Best places to travel in sri lanka. Sri Lanka - where is this country located and what is it like? Sri Lanka resorts are much better

Beaches and ancient artifacts, emerald tea plantations, elephants and just a great place to relax... Sri Lanka is waiting for you!
Sri Lanka is considered the pearl of the Indian Ocean, and for good reason. Given the small size of the country (Sri Lanka is slightly larger than Lithuania and smaller than Georgia), the variety of recreational opportunities is amazing: golden beaches, endless tea plantations, rich wildlife and ancient temples. The so-called “cultural triangle” combines ancient capitals and Buddhist sites hidden in the rainforest, while the lakeside business center of Kandy attracts pilgrims to the Temple of the Tooth.
Huge man-made lakes have irrigated the area for thousands of years and continue to provide water for rice fields as well as elephants and other wildlife. Tea is grown in the mountainous center of the country, and on the southern coast is the fortified fortress of Galle, where walls built by the Portuguese served as protection for Dutch churches. The country has excellent opportunities for eco-tourism: Sri Lanka was one of the first countries in the world to create national parks, and more and more travelers come to the island to watch whales, see wild elephants, and see with their own eyes the record numbers leopards living here. We have selected the best cities and places for those who want to go on an independent trip to Sri Lanka and not miss the most interesting things.

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CULTURAL TRIANGLE
This territory, which is the historical center of Sri Lanka, is home to no less than four monuments included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.
KANDY
The second largest city in Sri Lanka, where the sacred Temple of the Tooth is located.
TEA COUNTRY
In the hilly tea plantations, Tamil women in colorful saris grow tea.
YALA
The national park is home to the sloth bear and Asia's largest population of the elusive leopard.
UDA-WALAVE
The national park provides travelers with a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the wild Asian elephant.
HALLE
A colonial-era gem and one of the finest examples of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia.
GOLDEN BEACHES
Palm-fringed beaches and azure waters for an unforgettable holiday
TRAVEL BY TRAIN
A comfortable way to admire the gorgeous views of the tea country.
PERAHERA
One of the most colorful festivals in Sri Lanka, featuring colorfully decorated elephants and Kandyan drummers.

How to get to Sri Lanka

The most popular and very convenient way to get to Sri Lanka is by plane. Airlines fly to Colombo from Moscow Emirates, Etihad and even AirBerlin. Depending on the chosen flight, travel time will be from 11 hours, including 1 transfer, for example, in Dubai or Doha.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Fortunately for most travelers (and for the Sri Lankan economy, for which tourism is the main source of income), there are no extreme temperature changes throughout the year, the climate is mild and the average temperature rarely rises above 35 degrees and drops below 16 Celsius ( in the Central Highlands during the coldest time of the year).
The ideal time to travel to Sri Lanka is from December to March if you plan to vacation on the south and west coasts or in the mountains. If you are planning a vacation on the east coast, it is best to plan your trip between May and September.

Visa to Sri Lanka

Russian citizens require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The easiest way: getting e-visas on the ETA website.
A mandatory requirement for crossing the border is to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of completion of the trip. They may also be required to present hotel reservations and round-trip air tickets.
You can also obtain a visa upon arrival at the Visa on arrival counter. The process is long and tedious. Therefore, it is much safer to arrange for a visa in advance.

Ways to get around Sri Lanka

Traveling around Sri Lanka is possible only by land transport. The most accessible: trains and buses. Of course, the quality of transportation cannot be compared with European standards, but it is still possible to achieve the desired goal.
Another option is to rent a car and drive around the island yourself.
In cities, you can always use the services of a taxi, rickshaw, or, if you don’t want to deal with the peculiarities of public transport on the first day of arrival, you can book a transfer service from the airport to the hotel in advance, from Russia.

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Colombo

The travel route around Sri Lanka for any trip begins and ends in Colombo, if only because the only airport in the country is located here. This is a small capital that most visitors to the island simply overlook, heading straight to the beaches or inland. The city's main attractions are the majestic colonial-era buildings, parliament, parks and wide streets. Facing the Pacific Ocean Galle Face Green- This is an amazing holiday destination, very popular among local residents. Area Downtown is replete with shops selling items made by local artisans, textiles and jewelry; There are also many restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST COLOMBO HOTELS
Facing the boardwalk Galle Face Green Indian Ocean view hotel The Galle Face has been welcoming guests since 1864. Architecturally, the hotel consists of two wings, Classic and Regency, which contain 81 rooms. The wing of the Regency Hotel dates back to 19th century architecture; it combines the best of the past and present. In addition, in this wing there is a museum in which you can see the personal car of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and an art gallery. All hotel rooms are furnished in a colonial style with fine wood furniture, wonderful linens and spacious bathrooms. Until the end of 2014, the hotel is undergoing restoration work, which mainly affects the Classic wing. At the same time, the wing of the Regency hotel is open to guests and has its own restaurant, swimming pool and spa.
A younger, but no less charming boutique hotel Wallawa Situated in manicured gardens, just 15 minutes' drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. The hotel building still retains the charm inherent in classical buildings in Sri Lanka. There is a modern spa salon, a fusion restaurant and a cozy swimming pool in the garden - in short, this is a wonderful holiday destination where you can pleasantly spend your first or last day on the island.
Surrounded by a luxurious garden, it took refuge Horathapola Estate– a small estate built in the 20s of the 20th century, which has retained its charm. The bungalow in which travelers are invited to spend their holidays is truly wonderful: huge windows, antique furniture and many old photos. The gardens are luxurious and the beautiful salt water pool, surrounded by a huge coconut plantation, is beyond compare. The hotel rooms are spacious, each of them has a balcony or terrace where you can dine and relax.

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Halle

The fortified area of ​​the southern Sri Lankan city of Galle is a colonial-era treasure trove and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city owes its existence to the development of trade and several successive generations of merchant seafarers. Over the past 500 years, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have lived here and have all left their mark on the area. Huge ramparts and bastions surround the old fort town, which itself is quite small and can easily be explored on foot. The sleepy streets are dotted with colonial-era buildings, including churches, warehouses, a lighthouse and the former governor's house. There are plenty of restaurants and boutiques here, and the annual Halle Literary Festival attracts famous authors from all over the continent.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN GALLE In the 18th century, within the walls Fort Printers there was a small printing press and today it is a small boutique hotel located in the heart of Galle Fort. The hotel has only five rooms, the atmosphere here is very cozy. Each room is decorated with colorful textiles and antique furniture. Guests of the hotel can enjoy delicious food in the shaded courtyard, and there is also a small swimming pool for those wishing to cool off after touring the fort.
Sri Lanka's oldest hotel has carefully preserved many of its original features and its colonial-era atmosphere. In the evenings, a pianist plays the piano on the terrace. If you like a more relaxing holiday, go to the library, where there is a collection of photos of the former owners of the hotel, which until 2005 (until the hotel group of Aman Resorts acquired the hotel) was called New Oriental. At the rear of the hotel, away from the bustle of the fort, lies the swimming pool and gardens.

