Sri Lanka major cities and population. Galle is the capital of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Visa and border crossing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean located south of the Indian subcontinent. The total area is 65610 sq. Km, the length from north to south is 445 km, and from west to east is 225 km. The Central mountain range is located in the center of the island.

The average height of the mountains is 1000-2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise higher.

The highest point of the island, Mount Pidurutalagala, has a height of 2524 m. However, the most famous is the majestic Adam's Peak (2243 m).

Typically, on weekdays, shops are open from 9:30 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 13:00. Shop addresses recommended by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism can be found in many of the island's travel guides.

In addition to tea, which, by the way, is allowed to be exported in quantities of more than three kilograms as a souvenir, items made of silver and copper are considered traditional souvenirs. These products are manufactured in the Kandy area. Beautiful pottery is also produced in the Kandy area. They are painted mainly in red tones, decorated with various patterns. In the south of the island, various demon masks are made.

The oldest folk crafts include wood carving and the manufacture of various fabrics. Sri Lanka is famous for its rich selection of precious and semi-precious stones and silk.

Tipping is optional. However, the hotel receptionist or the restaurant waiter will be happy with a few extra rupees.

It is recommended to wear light cotton clothing and a hat. Be sure to stock up on sunscreen and sunburn lotion. There are no strict dress requirements in the country, however, you should not visit temples in shorts, in clothes with an open back and shoulders, and you should also take off your shoes when entering the temple.

Climate

Equatorial, with monsoon seasons.

Almost 95% of all precipitation falls during the summer rainy season. The rest of the months are pretty dry. Only in the northeast of the island does it rain in autumn, when the northeast monsoon passes over Ceylon.

The air temperature on the island practically does not change and is equal to 26-28 C all year round. It is cooler in the mountains of the central part of the island, and in the coldest point, the mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya, located at an altitude of 1880 meters above sea level, about 15 C.

Sri Lanka has high air humidity, and this is felt when leaving the plane, when it feels like you are being doused with a warm, "bath" jet of air.

Language

The official languages are Tamil, Sinhalese and English. The total population is 15 million people. The ethnic composition of the country is multinational, the population consists of Sinhalese, Tamils, burghers (descendants of the Portuguese and Dutch) and Moors (descendants of Arab merchants).

Currency

From Monday to Friday, banks are usually open from 9.00 to 13.00-15.00. They are closed during the holidays and on Saturday and Sunday. Money exchange is allowed only in banks and organizations that have received permission to do so. The list of these organizations includes most of the hotels.

Transport

Left-hand movement.

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

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

There are so many interesting things on the island that, as a rule, travel is not limited to one destination. The ring is the ideal form of the Sri Lanka route. The beginning and the end - the Bandaranaike airport, and everyone chooses the points on the circle to his 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 started looking for more affordable ways to travel around Sri Lanka, to take a closer look at the life and 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 turn around in terms of sights and interesting places, so I love not only to travel on it myself, but also to draw up routes for friends who come here.

Visa and border crossing

The popularity of Sri Lanka among independent travelers is associated, among other things, with the availability 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, e-visa - $ 35. It is given for 2 entries within 30 days. This is convenient if you want to fly, for example, to the Maldives or India.

I recommend making an e-visa on the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) website - it is both cheaper and faster to cross the border. And if you have problems with entry, then you will find out in advance, and not at the airport in Sri Lanka.

To apply for an electronic 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, after a few hours (up to a day) - 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 registration of 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 are planning to travel around the island, then indicate the name and address of the first hotel in your itinerary);
signature.

You can fill out a migration card while still on the plane, and immediately go to passport control at the airport. The procedure consists in the fact 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 has ever asked me for a printout of an e-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 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 procedure, is located at 41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo.

Depending on the severity of the violation of migration legislation in Sri Lanka, various fines are provided, up to the inclusion in the list of persons who are denied entry to the island.

How to get there

By plane

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

How and how long to fly is the first question that any traveler asks. There are no direct regular flights from Moscow to Colombo, but there are charters during the high season (winter). This is about 8.5 hours of flight.

