Travel in Sri Lanka
A small island south of India, Sri Lanka is an exotic destination loved by those who want to explore old ruins, enjoy warm weather and step into the wild jungle for some adventure. Being able to afford a ticket is just a first step. You also need to know how to plan your trip to ensure that you make the most of the country once you get there.
1. Visit the official site of the Sri Lanka Tourism board for information on everything from main cities to visit to where to stay, when to go, local weather and dangers and precautions. Sri Lanka is a relatively closed country, so the more you know in advance about your destination, the easier it will be to move around and find exactly what you’re looking for.
2. Explore the main heritage sites of Sri Lanka, including The Sacred City of Anuradhapura, The Cave Temples of Dambulla and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. All three sites are within easy access of major cities and are worth a day of exploring. Sigiriya also features a magnificent ecosystem (the forest itself is a protected space), which allows for wildlife watching and photography.
3. Find out the legal requirements to visit. If you are from the US, Canada or most of mainland Europe, you won’t need a visa for visits of up to 30 days. At departure, you will need to reconvert all local currency (you won’t be allowed to take it with you), surrender any illegal items bought within the country (this includes tea in excess of three kilos, products made with animal parts and coconuts).
4. Consider staying at a guest house or holiday home rather than renting a hotel room. This will expose you more directly to the customs and practicalities of everyday life in Sri Lanka and will allow you a glimpse into how the locals live, all without sacrificing comfort and beauty.
5. Don’t forget to enjoy the sun. Most people travel to Sri Lanka for its historical heritage and forget to make time to relax on the beach. The reality is that Sri Lanka has some of the most impressive white beaches in Asia, equally beautiful to those in Thailand and Vietnam.
Find Cheap Hotels in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to fabulous beaches, an array of cultural art and the famed annual Perahera Festival in August. For explorers, the Sinharaja Rain Forests and the beautiful waterfalls found around the country offer a paradise that is worth experiencing.
Stay in Sri Lanka
1. Stay at one of the major hotels and resort accommodations in Colombo. You may be able to book your transportation from the airport as well.
2. Find a quaint hotel in Kandy. These are often cheap and allow for easy access to the nearby market.
3. Enjoy a walk around the city of Kandy. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy the city’s ancient architecture.
4. Consider a home stay in Sri Lanka. Home stays are inexpensive and offer a personal touch. If you book far enough in advance, you may be able to arrange home stays throughout your visit.
5. Stay at a lodge or bed and breakfast in Fort Galle for budget prices. For just a few dollars more for meals, you can experience how locals eat and live in this unique Dutch fort.
Get Around Sri Lanka
1. Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. It is the airport that serves all of Sri Lanka. The airport is about 34 kilometers away from Colombo.
2. Travel to your accommodations in Colombo from the airport via taxi. In the city, choose between trishaws and taxis.
3. Take the train when visiting Kandy from Colombo and get an observation car or seat. You will experience a view of undisturbed natural beauty and enjoy a peaceful journey.
Become Familiar With Sri Lankan Customs
1. Be aware that in many homes it is customary to remove your shoes. This custom also pertains to areas that are considered holy.
2. Understand that the appropriate dress when visiting temples or other holy destinations is long pants for men, and a long skirt or pants for women.
3. Remember to only touch your food with your right hand when eating. The Sri Lankan consider the left hand to be unclean.
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Hotels & Motels in Galle, Sri Lanka
Galle, the main town in the most southerly part of Sri Lanka, is a walled city that dates back to the 1500s. Its fortress is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site.
Galle is also home to Unawatuna Beach, which is protected by a surrounding coral reef, resulting in calm waters that are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing. Several hotels dot the Galle coast, should your travels take you to the South Asian island nation.
Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel
Overlooking the indigo waters of the Indian Ocean, the beachfront Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel offers 60 non-smoking guestrooms and three suites in a three-story building.
Accommodations feature a balcony or terrace, air conditioning, minibar, coffeemaker, satellite television, work desk, direct-dial telephone, wireless Internet access, full bath, slippers and hairdryer.
