TOURISM IN SRI LANKA GUIDE (Regions, Places, Hotels, etc...)

TOURISM IN SRI LANKA GUIDE (Regions, Places, Hotels, etc...)


Introduction

On December 26th 2004 a massive earthquake registering 9.0 on the Richter scale struck off the west coast of Indonesia. The quake created a tsunami – a series of huge waves that spread destruction across many parts of Asia and reached as far as the east coast of Africa. Sri Lanka’s eastern and southern coastlines were severely affected by the tsunami. The damage to many of the affected areas was extensive. Those wishing to travel to the affected areas should check with the relevant tour operator, tourist board or embassy for the latest advice prior to travel (see Contact Addresses). For the latest information visit www.contactsrilanka.org.

Ancient sites include Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Panduwasnuwara and Yapahuwa. All these places contain the remains of a great civilisation that grew through the centuries under the influence of Buddhism, a gentle faith still preserved in Sri Lanka in its purest form. Vast manmade lakes, large parks, shrines, temples and monasteries speak eloquently of the grandeur of the past and bear testimony to a cultured and imaginative people. The regions in the following guide are used for convenience only and have no administrative significance.

General Information

Area: 65,525 sq km (25,299 sq miles).

Population: 19,007,000 (official estimate 2002).

Population Density: 286 per sq km.

Capital: Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (official). Population: 115,826 (2001). Colombo (commercial). Population: 642,020 (2001). Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is only 10km (6 miles) from Colombo.

GEOGRAPHY: Sri Lanka is an island off the southeast coast of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is separated from India by the Indian Ocean, in which lies the chain of islands called Adam’s Bridge. Sri Lanka has an irregular surface with low-lying coastal plains running inland from the northern and eastern shores. The central and southern areas slope into hills and mountains. The highest peak is Pidurutalagala (2524m/8281ft).

Government: Democratic Socialist Republic since 1978. Gained independence from the UK in 1948. Head of State: President Chandrika Kumaratunga since 1994. Head of Government: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse since 2004.

Language: Sinhala, Tamil and English.

Religion: Buddhist majority (70 per cent), with Hindu, Christian and Muslim minorities.

Time: GMT + 6.

Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs are usual, with bayonet lamp fittings.

Communications:

Telephone: IDD facilities are available to the principal cities. Country code: 94. Outgoing international code: 00. Phone cards are available at post offices and shops.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900/1800 network. Network operators include Celltel Infiniti (website: www.celltel.net), Dialog GSM (website: www.dialog.lk), Hutchison (website: www.hutchison.lk) and Mobitel (website: www.mobitellanka.com).

Fax: The General Post Office in Colombo (address below) provides a service. Many hotels also have facilities.

Internet: Internet cafes provide public access to Internet and e-mail services. ISPs include Pan Lanka Networking PL (website: www.panlanka.net).

Telegram: These can be sent from all post offices.

Post: Overseas mail usually takes 10 to 14 days. The main post office in Colombo is opposite the President’s house: General Post Office, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 1.

Press: The most popular daily newspapers published in English include the Daily Mirror, Daily News, Evening Observer, The Island and Lankadeepa.

Radio: BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.


Travel - International

Note: All but essential travel to the north or east (other than Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay) is advised. Much of the north and east of Sri Lanka remains heavily mined, particularly around the A9 road to Jaffna. There is currently heavy flooding in low-lying areas in the north and east, particularly the Jaffna district, and north of Trincomalee (including the road to Nilaveli). There is a threat from domestic terrorism in Sri Lanka. However, most visits to Sri Lanka are trouble-free.

AIR: Sri Lanka’s national airline is SriLankan Airlines (UL) (website: www.srilankan.lk).

Approximate flight times: From Colombo to London is 13 hours 45 minutes, to Hong Kong is five hours 10 minutes, to the Seychelles is three hours 55 minutes and to Tokyo is 12 hours.

International airports: Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB) (Katunayake) is 29km (19 miles) north of the city. Buses go to the city regularly and take 45 to 60 minutes. Taxis are available. There are trains to Maradana Station, located 1.6km (1 mile) from the city centre (travel time – 60 minutes). Airport facilities include duty-free shop, restaurant, bar, snack bar, bank, post office, tourist information and car hire.

Departure tax: None.

SEA: International ports include Colombo, Galle, Talaimannar and Trincomalee. Passenger services to Sri Lanka are operated by CIT, Cunard, Holland America, P&O and Royal Viking.


