How to dress in Sri Lanka. Holidays in Sri Lanka: tourist tips
Gorgeous beaches and exotic nature of Sri Lanka attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world. However, the island is not only extended sandy beaches with comfortable rest. Sri Lanka is also the most interesting sights, an excellent choice of a variety of entertainment.
According to travelers, Sri Lanka can guarantee quite relaxing holiday. There are no nightclubs and a huge number of shops, crowds of tourists and loud entertainment centers.
So, below are the systematized reviews of vacationers about their vacation on paradise island: about its beaches and cost of living, about interesting places oh and the weather.
Island nature
The local nature can be called a real paradise: tall palm trees with coconuts, huge tea plantations, bananas - and these are just plants. What can we say about the giant turtles and monitor lizards that roam the island. This is positive side nature of Sri Lanka.
There are also disadvantages here. For example, mosquitoes and other insects. So those wishing to spend their holidays on this delightful island should bring special funds with them.
Holidays in Sri Lanka are known for their chic diving sites. By the way, excursions to grottoes and caves are organized here, where you can look not only at the inhabitants of the sea, but also at sunken ships.
Attractions of the island
Sri Lanka is full of attractions that have won the hearts of travelers of all ages. For example, it is worth mentioning the rock of Sigiriya or Botanical Garden Kandy, ancient cities or cave temples, as well as many places that will leave a lasting impression.
Each of them is interesting, has unique history and can give a lot of pleasure and unforgettable moments. There is, however, one significant disadvantage - the high cost of tickets and excursions.
Island hotels
Very often, tourists leave unflattering comments about the hotels they stay in. They say that the service and conditions here do not match the cost of the rooms. True, if you work hard, you can find a decent hotel. Tourists who want to save money prefer to stay in guesthouses.
Resorts of Sri Lanka
Inhabitants of the island
Travelers are of two minds here. Some were delighted with the friendly Sri Lankans, others complain about their stinginess and desire to fool vacationers. In terms of language, almost everyone here speaks English. So there shouldn't be any barriers to communication.
Island beaches
In general, a beach holiday here is considered good. The beauty of the local nature is so natural and excellent that it is hard to spoil it.
One of the best beaches tourists consider Bentote. Wealthy travelers prefer to spend time here. Well-developed infrastructure and hotels of various levels, well-groomed coast and cleanliness are the main characteristics of the beach.
The beach in Hikkaduwa is suitable for young people who like to have fun. Diving and surfing are well developed here. Hotels near the beach are different affordable prices for housing. Nearby there are several cozy inexpensive cafes.
Lovers of secluded relaxation and tranquility should visit Arugambey beach. Nice bungalows for rent nearby.
Wadduwa Beach will become a chic destination for travelers in certain hotels. It should be noted that there is no special zone for tourists here, each hotel is responsible for the cleanliness of the territory allotted to it.
Tangalle Beach has also received positive reviews. There are always few people here, constant cleanliness and inexpensive cafes working nearby.
Previously, Unawatune was considered one of the favorite beaches. After the reconstruction, tourists began to talk about the low level of service, garbage on the beach.
Island weather
Sri Lanka is one of those countries that has a distinct rainy season. Despite this, travelers go to this paradise at any time of the year.
– The best time for holidays on the island - the winter months. At this time, rains are very rare, the sun shines brightly, the water in the ocean is warm. The perfect time not only for swimming, but also for sightseeing holiday.
It is quite hot here from March to April. According to travelers, it is during these months that it is best to relax and practice water activities.
– From May to September, the island is not crowded. In Sri Lanka, at this time, the rainy season, which interferes with both beach holidays and excursions.
- From mid-autumn to the end, the weather is quite changeable. The rains during this period are short, so you can just grab a raincoat. And it's pretty sunny and warm to lie on the beach.
Island prices
Most tourists agreed that prices in Sri Lanka are very high. For example, a visit to the attraction will cost at least $ 25. Souvenirs can also be called quite expensive.