Kandy

The second largest city of Sri Lanka is located in the center of the country, and getting here from the city of Colombo, the Cultural Triangle and the Tea Country is quite easy. This wonderful city is located on the shore of a lake and is best known for the sacred “Temple of the Tooth”. The temple houses a relic - the tooth of Buddha, and at night many pilgrims come here to perform the puja ritual. It is also worth your time to attend the colorful acrobatic show in the Kandan area, which involves watching a noisy carnival with colorful costumes and demon masks. Every summer, Kandana hosts one of the most vibrant festivals in Sri Lanka, the ten-day Perahera. This holiday is dedicated to the lunar calendar, there are dozens of elephants in colorful decoration, and many dancers and musicians perform in the streets.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST KANDY HOTELS
200 year old bungalow Richmond Kandy House Located in the countryside near Kandy, it has evolved over the years into a wonderful boutique hotel. The hotel has nine rooms, the design of each guest room is individual. There is a swimming pool in the gardens, surrounded by trees, so this is an excellent opportunity for an alternative holiday for those who want to take a break from the bustle of the city.

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is largely famous for its tea cultivation and tea plantations can be found everywhere. Since the tea plantations are located high in the mountains, this is a great place to escape the scorching heat. In the dense tea plantations, here and there you can see the brightly colored saris of women engaged in tea picking; This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know this area on foot. Alternatively, you can tour the plantations of the “Tea Country” of Nuwara Eliya by train. From Kandy the train leaves early in the morning and travels slowly through the hills. The carriages are quite comfortable, they have large windows and a good view, so you can enjoy the charming views of countless tea plantations passing by.
But the impressions of the visit will be incomplete if you do not visit at least one of the many tea factories and do not stay in some wonderful house belonging to the owner of the tea plantation.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN NUWARA ELIA
Jetwing Warwick Gardens is one of these factories. It was originally a former tea planter's house built in the 1880s. Although the property is located in a secluded area, it offers easy access to the nearby high altitude resort of Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains National Park. In five rooms Jetwing Warwick Gardens Many original features and fixtures remain including, for example, fireplaces in working order. The small, elegant lodge features a grand piano and candelabra, which are used for dining in the common dining room.

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Land of kings

Once known as the “Land of the Kings,” the Cultural Triangle is an extraordinary region that is home to no fewer than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The area north of the city of Kandy is home to the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the cave temples of Dambulla and the powerful fortress on the rock of Sigiriya. Any visitor to the country interested in the history of Buddhism would do well to stay in any of these three places for at least three days and get to know the area. There are many good hotels here, all of them have swimming pools where you can enjoy the coolness after a day's excursion. Between the country's other cultural treasures and the many wild elephants that live here, this area is usually overlooked by most tourists.

ANURADHAPURA
The city of Anuradhapura, the first capital of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, is not just an ancient relic for tourists; it remains a sacred city to this day, with life centered around the sacred Bodhi tree, which is believed to have grown from a shoot of the same Bodhi tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment. White-robed pilgrims mingle with colorfully robed Buddhist monks, while restless, thin-bodied monkeys play in the ruins. The attractions are scattered over an area of ​​several square kilometers, which includes huge bell-shaped dagobas (Buddhist mausoleums) containing Buddhist relics.

MIHINTALE
Nearby Mihintala is believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This place is still extremely significant for Buddhists spiritually. Most of it is located on top of a mountain, so it's difficult to get there, but it's worth it.

SIGIRIYA
One of Sri Lanka's most famous landmarks, known as the Lion Rock, Sigiriya Rock is located 200 meters above the plain - an ideal location for a fortress. However, when the invader, King Kasyapa, built a fortress here in the 5th century, he created not just a fortress, but also a beautiful palace on the top of the mountain, with luxurious gardens below. If you climb to the top of the mountain, you will see one thing that has remained largely untouched by the past centuries: majestic views of miles of jungle and forested hills. To this day, only the ruins of the palace have survived, but some features, such as massive lion paws and frescoes depicting handsome women, still allow visitors to imagine at least part of the former luxury of these places.

POLONNARUWA
The second largest Buddhist capital after Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa is more accessible and better preserved than its predecessors. Numerous attractions are grouped into clusters, allowing visitors to the city to easily imagine life in the ancient city. The palaces, royal buildings and Buddhist tombs are masterpieces of art, the most famous of which are the beautiful images of the reclining and meditating Buddha at the Gal Vihara Tervada Buddhist temple, carved into the rock. The details of these rock paintings are so beautifully preserved that it is hard to believe that they are around 1000 years old.

CAVE TEMPLES OF DAMBULLA

For followers of Buddhism, these temples are of great importance. The earliest of these are believed to have originated in the 1st century BC. Each of the subsequent emperors added some element to them over time, resulting in a complex of five separate temples today. The cave temples house numerous statues and images of Buddha, including the classic reclining Buddha in the largest cave. Being a historical monument, these temples are also a place of visit for numerous pilgrims. Travelers are guaranteed an unforgettable experience by mingling with the crowds of pilgrims bringing symbolic offerings to the Buddha statues while the air is filled with the scent of incense.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN THE LAND OF KINGS
When visiting Sigria, it is worth staying in the town of Habarana, where the hotel is located Jetwing Vil Uyana, which offers travelers luxury and comfort, with all the attractions of the Cultural Triangle within reach. This is the first hotel in Sri Lanka, consisting of 25 houses on stilts in the middle of nine hectares of rice fields. The main focus in Jetwing Vil Uyana focus on open spaces and nature. The chalets, located in rice fields, are raised on stilts; they have several levels, and some even have small pools. All rooms are very comfortable, they have cozy bathrooms, and you can dine and sunbathe on the balconies. The hotel gives you the feeling that you are not in Sri Lanka, but somewhere in Thailand or Bali.

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Another wonderful hotel in Sigiriya - Cinnamon Lodge set within four hectares of luxurious gardens. The forest and lake near the hotel are home to many rare representatives of flora and fauna. 137 rooms Cinnamon Lodge - two-story chalets - built in the traditional architectural style of these areas - with columns and verandas, cool terracotta floors and clay roofs. The hotel offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including boat rides, tennis and badminton, bird watching, and live music events that sometimes take place in the evenings; this is a good place to start exploring the cultural triangle.

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When traveling to the Dambulla cave temples, it is best to choose a large hotel complex for overnight stays Amaya Lake near Kandalam lake, surrounded by hills. Travelers are offered 106 individual air-conditioned chalets, a restaurant and a bar; There is also an impressively sized swimming pool. In two Ayurvedic centers, you can receive a variety of therapies and recommendations from nutritionists in order to subsequently convey your wishes to the hotel chef, who will offer delicious vegetarian dishes from organic products prepared in accordance with the canons of Ayurveda.

