Sri Lanka what city. Galle is the capital of the southern province of Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya is a city in the highlands of the central province of Sri Lanka. Its name means "city on the plain" or "city of light". The city is the administrative capital of the Nuwara Eliya region, with a picturesque landscape and a temperate climate. It is located at an altitude of 1886 meters and is considered the most important area for tea production. The city is located at the foot of Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is known for its mildly cool climate - it is the coldest area

The city of Batticaloa got its modern name during the period of British colonial rule. Originally the city was called Madakalapuwa (the first "M" changed to "B" at the time when the Dutch owned the island), which means "muddy lagoon" in Sinhalese. This name, in turn, comes from the Tamil Madurankerniculam. Batticaloa is located on east coast Sri Lanka, on a flat, flat spit that separates the lagoon from the ocean. The city rises above sea level by an average of only 5 meters. Near

Ella is a small beautiful town in the southern part of the highlands of Sri Lanka. It is located in the middle of a picturesque countryside, with small vegetable gardens in the valleys, tea plantations on the hillsides and forests that cover the mountain slopes. Climate most The year is typical of the Sri Lankan highlands, with a hot sun at noon, but moderate temperatures. It may rain in the afternoon, but it usually lasts for an hour. You may need a jumper at night or

Trincomalee or simply Trinco is the main port city and administrative capital of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, located on the east coast of the island, about 180 kilometers south of Jaffna. The population of the city is 99135 people. The city is built on a peninsula that separates the inner and outer ports. Trincomalee is one of the main centers of Tamil linguistic culture on the island. The famous ancient temple of Koneswaram was built in the city, which is mentioned in the Tamil chronicle Thirukonamalai,

Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka. Located in the Western Province, Colombo County. Population - 672.7 thousand inhabitants (2007), the population of Greater Colombo (which also includes the large cities of Moratuwa, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte - the capital of the country) - 5,648,000 people. History The name of the city comes from the Sinhalese "Kola-amba-thota", which means "mango harbor". Arab, Chinese, Roman merchants visited Colombo harbor over 2000 years ago. In the VIII century A.D. e. Arabs settled here for a long time, who controlled almost the entire sea

Ratnapura is a city in the southwest of Sri Lanka, at the foot of Mount Adam's Peak, the administrative center of the province of Sabaragamuwa. The population is about 48 thousand people. (2002). Trade and transport center in the area of ​​plantations of rubber plants and tea plantations. Connected by rail with Colombo and Badulla. Ratnapura is famous for its precious stones. Here, since the Middle Ages, stones such as "cat's eye", aquamarines, amethysts, sapphires have been mined. The largest sapphire, weighing more than 400 carats, "Blue Beauty of Asia" was found near Ratnapura. Also near the city

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official capital of Sri Lanka (since 1982). Located in the southern suburb of Colombo. The population is about 115 thousand people. (2002). The name Jayawardenepura means "city of the coming victory" in Sinhalese. This name was given to the city by its founder Alagakkonara. The name "Kotte" comes from the Tamil "kottey" - a fortress: fortified structures appeared on this place in the XIII century. Historically, the part of the city, bounded by the moat, was called Etul Kotte (inner fort), and outside it - Pittacotte (outer

Badulla is a city in the southwest of Sri Lanka, the capital of the province of Uva and is considered one of the most ancient settlements Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude of 680 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded on almost all sides by the Badulla River and mountains. As a result, a special microclimate is created in the city and its environs, characterized by high humidity and frequent thick fogs, as well as relatively low average temperatures for this region. Population - about 43 thousand people (2004).

Negombo is a popular resort town famous for its historical heritage and scenic beauty. Negombo is a beautiful resort town along the beautiful west coast Sri Lanka. The city's close proximity to Sri Lanka International Airport has made it a popular destination for tourists who usually start or end their travels in Sri Lanka here. Exuding Old World charm, Negombo has a rich historical heritage and is renowned for its magnificent and picturesque beaches. Here in Negombo, there are many attractions that make from

According to the economic situation, the city of Kandy, with a population of about 100 thousand people, ranks second in the republic after Colombo. Located in a mountain range at an altitude of 488 meters above sea level, the city is very picturesque. Its original necklace is the Mahaveli Ganga river with shady banks. The city was founded in the XIV century. At the end of the 16th century, when the Portuguese captured the southwestern and north coast islands, the Sinhalese rulers went to the mountains and founded a state with a capital in

Sri Lanka is a small island state located in South Asia near the Indian subcontinent. The country received its modern official name - the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972. Previously, the state was known as Ceylon. The official capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. In fact, the capital functions are performed by the largest city in the country - Colombo.

The population of Sri Lanka is 21.6 million inhabitants. Sinhalese and Tamils ​​dominate among the nationalities. The most widespread religion is Buddhism, which is followed by the majority of Sinhalese. In addition, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are widespread in the country. The form of government in Sri Lanka is a semi-presidential republic. Administratively, the country is divided into 9 provinces - Central, North-Central, North, North-West, West, South, East, as well as the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva.