Amenities at the Lighthouse include a private beach, two outdoor swimming pools, children’s pool, hot tub, fitness center, tennis courts, game room, full-service spa, business center and on-site shopping.
The Lighthouse also offers three dining venues, poolside bar, indoor lounge and 24-hour room service. On-site activities include tea tasting, wine tasting, beach volleyball and aerobics.
Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel
A2 Dadella
Galle, Sri Lanka
+94-91-222-3744
jetwing.com
Galle Fort Hotel
Set on a picturesque narrow street overlooking the ocean, the intimate 17th century Gall Fort Hotel offers three garden guestrooms, four split-level loft suites and five themed suites.
Accommodations include French doors leading to a furnished terrace and private garden with a water feature, air conditioning, ceiling fan, king-sized bed with canopied mosquito netting and full private bathroom.
Amenities at the Galle Fort Hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, massage services, landscaped garden, café and bar, and a main restaurant.
The hotel also arranges tours of Galle Fort. Several restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance. Other area attractions include Wijeya Beach, the Dutch Reformed Church, the Galle Lighthouse and St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Galle Fort Hotel
No. 28 Church St.
Galle, Sri Lanka
+94-91-223-2939
galleforthotel.com Read the rest of this entry »
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Wasgamuwa National Park
WASGAMUWA NATIONAL PARK situated in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa, this substantial national park stretches up to a remarkable 36,948 hectares. Initially Wasgamuwa was affirmed to be a strict nature reserve in 1938 but then it was altered and declared into a national park in 1984.
The park lies within the central and northern central provinces. Rainfall is generally by the northeast monsoon (December to February) and inter-monsoonal rains. Meaning annual rainfall can vary from about 1750mm in a dry zone to about 2250mm in an intermediate zone. The yearly temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius.
Park consists of Riverina forest, dry mixed evergreen forest, grasslands and wetlands. As park is almost surrounded by Mahaweli & Amban Rivers, riverine forest area is fairly large.
Wasgamuwa is famous as an elephant habitat. These elephants are known to be less habituated to people and are more wildish. Other than elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, spotted and barking deer, wild boar and wild buffalo are also found here.
Torque Macaque, Purple face leaf monkey and nocturnal slender Loris is also found in the park. Lesser Adjutant, Wooly necked stork, open bill, painted stork, Racket tailed Drongo, Yellow fronted barbet, Sri Lanka Junglefowl & Spurfowl are among the over 100 species of birds found within the park.
There is historical evidence to that this area had been inhabited by man during the ancient Sinhala kingdoms in BC. Giant canal of kalinga (Kalinga Yodha Ela) built in the reign by king Parakramabahu in the 12th century while the remains of Malagamuwa, Wilmitiya, Wasgamuwa and Dasthota tanks bear witness to the past prosperity of the area. Read the rest of this entry »
Picturesque Water Falls in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is blessed with all the essential ingredients to form a variety of picturesque waterfalls. Numerous rivers and streams amounting to more than 100, precipitous mountain ranges and platens, rains from two monsoons, convectional and cyclonic rains get together to form the most attractive falls .
The mountains of Sri Lanka abound with waterfalls of exquisite beauty. The island is blessed with 103 rivers and more than 130 waterfalls and many of them are virtually unknown, hidden away in forest or approached by steps and remote tea plantation tracks.
In fact for it’s size Sri Lanka has recorded water falls than another country. Sri Lanka’s numerous rivers, fed by two half yearly monsoons, with topography of high and steeply scarped peneplains, and riverbeds of hard erosion-resistant metamorphic rock, all provide ideal ingredient for the formation of waterfalls.
To experience the true essence of Nature in the land of scenic beauty, Sri Lanka, it is a must to visit at least a few of the innumerable waterfalls of the country.
Remarkable compact of the highland most in the centre rising abruptly and plateau like in character which is likened to a huge watered fortress and had been used as such during the European invasions of the Portuguese Dutch and the British. Read the rest of this entry »
Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka
206 km from Colombo, it was the first capital of Sri Lanka and one of the best world heritage sites in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura established on the banks of river Mahaweli during the 4th century B.C by king Pandukabhaya.