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The best beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has long been, and not without reason, considered one of the best countries for a beach holiday. Getting to the island's golden beaches is quite easy, and the accommodation here varies - from small bungalows to luxurious five-star hotels. The beaches on the south and west coasts are easiest to get to; they are suitable for relaxation during a cultural tour of the island, for example, an excellent combination of beaches and a visit to the colonial city of Galle. The beaches of Sri Lanka are a wonderful place to relax, whether at the beginning or end of a trip around the country; You can even spend your entire vacation on the coast, the choice is yours.

As for the beaches in Trincomalee on the east coast, access to this region was simply impossible for a long time due to the civil war. The development of tourism in this region of Sri Lanka began only in 2010, when the cities and beaches on the east coast of Sri Lanka were finally opened for safe visiting by travelers. Trincomalee is one of the main cultural centers of the Tamil community; It is home to the ancient Koneswaram Temple, built on a rock and offering breathtaking views of the harbour. Tourism in this part of Sri Lanka is still in its infancy, but the main argument for choosing the east coast for a holiday in Sri Lanka is that the best beaches of the island are located there, and you are guaranteed excellent weather, while the southern beaches Sri Lanka is influenced by the southwest monsoons.
WHERE TO LIVE. BEST BEACH HOTELS IN SRI LANKA
If you decide to spend your holiday on the south coast, then choose a hotel located near Galle Jetwing Lighthouse, built by one of the talented and influential architects of Ceylon - Geoffrey Bawa. The hotel is located on top of a mountain with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean, and green terraces leading down to the sandy beach. The 63 bedrooms are very comfortable and spacious, all rooms have balconies overlooking the ocean, and you can listen to the splash of waves crashing on the shore all day long without leaving your cozy haven. An additional range of hotel services includes the possibility of dining at your choice, two large swimming pools with sun decks, a fitness center and a spa salon, where guests are offered various types of relaxation and treatment.

This charming boutique hotel is located in the beach area north of Galle Aditya, named after the sun god. This is a wonderful place where you can relax and enjoy a luxurious holiday. And thanks to the fact that the hotel has only 12 rooms, privacy and peace are guaranteed here. The hotel's interior is designed in Asian style, and each room claims to be individual. While relaxing at this hotel, you can spend the whole day by the pool or on the beach, or have some useful fun. For example, join the hotel chef and learn the secrets of local cuisine, or ask the hotel staff to arrange a tour for you to see turtles.

South of Galle is the small fishing village of Weligama, where a beach resort opened in 2008 Weligama Bay Resort. The resort's room capacity consists of suites and standard rooms in the main building, bungalows in a cozy garden; Six villas are located even closer to the beach and pool. The hotel has created a very cozy atmosphere for a luxurious holiday at affordable prices. This place is ideal for those who would like to relax for a while on the beach. The hotel is also close to some of the best whale watching in the country.

50 kilometers from Weligama is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka - Tangalle with a kind of “icon” - an example of modern luxury holiday - a beach resort Amanwella. According to the hotel owners, only here travelers are guaranteed a unique beach holiday experience that cannot be experienced at any other resort. And this is pure truth: excellent service, perfect design that only complements the beauty of nature and does not draw all attention to itself, a clean sickle-shaped beach stretching for several hundred meters on both sides of the hotel, a huge infinity pool and a spacious terrace from which you can watch stunning sunsets.
If you are interested in a beach holiday in Trincomalee, then in 2010 a boutique hotel was opened in this region Chaaya Blu. If you want to try on the image of a modern Robinson Crusoe, book a hotel room Jungle Beach Resort. And when traveling in a large group to Trincomalee, the best place for a relaxed life is a cottage Top Travel Agent. This does not oblige you to anything, different travel agents will send you answers and you will receive an objective picture of prices. It also makes sense to contact Top Travel Agent for those who do not have time to organize their trip.

“Shining Island”, “Pearl of Asia”, “Tear of India” - these are just a few of the many definitions that characterize the enchanting beauty of Sri Lanka. For its guests, the tropical paradise has prepared a breathtaking variety of exotic landscapes, the ruins of ancient mysterious cities, the meditative silence of Buddhist temples and the hospitality of the local residents. But the main attraction of the island is the best beaches of Sri Lanka, washed by the warm waves of the Indian Ocean, offering an idyllic holiday on soft sand among giant coconut palms leaning towards the water.

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Mirissa

The length of this beach is relatively short - only one kilometer, but it is considered one of the most beautiful in the area. The local infrastructure is not very developed, which makes this place even more atmospheric and secluded. Not suitable for swimming. Despite the fact that it is located in a bay, it does not protect it from gusty winds and stormy waves. This is mainly popular locally with surfers and fans of long walks.

To the east there are a number of calmer bays - here you can fully enjoy swimming - calm waters are framed by clean beaches. It is noteworthy that the border between the zones is a narrow sand spit that forms an island. Those who know about this miracle of Mirissa come here at sunset to see the most beautiful scenery that can be found here.

1.4 km from whale watching site

435 reviews

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Somerset Mirissa

Less than 1 km from whale watching site

340 reviews

Booked 7 times today

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Ubuntu Beach Villas by Lantern

Outdoor swimming pool, barbecue and sun terrace

458 reviews

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Unawatuna

Considered one of the best in the world. It was once wild, but the first local residents appreciated the beauty of the local landscapes and quickly “trodden” a path here. This was completely justified: golden sand, tropics that approach almost closely, palm trees grow almost along the ocean. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this magnificence! On the left side of the lagoon, the reef comes almost close, which especially pleases divers - you don’t have to swim a fair distance from the shore to enjoy panoramas of colorful underwater life.

It is noteworthy that despite the appearance of some cafes and guest houses, the beach is still not entirely absorbed by the modern paraphernalia of a beach holiday. The romance of the “wild” beach remains – it’s worth taking the opportunity and trying to visit here before civilization sets foot on the local gentle shores.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is known for its picturesque lake of the same name, historical monuments and beaches. Among them, Hikkaduwa Beach and Narigama stand out. The first is a rather narrow strip of sandy beach, tightly pressed to the shore with dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars that are located along the coast. At the same time, the bottom of the beach consists of rock, and therefore the local waters are very clean, lush turquoise and are guaranteed to attract photography enthusiasts. Those who go to this resort specifically for swimming should turn their attention to Narigama. This beach occupies the territory of a cozy closed bay and has a smooth slope, which makes it undoubtedly more attractive for swimming.

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

Hikkaduwa

Located on the picturesque southern coast of Sri Lanka

1230 reviews

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Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon

Hikkaduwa

It features an Ayurvedic massage center and an outdoor swimming pool.

737 reviews

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Coral Rock by Bansei

Hikkaduwa

Features an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the beach

216 reviews

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Tangalle

Tangalle is located in the very south of the country. Its cliff-shaped coastline stretches for 9 km and forms many lagoons where you can take a short trip by boat or kayak. As for the ocean, here it shows all its power, washing mountains of golden sand onto the shore. Strong waves, steep descent and fast currents are not conducive to serene swimming.