The main sectors of the economy are agriculture, textile production and mining precious stones... The tourism industry has been gaining momentum lately. Most popular places recreation in Sri Lanka - the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwela and Kalutara.

Flight time:
Flights to Bandaranaike Airport, Colombo
from Moscow - from 8 hours 30 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - from 11 hours 25 minutes. (1-3 transfers)
from Kazan - from 12 hours 30 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Yekaterinburg - from 11 hours 55 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 50 minutes. (1-4 transfers)

The current time in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte:
(UTC +5: 30)

The most developed sport is cricket, which is exotic for Russians. The state pursues an active foreign policy, Sri Lanka is a member of well-known international organizations - the UN (United Nations), IMF (International Monetary Fund), ADB (Asian Development Bank) and others.

How to get there

At present, the issue of direct regular flights between Moscow and Colombo remains open, but it is known that during the season, Aeroflot makes flights on this route. Excluding this option, the most optimal way to get to Sri Lanka at the moment are flights of Emirates Moscow - Dubai - Colombo, Qatar Airways Moscow - Doha - Colombo and Etihad Moscow - Abu Dhabi - Colombo. All planes arrive at Colombo International Airport.

Many people are interested in an important question when buying a ticket from Moscow to Sri Lanka: how long to fly? If you choose a non-stop flight on the route Moscow - Sri Lanka, the flight will take 8 hours and 45 minutes (flight to the capital of the country - Colombo). With connections it will be about 14 hours, but it depends on the connection time, it is different for airlines.

Climate and weather in Sri Lanka

The climate in Sri Lanka is warm and humid. The temperature is very even, without sharp fluctuations throughout the year. The difference between the warmest and coldest months is only 2-3 degrees Celsius. The average monthly temperature usually does not exceed 30 degrees. The seasons here differ in the amount of precipitation. Most of the rain falls in summer. The coastal regions of Sri Lanka are the most comfortable for living. The large cities in the interior of the country experience hot weather and high humidity. average temperature the water in the Indian Ocean near the country is 27 ° C, it differs from the air temperature by only a couple of degrees.

Cooler temperatures can be found in the mountainous regions of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is located at 1884 meters above sea level. The local average annual temperature is 18 ° C. In cold weather at night, the thermometer can drop to an unprecedented level in Sri Lanka of 10 ° C. Such "frost" forces the owners of local hotels and hotels to use heating devices, which are turned on in the evening and at night. It will be useful and pleasant for tourists to know that it usually rains in Sri Lanka at night. Therefore, the rest at the resort should not be overshadowed by precipitation. An even and favorable climate throughout the year allows vacationers not to think about choosing a month for a vacation in Ceylon. Here, at any time of the year, locals and tourists feel comfortable.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka

It is quite difficult to understand how the climate in Sri Lanka is changing famously the first time, so you need to be careful with its features. The island is dominated by an equatorial climate, a distinctive feature of which is the division into two seasons: dry and rainy.

In addition, the Central Mountain Range rises in the middle of the island, creating a "rain shadow" for the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. This is the so-called "wet zone" of the island, where the southwest monsoons go from May to September. They form in the Arabian Sea and a large wall of warm humid air moves towards the island. At the same time, due to the mountain range in the rest of the country (and this is three quarters of the island) at this time it is more or less dry. These three quarters are in the eastern and northern parts of the country, where the average annual precipitation is 1200-1800 mm. For comparison, in the southwest this figure is much higher - from 2540 to 5080 mm per year.

The north and east of the country are influenced by the northeastern monsoons, which prevail here from November to February. Most of the cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal hit Bangladesh and the coast of India, but Sri Lanka also sometimes gets it, even despite some distance.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka is characterized by heavy and short (about 15 minutes) showers, most often at night. The main disadvantage for vacationers in such a situation is the strong wind, which forms large waves in the ocean, so it is better to part with dreams of a calm and safe swimming at this time.

The winter and autumn months on the island are characterized as inter-monsoon periods, when there are no heavy monsoon rains, but at the same time so-called "zenital rains" often occur in the equatorial regions. In this way, best time for recreation in the south-west, attractive for tourists, it is winter, and, accordingly, in the north and east - summer.

Cities and regions

Provinces of Sri Lanka

• Central
• North-Central
• Northeastern
• North
• Sabaragamuwa
• South
• Western

Sri Lanka cities

There are many cities and towns in Sri Lanka. Below is information about the cities most interesting for tourists.

Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka, which is actually the capital of the country, located in the Western province of the state. Colombo is the center of business, trade and culture. The population of the city is 740 thousand inhabitants, and the agglomeration (together with the suburbs, including the formal capital of Sri Jayawardenepura Kote) - 2 million 250 thousand inhabitants. Industry and high-tech manufacturing are booming in Colombo. The local port is one of the largest in the Asian region.