There are, however, points that suit travelers. It is considered inexpensive to travel by public transport and the cost of food. Exotic fruits are very cheap here.
Filters for tours to Sri Lanka
Vacation with children on the island
Sri Lanka can hardly be called an ideal place for families with children. First of all, children can hardly endure a long flight. Further - big waves so swimming can be dangerous even for adults.
Another danger is the ubiquitous insects that can carry tropical diseases. Not quite clean cafes do not have a special menu for little travelers.
Tourists who decide to take the child with them praise the local nature reserves and nurseries with exotic animals and plants.
1. You should choose hotels with free breakfasts. There is an option to eat in a cafe for local residents. Seafood here is prohibitively expensive, the meat is cooked tasteless. Moreover, the bill includes a commission.
2. Alcohol is sold in specialized stores. It will be cheaper to buy alcoholic drinks in duty free.
3. Tea will be cheaper in specialized stores or factories. Souvenirs are too expensive.
4. You should take a charger adapter with you, as the sockets on the island are different.
5. On the full moon, locals celebrate a special day, on which all banks and shops are closed, it is forbidden to drink alcohol. It is better not to go to the island at this time.
6. It is allowed to enter Buddhist temples in closed clothes and without shoes.
7. It is better to take insect repellant with you.
When a Russian, "northern" tourist gets on exotic island Ceylon, especially after our winter, then such an initial euphoria descends on him. Sunny beaches, bright greenery, everything in flowers, smiling friendly people around, a person relaxes and becomes carefree. And this is good, but in order not to become bad and negative reviews about Sri Lanka I wrote this note.
Port areas of old Colombo Rules of conduct for tourists in Sri Lanka
Features of the national character of the Sri Lankans implies certain rules of conduct for guests of the country.
The inhabitants of the island are extremely religious regardless of denomination. The overwhelming majority of the population are Buddhists, there are Hindus, as a rule, Tamils, Muslims, Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. Frequent collisions Sinhalese-Buddhists with Tamils or Muslims. In this regard, there are many armed military and police on the streets. This imposes restrictions on the shooting by tourists of both the military and police themselves, and objects that can be ranked among the latter. The Sri Lankans themselves photographing tourists treat themselves differently, in tourist places may demand payment, in the outback they generally do not mind. But it is better, of course, to ask permission from the subjects themselves in order to avoid conflicts.
Sinhalese do not like to be called Indians and may consider it an insult.
Buddhists react nervously if tourists turn towards statues when photographing buddha back. As elsewhere in Asia, in Ceylon, regardless of religious affiliation, it is considered extremely impolite to say hello, eat and give anything. left hand.
Tamil temple in Negombo It is forbidden to enter temples in shoes, climb on religious objects for posing. It is undesirable to enter with an uncovered back, shoulders, to talk loudly and gesticulate. Might hurt religious feelings if you try touch up to a Buddhist monk or take a picture of him.
The religiosity of the local population is sometimes manifested above all norms, and creates rest problems. If you manage to stop somewhere nearby Buddhist monastery, a temple, a Muslim mosque or a Christian cathedral, and all this is enough in abundance, then you will not have to sleep in the morning. I had a similar experience, in the morning until five o'clock they began to read Buddhist mantras, "naturally" into the loudspeaker. When they fell silent, the mullah began to sing into a stronger loudspeaker. As soon as I finished, and I already thought that finally there was silence, they began to ring the bells in the Catholic church. It seemed that they were competing in who would loudly notify the people of their presence in this place.
Vegetable stalls of small traders Sometimes religiosity takes comical forms. I decided somehow to go around the local shops from early in the morning, I went into the first one, there were no sellers yet, and the boy was fussing, running in front of the altars hung on the walls. He placed incense sticks in front of the Buddhist and Hindu ones, and candles in front of the Christian ones with icons. To my question - "what religion is followed in this trading establishment?" replied, “trade is a serious matter, and just in case, you need to enlist the support of any higher powers.” Then I saw such altars in other stores more than once.