This sacred city flourished for 1,300 years, until it was reduced into rubbles in an invasion in 993. The city, with its fascinating palaces, monasteries and monuments, lay hidden.
Anuradhapura is acclaimed as the greatest Theravada monastic city of the world and has served as the royal capital of 113 kings. The sacred Bo- tree, the ‘tree of enlightenment’-was brought in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta was planted in Anuradhapura.
Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, was re-discovered in 19th century and is now accessible once again.
Climate of Sri Lanka
Climate of Sri Lanka, Best in the world and an ideal holiday destination for you!
Sri Lanka is neither too hot nor too cold. There is warmth throughout the year. Temperature is almost the same all the year round; diurnal differences in temperature is very low, less that 5 degrees F.
No seasonal changes as regards climate of Sri Lanka is isle as in the west. Average temperature is 80 o F in the lowlands and gradually decreasing while proceeding to the interior highlands but the highest point in Sri Lanka is 8292’, so you see, Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for a tourist.
Sri Lanka lies in the tropical zone roughly between 5o N and 10o N latitudes, almost within the belt of calms or Doldrums, which gets conventional rains throughout the year.
Though anyone can expect a high temperature according to their circumstances, several factors contribute to an advantageous influence on the climate.
Firstly, this is an small island surrounded by the vast Indian ocean, lying off the tip of the South Indian Peninsula. Read the rest of this entry »
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World Famous Beautiful Beaches in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is surrounded by golden beaches and the beaches in Sri Lanka are the best in the world.
Sri Lanka is the ideal holiday destination, and is a land of many appealing beaches, which are a major tourist attraction.
Being a tropical island, it is endowed with an idyllic setting with swaying palms bending over the white sands lapped up by blue waters coral growths, pearl banks (North West) etc.
So pull off your sandals and dip your toes into the clear, soft sands of the beach.
As one travels along the western, eastern and southern coastlines one will come upon yet another identical and tempting tropical and panoramic view, which proves that this unique isle is the best place to relax and enjoy a perfect holiday.
With smooth velvety sands, ebb and flow of the tides, calm waters around the island there is everything that anyone to be entertained by. If you are keen on water sports, discover what an aquatic playground the beaches of Sri Lanka would provide.
Snorkelling, windsurfing, angling and sailing are just a few activities if one wants to indulge in, Swimming diving, sunbathing and just relaxing are some of the favourite pastimes of the tourist. By the way, you would never miss beach seining still a favourite form of fishing in Sri Lanka and also stilt- fishing, a popular sight along the coast to the deep south.
Unawatuna Beach in Sri Lanka
Unawatuna beach in Sri Lanka, rank amongst the twelve best beaches in the world
Unawatuna Beach is located just south of Galle, the chief city in the south and 125km from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
This 4km expanse of palm-fringed sand is said by some to rank amongst the twelve best beaches in the world.
This beach is a paradise for all those who yearn to enjoy the silence of the sea and dive deep into the blue waters of the ocean. There is a reef protecting the beach, which makes it perfectly a safe haven for bathing.
Other major attractions of this southern beach include shallow waters for swimming, and diving.
Within its reach there is an accessible, reasonably well-preserved coral reef that serves as the base for snorkelling.
For all those who fancy scuba diving, this tropical bay in the south will definitely catch your fancy since for the scuba divers; there are several wreck dives only 20-30 minutes away from the beach by boat.
Thus it is the most favoured beach for all those looking for some exciting water sport activity like swimming, scuba diving or snorkelling.
Where to Go for Shopping in Sri Lanka
There are a number of unique things, which tourists can buy in Sri Lanka. Gems, Readymade Garments, Batiks, Tea and Handicrafts are popular shopping items in Sri Lanka among the tourists.
Furniture, hand made Silver, Lacquer ware, and Brass objects are other articles that tourists can purchase.There is no doubt you will enjoy shopping in Sri Lanka because of cheaper price and the variety.
For gems, Ratnapura has been the main source for many centuries and most of the Country’s gem dealers are located in this town. Most gem cutting centers also offers gems to be set into jewelry by the visitors.