Interestingly, many areas have a specific professional focus. This division has arisen since ancient times. In Colombo there is an area of ​​artisans, poor people, merchants, etc. Of course, today such a classification is gradually becoming obsolete, but it is still largely relevant. There is a large international Airport... The city is culturally and religiously developed - it has its own university, observatory, religious institutions for various confessions.

The tourist center is located in the northern part of the city - Fort. Hotels, hotels, shops, restaurants and other entertainment establishments are concentrated here. The main attractions of the city are Galle Face Green Park, National Museum, Museum of Local Lore, Presidential palace and Independence Square. In the suburb of Komlombo, you can visit one of the largest zoos on the continent - Dehiwala Zoo.

Anuradhapura is the regional center of the North-Central Province of Sri Lanka. The city is named after its founder, the Indian prince Anuradha. Population - 50,000 inhabitants. The most developed economic sectors are agriculture and handicrafts. The air temperature is warm and favorable throughout the year, the climate is characterized by high humidity. The city is famous for its attractions: in Anuradhapura, the remains of ancient temples, monasteries and other cultural monuments have been preserved. Among the most famous sites are the Ruanveli and Thuparama stupas, the Abhayagiri and Isurumuniya monasteries, and the famous Aukana Buddha statue located near the city.

Kandy is one of the oldest Sri Lankan cities. It is located in the central part of the country. Previously, the city was known as Senkadagalapura. The population of Kandy is more than 150 thousand people. The city is one of the sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in the past it was the capital of ancient Ceylon. The most significant cultural monument is the Dalada Maligawa Temple. The Sacred Tooth of the Buddha is located here, and this famous artifact has become a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Every year, Kandy becomes the site of the popular Esala Peraher festival, at which time the famous relic is brought to the public. For ten nights in a row, a procession with the participation of elephants takes place in the streets, which is accompanied by ethnic music, fakirs and other local attributes. The suburb of Kandy has the largest Botanical Garden on the continent. It contains many rare species of tropical plants. In the vicinity of Kandy there is a unique Spice Garden.

Negombo is a small town located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort has the nickname "Little Rome". The fact is that Negombo is the unofficial center of Christianity in Sri Lanka. The city is quite developed, shops, restaurants, rental offices and other services are located here literally on every corner. Local beaches are deserted, therefore they are popular with lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday. True, most tourists use Negombo only as a transit point for a day or two, and then head to other resorts. Nevertheless, the city has a lot to offer and show to holidaymakers. The most popular pastime is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for their fishing. The most significant sights are the remains of a Dutch fort and a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, which is 10 kilometers from Negombo.

Sri Lanka Resorts

Sri Lanka is an island where people go to rest all year round. Beach holidays, swimming in the Indian Ocean, trips to exotic places, complete relaxation, meetings that will be remembered forever, authentic village life, age-old traditions - one way or another, this is exactly what is expected from the island.

The main question that tourists who are going on vacation to Sri Lanka ask themselves is which resort to choose? Indeed, there are many good places, each with its own character and flavor. So, Hikkaduwa gathers surfers, divers and young people on its beaches. Bentota is focused on demanding tourists, Kogalla - on independent and on those who have arrived for the "wintering", etc.

The best resorts in Sri Lanka are described below. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.

Bentota - popular beach resort in Sri Lanka. This romantic destination is popular with young families and adventure seekers. To services of tourists - a full range of services designed for any budget. The resort will appeal to amateurs active rest: The most popular Ceylon water entertainment center, Confifi Marina, is located here. Vacationers will be able to ride a boat, water ski, scooter or dive. The club also organizes excursions and boat trips.

Beruwela is a resort located in the south-west of the country, not far from Colombo. This place will appeal to tourists who prefer a beach holiday. However, lovers of a more active lifestyle will also find something to entertain themselves. Large hotels have sports facilities - golf courses, tennis courts, and traditional water activities are available on the beaches. Along coastline The resort has several hotels of different classes for people with different income levels. The main attraction of Beruveli is the ancient Kechimalai mosque, to which thousands of Muslims from all over the world make pilgrimages every year.

Wadduwa is another Ceylon resort located near Colombo. The visiting card of this place is gorgeous coconut palms and amazing sandy beaches. The resort has a developed infrastructure. A large number of hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes are concentrated here. There is a popular diving center on Wadduwa. Diving enthusiasts will be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the local ocean depths. Just a few kilometers away is another resort town - Kalutara, famous for the Buddhist temple Gangatilaka Vihara.

Kalutara is a resort on southwest coast Sri Lanka. From time immemorial, the resort has been known for its herbs and spices. Little Kalutara during her history had a chance to be under the oppression of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists. Nevertheless, today the place has become one of the most modern and dynamically developing Sri Lankan resorts. The local brand name is delicious and juicy tropical fruits that are stacked in baskets created by local artisans using their own method. However, the famous Kalutar spices are still respected all over the world. The main attractions of the resort are the Gangatilaka Vihara Stupa and the February Navam parade.

