Travel
Tips
Arriving in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has only one International Airport which is Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake (30km north of Colombo ). As a first step you should remember to fill out your disembarkation form before you proceed to the dazzling new branch at the airport. When you have your documents prepared, the smiling immigration officers will permit you to navigate through marvelous adventures in Sri Lanka . When you have your bags, if you have any goods to declare, make sure you fill out a customs form before you get into the exit line. These forms can be found at the desks near the luggage carousels and porters would assist with your luggage any Time happily. Airport taxis are available at the airport and you can hire easily any comfortable vehicle accordance to your choose or else Airport pick up can be arranged on your request. Hotel reservations and all other necessities can be pre arranged when you requested.
Custom Regulation
You are allowed to bring into the country, duty free 1.5 liters of spirits, two bottles of wine, a quarter-liter of toilet water, and a small quantity of perfume and souvenirs with a value not exceeding US $250. The import of personal equipment such as cameras and laptop computers is allowed but must be declared on arrival.
Sri Lanka Customs: - www.customs.gov.lk
Getting Around
Traveling around Sri Lanka is quite thorny and Time consuming as traffic can be seen in the main cities most of the Time throughout the day. Travelers will see cyclist driving all over the roads and cows roving in remote areas, giving extraordinary experience for travelers full with excitement.
Heli Tour
• Helicopter and air plane transfers to and from any part of Sri Lanka .
• City to airport transfers.
• A variety of tours to meet every budget.
• Professional and highly experienced pilots and crew.
• New and reliable aircraft.
Train Service
Railway services connect to all major tourist cities from Colombo , fare is cheap and first class carriages only available in few trains. Journeys are very relaxing and provide best views of the miracle greenery nature of Sri Lanka .
Tuk Tuk/Trisho
Trishaw is a very popular method of traveling around the Sri Lanka and available in any common place. You should be aware of trishaw drivers, some Time their behavior quite cunning and impolite.
Bus Service
Bus service is the main public transportation in Sri Lanka . It is very cheap way to travel around the Sri Lanka, but journey would be exhausting and tiresome as buses fully packed with people all Time.
Car Rental
There is no of rent- a- car companies available throughout the major cities. They guarantee you, safe, fast moving and cozy journey without delays; you'll be able to feel luxurious sense of traveling while enjoying the beauty of mother Sri Lanka . Some companies will provide a tour guide for you or on your request. Most of drivers are well experienced of Sri Lankan routes and famous tourist destination in the country.
Self- Drive
It is possible you to hire a vehicle and drive by your own with a valid driving license all over the country. Routes are easy to find from a local map and generally roads are in a better condition. You have to secure yourself being aware all the Time and avoiding dangerous and risky places. Traffic drives on the left side.
Hire a Van
You can hire a private van with a driver in all major cities. They will charge you less than car renting companies. You need to request for an air con; charges will vary according to that.
Travel Insurance
It is best to organize travel insurance for your own safety comprehensive, it is always important to organize inclusive travel insurance and check the circumstances and activities that are not covered by your policy before you travel: the best way to protect your self is to be aware of your own security when traveling.
What to Bring
Cotton garments are ideal as Sri Lanka is a tropical island. However, viscose/cotton mixed garments are commonly worn. Light clothing is recommended in the lowland areas and light woolen clothing is suitable in the hill country. A sun hat and sunglasses may help you to escape the heat during day Time. When visiting a Buddhist or Hindu temple you should remove your footwear and headgear. Your legs and shoulders should be covered as a sign of respect. Public Nudity, including females being topless, is not only unacceptable but also illegal in Sri Lanka .
Camera
You can carry a camera with you all the Time Zone. It is your responsibility to protect it and be alarmed of frauds. Photos are not allowed to take every place, it is better to get permit or check before you take any action.
Money
Currency is Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). The import and export of local currency is limited to Rp5000. Master Cards and visa cards are widely acceptable, especially in restaurant, supermarkets and hotels etc. ATM facilities are available in any cities, although all international cards are not acceptable. There are no of private money exchanging places are available in major towns. Travelers cheques can be changed from any bank: Banking hours is Mon-Sat 0900-1500.
Climate
Sri Lanka is a tropical country contains only two monsoons. It is a highly famous destination to travel year around as warm and humid weather can feel throughout the year. Although, during period of July to august weather conditions turned out to be very sizzling.
Time Zone
Sri Lanka does not observe Day light saving Time. Sri Lanka is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT.
Food and Drink
If you craving for authentic flavor of spicy cuisine, Sri Lanka is the best spot for it; Sri Lanka cooking comprise of strong spicy flavors providing you the utmost contentment of foods, not only that you can sense variety of international cuisines. Restaurants, pubs, resorts and hotels can be seen near any public place. Most of cooking uses coconut milk to enrich flavors. We recommend you to taste food with caution. Always drink bottle waters, although tap waters also safe. Alcohol not sells on Poya days.
Visa Requirements
Generally all tourists able to stay three months, you can extend visit by applying to Department of immigration and emigration. Passport should have one blank page and be valid for at least two months from date of departure required by all nations. Further information regarding your passport and other can obtain from Sri Lankan high commission of locate in your country.
Department of Immigration and Emigration,
Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha,
Maradana,
Colombo 10.
Tel: +94-11-5329000, +94-11-5329316/20/21/25
www.immigration.gov.lk
Communication
Mobile phones and sim cards are available in most of shops for affordable price. There are four main network operators on the island; Dialog GSM ( www.dialog.lk ), Mobitel ( www.mobitellanka.com ), Cell tell ( www.celltelnet.lk ), and Hutchison Telecom ( www.hutchison.lk ).Internet accessible from internet cafes located in major towns and every exclusive got Internet access.
Health and Safety
Medical Treatment is free at government hospitals and dispensaries; 24-hour treatment is available at Colombo National Hospital . There are no of pharmacies locate in every town can access easily. Always use bottled water and certified mineral water, if you are using tap water our advice is to boil it before use. Mosquitoes and flies are common in Sri Lanka , always use protections for avoid risk. Travelers should ensure that they carry some form of identification at all Time Zones.
It is your responsibility to check health conditions and safety tips about your holiday destination before you travel to avoid unnecessary influences.
Custom/Cultural Differences
Sri Lanka is a multi Ethnic multi religious and multi cultural society. The Major groups of people is Sinhalese they are mainly spread in central, west and south areas in country and Tamil are the second largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka. Main language is Sinhala, although English and Tamil use mostly in country.