Drivers in Sri Lanka, this is a separate issue, everyone drives as if participating in street races and tries to be the first by all means. It seems that they are trying to be reborn as quickly as possible into the best incarnation, into some kind of “white master”. I have a lot of driving experience, but I did not dare to sit behind the wheel.
Gesticulation in some cases does not coincide with ours. Agreement, for example, is expressed by shaking the head, as with our “oy-yoy”. First time made me laugh appeal to a stranger on the street, we call dogs with such a sound. Such smacking with a whistle was especially fun when my friend from the locals turned to the policeman like that, then called the waiter.
The rule of good manners is don't say no categorically directly, if you want to be polite, then refuse indirectly. “I’ll go, but not today”, “I’ll buy, but before leaving” or offer counter, obviously unacceptable conditions, so you refuse in the style of local traditions.
Sunbathe topless women or naked on the beaches forbidden, as well as appearing in public places in bathing suits.
Institutions and banks operate in the mode "short day", and in terms of the number of days off, Sri Lanka is in first place. Employees of government agencies, and commercial ones, are also in no hurry to go anywhere, and there is no point in urging them on. Compensates for these features indispensable smiles and a benevolent attitude towards tourists.
Sri Lanka beaches
As I wrote in a previous article, the quality of beaches depends on the area. How south the more picturesque they are! All beaches state are open for visiting. There are practically no hotels with closed beaches; on the first line, each hotel has a symbolically fenced area in front of the beach, adjacent to the hotel. There are sun loungers, umbrellas, pools and direct access to the beach to the ocean. There are beach areas near cafes with sunbeds and umbrellas, such as in Unawatune It is enough to buy a drink and you can use at least all day.
Sri Lankan beaches are good in any weather I managed to profitably rent a cozy villa right on the shore of a deserted beach between Ballapitiya and Ambalagoda with the help of the service <Favorable booking>
The beaches are different souvenir merchants, very sophisticated in sales, speak several popular languages \u200b\u200bat once, and when tourists return after swimming to their territory, they unobtrusively try to speak. One has only to start talking with them, as it turns out that at the end of the conversation you have already bought some unnecessary nonsense. The surest way not to get caught by them in the network is to pretend that you do not notice them. The Germans do it best, they walk with such stone faces that the idols of Easter Island smoke nervously. Ours do it much worse, the locals have caught it and are running towards them skipping. For the symbolic fencing traders do not enter the territory of the lawn of hotels in Sri Lanka, a strict taboo.
Courtyard of a small family hotel For eastern country enough on the island purely. Even the local homeless are always pleasantly surprised washed clothes. I was also pleased that everywhere Nice smells, despite the heat, except for the fish markets. There is little garbage, although not without it, if you get to a remote deserted beach, then of course there are “signs of civilization” thrown ashore.
Siesta at the loader 
Galle Coast Sri Lanka 
Fortified redoubts of Halle Attitude towards tourists
Everything population Sri Lanka is divided into two parts - 99% of friendly smiling people who are ready to help at any moment, and disinterestedly, and 1% of those who earn directly from tourists. The second group is also diverse, I'll start with the worst.
Unlike tourists, lizards easily drop their tails. Veiled beggars or " helped"- they do not ask for money directly, they offer an unnecessary service, and then impudently begging for payment. They are found in tourist places everywhere, especially near attractions. fit insinuatingly, and smiling sweetly ask, “what are you looking for or how can I help such a wonderful guest of our country?” The best answer is "senkyu, I already found it." If, nevertheless, you behave and name the purpose of your research, then this native starts beating his chest and shouting: “You are my best friend, I will show you everything right now for free.” He will show, then he runs after you for three blocks and shouts that you owe him money, deceived him, promised and threw him. Moreover, as a rule, he is not satisfied with a trifle, brazenly demands a decent amount by local standards. There are especially many such figures in those places where there are most Russians, for example Hikkaduwa or Bentotta. They spoiled the locals, unlike the miserly Europeans.
tea factory employee Women graze on tea plantations, supposedly "tea pickers", as soon as tourists are brought up, they emerge from the bushes and start a show to teach the profession, show which leaves and how to tear. They work quite artistically, usually a baby hangs behind their shoulders as an additional argument, it’s not a pity to give a little money. Real pickers hate them, because in a day they earn as much as " fake" in an hour.