Kogalla is a small but famous Ceylon resort. The relative distance from civilization (more than 100 kilometers to Colombo) attracts tourists here who dream of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of large cities. On the other hand, Kogall has all the necessary infrastructure, including golf courses, diving centers, tennis courts and other entertainment. Not far from the resort is the town of Polonnaruwa. It is known for the fact that on its territory the remains of the legendary palace of the state of the ancient Sinhalese have been preserved. Other historical monuments include the Watadage Temple and giant Buddha statues carved into the rocks.

Nuwara Eliya is a famous resort in the mountains of Sri Lanka. The place is known as one of the few cool islands in sultry South Asia. Numerous local waterfalls are popular with tourists. Other attractions worth noting are the extraordinary architecture of local buildings in the British style. Top holiday destinations are the magnificent state of the art golf complex, Victoria Park, the most picturesque lake Gregory and the racetrack, which hosts horse races every spring.

Mount Lavinia is a popular Sri Lankan resort located just a few kilometers from the country's capital. The place is a fairly large commercial, industrial and economic center. The population of the city is 155 thousand inhabitants. Tourists especially note the local wide sandy beaches. The resort has several modern hotels. The main attractions are the Dehivela Zoo, which is home to more than 300 species of animals and the giant Bolgoda Lake with a rich flora and fauna.

Hikkaduwa is a resort town located in the south of Sri Lanka. This city is considered a Mecca for diving. Unusually beautiful local coral reefs and other inhabitants of the underwater world attract vacationers from all over the world. Coral became the unofficial emblem of the city. In addition, there is a coral reserve on the territory of the city. Other attractions include a Buddhist temple and a large, beautiful lake.

What to see

sights

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in Sri Lanka

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Sri Lanka in more detail.
The project Experts.Tourister.Ru is registered.

Things to do

Water sports

Comfortable weather throughout the year, amazingly clear water and the beauty of the underwater depths of Sri Lanka attract many outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.

Diving - scuba diving, snorkeling, fins and other equipment. The Indian Ocean, in addition to the most beautiful marine life and underwater reefs, contains many secrets and mysteries. Diving near wrecks and underwater caves heightens the senses and makes diving in Sri Lanka an unforgettable experience. Sri Lankan diving centers have modern gear and equipment, and are scattered around the perimeter of the island. When planning a diving holiday, the travel time should be considered. The fact is that diving centers located in the southwest of Sri Lanka are open from mid-autumn to mid-spring, and in the northeast from early spring to mid-autumn.

Snorkeling also allows you to contemplate the splendor of the underwater world, but only at shallow depths: for snorkeling you only need a mask, fins and a snorkel. The purity and transparency of the Sri Lankan waters easily allows you to engage in this exciting activity, because the underwater delights are visible at a depth of several meters.

Surfing - riding the waves using special boards. Surfers have chosen many areas of Sri Lanka. The picturesque landscape, relaxed resort atmosphere and of course the good high waves make the island ideal for this sport.

Windsurfing - riding the waves with a board equipped with a sail. This sport can be done in Negombo, Trincomalee, Bentota. Equipment is rented in specialized rental centers. Some hotels specialize in windsurfing and offer tourists all the equipment they need. The gathering place for experienced athletes was the bay - Arugam Bay.

Ayurveda

Traditional treatment in Sri Lanka is very developed. Especially popular is the direction of Ayurveda, which in translation means the science of life. This is a whole range of traditional methods of treatment, including aromatherapy, relaxation, meditation, massage, healthy eating. Ayurveda implies a comprehensive improvement of the body, and not the treatment of only diseased organs. The most important thing is that this direction has no side effects and contraindications. All medical products are completely made from natural ingredients. Several hotels in Sri Lanka offer to combine rest with Ayurveda treatment.

Ecotourism

All over the world ecotourism has long become popular destination recreation. Recently, this type of recreation has begun to gain popularity among our compatriots. Tours to Sri Lanka are distinguished by a wide variety of ecotourism offers. The choice of vacationers - rafting on mountain rivers, off-road driving on rough terrain, riding on elephants, mountaineering and other original excursions.

Camping and safari

For tourists who are tired of the comfort of modern hotels and who want to join natural world, in Sri Lanka, a special excursion program with accommodation in tent camps at national parks is offered. The tour program is made taking into account the individual wishes of the tourists. Tourists independently choose parks to visit and other criteria for recreation. Among the latter are the comfort of the tent rooms, the number of days on the tour, the purchase of additional excursions. The standard program is designed for 9 days, during which all major National parks countries. All the necessary living conditions and three meals a day are provided in the camps.

Agritourism

Agritourism - best direction rest for those who want to get acquainted with the peculiarities of Sri Lankan life from the inside. Tourists can not only live in the usual conditions of a Ceylon village, but also take part in agricultural work and take care of pets. As part of agrotourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with the local culture, customs, learn how to cook national dishes.

Fishing

The coastal waters of Sri Lanka are replete with the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. Planktonic saturation attracts a wide variety of species - from tuna to sharks. Sightseeing fishing usually starts early in the morning. Tourist groups taken to fish for several tens of kilometers from the coast. Vacationers are accompanied by experienced local fishermen, and all necessary equipment is included in the price of the excursion.