People come here to soak up the rays of the gentle sun and take a quiet break from the chaos of the city. You can walk along the shore for hours without meeting a single living soul. In the evenings, your only companions will be the sea turtles that come out onto the sand to lay their eggs. A huge plus of Tangalle is its proximity to the Yala National Park, spread over an area of ​​1,300 km2. In this tropical jungle, you can take part in a jeep safari and see leopards in their natural habitat.

Negombo

Just 20 minutes from the airport in Colombo lies Negombo, the oldest beach in former Ceylon. Back in the 60s of the 20th century, the first tourists exploring the island sunbathed here under lushly growing palm trees in close proximity to the ocean surf. Much has changed since then, but the lush tropical vegetation and soft sand interspersed with small shells have remained the same.

Whole families come here. While parents lie on sun loungers and contemplate the ocean, children can play in the calm bay without fear. Negombo offers its guests a wide range of entertainment. Here you can spend time riding on the gentle waves on a boat or jet ski, or, armed with a mask and fins, explore a sunken ship. But you shouldn’t go far from isolated hotel areas - within the city, the coastal zone is poorly cleaned, the water here is muddy and often carries civilization waste onto land.

Heritance Negombo

It features an outdoor pool and rooms with a minibar.

2385 reviews

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Features 2 stunning outdoor pools, a spa and 2 restaurants

812 reviews

Booked 13 times today

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Resort with outdoor pool, fitness center and restaurant

259 reviews

Booked 9 times today

Wadduwa

Those who choose Wadduwa as their Sri Lanka holiday destination will be rewarded with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere. The golden coastline, 4 km long, strewn with fine sand, is one of the most beautiful in the western part of the island. Moderate waves create good conditions for windsurfing, and at the same time safe for those who want to swim calmly in the azure ocean.

Countless shady palm trees, clear water, sports grounds, restaurants and cafes offering seafood dishes are just a partial list of what Wadduwa has prepared for its guests. For those interested in traditional healing procedures, Ayurveda centers are open, and shopaholics will have a great time in jewelry stores where you can find inexpensive original jewelry.

Jie Jie Beach by Jetwing

Buffet breakfast available daily

405 reviews

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Features 4 restaurants, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa

240 reviews

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Oak Ray Haridra Beach Resort

The restaurant serves international cuisine and room service is available.

78 reviews

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Weligama

The three-kilometer coastal strip, located 150 km south of Colombo, is almost never visited by strong monsoon winds. The continuous gentle waves discourage those who like to swim in calm waters from the coast, but they are ideal for learning to surf and practicing simple maneuvers. All conditions have been created for beginner athletes: the presence of surf schools (including for Russian speakers), rental of equipment and boards.

Weligama is a young resort, its infrastructure is practically undeveloped. Locals only know about shopping from hearsay, so don’t forget to pack the necessary medicines and hygiene items in your suitcase. The choice of hotels is also not very diverse - on the coast you can find either luxurious, expensive five-star complexes overlooking the ocean, or cheap guest houses located in the village.

Arugam Bey

In the southeast of the island, 320 km from the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, stretches a multi-kilometer curved strip of pure sand. This place harmoniously combines tranquility and rhythm of life. There are many fishing villages located here. Local residents' boats go out to the ocean long before dawn. If you get up early, you can see fishermen sorting their nets on the shore and laying out their rich catch on the wet sand. Tourist accommodation is moderately priced and consists of guest houses and budget hotels.

Arugam Bay is a favorite place for surfers. The height of the not too steep and long waves running across the shore reaches 1.5–2 m, which is perfect for fans of extreme boarding. Beginning athletes can undergo training (hour - 2,000-3,000 rupees) and rent equipment (day - 800-1,000 rupees).

Villa Tissa Beach Resort

Arugam Bey

Private beach area, water sports facilities

425 reviews

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Upali Beach Surf Resort

Arugam Bey

The only glamping site located next to the best surf spot

139 reviews

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The Blue Wave Hotel

Arugam Bey

It features a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool.

235 reviews

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Uppuveli

If you are traveling to Sri Lanka expecting a relaxing holiday away from civilization, then the village of Uppuveli, located in the northeast of the island, 6 km from the city of Trincomalee, awaits you. There are no fashionable hotels, famous Ayurveda centers or expensive restaurants here - tourists come here for budget accommodation, local flavor, a deserted coastline and a calm ocean protected from the elements by a coral reef.

In addition to sunbathing and water activities, Upuvelli offers its guests sightseeing. Places in the vicinity of Trincomalee are sacred to Sri Lankans who practice Buddhism and Hinduism. Here are the ruins of the Velgam Vihara Temple, built in the 1st century AD. e., towering on a 120-meter cliff, the Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick of the 17th century and the sacred Kanniyya hot springs, according to legend, created by the god Vishnu.

Nilaveli

Snow-white Nilaveli is, according to travel companies, the cleanest in Sri Lanka. Its coastline is perfect for those who appreciate calm waves, giving vacationers the opportunity to swim safely. Those who prefer coolness to the hot rays of the sun will also love it - the palm trees here come almost close to the water, creating thick shade.

Fans of diving do not leave Nilaveli unattended either. 5 km from the coast is Pigeon Island, surrounded by a coral reef. Having dived to a depth of 8–20 m, lovers of the underwater world watch with interest the life of the inhabitants of the kingdom of Neptune: exotic fish, Malagasy sharks, stingrays, barracudas and sea turtles. Octopuses, cuttlefish and dolphins can be found here.

Beruwela

The town of Beruwela, located 79 km from the airport in Colombo, combines the characteristics of fishing villages, attractive with tranquility, positivity and national color, and a modern vibrant resort, famous for its variety of hotels: from simple guesthouses to large hotel complexes operating on an all-inclusive system. " But the main advantage of Beruwela is its beaches. The coastal strip, up to 100 m wide, bordered by palm trees and washed by sapphire-colored waves, is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

Families with children appreciate the gentle slope into the water, providing ideal conditions for swimming and playing. A reef located parallel to the shore, favored by colorful fish and giant sea turtles, attracts diving enthusiasts to Beruwela. The highlight is added by the Bentota River flowing into the ocean, which gives the opportunity to take a boat ride among the mangroves and see crocodiles.

Villa Velmarie Yoga & Ayurveda Resort

Beruwela

The resort has a restaurant. Packed lunch available upon request

100 reviews

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Beruwela

Situated among coconut trees and endless green meadows

1485 reviews

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Eden Resort & Spa

Beruwela

Outdoor freshwater swimming pool, Ayurvedic center and 3 restaurants

445 reviews

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Induruwa

The sleepy village of Induruwa in western Sri Lanka has a 4 km long desert coast lined with palm trees and mangroves, lined with a number of hotels catering to middle- and high-income guests. The wide beach with light, soft sand is ideal for walking, but the ocean here is not averse to showing its strength and unbridled character. Swimming enthusiasts should choose the nearby picturesque lagoon.

