rely on self-treatment for minor injuries like diarrhea but, for major injuries and issues such as malaria and dengue, you should always seek medication from a doctor.

Check polio, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis, anti-malaria medication with your local or international medical center before you leave.

Always make sure to check the use-by date to make sure that the package is sealed when you purchase your medication from the counter.

Many towns have good pharmacies, and you could even obtain medication without a prescription.

Travel essentials

In your First Aid Kit – Anti biotics, diarrhea “blockers”, citronella, antiseptic cream or insect sting relief, box of matches (to burn paper and use ashes to stop any bleeding from leeches), lip balm, sunscreen, Tampax (unavailable).

Hospitals – There is some reputed government and private hospitals that offer good quality service in major towns and small towns here in Sri Lanka. Private hospitals consist of an English speaking staff. And doctor’s prescriptions are not always required to obtain medications from pharmacies.

Food & Drink – “If you can cook it, peel it or boil it- eat it”. Avoid dairy products made with un-boiled milk, e.g. some ice creams.

Narcotics – Drugs are illegal in Sri Lanka.

Water usage in Sri Lanka – Tap water is not suitable for consumption. Always use bottled water or filtered water. Look for the SIS logo when you purchase bottle water. The SIS logo indicates that water has been tested by the Sri Lankan government’s standard institution.

Even though you could observe that some of the Sri Lankan streets are littered with rubbish, the hygiene in Sri Lanka is quite good. And only a few visitors have experienced problems.

The Sri Lankan remedy for many ailments from muscular pain to a hangover is King Coconut.

Local Customs

Tipping – employees in most of the hotels live from their tip as they are paid only a very little amount as a salary. You could offer a tip for good service. But usually a 10% amount it billed into any hotel or restaurant bill. For good service over 2/3 days Rs.300-500 depending on the standard of hotel or service. Tipping comes along with the Sri Lankan culture. Even from ancient times our people used to offer something as a thank you for good service. And I’m sure that your little support will be greatly appreciated. However tipping is optional don’t let it annoy you.

Behavior and Photographs – shoes and slippers as well as head wear should be taken off at Hindu and Buddhist worship places. It is not allowed to take pictures standing next to a statue of Lord Buddha as it is considered disrespectful. You might find people following you trying to offer help. Bear in mind that these people are looking for commission and might also lead you to shops and sellers. So if you do not need any help from then simply ignore and leave the place.

Music – Sri Lankan music is a mixture of its own traditions and influences gained though countries such as India and Europe. It is used as a way of expressing a person’s thoughts and feelings. Sri Lankan’s love music. You could listen to Sri Lankan music even while traveling in a bus. Baila music which is quite a famous dance music form was introduced to Sri Lanka centuries ago through the Portuguese. Not only traditional music. Sri Lankans are big fans of international music as well. There are many local as well as international music festivals held in the country during the year.

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Also don’t forget your mosquito repellents. Wear along sleeve clothes in the evenings to keep yourself protected from the mosquitoes. Bring sun cream for sun burn. Notice that topless sunbathing is prohibited in Sri Lanka.

Hill Country: Much cooler, particularly in the evenings. Bring a sweater or fleece and a waterproof. In low wet land throughout the mid-country, you’ll find many leeches in the grass from small to large buffalo leeches. Bring long trousers tucked into your socks and cover your boots with soap.

Religious Sites: Women should cover their shoulders and legs. All visitors to Buddhist temples should remove shoes & hats and fine umbrellas. Hindu temples also require you to remove shoes & hats. You could also make any donation if you please to. Place your donations in the donation box.

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The airport in Colombo is the major domestic airport in Sri Lanka. In addition to that there are regular flights to smaller airports at Batticaloa, Gal Oya, Palali and Trincomalee.

Travelling around Sri Lanka by air can be really interesting. It not only saves your time spent in a journey to move from one location to another, but it also provides you the opportunity to observe the island leisurely from the skies.

Sri Lankan airlines offer their passengers special air taxi services from Colombo to several other cities and vice versa. The flights are based on “twin otter” planes in straight floats with a seating capacity for about 15 passengers.

Train

Travelling within the country by train can be very interesting and exciting. You could travel to any tourist destination from the Colombo by train.

Trains consist of 3 classes, 1^st class which is rather expensive, the second class and the third class. The first class compartment is equipped with air conditioning, dining cars etc. New fast services operate on the main routes, including an intercity express train from Colombo to Kandy.

Road

Most roads in Sri Lanka are tarred and the vehicles move on the left with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns. Flashing lights mean that the driver is asserting right of way. It is quite dangerous to drive in lonely, remote areas at night so please avoid doing so.

Bus: An extensive network of services of reasonable quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board. Private bus drivers in Sri Lanka are paid according to the number of passengers.