Travel - Internal

AIR: The major domestic airport is Ratmalana at Colombo. There are daily flights to smaller airports at Batticaloa, Gal Oya, Palali and Trincomalee. The airport at Jaffna is currently closed.

Departure tax: An embarkation tax of Rs1000 is payable at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Otherwise, none.

Helicopter tours: Helitours of Ceylon, with pilots from the Sri Lanka Air Force, offers charter tours of major tourist areas.

RAIL: Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few. New fast services operate on the principal routes, including an inter-city express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely. The total network covers 1500km (900 miles).
Note: Rail services to Jaffna have ceased owing to the violent political disruptions in the northern area.

ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns. Bus: An extensive network of services of reasonable quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board. Private bus drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often drive rather dangerously. Taxi: These are available in most towns. It is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Car hire: This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended. Avoid remote areas and travelling at night. Documentation: In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary licence to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national driving licence. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.

URBAN: Bus: The Central Transport Board provides intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where there are also private buses and minibuses. Fares are generally collected by conductors. Services are often crowded. Taxi: These are metered with yellow tops, and red and white plates. Drivers expect a 10 per cent tip. Travel Times: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka.

Accommodation

HOTELS: Sri Lanka offers a wide choice of accommodation. There are seven international-class 5-star hotels with every modern facility. Grading: Hotels are classified from 1 to 5 stars. For further information, contact the Sri Lanka Tourist Hotels Association (see Business Profile section); or Ceylon Hotels Corporation, 411 Galle Road, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4 (tel: (1) 250 3497 or 259 8923; fax: (1) 250 3504; e-mail: info@ceylonhotels.lk; website: www.ceylonhotels.lk).

GUEST HOUSES: Inns, guest houses and rest houses offer comfortable but informal accommodation.

PRIVATE HOMES: For visitors who would like to get to know the Sri Lankans and see how they live, arrangements can be made to stay in private homes or on a tea or rubber plantation.

PARK BUNGALOWS: There are also many park bungalows run by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, which are furnished and equipped for comfort rather than sophistication.


Sport & Activities

Watersports: Operators in the main resorts conduct diving expeditions and supply equipment. With over 1600km (1000 miles) of fine beaches and several swimming clubs, there is plenty of scope for swimmers. Water-skiing and yachting are available. Windsurfing is a sport that is gaining in popularity and facilities are located in Bentota, Beruwela, Kalutara and Negombo. Sport fishing is popular in Sri Lanka and several clubs offer membership to visitors.

Wildlife and flora: There is a number of animal and bird sanctuaries and national parks where protected wildlife can be viewed. Several species are unique to the island, while some others have been introduced. Sri Lanka is well known for its elephants, sizeable numbers of which can be seen in Gal Oya and Udawalawe National Parks and at Handapangala. Other large mammals include leopards, deer and bears. Wild boars, porcupines and monkeys also exist, especially the Grey Langur which is common throughout the island. The native purple-faced Leaf Monkey is to be found in the higher hill regions. Of the 38 species of amphibian, 16 are unique to the island. Reptiles include two native crocodiles, the star tortoise, five species of turtle and many snakes. The five species of poisonous snake are rarely found in towns and villages.
The island’s flora varies greatly, ranging from temperate to tropical forests and from arid scrubland and plains to lush hills. There are rhododendron forests as well as tropical rainforests. Orchids and flowering trees can be seen in season.

Other: Rugby, hockey, cricket, football, tennis, squash and other games are also available. Apply to a local Travel Information Centre. Membership is offered on a temporary basis at several golf courses.

The Interior

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s capital is a fascinating city, blending its older culture with modern Western influences. A palm-fringed drive of 34km (21 miles) leads from the Katunayake (Colombo) International Airport to Colombo. Nearby is Fort, so-called as it was a military garrison during the Portuguese and Dutch occupation from the 16th to the 18th century, is today the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Pettah, 2km (1 mile) from Fort, is a busy bazaar area. The Vihara Maha Devi Park, named after the mother of one of Sri Lanka’s greatest kings, is noteworthy for its collection of beautiful flowering trees, a blossoming spectacle in March, April and early May. The park is open daily until 2100 and is well illuminated. The Parliament Building is at Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. Other attractions include the Planetarium, the National Zoological Gardens and several museums and art galleries.