Don't expect much from Induruva's infrastructure. A few cafes, a market and small shops are all that the resort offers to travelers. If you want to diversify your holiday, then go explore the outskirts of the city. There is a turtle farm nearby where you can watch the hatchlings just hatch from their eggs. Local travel agencies also offer a boat trip on the Madu Ganga River, the banks of which are home to monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards and exotic birds.

Ahungalla

Picturesque palm groves and a 2.7-kilometer paradise beach located in the southwest of the island create a peaceful atmosphere that residents of megacities dream of. This place is ideal for swimming in crystal clear waters, diving and leisurely walks along the coast. On your way you will meet crabs of all sizes, and if you are lucky, Caretta Caretta turtles, hurrying to lay leathery eggs in the golden sand.

If you choose Ahungalla, be sure to visit the Kande Viharaya Temple, 20 km away, where the world's largest seated Buddha statue is located. Those wishing to improve their health can take a course of procedures at the Ayurveda Center, where they practice ancient methods of healing the body and soul. Fans of active recreation will not get bored here either - they will be offered rock climbing, rafting, fishing and parasailing.

Eden Resort & Spa

Ahungalla

Operates on an all-inclusive basis

147 reviews

Booked 5 times today

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White Villa Resort

Ahungalla

Luxury resort with comfortable villas, rooms and suites, free parking

86 reviews

Booked 2 times today

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Calamansi Cove Villas by Jetwing

Ahungalla

It features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant.

39 reviews

Booked 2 times today

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Ambalangoda

15 km from Ahungalla there is a place surrounded by authentic huts, created for a secluded holiday. An open beach, unspoilt by civilization, will greet you with light, delicate sand, a gentle entrance to the ocean, calm lagoons and beautiful rocks decorating the shore. This is a land of untouched nature, soothing silence and enchanting sunsets. Infrastructure in Ambalangoda is minimal.

There are a couple of travel agencies, several inexpensive hotels and supermarkets here. For entertainment, you will be offered to visit the Karandeniya Maha Vihara Temple, famous for the 35-meter statue of the reclining Buddha, explore the moonstone mines and take a boat safari along the Madu Ganga River, the banks of which are covered with mango forests. The main attraction of Ambalangoda is the museum of traditional wooden masks.

Narigama

Along the western coast of the island, 128 km from Colombo, lies the city of Hikkaduwa. Back in the 60s of the last century, a fishing village was located in this place, but today tourists are greeted by a resort famous for its wide coastal strip, colorful coral reefs and fun parties. Hikkaduwa's most popular beach is Narigama Beach - a corner of turquoise ocean, coarse sand, azure skies and green palm trees.

In January, surfers come here to hone their skills by gliding on giant waves. In February, the elements calm down a little, and local hotels are filled with families with children. For children there is freedom here - a gentle shore, warm water and a small calm lagoon. At this time, life begins to emerge on the snow-white sand - tiny turtles hatch from their eggs and rush to the ocean.

Jungle Beach

To the south of Colombo, 76 km from the airport, Unawatuna has been a source of constant delight for tourists for many years - a popular resort with developed infrastructure, pristine nature and a large selection of inexpensive hotels. The ocean shore is represented by a quiet bay, fenced from the raging waves by a double coral reef. Surfers will be bored here, but married couples can safely come to Unawatuna without fear for their children.

There is a secret place in Unawatuna, located 1 km from the main beach. Hire a tuk-tuk taxi and it will take you to a real paradise surrounded by the jungle of Roomassala. The 100-meter-long coastal strip looks like it came straight out of a Bounty brochure. The ocean surprises with its unusual green color and calm disposition. Waves are a rare guest at Jungle Beach. Despite the isolation, everything here is prepared for the convenience of tourists: sun loungers are placed under the palm trees, there is a shower, toilet and cafe on the territory.

Red Parrot Beach Villa

Jungle Beach

It features an outdoor pool, tastefully decorated rooms and free internet access.

236 reviews

Booked 7 times today

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Jungle Village by Thawthisa

Jungle Beach

It features an outdoor swimming pool with a well shower, a garden and a restaurant.

146 reviews

Booked 5 times today

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Agnus Luxury Villa

Jungle Beach

With panoramic Indian Ocean views and infinity pool

12 reviews

Booked 2 times today

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Polhena

In the very center of Matara - the largest city in the south of Sri Lanka - a chain of small beaches stretches along the coast, united by the name Polhena. All of them are protected from the raging elements by a 4-kilometer coral reef, so there are no waves here even during the monsoon season. This area is popular among both tourists and local residents. Sri Lankans are afraid of the open ocean and prefer to swim in a calm bay that resembles a huge lake.

A big plus of a holiday on Polhena is the proximity to civilization. In Matara you will find shops, restaurants for every taste, cinemas, museums, nightclubs that are not inferior to European ones, and interesting attractions: the Temple of Our Lady, the Dondra lighthouse, the Weherahena Buddhist temple and a snake farm. In addition, the city is an important transport hub for the country - from here you can take short trips to nearby Dikwella, Mirissa and Weligama.

Dickwella

The snow-white coastal strip in the “bounty” style will open to the eyes of those who decide to spend their holidays in the picturesque village of Dikwella, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. This place is created for leisurely walks and exploring the kingdom of lush tropics and majestic waterfalls. The coastline stretches for 2 km and is protected by rocks and a reef, making Dikwella the best swimming spot in the south of the country.

You should not look for entertainment or vibrant nightlife here - those who are interested in a relaxing holiday come to the resort. It is favored by its distance from a busy highway and a small number of hotels. But if you still get bored basking in the warm rays of the sun, go on a date with the attractions of Dikwella: the Vevurukannala Viharaya Temple and the “Howling Hole” - a natural 25-meter fountain gushing from inaccessible rocks.

Which one to choose for a holiday with children

When choosing a suitable place for a vacation, parents always face the question of the safety of the resort. This applies to a large extent to Sri Lanka. The island is surrounded by the ocean, which means that the coastal area is stingy with quiet places where your baby can splash around in the gentle surf without fear. For a family holiday, it is wiser to choose a few beaches, separated from the raging waves by reefs. Even in the summer months, when the monsoons rage on the south side, comfortable weather is established in the northeast, favorable for families with children.

During this period, one of the best beaches for the younger generation is Nilaveli Bay - the most beautiful place on the northern coast, protected by a coral reef. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, here you can watch dolphins and whales. If you have arrived in the country with a child, feel free to choose a cozy, calm beach, located next to the Dickwella Resort SPA hotel (Dickwella Bay). Thanks to the small cape, there are almost no waves here. No less popular among families are western Wadduwa and southern Unawatuna, famous for their high water temperatures on the coast, low tides and gentle entry into the calm ocean.

To ensure that your long-awaited vacation does not turn into constant worry for your children, before purchasing a tour, familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of holidaying in Sri Lanka with children.