The main way to get from Moscow to Sri Lanka is by daily regular flights of Arab airlines, which carry out 1 transfer:

Emirates -;
Qatar Airways-Doha;
Etihad -.

The flight time, taking into account the connection, increases to 12-14 hours. Ticket price - from 28,000 rubles.

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

Airline promotions and sales of tickets to Sri Lanka are carried out in the region of March and October. During this period, the cost of the flight can be reduced by 25-35%. It is convenient to keep track of prices and discounts.

Tourist regions

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

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

Southwest coast

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

- a promoted resort in Sri Lanka. Its beaches are preferred by newlyweds for a romantic trip or a wedding ceremony. You can navigate the prices for tours to Bentota. In addition, there is a special program to support the Bentota region as an Ayurvedic resort, so there are several specialized centers, and each hotel has its own SPA programs. One of its beaches houses 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 swimming here all year round - this is its big plus. 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, traditional water activities on the beaches - surfing, diving, fishing. This area, as an extension of Bentota, is also very clean, but cheaper. Among the minuses is the city of Beruwala itself. If you decide to get out into the areas where the locals live, then 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 lovers. Unlike most resorts in Sri Lanka, there are many fun bars and discos here. 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 long history and several large modern hotels. Currently, it is a large city adjacent to the economic center of the country of Colombo. The main attractions include the Dehiwela Zoo with more than 300 species of animals, as well as the huge Bolgoda Lake - the largest reservoir of fresh water in Sri Lanka. The resort is maximally focused on tourists: many hotels and even hostels fundamentally do not populate the 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.
You will find both luxury hotels and cheap guest houses in the area. Local fishermen catch several types of fish and seafood every day, which are skillfully prepared in local restaurants.
- the southernmost resort in 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 tranquility and tranquility. The few hotels in the resort are intended rather for those who travel around Sri Lanka on their own, there is no infrastructure for package tourists here.
Kalutara is a modern developing resort. It is known all over the world for its spices, as well as juicy tropical fruits that grow in the area. Gangatilaka Vihara Temple is the most famous landmark of the city. It is a huge, hollow stupa (the only one in Sri Lanka) that you can enter. I recommend that you definitely visit this unique object of its kind. The disadvantage 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 is no shallow water as such, so I do not recommend families with children.

Northeast coast

Since Sri Lanka's airport is on the opposite side of the island, getting to the northeast is more difficult. Nevertheless, there are several resorts with their own unique features:

Central highlands

An unforgettable contrast to the beachfront Sri Lanka guaranteed!

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

The two main points of visiting 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 make a fascinating three-hour train voyage among the 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 - Kandy. Each city has the minimum necessary tourist infrastructure: hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shops. In Kandy, of course, it is more developed, as it is the second largest city in Sri Lanka.

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

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

Top cities

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

Islands

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

Some of the northwestern islands end in tiva, which means island in Tamil: Puncudutivu, Mandaitivu. Some of the islands have retained the names of Dutch cities since the colonization of the country. For example, an island.

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 see them both as part of an independent trip (cheaper and more interesting with preliminary preparation), and you can buy excursions in agencies and from 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, outbuildings. The pearls of Sigiriya are a huge (140 x 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 everything about Sigiriya.

Golden temple- a complex of cave temples shrouded in legends, in which there is 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 of Buddha... A sacred place for Buddhists from all over the world! Perhaps this is one of the most luxurious temples in Sri Lanka. Previously, there was a royal palace in this place, 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 of Buddha.

Weather

Luck or not, but in Sri Lanka it is summer all year round: the daytime air temperature ranges from +28 ° С to +33 ° С (at night +24 ° С ... +26 ° С). The water temperature in Sri Lanka is +27 ° С ... +29 ° С.

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

The northeastern and southwestern coasts take turns dividing the palm among visitors to Sri Lanka. In addition, tourists travel all year round to the excursion sites of the island, as well as 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 the summer it is better to go to the northeast, and in the 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 sightseeing holidays, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites located on the island. A great addition to this route will be a vacation on the northeast coast: Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Appuveli.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka brings with it partly cloudy, short-term, often 2-5 minutes (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 negate swimming.