Sri Lankan tuk tuk Drivers - These are the drivers Knock knock”- three-wheeled scooters, the main mode of transport on the island, taxi drivers in cars and minibuses. Mostly decent, conscientious hard workers, but there are those with whom you need to keep your eyes peeled. Firstly, price you need to discuss in advance, until you agree on the transport does not sit down. Since most do not know the Russian language, they write the price on a piece of paper, he writes to you, for example, 300 rupees, you are 50, and so on, somewhere in the middle you will converge. If you speak English, then this will not save you from scammers. Out of inexperience, I once agreed verbally, and I also gave a bill of 500 and the contract was for 300. I never received change, this rogue began to shout that he did not know English well and understood me so that I promised him these 500. Never give more, better change different bills.
Passing transport in Sri Lanka O overpricing can be seen from this history. From Negombo, after a trip to the lagoon on an excursion, he asked me to take me shopping in Colombo. The guy who drove me said he couldn't, he had an order. He promised to send an assistant the next day, and the price rolled out $ 100. When the assistant arrived, I immediately told him that I would not give more than $ 30, he immediately agreed. By the way, he turned out to be a great guy, drove me then the rest of the time and never tried to raise the price.
Regular bus in Sri Lanka on the road has the highest status Most of the drivers who will carry you begin to offer their services as conductors connoisseurs of the area, show the “best and cheapest” shop or cafe, Ayurvedic massage parlor. In no case disagree, if any of the locals takes you there, the owner is obliged to give rollback 40% and this amount is automatically included in your price. In general, choose a driver carefully, there are practically no rules of the road, traffic jams in Colombo many hours, the roads are very busy on the coast. Accidents also happen, mostly collisions with the "kings of the roads" buses. I approached this issue simply, if I don’t like the “muzzle of the face”, I’m looking for another.
Terraces of a Dutch fortress in Sri Lanka Beach fight. Or " beach guide”, this is the “elite” of the local travel service, more or less speaking in Russian an aborigine who hangs out in hotels and on the beaches. Previously, this was the name given to young guys who met white women on the beaches for selfish purposes. Then they began to name those who simply work with tourists. Offers excursions to local attractions, works both legally and illegally and the prices are different, depending on the level of his licenses. They are at the national level and territorial, by provinces. Territorial, has the right to conduct an excursion only in his province in another must contact a local guide. Many cope without licenses at all, their price is lower. You can't live without these guys not enough, there are many interesting places, they are scattered all over the island, and if you have arrived for the first time, it is better to use their services.
galle coast Russian speaking guides faced by Russians in Sri Lanka have pages in our social networks, cooperate with the owners of thematic groups. They ask satisfied customers to write reviews for them, and recommend them in every possible way. Go to any group where the name of the country appears, and there you will find them, in an embrace with tourists. They try to earn and maintain a good reputation, since those who “spawned” them (social networks) can also “kill” them. A few negative reviews on the Internet and a man without a job! They love to invite visit are introduced to relatives.
Petrovich driving a tuk-tuk Sometimes they go down the crooked path of deception, like one fairly successful guide from Negombo with whom I was familiar. At first he worked very well, even lit up in Russian documentaries about Sri Lanka. Then, for some reason, he began to frankly scam tourists, not to fulfill his contracts, to ask for money in debt. For example, he asked me for a political struggle, promised to give it back when he came to power in a triple amount. All groups in social networks buzzed about his frauds, if he is still alive, then he must have disappeared from the island. Most of all I was amused by our girls who wrote about him good feedback in Internet. And then they complained that he owed them and all the good things about him were not true. Police very weakly responds to the requests of tourists,
The protection of the hotel territory protects the peaceful rest of the tourists from intrusive pedlars Visa to Sri Lanka 30$ when ordering online, 35$ if upon arrival. Travel agencies take 40$ .