• Mild climate and small differences in air temperatures. Consistently warm ocean water, absence of poisonous jellyfish and dangerous sea creatures.
• A variety of historical and natural attractions. In order to see local fauna (monkeys, turtles, mongooses), you don’t have to visit the zoo. Exotic animals are not afraid of people and often live near hotels.
• There are many supermarkets, and therefore opportunities to buy familiar food.

• The main disadvantage of holidaying in Sri Lanka with children is the ocean. Most of the coastal area is not protected from strong currents and huge waves, unsuitable for swimming for inexperienced swimmers.
• Tiring flight. Direct flights from Russia to the former Ceylon are offered by Aeroflot. Travel time is about 9 hours. When using the services of other airlines, be prepared for a transfer in India, the United Arab Emirates or the Maldives. In this case, the duration of the trip will increase by 3-10 hours.
• Food. Local cuisine is quite spicy and unusual for Russian tourists and is not always suitable for feeding children. In addition, the sanitary and hygienic conditions here are also not the best.

Best time to travel

The entire island is dominated by a warm subequatorial (in the northeast) and equatorial (in the southwest) climate, the distinctive feature of which is high air humidity (70–90%). The temperature is not subject to significant fluctuations and ranges from +25 to +33 °C all year round. The ocean warms up to +30 °C. Like most tropical islands, Sri Lanka is characterized by the presence of only two seasons, formed by steady winds - the monsoons. They determine storms and rainfall throughout the country. The largest amount of precipitation falls from the second half of May to September, when the southwest monsoon arrives on the west coast.

The sun often hides behind the clouds, and the wind speed is 5–8 m/s. In the northeastern part of the island, winds blowing from China bring bad weather from June to October. Taking into account the climatic nuances, the winter months are considered to be the optimal time for holidays in Ceylon. During the day the air temperature reaches +31 °C. Ocean waters are not inferior, warming up to +28°C. Rain is a rare guest at this time - only short-term showers can occur at night. As April approaches, the thermometer inexorably creeps up. In May, the sky is covered with clouds, bringing heavy rainfall. In November, the weather again becomes comfortable and stable, marking the start of the holiday season.

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

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

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

My first trip to Sri Lanka was very luxurious and expensive. But the island made such an impression on me that I wanted to come back here again, so I began to look for more affordable ways to travel around Sri Lanka, take a closer look at the life and way of life of the locals, gradually turning a seemingly impossible fairy tale into reality. So over time, Sri Lanka became my second home.

The island really has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and interesting places, so I love not only traveling around it myself, but also creating routes for friends who come here.

Visa and border crossing

The popularity of Sri Lanka among independent travelers is also due to the accessibility and ease of obtaining a visa. Package tourists can also appreciate the efficiency of the officers at the airport's passport control.

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

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

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

Upon completion of registration, you will receive information that the application has been accepted, and after a few hours (up to 24 hours) you will receive confirmation that the visa has been issued.

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

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

You can fill out a migration card on the plane and immediately go to passport control at the airport. The procedure is that you hand over the issued card and passport (it must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected end of the trip). Nobody ever asked me for a printout of an electronic visa, a tourist voucher and a return air ticket; all the necessary information is already contained in the electronic database of the Sri Lanka visa service. However, keep these documents handy just in case.

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

Depending on the severity of the violation of migration laws in Sri Lanka, various fines are provided, including inclusion in the list of persons for whom entry to the island is prohibited.

How to get there

By plane

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

How and how long to fly is the first question any traveler asks. There are no direct scheduled flights from Moscow to Colombo, but there are charters in the high season (winter). This is about an 8.5 hour flight.

The main way to get from Moscow to Sri Lanka is daily regular flights of Arab airlines that make 1 transfer:

• Emirates - ;
• Qatar Airways -Doha;
• Etihad - .

Flight time including connections increases to 12-14 hours. Ticket price - from 28,000 rubles.

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

Airlines hold promotions and sales of tickets to Sri Lanka around March and October. During this period, the cost of the flight can be reduced by 25-35%. Conveniently keep track of prices and discounts.

Tourist regions

The most famous resorts of Sri Lanka are located in the south (the best beach is from Tangalle to Weligama) and southwest () of the island. Eastern Sri Lanka is gaining popularity among tourists every year, attracting with its cleanliness, desert and coral reefs. Also interesting are the two central regions of the country: mountainous Sri Lanka with developed trekking routes among the green hills and the so-called “cultural triangle” - a historical area between the three ancient capitals of Ceylon (Anuradhapura, ).

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

South West Coast

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

• - a popular resort in Sri Lanka. Its beaches are preferred by newlyweds for a romantic trip or a wedding ceremony. You can find your way around prices for tours to Bentota. In addition, there is a special program to support the Bentota area as an Ayurvedic resort, so there are several specialized centers here, and each hotel has its own SPA programs. On one of its beaches there is the most popular water entertainment center on the island, there is everything from fishing, surfing to water skiing, yacht trips
  The quiet lagoon of Bentota allows you to swim here all year round - this is its big advantage. And the relative proximity to the airport (115 km) makes the resort one of the most accessible on the island.
• Beruwela- a resort with many attractions related to Islam. The main one is the ancient Kechimalai Mosque. Muslims from all over the world make pilgrimages here on religious holidays. Beruwala also has a number of large hotels with Ayurvedic SPA salons, tennis courts, golf courses, and traditional water activities on the beaches - surfing, diving, fishing. This area, as a continuation of Bentota, is also very clean, but it is cheaper. Among the minuses is the city of Beruwala itself. If you decide to go to areas where local residents live, you will be greeted by dirt and restless beggars - both children and adults.
• Hikkaduwa- an excellent place for surfing and diving, which, although not fashionable, is adored by young people and extreme sports enthusiasts. Unlike most resorts in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of fun bars and discos. And the main attraction of Hikkaduwa is the coral reserve.
  Local seafood, which can be tasted in street restaurants, is especially popular, including with me and my friends.
• Mount Lavinia– a resort with a centuries-old history and several large modern hotels. Currently, it is a large city adjacent to the economic center of the country, Colombo. Among the main attractions are the Dehiwela Zoo with more than 300 species of animals, as well as the huge Bolgoda Lake - the largest fresh water reservoir in Sri Lanka. The resort is aimed at tourists as much as possible: many hotels and even hostels do not accommodate Sri Lankans themselves. The main advantage of Mount Lavinia is its proximity to the airport (49 km).
• Tangalle– one of the southern resorts of Sri Lanka, designed for lovers of solitude (!!!), endless sandy beaches. There are also excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
  In this area you will find both luxury hotels and cheap guest houses. Local fishermen daily catch several types of fish and seafood, which are skillfully prepared in local restaurants.
• - the southernmost resort of Sri Lanka. Near its beaches is the city of Matara and Cape Dondra - the extreme point relative to the equator. The beaches of Mirissa are characterized by calm and tranquility. The few hotels in the resort are intended more for those traveling around Sri Lanka on their own; there is no infrastructure for package tourists here.
  