River safari

The so-called bot safari is very popular on the island. This is a three hour river walk on the boat. During the tour, you can meet many exotic birds and animals. Moving away from civilization by boat, you can find more and more interesting and unusual - small islands of land, aboriginal settlements and unique vegetation. Local guide services will cost only $ 20.

Helicopter excursion

The opportunity to take a helicopter ride has appeared quite recently. This is a very expensive entertainment, but there are still those who wish. The helicopter base is located 15 kilometers from the capital of Sri Lanka. From here you can fly to almost anywhere in the country. The maximum number of tourists in the cabin of one helicopter is four people. The most popular excursion to Sigiriya will cost $ 2,000 for a helicopter, in addition, you will have to fork out another $ 112 for each hour of waiting for the helicopter.

Hot air balloon flight

Another excursion that allows tourists to admire the amazing Sri Lankan landscapes from a bird's eye view. Air trips are made only in weak, safe weather for flights. The standard duration of the excursion is one and a half hours, and the cost is approximately $ 1000 for the entire group, the number of which cannot exceed four people.

Golf

This game began to develop in Sri Lanka back in the 19th century. To date, the country has created several high-quality golf complexes that meet international standards. Beginners will also be able to enjoy the game: there are special individual and group lessons for beginners in golf clubs.

Sri Lankan wedding

Newlyweds from all over the world are increasingly choosing Sri Lanka as their wedding venue. The ceremony is held according to local traditions - the bride and groom dress in bright national costumes, the procession is accompanied by elephants and drumming, young men and girls in colorful outfits are dancing nearby. After exchanging the rings, the newlyweds give each other a taste of rice cooked in coconut milk and wash it down with water. This ritual symbolizes the future mutual care of the husband and wife. There are a number of other traditional wedding ceremonies - tying the little fingers of the bride and groom with golden thread, breaking a coconut to sprinkle milk on the newlyweds' clothes, and lighting an oil lamp together. The cost of the ceremony should be discussed in advance with the organizer. The amount will vary depending on the number of services selected. But on average, you can keep within $ 1000.

Sri Lanka beaches

Sri Lanka boasts magnificent sandy beaches that stretch for 1000 km along the entire coast of the island. When swimming in the ocean, you should be careful: deep currents are quite dangerous, and besides, you can get cut by fragments of coral. Sunbathing topless in Sri Lanka is not accepted.

The resorts offer all kinds of water sports: diving, surfing, yachting, snorkeling, sailing.
There are 2 beach seasons on the island: north winds blow from November to March on the west and south coasts, the sea is calm and the weather is comfortable. From April to October, the western monsoon blows, so beach weather sets in on the east coast.

Traveling around the country

Bus

Buses are often packed with passengers and very uncomfortable, but they can travel the entire island for almost nothing, for a few dollars. There are "AC" class buses with air conditioning and guaranteed seats, they will cost twice as much.

Bus stops are bustling, especially the big ones, but almost everyone will be happy to practice their English and help.

Private and municipal buses run in major cities of the country. The fare in them is about the same. Public transport in Sri Lanka - one of the cheapest in the world.

A train

It is convenient to travel between Sri Lankan cities by train. From the capital, you can get to any destination for no more than 300 rupees. Passengers have the opportunity to choose their own class of carriage with a suitable level of comfort. Sri Lanka has an extensive rail system serving all major cities on the island except the north and east.

Trains are more comfortable and colorful than buses, and thanks to the winding railroad in the mountains, the rail network in the mountainous part of Sri Lanka is very scenic, especially on the Badullu-Nanu Oya line. If possible, it is better to sit on the right side of the train, the most best views... For tourists who want to see the local views, there are special excursion cars with large windows.

Knock Knock

The most popular transport in Sri Lanka is a small scooter with a cab, called "tuk-tuk". They are unusual for us, but Sri Lankans regularly use them for everyday travel. A tuk-tuk is much cheaper than a regular taxi, the average price per kilometer is 15-20 rupees. Tipping is not customary in Sri Lanka.

Taxi

A more traditional form of transport will cost about 50% more. For a kilometer of travel, you will have to pay about 30 rupees. If the taxi is not equipped with a meter, then the cost of the trip should be agreed in advance. You can "catch" a taxi driver right on the street or call him by phone.

Car rental

The country is well organized transport system, but Russians will be greatly surprised by two things - left-hand traffic and the possibility of neighboring animals, driven by farmers, and cars on the road.

With a driver

The car itself is often provided free of charge, and money is paid to the driver for his services. Some drivers / guides have a state license to carry out their activities, some of them have extremely broad knowledge and speak several languages, specialize in the history and culture of the country. For those who go to see historical sites and nature reserves, they will tell about the environment.

Without driver

Those who are not confused by weirdness road traffic in Sri Lanka, you can rent a car for independent travel. The standard rate is Rs 2,400 per day. This amount includes the mileage of 80 kilometers, and for each additional kilometer you will have to pay 8 rupees.