If you have not booked a transfer in advance, then there is a counter at the airport for ordering a taxi- there you name the destination (you can show a piece of paper with the address), pay the road, the employee calls the driver, go with him to the car - that's it! Works around the clock. No need to book.
Tips included in the price, basically.
Mains voltage 230-240V, connectors three-pin. Hotels have adapters, you can insert a handle into the third hole to unlock it.
Free Wi-Fi almost everywhere in Sri Lanka, the speed is excellent.
In open areas it is better to be in headdress and in sunscreen glasses.
If the beach is rocky, then beware sea urchins
in the water on stones, on the sandy bottom they are not.
sharks in the ocean they do not attack people, as my local friend used to say:
"Do you know why sharks in Sri Lanka don't eat people?"
- "Because we love to eat them very much, and we eat them first"!
snakes they are not found in crowded places in Sri Lanka, I have never heard stories about their bites. Here monkeys can bite!
Sri Lankan monkeys are aggressive 
flying foxes 
Night crab on the beach, runs very fast Currency - Sri Lankan rupees, also take dollars. But in exchangers they do not like small bills, they change at a worse rate than, for example, $100.
mosquitoes in Sri Lanka they are small and silent, found everywhere, especially if there are lagoons nearby. At night, require protective canopy from the grid, since chemicals in the form of sprays and fumigators do not work on them. On the beaches they do not happen even at night, the breeze blows away. AT central regions can bite wild wasps if you get too close to their nests, talking loudly and waving your arms.
Roadside souvenir shop Drugs, despite the strict punishment of the law for trade and use, are sold everywhere, especially in Negombo.
The police react very poorly to the appeals of tourists, they do not take into account minor violations by the locals at all.
Theft in Sri Lanka, it happens to tourists, mostly the owners of rental housing are robbed. Usually they do this the day before the departure of the guests, so that there would be no time to report to the police. Especially if our tourists beautifully celebrate the departure. So be vigilant! Personally, I and my friends did not come across, quite the contrary. Once I forgot expensive glasses and a towel on the beach, returned a few hours later, someone carefully put them on a plank so that they would not be washed away by the wave.
Basic language- Sinhalese, but many understand English fluently.
Coconut trade in Colombo More about security crime in Sri Lanka, a level lower than in neighboring countries, but no one has completely canceled it.
Conflicts happen to the local population, and happen most often because of the outrageous violation of the rules of behavior by tourists, and the Sri Lankans are mostly friendly and patient towards the guests of the country.
If you follow the elementary rules of conduct and follow the advice outlined in my note, then there is nothing to fear.
Which ones to take medicines to trip?
I give a standard list, without reference to an individual state of health:
— antihistamine remedy who lives with allergies know the names. The best option is immunocorrector transfer factor classic!
- remedy for mosquito bites
— anti-cold medicines and remedy for sore throat. Although the country is hot, you can catch a cold under the air conditioners, especially at the airport.
drugs to improve digestion, like Mezim, although I used a local papaya fruit for this purpose. The action is the same, but the process of acceptance is much more pleasant.
- a remedy for food poisoning (some kind of "enterasgel"),
- remedy from diarrhea. But it should be noted that before using antidiarrheals, you need to find out if the cause is an infection.
— antispasmodics;
— iodine(in the form of a marker);
— adhesive plaster, will always come in handy!
—disinfecting gel for hands, and it is advisable to lubricate the feet when you visit Buddhist temples, where shoes are not allowed.
As a preventive measure, it is advisable to visit a dentist before a trip so that you do not have to search for a local doctor during an exacerbation.
If you are taking drugs that are prescribed for chronic diseases, then you need to take them with you - in Sri Lanka they may be with other names.