The resort's signature feature is a boat trip to the blue whales that spend the winter nearby. Also among the advantages of Mirissa is the ability to get there in 1.5 hours from Colombo by bus along the expressway.
• Kalutara- a modern developing resort. It is known throughout the world for its spices, as well as the juicy tropical fruits that grow in the area. The Gangatilaka Vihara Temple is the most famous landmark of the city. This is a huge hollow stupa (the only one in Sri Lanka) that you can enter. I definitely recommend visiting this unique object of its kind. The downside of the resort is the relative proximity of the city of Kalutara itself, its noisy streets, bustle, railway, city drains that go past the beaches into the ocean. Also in Kalutara there are no shallow waters as such, so I do not recommend holidays with children.

Northeast coast

Since Sri Lanka's airport is located on the opposite side of the island, getting to the northeast is more difficult. But nevertheless, several resorts with their own unique characteristics can be distinguished here:

Central Highlands

An unforgettable contrast with beach Sri Lanka is guaranteed!

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

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

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

"Cultural Triangle"

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

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

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

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

Top cities

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

Islands

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

The names of some northwestern islands end with “thivu”, which means “island” in Tamil: Punkuduthivu, Mandaitivu. Some of the islands have retained the names of Dutch cities since the colonization of the country. For example, an island.

The most notable:

Top attractions

The peculiarity of Sri Lanka lies in the unique opportunity to combine a relaxing holiday on the ocean with an educational excursion program. The island is home to 8 UNESCO sites, as well as various historical and natural attractions. You can explore them either as part of an independent trip (cheaper and more interesting with preliminary preparation), or buy excursions from agencies and representatives of travel agencies (very expensive, but reliable and more comfortable).

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

• Golden Temple- a complex of cave temples shrouded in legends, which contain a huge number of images of Buddha - frescoes, drawings, statues. The paintings on the walls tell about the main moments of the Buddha's life. Read more about the temple and its surroundings.

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

Weather

Luck or not, it’s summer all year round in Sri Lanka: daytime air temperatures range from +28 °C to +33 °C (at night +24 °C ... +26 °C). The water temperature in Sri Lanka is +27 °C ... +29 °C.

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

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

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

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

The rainy season in Sri Lanka brings with it partly cloudy weather, short-term, often 2-5 minute (sometimes up to 15 minutes) heavy torrential rains. As a rule, precipitation occurs at night, but there are exceptions. In the off-season, tourists can be frightened by strong winds, as well as large waves in the ocean, which practically reduce swimming to nothing.

If you choose a hotel with a swimming pool, your stay can be quite comfortable; in addition, during the low season, housing prices drop significantly.

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

Moving around the country

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

Connection

Roaming or local connection

Cellular communications and the Internet are actively developing in Sri Lanka.

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

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

Which tariff to choose

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

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

Where to buy a SIM card

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

Similar SIM cards can be purchased at mobile phone stores in cities. Topping up your account using telephone cards is also available everywhere, which can be purchased in stores, shops, post offices and gas stations.

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

WiFi

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

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

Helpful information

Service numbers: ambulance and fire - 112, police - 119

Language and communication

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

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

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

10 phrases you need to know

• Hello (may your years last) – Ayubovan;
• Thank you – Situtius;
• Please – Kurunakara;
• Yes – Oh;
• No – Epa;
• How much does it cost - Kiyade gane;
• Expensive – Ganan;
• Cheap – Labayi;
• The other is Anyt;
• Drink – Bonava;
• Doctor - Dostara.

Features of mentality

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

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

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

In general, Sri Lankans are very friendly and always ready to help. Of course, there are crooks, but they clearly don’t think about their karma, as the vast majority of the island’s inhabitants do. Even if they are poor now, it is very important for them to move on to the next life with a “clear conscience.”

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

It is customary for them to set a large table with a huge number of different dishes. But if a foreigner comes to the family, then he is fed first, and only then the owners themselves begin to eat.

Sri Lankans also love holidays, often visit temples, and attach great importance to rites and rituals.

Food and drink

Features of Sri Lankan cuisine

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

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

What do the locals eat?

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

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

Where to eat

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

Don't be afraid to eat at street establishments. The chance of tasting stale and tasteless food is higher in cafes and restaurants. On the street, dishes are prepared before your eyes, and if there are many customers sitting in this eatery, then the food is definitely fresh, the reputation of the establishment has not been damaged in any way.

In expensive restaurants, various surprises and discrepancies may await you. Although we must admit, Colombo is home to the most upscale restaurants in Sri Lanka with amazing luxury national and European cuisine.

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

Prices for local food in Sri Lanka are very low.

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

About drinks

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

• A popular drink in Sri Lanka is coconut milk. But do not forget that this is a strong diuretic.
• Ceylon tea is a classic drink, aromatic and strong, so locals often dilute it with milk. The surrounding environment of the island makes the usual ritual of tea drinking more elitist and unforgettable.
• Fruit juices (mango, banana, papaya) and lassi (yogurt, fruit, sugar, ice). Fresh juice will be prepared for you right at the street kiosks. The magic words to the seller are “but ice, but sludge” (the ice is made from unknown water, and the fruit is already quite sweet).

• Ginger beer is a soft drink similar to soft cola, but with ginger flavor and aroma.
• Arrack – coconut vodka. Often used with Zhinzha to remove the strength. Price: about 3.5 dollars (500 rupees) per bottle. The best variety of Arak is Old Reserve, which costs about $7 (1,000 rupees).
• The most popular types of beer in Sri Lanka: Anchor, Lion (Stout and Lager), Three Coins (similar to Belgian).

You won't find alcohol in supermarkets. It is sold in specialized Wine Stores.

Their prices are usually high, because... Sri Lanka has high import duties on alcohol. In addition, the sellers themselves make a decent markup. Alcohol and beer are sold without restrictions in hotels and restaurants.

5 dishes worth trying

Shopping

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

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

What you need to know about shopping in this country

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

Fixed prices in duty-free stores, supermarkets, shopping centers.

Best cities for shopping

Shopping, similar to the classic European one, is perhaps only available in Colombo. There are a number of large shopping centers there, including well-known international brands. In resort areas, shopping usually comes down to buying souvenirs.

What to bring from this country

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

Vacation with children

For a comfortable holiday with children, Sri Lanka is a completely suitable place. The beaches are calm, the people are friendly, and the crime rate throughout the country is quite low. Sri Lankans themselves love children very much and treat women with children with respect. The main thing is to try to follow the following rules:

Safety

If you take minimal precautions, your trip to Sri Lanka will be an unforgettable plus. Things to consider:

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

Money

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

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

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

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

You can find exchangers by going to the greeters' waiting area after receiving your luggage. It is impossible to miss them - the doors open, and in front of you are no less than 6 “counters”, where young people change currency at the absolutely same rate for everyone. The check that is issued when exchanging currency allows you to convert rupees back into your currency at the purchasing rate.