Gems are also available at jewelry shops around the country, mainly in Capital, Colombo. You need to be careful while buying gems on the street or from dealers. They offer irresistible bargains, however, on returning home, the stone bought may turn out to be worthless.
Goods made from ivory, turtle shell, coral reefs or reptile skin of any kind should totally be avoided, for they are illegal and the new purchases will be confiscated by customs at time of the homeward journey.
Along Colombo – Kandy road there are number of places you can buy handicrafts made in Sri Lanka. Kandy also is one of the best places to buy most of the handicrafts produced in Sri Lanka.
There are number of shops catering to the tourists. At Kundasale, about 4km from Kandy, a village has been established recently to settle local craftsmen and their families. Visitors could watch artisans at work and purchase their products on site.
Sri Lanka is a major garment manufacturer and exporter of all kinds of clothing. Colombo is a major attraction for garment hunters. One can buy excellent selection of children’s wear, beach wear, casual clothing for men and women and warm padded jackets at attractive prices from Colombo.
As the producer of the world’s finest teas there are many tea sales centers at most tourist destinations around the country and at main shopping centers in Colombo.
Imitation of Dutch and British era furniture is also very popular among tourists.
For the souvenir shopper Sri Lanka offers a whole treasure house. Small craft and souvenir shops surround virtually every resort hotel, with mementos to suit every budget. Bargaining is the order of the day.
The best bargains are carved wooden masks, leather goods such as bags and belts. Silver and gold jewellery and precious gemstones like rubies and sapphires are widely sold.
Hand-woven textiles, sarongs, fabrics and brassware are other good picks. Ceramic drinking gourds, batiks, bronze and tea are other items which deserve to be bought. Beware!
Also, never go to a shop with a tout or a guide. You will only end up paying more.
Colombo Sri Lanka Useful Travel Information
If you are looking for that perfect holiday and racking your brains trying to think of a place in the mystic South East Asia? Then Sri Lanka is the place and you must visit Colombo Sri Lanka. It is like a hidden treasure! Once you discover it you will keep on coming to explore the other places of interest we have for you.
In just 45 minutes of landing at the Katunayake Airport your coach or taxi will take you to the largest and most vibrant city Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. From hence forth you will taken on a guided tour to the places you must visit even on a business or a very short holiday.
Colombo being the largest is Sri Lanka has an array of attractions and activities to offer its visitors. With just one visit, or it may even be your maiden visit to this extraordinary city of culture you will come away with an experience you will truly remember.
Colombo is located in the west coast of the island and has access to some stunning and alluring beaches Galle Face Green is Colombo’s main beach and offers visitors a perfect location to engage in water sports or just lounge under the sun.
Galle Face Green also boasts Colombo’s largest and most elegant promenade which is always busting with activities in restaurant, bars, coffee shops and boutiques.
Take a walk through Colombo’s central district and admire the city’s countless historical buildings and landmarks from Colombo’s Ole Parliament, President’s house (formerly known as Queen’s house during British Regime), Churches, the Jumma Mosque, Hindu Kovils, The Lake House , the Newspaper bastion of Sri Lanka , The Fort Railway Station and the famous Cargill’s and Millers complex in Colombo’s beautiful Fort district. There. is always something exciting to see in Colombo.
Colombo also abounds with Performance and fine arts. The city’s various performing arts centers, such as the Lionel Wendt Theatre and Elphinstone and the Tower Hall.
They feature unique and exciting productions year around, while Colombo’s museums – such as National Museum of Colombo and the Art Gallery in Green Path display various collections such as the jewelry and throne of Sri Lanka’s Last King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe.
In addition to these are the number annual events and fairs. During vesak, which is a great Buddhist event, one could see whole of Colombo decorated with beautiful lanterns and displays of lights. while the life of Buddha is narrated in story form.
Whether you are travelling to Colombo on business or for pleasure you can always expect the very best of hospitality.
Colombo is the commercial centre of Sri Lanka, filled with shopping centres and all modern facilities. The city has an eclectic blend of old and new, traditional and modern, Eastern and Western. Colombo Sri Lanka’s largest city, is noisy, frenetic – and just a little crazy.