Sri Lanka rent, prices
Transport: to officially rent a scooter, bike or car, you need a valid international driver's license, you will also need to obtain a local temporary license or license - domestic license- payment in the amount 3000 rupees, over 21 years old, but basically everything is decided informally, on the spot when you are stopped by a local inspector. With the rental itself, at the rental point, all this is not required. You only need to have passport and pay the initial contribution, about 10% .
Yes, some eccentrics leave their passports as collateral, in no case do not agree to such lease terms. Such situations are possible: the transport broke down on the other side of the island, the flight is the next day, and the passport is in collateral. There are a lot of rental offices, many have signs with inscriptions in Russian, on the coast in places like Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Weligama, Batticaloa. Most rental offices are located in the vicinity of Colombo!
But in Kandy this is more difficult, you have to look. Can be rented through the Internet but it will be cheaper locally.
Scooter costs 600-1000 rupees / day depending on the rental period. Something like this - a period of up to two weeks on average 900, more than 800 rupees and below.
Motorcycles up to 125cc. Maximum speed 80 km/h. For local conditions and the road is perfect. The average price is 1500 rupees per day.
Bike from 150 cubes. The maximum speed is over 100 km/h. In my opinion for Sri Lanka is not practical. There is nowhere to accelerate, it is inconvenient in traffic jams. Price per day on average 1400 rupees.
Practical advice for motorcycle lovers, if you are stopped by a policeman, take out key out of the ignition and hold it tight. Otherwise, the local policeman himself will pull them out, and until you give money, he will not give it back. With the traffic police is the catchphrase " but english", you can get off with a remark. True with the tourist police, this number is unlikely to pass. Cash only!
Previously called Ceylon, it is often associated with excellent tea - delicious, rich and fragrant. Emerald plantations still cover the island, but this is far from its only pride. People come here to enjoy the silence, the measured rhythm of life, magnificent landscapes and a variety of experiences. Fans of the classic beach holiday waiting for an idyllic ocean coast, active fidgets - diving, surfing, fishing and other entertainment, for families with kids there are safe bays, and for connoisseurs of history - attractions from different eras.
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beach holiday
The beaches in Sri Lanka are so good that you definitely don’t want to leave their limits. Noisy and secluded, wild and fashionable, serene and tickling the nerves with tides and waves - very different, but always inviting. Bentota, for example, is an exemplary resort with a string of hotels, modern infrastructure, various activities and - for gourmets - delicious oysters. The coast of Weligama is surrounded by red-pink cliffs, Mount Lavinia has attracted connoisseurs of solitude since colonial times, and in Wadduwa you can combine beach relaxation with recovery in Ayurvedic clinics.
Beruwala suffered during the tsunami, but quickly revived: wealthy tourists now come to the cleanest ocean, rich in beauty.
Season in Sri Lanka: when is the best time to go?
Excursion rest
It is better to start acquaintance with Sri Lankan architecture in Colombo, where the elegant west meets the colorful east. Most of the sights are concentrated in the Fort area: here is the Old Lighthouse of the 19th century - the only one in the world decorated with a clock (by the way, they were made by the manufacturer of the legendary Big Ben), and the New Citadel-like stupa that replaced it, and the snow-white Sambodhi Chaitya stupa, balancing on figured 20-meter piles. And also temples of all confessions, museums, embankments, parks, bazaars - a fascinating excursion will take several days.
Adepts of world religions argue who left a mark on Adam's Peak: Adam himself, Buddha, Shiva, or the Apostle Thomas.
Throughout the island, natural and architectural monuments protected by UNESCO. Sacred towers for relics of the dagoba have been preserved in Anuradhapura, the ruins of a mighty fortress in Sigiriya, palaces and sculptures in Polonnaruwa, and the richest collection of Buddha statues in Dambulla.