Plane

Air carrier "Aero Lanka" operates domestic flights on the directions of Colombo-Ratmalata, Colombo-Jaffna and Colombo-Trincomalee.

Communication

The main language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, the second language is Tamil. English is used in government and tourism. Don't expect the entire population everywhere to speak English fluently. It is much more common in beach and tourist areas Oh. Most people in rural areas do not know English at all, except for a few simple words.

• Sinhalese: the greeting in Sinhalese sounds "aayuBowan", which literally means: "stay longer"; thanks in Sinhalese is "stuti";
• Tamil: The Tamil greeting is “wanakkam”; thank you - "nanri";
• Arabic(Lankan Moors): when meeting with a Muslim, it will be polite to say "Assalam aleikum"; thanks sounds like "jazz-ka alla".

Culture

The culture of Sri Lanka has managed to preserve many of its own ancient traditions, despite the fact that big influence it was rendered by the European colonialists. The country has managed to preserve traditional customs in many areas. Most of the ancient national works of art, in one way or another, are associated with the dominant religion in the country - Buddhism. Painting, sculpture and architecture developed under his influence. Original dances and songs are also an important object of Sri Lankan culture. From contemporary art in Sri Lanka, cinema, radio and television are actively developing.

One of the main holidays for Sri Lankans - New Year... True, unlike our country, in Sri Lanka it is celebrated in April. Many rituals are associated with this event on the island, and of course, it is not complete without the traditional chic fireworks.

The number one Sri Lankan sport is cricket. The national team in 1996 even became the world champion in this sport. In addition, American football, rugby and various martial arts are very popular. Among the latter are the Sri Lankan martial arts Cheena di, which was taught by Chinese monks, and Angampora, a fighting style using swords, daggers and other weapons.

Kitchen

National Sri Lankan cuisine has a lot in common with Indian, due to the geographical proximity of the two countries. Spices, spices, juicy fruits, seafood - all these elements are traditional in both countries. The basis of the daily diet in Sri Lanka is made with rice and curry. The latter, by the way, is not only seasoned with meat. On the island, side dishes, fish, vegetables and other specialties are served with curries.

Since the dishes of Sri Lanka and South India are very similar, in many local restaurants the menu indicates where is the cuisine of Sri Lanka and where is South India. In addition, different regions have their own cooking options. Food is usually very cheap, with an inexpensive lunch costing about a dollar. Rarely can a meal cost more than ten dollars, except in the most expensive places targeting tourists. Colombo has a large selection of high quality restaurants.

Coconut ingredients are often used in Ceylon cuisine - coconut juice, oil and shavings. There are many other dishes with other ingredients that are not familiar to us.

String hoppers are rice noodles rolled and steamed.

Umbalakada is a finely ground fish.

Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes made with coconut milk.

Bittara arra - pancake combined with scrambled eggs. For cooking, put a chicken egg in the middle of the pancake.

Hakuru arra - A treat similar to Bittara arra, but sweetened with coconut flakes.

Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked with coconut milk.

Rotti is a regular curry flavored tortilla.

Pittu - made from water, rice flour and coconut. Also served with curry sauce.

Kottu Rotti - A blend of chopped unleavened rice cakes, vegetables and meats of your choice. This dish is found only in Sri Lanka, the most delicious Kottu Roti from street vendors, freshly prepared.

Beverages

In Sri Lanka, you should not drink tap water, it can be fraught with intestinal disorders. Buy plain bottled water from stores. But it is better to refuse to buy local milk altogether. Thanks to the Sri Lankan climate, it deteriorates very quickly, although it is quite expensive.

The traditional non-alcoholic drink among the Sri Lankans is Tambili, the juice from the royal coconut. Fresh can be cooked in front of your eyes right on the street, and it will cost less than sold in bottles.

Other local drinks include ginger oil and creamy soda. If you prefer the classic "Koku" or "Pepsi", then you can get them in almost any grocery supermarket on the island.

The most popular beers are Three Coins (brewed according to the Belgian recipe), Lion Stout (buttery with a chocolate flavor) and Lion Lager.

For those who prefer strong alcohol, we can recommend the local drink - Arrack. It usually costs about $ 4 a bottle and is often drunk with ginger beer. Quality depends on price, but Old Reserve is widely recommended for $ 7.5.

Purchases

Shopping in Sri Lanka is presented as quite modern shopping centers as well as traditional markets with all kinds of folk goods - from spices to clothes made from natural fabrics. Prices for goods of local producers are very democratic. Most shopping opportunities, of course, are in Colombo, but the Sri Lankan hinterland, and even more so tourist centers also has a lot to offer tourists in terms of shopping.

You can read more about store opening hours, what to buy, where to buy, and how to bargain in the article "Shopping in Sri Lanka".