If you choose a hotel with a swimming pool, then the rest can be quite comfortable, in addition, in 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 closed by islands. This location calms the raging waves. There are similar sections of beaches in 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 is left-hand here.
Traveling around the island by public transport (buses, trains) is very cheap. For example, transfer by car from the airport to Bentota - 68 dollars (10,000 rupees), the same distance by 2 buses - 2 dollars (300 rupees), by bus and then by train - 0.85 dollars (120 rupees).

Connection

Roaming or local communication

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 minutes for international, internal communication and Internet traffic.

Having bought a local SIM card, it will be much cheaper to talk to Russia than to pay for roaming to domestic operators. For example, the cost of a minute for MTS is 250 rubles, and for Dialog - 9 rubles. Calls from a landline phone from a hotel 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 vacation. The minimum fare is $ 5.5 (Rs 780). This is enough for calls to Russia and communication in social networks for a couple of weeks. You can play it safe, and, in order to be always in touch, buy a more expensive Dialog tariff - more minutes and more Internet traffic.

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

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 (just behind the exchangers). Representatives of the cellular operator will perform all the manipulations with your phone to connect the tariff, but you can just 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 in mobile phone shops in cities. Top-ups using telephone cards are also widely available, which can be bought in stores, shops, post offices and gas stations.

Best of all, mobile communication covers the territory of Colombo and the resorts of the southwestern part of the island. In the north and east, only large cities can boast of stable mobile communications and the Internet.

Wifi

As a rule, there is wi-fi in the hotels of Sri Lanka. In large chain hotels, it is available everywhere, and in small hotels and hostels - at the reception and in public areas. Most of the time, 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

Telephone numbers of services: ambulance and fire department - 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 Sinhalese and Tamil, but English is actively used in government agencies and the tourism sector. At the everyday level, mostly city dwellers 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 the resort areas, the Russian language is gaining more and more popularity among residents involved in the tourism sector, the knowledge of which allows the Sri Lankan to find a higher-paying job in this industry.

10 phrases you need to know

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

Features of the mentality

Two nationalities can be distinguished among the population of the island:

Sinhalese (75%), who for the most part 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 whole areas of the city and region. From my own experience, I can note that the cleanliness and comfort of the area is highly dependent on the religion of the local residents. Buddhism implies the formation of harmony around, therefore its adherents constantly wash something, sweep, repair - they attach great importance to order. This contrast is striking as you drive through the country. In Muslim or Hindu areas, they do not think so much about the existence of beings, hence the rubbish, 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 do not think about their karma, as the vast majority of the inhabitants of the island 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 family life (good upbringing of children and respect for elders). Sometimes all this resembles our Soviet era, 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 they feed him first, and only then the owners themselves begin to eat.

And Sri Lankans are very fond of holidays, often visit temples, attach great importance to ceremonies and rituals.

Food and drink

Feature of Sri Lankan cuisine

Sri Lanka's spicy and spicy food can be a big challenge. A magic phrase comes to the aid of the traveler "But spicy" however, this does not guarantee that the food will be similar to the European one. This is a classic feature of the cuisines of all Asian countries.

The charm of Sri Lankan cuisine is in its simplicity. Most dishes are based on vegetables, rice, fish, spices. This is the same constructor, in the center of which is Fig. Around it are various curry sauces - a mixture of ginger, turmeric, pepper, coriander, cinnamon, garlic. A lot of local dishes are prepared using coconut juice, oil, shavings.

What do the locals eat

As true Buddhists, Sri Lankans practically do not eat meat and very rarely consume poultry. Basically, pork, beef, 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 of eating her meat than in neighboring India.

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

Where to eat

In Sri Lanka, you can eat at almost every corner. These are mainly street eateries, cafes, restaurants.

Don't be afraid to eat in street places. The chance to taste stale and tasteless food is higher in cafes and restaurants. On the street, dishes are prepared in front of your eyes, and if there are many customers in this eatery, then the products are definitely fresh, the reputation of the institution is not spoiled by anything.