Taxi: there are many taxi services in the country. In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10 per cent tip. Taxis are safe, easy and fast.

Car hire: This is available from several international agencies.

Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Motorized rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended.

Documentation: In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary license to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national driving license. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.

Urban

The central transport board provides intensive urban services in Colombo. However you could also choose the private bus services and mini busses. Fares are usually collected by the conductor in the bus and busses are quite crowded most of the times.

Travelling with children

Sri Lanka is a great destination that would surely bring immense to your kids. Tuk tuk rides, elephants rides, safaris, tree houses, beaches are great places and events kids would enjoy. Sri Lanka is a family paradise and Sri Lankan people loves children. Much attention and concern are paid specially towards kids. You could observe playing on the beach and roads with much freedom. Some hotels also let kids below the age of 10 stay for free.

The post Travel within the country appeared first on Driver In Sri Lanka Tour Operator.

Air

The National Airline in the Sri Lankan airlines.
(UL) (Website: www.srilankan.lk).

Approximate flight times

USA – SRI LANKA = 18 hrs and 38m

LONDON – SRI LANKA = 10hrs and 30m

SINGAPORE – SRI LANKA = 3hrs and 31m
Main airports

There are two main airports in Sri Lanka.

The Bandaranayke international airport in Katunayake which is 29km (19 miles) north of the city. You can find duty free shops, restaurants, bars, banks, post offices, car hires available to suit your requirements.

Travel by Bus

Buses travel to the city regularly and it only takes 45-60m.

Travel by Train

You could even get the train to Maradana station which is located 1.6km (1 mile) from the city. It is a 60m journey.
Sea

Duty Free
The following items can be imported into Sri Lanka by a person who is over 18 years of age without any customs duty applied:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 340g of tobacco;

2 bottles of wine and 1.5l of spirits;

A small quantity of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.

Prohibited items are as follows
Firearms, explosives and dangerous weapons; ivory; antiques, statues and treasures; old books; animals / birds / reptiles (dead or alive) and parts; tea; rubber; coconut plants; dangerous drugs.

Please Note that
(a) only two members of the same family traveling together are entitled to free import allowances.

1. b) Valuable belongings such as jewelry must be declared on arrival in Sri Lanka.

(c) There is no gift allowance.

(d) Unused Sri Lankan currency should be reconverted to foreign currency upon departure. You are not permitted to leave Sri Lanka with currency in excess of Rs.250.

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Sri Lanka has a population composed with many cultures and religions. Therefore we celebrate many festivals and religious events throughout the year.

FEBRUARY – Independence Day
Sri Lanka, which was a crown colony under the British, gained its independence on the 4th of February 1948. Since then we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of February every year with much pride and glory.

Navam Perahera
Nawam perahara which was initiated in 1979, is a festival filled with colors and excitement that draws so many tourists across the world every years. You could see groups of people blowing conch shells, stilt walkers and spectacular performances by the drummers. The herds of elephants dressed in bright colors, sounds of music played and the traditional dancers on the streets will truly mesmerize you.by people

MARCH – Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)
The Adams Peak, which is also known as Sri Lankans Holy Mountain, is a remarkable creation that is sacred to three religions. This mountain is situated in a beautiful location in the southern hill country. The Adams peak is venerated by people all over the world as the Buddhist believe that the footprint at the summit belongs to Lord Buddha. And the Muslims believe that it belongs to Adam and Hindus as that of Shiva. The pyramid shaped 7360 ft mountain is a marvelous creation that draws tourists and visitors all over the globe.

APRIL – Sinhala and Tamil New Year
The Sinhala and Tamil new which falls on the 12th and 13th of April, is a festival which is celebrated with great excitement and joy. The reason behind the celebration is the journey of the sun from Meena to Mesha, which indicates a new beginning to the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a festival filled with rituals, traditional games, music and dance. This traditional event marks the harvest festival. In tradition to the traditional games and rituals, special food items and various sweets are prepared and served among neighbors and one another. It is that time of the year that friends, families and relatives reunite.

The “Season”
The April holiday season coincides with the Sinhala/Tamil New Year and Easter holidays during which all schools are closed for a month or more. If you intend combining business with pleasure, its best you avoid this period since most places shut down 8th and 20th April. In April most city dwellers retreat to the cooler climes of Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela where they might enjoy “up-country” pursuits such as hiking, golfing and riding. The hill country resort town of Nuwara Eliya takes on a carnival atmosphere with garden exhibitions and competitions organised at the Park, entertainment such as dances organised at the hotels and horse races at the Nuwara Eliya race track.

MAY – Vesak
The Vesak festival which is considered as a religious and a cultural festival is undoubtedly the most beautiful event that takes place annually in Sri Lanka. It commemorates 3 important stages of Lord Buddha’s life, which is His birth, attainment of enlightenment, and passing away in to Nibbana.