Thankfully, the breakdowns, snarled traffic and power cuts are received with a shrug and a smile. ‘No problem’ might be the national motto; it’s certainly the one phrase everyone knows and can say. Read the rest of this entry »
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The National Museum, One of The Key Attractions in Colombo Sri Lanka
The National Treasure housed in a colonial type mansion, the Museum – as it is , perhaps, best known – is the repository of items of interest from pre-historic times to the near present.
The regal white edifice of the Sri Lanka National Museum set amidst a generously spread of property in the exclusive environs of Cinnamon Gardens.
The sheer beauty of the building revealing shades of Italian architecture rarely fails to evoke a second glance. This beautiful structure can be traced back to 1877, when it was purposely built to house antiques.
At that time this project was ably supported by the British Governor of Ceylon (as it was then known), Sir William Henry Gregory.
When the national museum was inaugurated in 1877, it had a mere 800 items on display. Today that number has grown to over 100,000!.
As more artefacts from the island’s natural history were unearthed, a need was felt to differentiate cultural and natural history so that visitors could gain a comprehensive insight into both facets of their heritage under one roof.
Ranging from pre-historic times to the Kandyan (early 19th century) period, this museum showcases diverse aspects of life in Sri Lanka.
Attention to detail like a miniature carvings on an everyday object such as a toothpick reveals much about the skill and expertise of artists of early times, who did not have modern technology – relying instead , on dedicated manual effort.
The museum’s invaluable collection of ivory objects are the most unique in the world. Its vast coin collection (dating back to 6th century BC).
the royal throne and crown of the last king of Kandy (Sri Wickrama Rajasingha) stone inscriptions and sculptures, intricate jewellery, rudimentary stone implements and a massive skeleton of a blue whale are the highlights of this museum.
The Museum also houses a library that maintains a list of rare historical books and chronicles for history lovers. and as a research institute it is actively involved in conducting intensive research in pre history ethnology, anthropology, culture and the crafts. It also conducts lectures and seminars periodically. Read the rest of this entry »
Peradeniya Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka
This exotic and beautiful botanical garden in Sri Lanka is situated in the Hill capital, Kandy. Located 4 miles off Kandy and 68 miles off-Colombo, Peradeniya is well know for its large variety of plants ornaments, a variety of other creepers that produce the special spices in Sri Lanka.
The great lawns highlight huge tropical trees and various species of bamboo can be found in some places.
The best-known attraction of the garden is the Orchid House, which houses more than 300 varieties of exquisite orchids. A spice garden gives you a first hand introduction to the trees and plants used for the traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Mahaweli river, Sri Lanka’s longest river surrounding the area gives an added beauty to this garden. It wont be wrong to say that this garden is one of the best kind in the world and the best in Asia..
Should You Get Car Insurance on Your Rental Vehicle?
Most of us have been there. You’re standing at a rental car counter in an airport with a long line of people behind you, and the rental company pitches their insurance coverage to you. You feel like you are under pressure to make a split second decision, and many times, you go ahead and accept these insurance add-ons just to get the process over with. However, you may be duplicating coverage you already have.
If you own a car, then your car insurance policy will almost certainly protect you against theft or damage to a rental car in the United States. And even if you don’t own a car, you may still have coverage through your credit card issuer. The quickest way to find out is to call your insurance company and / or credit card issuer and ask. With credit cards, you have to rent the car with the credit card that has the coverage in order to be protected, so be sure you pay with the right credit card.
To be on the safe side, if you had rental car insurance through your credit card five years ago, you should still call to be sure. Sometimes terms and conditions change, and you don’t want to wait until you discover a dent in your rental car to find out your credit card dropped rental car coverage last year.
If you will be renting a car in a foreign country, you need to be more careful and proactive. Your auto insurance policy may not cover rentals in foreign countries. In some countries, you should buy insurance on the rental car even if your policy covers rental cars. The added peace of mind can be well worth a few dollars a day if you’ll be where driving conditions are riskier than they are back home.