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Leisure
Sri Lanka is a paradise for divers and surfers, regardless of skill level. The optimal time for diving in the west and south is from November to March, in the east - from March to May and from August to December. In the Negombo area, there are 3 large reefs at once - rocky ridges with coral gardens and flocks of moray eels, red mullets and Napoleons. The country's largest reef with sea devils and sharks stretches along Kalpitiya, and the rarest olive turtles are found in the Pigeon Island National Park. The waters of Unawatuna are good for snorkeling, and in the waters of Kirinda with rocks, canyons and ravines, only professionals who are not afraid of currents can swim.
The most popular location for surfing is Arugam Bay with waves up to 2 m, ideal for boarders with minimal and intermediate training. Beginners will also like Weligama and Devat, but professionals are better off going to Hikkaduwa. Windsurfing, sailing and spearfishing are developed in Kalutara, excellent fishing in Bentota, and extreme rafting on the Kelani River. You can go mountain biking in Sigiriya, Bandarawela and Polonnaruwa, and rock climbing at the Bambarakanda waterfall.
Sometimes small adventures bring great happiness. Day at the karting center, flight hot-air balloon or in a wind tunnel, a master class in piloting ... test yourself and the promo code on the site "" and get a 5% discount on the brightest entertainment.
All inclusive
For the most demanding guests in Sri Lanka, there are all-inclusive hotels located in the most picturesque corners islands. On the first coastline of Negombo and Bentota, you can find relatively inexpensive guesthouses and 3-4 * hotels with three meals a day, swimming pools and even their own Ayurvedic centers. In Hikkaduwa, Ahungalla, Koggala, Wadduwa and Mirissa - "four" and "five" with luxurious rooms, impeccable service, restaurants and recreational areas.
Sri Lanka is rich in first-class beaches, modern hotels and a host of ancient sights. Entertainment - entirely quiet-peaceful: picnics, fishing and diving. Colombo capital, waterfalls and National parks- all about Sri Lanka: tours, reviews, weather, prices.
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The style of rest in Sri Lanka can be briefly defined as follows: away from the hustle and bustle, closer to the sea and nature. It is unlikely that there is a more “slow” country in the world than Sri Lanka: no one is in a hurry here, everyone enjoys life - including the service staff in hotels (though this does not apply to top establishments - everyone runs around in soap, to please guests). Most of the attractions in Sri Lanka are natural, just like most entertainment. Noisy discos and smoke yoke until the morning are not in favor here, but picnics in nature, fishing or barbecue on the beach - as much as you like. Well, diving, of course. What Sri Lanka cannot please is its proximity to our immense: the flight here is long.
In general, it is very simple to determine a person who will definitely like it here. Firstly, there are few blank pages left in his not the first passport. Secondly, he is either interested in world culture and history (and ancient Sri Lanka is very rich in interesting monuments), or - a desperate sea daredevil who wants to have both a diving center and a surfer headquarters in addition to palm trees, sand and the sea. Thirdly, he will certainly look askance at your fragrant cup of tea. After all, Ceylon, aka Sri Lanka, supplies a quarter of the world with this drink.
Regions and resorts of Sri Lanka
Money
The monetary unit of the country is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), in 1 rupee 100 cents. Current exchange rate: 1 LKR = 0.36 RUB (1 USD = 180.6 LKR, 1 EUR = 198.89 LKR).
It is better to exchange currency at Colombo airport. It makes sense to keep the check received at the same time until the end of the trip: in this case, upon departure, it will be possible to convert back unspent local money at the airport bank at the purchase rate. In addition, the currency is changed at any hotel and bank. The latter are open from 9:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday. For exchange, we recommend taking US dollars with you: they are accepted in all branches, and in tourist areas they can be paid directly at hotels and various retail outlets.
In large hotels and shops you can pay credit cards, there are ATMs in almost all cities of the country. However, it is better to warn the staff of your bank in advance about the upcoming visit to Sri Lanka: due to the critical level of financial fraud on the island, a credit card can be blocked at the first attempt to use it.
Sri Lanka Hotels
Police: 133, ambulance: 144, fire department: 122.
The best photos of Sri Lanka
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