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

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

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

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

Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉

Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Sri Lanka is the island of Sun and Sand. More than one thousand kilometers of sandy beaches with palm trees surround Sri Lanka. Until 1972, this country was called Ceylon. And although its name has changed, the best black tea in the world, Ceylon, is still grown there. In addition to beautiful beaches and tea, Sri Lanka has a large number of historical attractions, ranging from Buddhist and Hindu monasteries and temples to orchid gardens and colorful festivals.

Geography of Sri Lanka

The island nation of Sri Lanka is located in the northern Indian Ocean off the southern coast of the Hindustan Peninsula in South Asia. Sri Lanka is washed on all sides by the Pacific Ocean. In the northwest it has a maritime border with India, and in the southwest with the Maldives. The total area of ​​this country is 65,610 square meters. km

In the center and south of Sri Lanka there are foothills and mountains, and the rest of the territory is plains and coastal lowlands. The largest local peak is Mount Pidurutalagala, whose height reaches 2,524 meters.

The longest river in Sri Lanka is the Mahaweli, its length is 335 km. The Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Capital

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the capital of Sri Lanka. More than 120 thousand people now live in this city.

Official language of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two official languages ​​- Sinhala and Tamil.

Religion

More than 70% of the population professes Buddhism (specifically Theravada Buddhism), more than 12% Hinduism, almost 10% Islam, and about 7% Christianity.

State structure

According to the current Constitution, Sri Lanka is a presidential-parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 6 years by universal suffrage. The President is the Supreme Commander and appoints ministers.

Sri Lanka's unicameral parliament has 225 members elected by popular vote every six years. The President of the country has the right to dissolve Parliament.

Administratively, Sri Lanka is divided into 9 provinces and 25 districts.

Climate and weather

Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and warm. The average annual air temperature is +28-31C. In hilly areas and foothills - +20C, and in flat and coastal areas - +27C.

The monsoon (rainy) season continues from May to July in the central, western and southern regions of the island. In the northern and eastern regions, the rainy season occurs in December and January.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from November to April (southwest coast and mountains) and from May to September (east coast). Thus, you can visit Sri Lanka all year round, because... there is always a dry season on some part of this island.

Sea in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is washed on all sides by the Pacific Ocean. The length of the coast is 1,585 kilometers. Local beaches are surrounded by palm groves. The average sea temperature in January is +28C, and in July - +27C.

Rivers and lakes

There are more than 100 rivers in Sri Lanka. The longest of them is Mahaveli, its length is 335 km. The Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Story

The history of civilization in Sri Lanka goes back more than 2.5 thousand years. In former times this country was called Ceylon. The first settlers were the Veddas. Around the 6th century BC. The Sinhalese arrived on this island and founded their kingdoms there. From the 3rd century BC. Buddhism begins to spread there. Until the 11th century, the capital of the most powerful Sinhala kingdom was Anuradhapura, and then it was moved to Polonnaruwe.

In 1505, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka and monopolized the spice trade. By 1658, the Sinhala kings, with the help of the Dutch, were able to expel the Portuguese from the island.

The Dutch were more interested in trade and profit than in governing this country. Therefore, they did not resist the British very much when the British sailed to Sri Lanka in 1796. In 1815, Britain defeated the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy, thereby establishing control over the entire island.

It was not until 1948 that Sri Lanka achieved independence. In 1972, this country received its modern name - Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan culture

Sri Lanka has a multi-cultural society consisting of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Therefore, the culture there is very interesting and diverse. Travelers will be able to experience colorful and unique festivals and celebrations in Sri Lanka.

In January, Sri Lankans celebrate the New Year, Durutha Perahera (held in memory of Buddha's visit to this island), Pongal (Hindu harvest festival); in February/March - the Buddhist holiday Navam Perehera and Maha Shivarathri Day; in April/May - Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Eid ul-Adha; July/August - Kandy Perahera and Vel Festival; September – kite festival, Hindu festival Navarathri; October/November – Ramadan, Lilavali (“Festival of Lights”); December - Sangamittha Perehera.

All these festivals are colorful processions, they are always accompanied by elephant parades, music and dance performances, fireworks and theatrical performances.

Kitchen

Sri Lanka's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic composition of the island's population. The main food of the locals is rice and curry made from a mixture of spices, herbs and coconut milk. In general, almost all local dishes are prepared using coconut milk and spices.

Samba is pearl rice and is eaten on special occasions. During festivals, yellow rice is made, cooked in coconut milk and lightly seasoned with spices. Another popular rice dish is Kiribath (milk rice).

In addition, the people of Sri Lanka are real experts in preparing fish and seafood dishes. Fried fish is served with chips and salad, while curry fish is served with rice.

Popular dishes - Mallung Curry (finely chopped dried vegetables, prawns with grated coconut and spices), Sambol (spicy hot dish), Pol Symbol (grated coconut, onion, red pepper, lime and salt), Seeni Sambol (fish with spicy onions ), Lamprais (curry, cutlet, shrimp paste, eggplant curry, rice wrapped in banana leaf and baked), Buriyani (rice in meat broth), and Thalaguli and Wattalapam sweets.

The traditional soft drink in Sri Lanka is black tea, which is most often drunk with sugar and milk. Sometimes crushed ginger is added to tea. In addition, the inhabitants of this island love coffee, fruit juices and coconut milk.

Alcoholic drinks are also made in Sri Lanka - low-alcohol toddy (from coconut palm sap) and arrack (30-40%, from coconut palm sap).

Sights of Sri Lanka

According to official data, there are several hundred Buddhist and Hindu monasteries in Sri Lanka. And if we add to this temples, palaces, mosques, cave complexes, then the number of local attractions will reach several thousand. In our opinion, the top ten best attractions in Sri Lanka may include the following:

1. Dalada Maligawa Buddhist Temple (Housing Buddha's Tooth)
2. Fort in Colombo
3. Sigiriya Fortress
4. Dawatagaha Mosque in Colombo
5. Cave Buddhist temple in Aluvihara
6. Kochchikade Hindu Monastery in Colombo
7. Ruins of the city of Anuradhapura
8. Palace of King Kassiapa on Lion Mountain
9. Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla
10. Buddha's footprints on Sri Pada mountain

Cities and resorts

The largest cities in Sri Lanka are Kandy, Tricomalee, Kurunegala, Galle, Ratnapura, Kurunegala and Colombo.

Sri Lanka has many kilometers of beautiful beaches. Many of these beaches are located in picturesque bays surrounded by palm groves.

The best beach areas are Colombo, Trincomalee, Bentota, Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Kogalla, Negombo and Kalutara. Many tourists believe that the best beach in Sri Lanka is Mount Lavinia near Colombo. All local beach resorts have good recreational infrastructure. There are also excellent opportunities for surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, swimming, diving, fishing, spearfishing and scuba diving.

Near some beach resorts (for example, Trincomalee) there are hot springs, and therefore tourists can take medicinal baths there.

Souvenirs/shopping

From Sri Lanka, tourists usually bring handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, masks, leather goods (for example, bags), batik fabric, souvenirs made from coconut shells, spices, and, of course, local (“Ceylonese” ) Black tea.

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