In expensive restaurants, you can lie in wait for various surprises and inconsistencies with expectations. Although it must be admitted, 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 major cities. It should be noted that even in such establishments, local dietary habits are taken into account - there are many vegetarian dishes. A full lunch at your local MCDonalds costs $ 4 (Rs 600).

Local food prices in Sri Lanka are very low.

In street eateries you can get 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) for 1 person.

About drinks

In a hot country like Sri Lanka, you must drink a lot. Tap water can only be consumed after boiling, but it is better to always buy bottled water, which is sold everywhere and is very cheap. The bottle must have SLS label(Sri Lanka Standards Institute).
Milk is expensive here. It quickly deteriorates, so preservatives are often added to it. Milkshakes are widely sold 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 there are many farms and large dairy factories.

A popular drink in Sri Lanka is coconut milk. But remember that this is a powerful diuretic.
Ceylon tea is a classic drink, aromatic and strong, so locals often dilute it with milk. The island's environment makes the usual tea drinking ritual more elite and unforgettable.
Fruit juices (from mango, banana, papaya) and lassi (yogurt, fruit, sugar, ice). Fresh will be prepared for you right at the street stalls. The magic words to the seller are "but ice, but suga" (ice is prepared from no one knows what kind of water, and the fruit is already sweet enough).

Ginger beer is a soft drink similar to soft cola, but with a ginger flavor and aroma.
Arak (Arrack) - coconut vodka. Often used with Jinzha to remove the fortress. Price: About $ 3.5 (Rs. 500) per bottle. The best Arak variety is Old Reserve, which costs about $ 7 (Rs. 1,000).
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.

As a rule, the prices are high. in Sri Lanka there are high import duties on alcohol. In addition, the sellers themselves make a decent mark-up. Alcohol and beer in hotels and restaurants are sold without restrictions.

5 dishes worth trying

Shopping

The shopping that you can do in Sri Lanka has a special national flavor. It feels like no matter where it is, whether it's a market or a shopping mall.

All kinds of goods can be found everywhere, 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 drop the price up to 50% of the original. On the other hand, the cost of souvenirs and spices can be so scanty in terms of rubles that it is easier to do without bargaining, but when buying precious stones, leather goods and clothing, be sure to bargain.

Fixed prices in Duty-free shops, supermarkets, shopping centers.

Top cities for shopping

Shopping, similar to the classic European, is perhaps only available in Colombo. There are a number of large shopping centers, including those with well-known international brands. In resort areas, shopping, as a rule, 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 against buying Pekoe and Orange Pekoe; as well as Lipton and Dilmah);
souvenirs: masks, ceramics, batik, leather products (for the exotic lover);
spices (the cheapest cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, etc. in supermarkets).

Vacation with children

For a comfortable stay with children, Sri Lanka is quite a suitable place. The beaches are calm, the people are friendly, and the crime rate in the country as a whole is quite low. Sri Lankans themselves are very fond of children and respect women with children. The main thing is to try to comply with the following rules:

Safety

If you follow the minimum precautions, then a trip to Sri Lanka will be an unforgettable plus sign for you. What to consider:

Taste a cup of real Ceylon tea from the highlands of Nuwara Eliya.
Participate in the colorful procession of Esala Perahera's festival.
Climb the Sigiriya rock. This is a creation of nature framed by human hands.
Walk 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). A trifle is somewhat similar to ours - in 1 rupee 100 cents. Spring 2016 course:

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 - as a result, you will receive the cost of goods and services in rubles.

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

You can find exchangers by going to the waiting area of the greeters, after receiving your luggage. It is impossible to miss them - the doors open, and in front of you there are at least 6 “counters”, where young people change currency at absolutely the same rate for all. The check that is issued when exchanging currencies allows the rupees to be converted back to your currency at the rate of purchase.

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

Sri Lanka's money is interesting to look at. The island has 10/20/50/100/500/1000/5000 rupee bills in circulation. On them you can see quite interesting, and most importantly, vivid images - local traditions, sights, animals, peacocks.

But no matter what, these are the shabby and dirtiest bills I've ever come across. Either the state rarely renews the money supply, or the citizens themselves are not particularly careful with the banknotes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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