If you walk down the streets on a Vesak Poya day, you will be able to enjoy the sight of the beautiful, enchanting Vesak lanterns in every house. Putting up huge Pandols that demonstrates important life stages and stories of lord Buddha’s life is a special feature in the Vesak festival. This blessed season is spent in togetherness spreading love and peace to the environment. Spend your vacation celebrating Vesak with us and enjoy a delicious free mean from a nearby “Dansala”

JUNE – Poson Mihintale Festival
The Poson festival which is also called the Mihintale festival, takes place in the month of June. The reason behind this celebration is the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Buddhism was brought to the country approximately 2,300 years ago with the arrival of Mahinda Tero who was sent by Emperor Asoka during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.

Similar to the Vesak festival, people decorate their homes and streets with lanterns and Pandols during this festival. Tourists and visitors arriving to Sri Lanka during this month is indeed privileged to witness the beauty and elegance of the Mihintale festival.

JULY – Fruit Season, Kataragama Festival
Kataragama, being one of the most venerated sites of Sri Lanka is mainly dedicated to the Kataragama god. Kataragama is mostly visited as a day trip by tourists. The Kataragama festival is held in July and has been able to capture the attention of tourists and visitors all across the country as well as the globe.

The festival holds a special significance due to the different ways that pilgrims express their devotions to the Kataragama god. You will be amazed to watch some penitence pierce different parts of their bodies with skewers, and some of them walking across burning coal. The main intention is to believe that god will protect them from pain.

The month of July is also the season where fragrant markets overflows with the islands most exotic fruits. It is the best season that would fill up your tummy with some yummy fruits.

AUGUST – Kandy Esala Perahera
Among the various festivals held in Sri Lanka, the Kandy Esala Perahara holds a special position due to its religious and cultural richness. This festival is one of the reasons that bring tourists to Sri Lanka from across the world. The Kandy Esala Perahara was initiated as a celebration sacred to Paha Vishnu, the lord of island. And it was later celebrated as the festival of the sacred tooth relic. The traditional dancers, the sounds of the flourishing whips, the stilt walkers and the elephants dressed in glamorous bright colors grabs the attention of everyone enlightening the ceremony with excitement.

Vel Festival
“Life is a festival only to the wise” – Ralph Waldo Imerson.

If you are planning to spend your vacation in Sri Lanka during the month of august, you are not only privileged to enjoy the sight of the Esala Perahara, but you will also be able to witness the Vel festival which is looked upon with great veneration by the Hindus.

The main feature of the festival is the procession where you could see a pair of snow white bulls carrying a statue of Lord Murugan on and ornate silver plated chariot.

SEPTEMBER – Vintage Car Rally
Come experience an exciting rally with over 125 classical vintage cars held annually during the month of September.

OCTOBER – Kite Festival
Flying kites is one of the famous ways of spending ones leisure time here in Sri Lanka. Take a walk on the beach sometime and you would observe a gazillion kites in enchanting colors floating around in the sky in every corner.

The kite festival is a fun, exciting contest held by the beach, on the Galle face green in the heart of Colombo city every year.

NOVEMBER – Deepavali
“The festival of lights”

Diwali, “The festival of lights”, is certainly the most beautiful among all Hindu festivals. It is celebrated in order to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune into Hindu homes.

The festival is one of the brightest festivals as every home is decorated with oil lamps and lights.

DECEMBER – Christmas
The Sri Lankan Christians too celebrate Christmas together with the rest of the world. They enjoy Christmas by singing carols, preparing various types of foods and by exchanging gifts.

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Timing your holiday

Select the best locations depending on how you want to spend your vacation. If you are planning to spend your time on the beach, the driest months would be ideal since the seas are calm during this season. However the climate changes in different parts of the country due to the monsoon rains. The west and the south coast as well as the hill country enjoys the best of the seasons during the months of December to march. And the eastern coast enjoys its dry spell during May to September. The country celebrates two most important and fascinating cultural pageants. The Kandy perahara which takes place in August and the Kataragama festival in July every year.

Tourist months
Usually many tourists seem to enter the country when the seas are calm, in the months of December to march. And during this season you could observe many western people, mainly Europeans, arriving to the island to escape from the cold winters.

Air fares and accommodation rates are rather high during this season than during the off seasons.

Finding your way about
If you are having trouble finding your way within the country, we advise you to carry a road map with you. There are various types of maps that you could purchase, but the most accurate map is the road map produced by the Sri Lanka government survey department. The map would easily help you out as it is clear to read. You could purchase this road map from any book shop or from the survey department map sales center in Colombo fort. ( Tel- 011435328). The welles verlag 1:450,000 scale Sri Lanka map can be also used as it includes city maps or Colombo, Anuradhapura, Kandy and gale.

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