Communication

Telephone communications

Telephone communication is available in almost any hotel, but usually it is very expensive to call from the room. It is more economical to use special telephone cards and make calls from automatic machines or make calls from the nearest post offices. Cards in denominations of 100, 500 and 1000 rupees can be bought in supermarkets, kiosks and post offices. To call Russia, you need to dial 007, area code and phone number.

Sri Lanka's dialing code: +94.

Useful phone numbers

the Internet

Cellular communications on the island are poorly developed and unstable. It will be possible to use a mobile phone only in the capital, as well as in large cities and popular resorts.

You can access the global network through Internet cafes located in large cities. In the hinterland of the country, gaining access to the World Wide Web is very problematic.

Safety

Tourists going on holiday to Sri Lanka should follow a number of simple safety measures. You should be careful while walking in parks and reserves - look at your step, do not turn off the tourist path and use anti-mosquito remedies. If you are going on an excursion to the jungle, then before the trip, just in case, you need to take antimalarial pills. You need to be more careful with animals. There are often times when monkeys steal various things from unlucky tourists.

As in many other tourist areas, pickpockets should be wary of Sri Lanka and valuables should not be left unattended. Women are better off not being alone at night on the streets or on the beach. Over the past few years, there has been a slight increase in crimes against tourists, but these cases are rare.

Tourists are advised not to travel to areas controlled by the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). Some areas are mined, and armed clashes are taking place in cities. In addition, military action by the government is also possible. However, due to the large number of state checkpoints, it is extremely unlikely to enter the territory of hostilities by negligence. These areas are far removed from the places that tourists usually visit. However, it is not uncommon to see heavily armed soldiers on the streets, main thoroughfares and at the airport.

Before traveling to this country, it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis, A and B, polio, and tetanus. If you plan to travel outside of tourist areas, especially during the rainy season, you need to get vaccinated against typhus. Areas of Gampaha (eg Negombo), Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya, as well as the city of Kandy (but not the district) are considered malaria-free. In the rest of the country, malaria is present and most likely to get sick in Anuradhapura. During the dry season, during the day on the road, or when traveling by train to Kandy (including travel to the Peradeniya Gardens) or to Nuwara Eliya, you need to use DEET repellent, this should be enough. The risk of infection increases after sunset. Antimalarial prophylaxis ensures against infection when traveling north (especially to Anuradhapura), east, and southeast (however, some types of drugs are not available there).

Try to respect local cultural values. In temples, you cannot appear in shorts, short skirts or in other too open clothes, and before entering the sanctuary, you must definitely take off your shoes. When buying jewelry and jewelry, do not forget to ask for a license to export the goods from the country, otherwise there may be problems at customs. On full moon days, alcohol is prohibited in public places on the island.

Some traditions take some getting used to, especially Europeans.

Embassy Russian Federation in Sri Lanka:

Address: Embassy of the Russian Federation, 62 Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha, Colombo-7, Sri-Lanka.

Phone: (8-10-941) 57-4959, 57-3555.

Where to stay

Standard hotels

Classic hotels with rooms ranging from 50 to 500 rooms. A suitable hotel in this class can be found for every budget. Because of their convenience, standard hotels are popular with families or large groups. The all-inclusive system is often used.

Boutique hotels

Recently, hotels of this type have become more and more popular. Boutique hotels are small hotels with 3-15 rooms. The guests of such hotels prefer peace, comfort and tranquility, which are so lacking in large hotels. Boutique hotels are on average more expensive than usual, but they have their own unique look. Customers receive much more attentive service and maintenance. Standard rental price double room$ 100- $ 250 per day.

Bungalow

Usually bungalows are small private houses, renovated and converted for the needs of tourists. Sometimes they have their own kitchen, maid or cook. Bungalow rent is not cheap, but if you are going to have a rest in a large company, then there is an opportunity to save money. The rental price is $ 100- $ 200 per day.

Villas

The villa is a luxurious home with a large number of rooms, all possible amenities and maximum comfort. They are usually rented entirely and are suitable for wealthy people. A villa, like a bungalow, is beneficial to rent for a large group of people, for example, several families. The average rental price is $ 300- $ 1000 per day. It varies depending on the level of the villa and the distance from the sea.

Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte - a city with such a long and almost unpronounceable name is the official, nominal capital of Sri Lanka. In fact, the capital is located in the city of Colombo. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is officially the capital with the longest name in the world!

This city is located in the southern suburb of Colombo and is part of the Greater Colombo metropolitan area. The name of the city in translation from Sinhalese means "blessed city-fortress of the coming victory". This name was given to him in the 13th century by Alagakkonara, the founder of the city, who began the construction of a local fortress. By the way, locals call the city simply Kotte, which means “fortress”.

In the years 1415-1565, Kotte was the capital of the Sinhalese state, and already the Portuguese, who seized the island, moved the capital to Colombo. In 1979, the city was returned to its former, historical name and in 1983 Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte became the official capital of the state.

Today Kotte is a beautiful, quiet city, with a population of about 115 thousand people, an extensive infrastructure, in which a large number of universities, colleges and higher schools are located and, accordingly, there are always a lot of students.

The capital is now the seat of the parliament and the Supreme Court. For the parliament in 1982, a huge, luxurious new building was built here, which is located on the island of Duva in the center beautiful lake... Some government agencies and structures were also moved here.

The city of Kotte is an original mixture of colonial European architecture, modern skyscrapers and traditional oriental temples. The city has a huge number of religious buildings, both Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian. They attract tourists and pilgrims here. In the very center of the city, there are remains of medieval fortifications, a moat and a rampart, which are gradually overgrown, leveled and simply disappear.

The city is also famous for its numerous magnificent beaches which are not oversaturated with visitors and are renowned for their cleanliness. There are also several interesting museums, art galleries and a beautiful zoo here.

Various festivals and fun carnivals are often held on the streets of the city, in which brightly and beautifully dressed elephants - the symbol and pride of Sri Lanka - take part.

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

Before Colombo, Galle remained for 400 years big city and the main port of the country. Then the Dutch recaptured it, redeveloping 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. In the late 19th century, the British expanded Colombo's borders, making it a major port.

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

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

Fort Galle

Galle city in Sri Lanka is divided into old and new part... The border is marked by three powerful bastions above 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 at the end of the 17th century.

The ancient fort has remained almost unchanged since colonial times, so the old part of the city should be visited for a sense of that atmosphere. Above the gate, you will see the symbol of the Ottoman Empire - a stone with the image of a rooster. According to legend, the lost Portuguese navigators only thanks to his cry swam to the unnamed harbor, after which the city was named.

The fort is included in the UNESCO heritage list. The architectural structures of the fort are considered to be of particular interest. The weight of the roof is supported only by the walls, without the use of internal supports. You can walk inside the fort all day long. The popular New Oriental Hotel is located on its territory. This is the oldest hotel in the country and was built at the end of the 17th century for the governor. Here and now, high-ranking officials and wealthy people prefer to rest.

The port of Galle in Sri Lanka still hosts fishing and cargo ships, as well as private yachts. The most prominent part of the fort is the lighthouse, which illuminates the way for distant ships in the evening. The harbor has its own unique and unrepeatable atmosphere that tourists love so much. Photos of Galle in Sri Lanka show that you can admire not only historical buildings there, 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. Railway stations and Central market are located on the banks of the Dutch Canal. Tourists enjoy visiting St. Mary's Cathedral.

Although there are almost no significant ancient monuments here, modern Galle is considered the heart of the city. On the narrow streets of Morichet-Kramer-Strat and Lane-Bun, open windows with wooden shutters, terraces and spacious rooms in the best Dutch tradition are still preserved.

Attractions Galle

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

On Church Street there is National Museum of Culture where you can learn everything about the history of the city. The entrance is paid, the visiting time is 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 fishing life. The Museum can be accessed from 9.00 to 17.00. Working days are Tuesday-Saturday.

IN Dutch Period Museum the most interesting exhibits of the era of Dutch rule are exhibited. The museum is housed in private houses on Leyn Baan Street. Free admission, visiting time from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily.

Meera Mosque

Tourists love to visit and the ancient gothic church Grote Kerk, which is located near the Amangalla hotel, on the Church street. There you will find ancient gravestones with images of skulls and bones.

Per catholic church All Saints have built mosques, 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. Ghosts are rumored to be there.

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

What to see in the vicinity

In the central part of Weligama Bay is located beautiful island Taprobane or Yakinige-Duva in Sinhalese. 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. Through central part the track passes, in contrast, so it is quite busy here. Popular resort place is popular with tourists and locals, because here you can not only relax and swim, but also go diving, snorkeling and surfing.

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 snorkelling. Tourists who value a relaxing holiday will especially 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 traffic intersection is quite developed and has many forks. The city is connected with the nearest large ones and Matara by railways. Galle can be reached by train, bus and taxi, at the train station you can always find out where the city of Galle is and how to get to it.

From Colombo. FROM railway station to Galle station. Only class 2 and 3 carriages or Rajadhani Express carriages, tickets for which can be bought via the Internet. Travel time 2.5-3 hours.

From Nuwara Eliya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Kandy, a train follows to Colombo Fort, then change to the Colombo Fort - Galle train. Before you travel take a look current schedule movement railway transport and the cost of tickets on the website www.railway.gov.lk.

There are many bus connections from Colombo Bus Station to Galle. The highway can be reached in 2-3 hours. If the route runs along the coast, it will take about 4 hours to get there. The Galle bus station is across the street from the Fort, the city's main attraction.

Use water from plastic bottles for drinking and cooking.

There is a lot of traffic in the city of Galle, so be careful on the roads.

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Weather

You can visit this spa center at any time of the year. It is always warm in Galle (Sri Lanka). Slight temperature fluctuations are typical in summer and winter. It almost never rains here from December to April. Even from May to November, intermittent rains do not interfere with sightseeing.

How Halle looks from the air and some practical information for those who want to visit the city - in the video.

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