SITES OF WORSHIP: There are numerous Buddhist temples scattered around Sri Lanka: Kelani Rajamaha Viharaya, 10km (6 miles) from Fort; the Vajiraramaya at Bambalapitiya, 6km (4 miles) from Fort; Dipaduttaramaya at Kotahena, 5km (3 miles) from Fort; and Gotami Vihare at Borella, 7km (4.5 miles) from Fort. Also worth visiting are the Gangaramaya Bhikkhu Training Centre and Sima Malaka at 61 Sri Jinaratana Road, Colombo, 3km (2 miles) from Fort; the Purana Viharaya at Metharamaya, Lauries Road, Colombo 4; and the Purana Viharaya at Hendala, 0.8km (0.5 miles) on the Colombo–Negombo road, en-route to the Pegasus Reef Hotel. Additionally, there are also some Hindu temples to explore: at Kochikade Kotahena, the Pettah and Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4; Sri Siva Subramania Swami Kovil, Gintupitiya – within walking distance of Sea Street, Colombo 11 (Pettah). Reflecting Sri Lanka's diverse communities, there also mosques worth visiting in the Davatagaha mosque at Union Place, Colombo 2; and the Afar Jumma mosque in the Pettah.

KANDY & THE HILL COUNTRY: Kandy, a picturesque, naturally fortified town, 115km (72 miles) from Colombo, was the last stronghold of the Kandyan Kings. It withheld foreign conquest until 1815 when it was ceded by treaty to the British. It is now a cultural sanctuary where age-old customs, arts, crafts, rituals and ways of life are well preserved. Good sightseeing trips should take in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa); Embekke Devale; Lankatillaka; Gadaladeniya; Degaldoruwa temples; museums; Royal Botanic Gardens; Peradeniya; Elephants’ Bath at Katugastota; the Kandyan Arts Association; Kalapura (Craftsmen’s Village) at Nattarampotha (6.5km/4 miles from Kandy); and Henawela Village – famous for its ‘Dumbara Mats’ (16km/10 miles from Kandy).


The Coast

Sri Lanka has approximately 1600km (1000 miles) of beautiful palm-shaded beaches as well as warm, pure seas and colourful coral reefs.

SOUTHWEST COAST: The best time to visit Sri Lanka's southern beaches is from November to April. Mount Lavinia, 12km (7 miles) from Colombo, is a good beach resort close to Colombo and the domestic airport. Overlooking the area is what was The Governors House, built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland, and now is the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel. Beruwela, 56km (35 miles) from Colombo, has good bathing in the bay all year round. Bentota, 64km (40 miles) from Colombo, is a pleasant self-contained resort destination, between the sea and the river. The Bentota resort is an interesting diving spot where multi-hued fish can be observed among myriad reef-dwellers. Hikkaduwa, 98km (61 miles) from Colombo, is a beautiful coral reef and beach. Regarded as a haven for surfers, watersports enthusiasts and snorkellers, this is a beautiful and colourful marine area, rife for exploration. Galle, 116km (72 miles) from Colombo, is famous for its old Dutch fort, and is also a centre for lace-making, ebony-carving and gem-polishing. Tangale, 195km (122 miles) from Colombo, is a beautiful bay and there is safe swimming all year round. Negombo, 37km (32 miles) from Colombo, near Katunayake International Airport, is Sri Lanka’s oldest and best-known fishing village. It stands on a strand separating the sea from a lagoon. The seafood here, particularly the shellfish, is a speciality. The safe sea and wide sandy expanse always entices a multitude of sun-seeking visitors. At Unawatuna in Galle is a beach area acclaimed as being among the top 15 beaches in the world, with safe waters within a picturesque setting. For those searching for geological quirks, Kundawella is the scene of a large blowhole that operates as a natural spout, gushing water into the air and over the rocks of the beach.

EAST COAST: Visitors are advised to check with the Tourist Board regarding the situation in these areas prior to departure. The best time to visit is from April to September. Trincomalee, 257km (160 miles) from Colombo, is the ideal refuge for the beach addict. It boasts one of the finest natural harbours in the world and excellent beaches. All watersports, including fishing, are available here. There are many tempting underwater shipwrecks to explore for the intrepid diver. Batticaloa, 312km (195 miles) from Colombo, is famous for its ‘singing fish’ and the old Dutch fort. Kalkudah, 32km (20 miles) from Batticaloa, is ideal for bathing as the sea is clear, calm and reef-protected. Passekudah, close to Kaludah, has a fine bay, clear waters and safe swimming. Nilaveli, 18km (11 miles) from Trincomalee, is very much a resort centre - all beach and watersports. Whale watching is also one of its special attractions. Arugam Bay, 314km (196 miles) from Colombo, 3km (2 miles) from Potuvil, has a beautiful bay and good surfing.

JAFFNA: Jaffna is 396km (240 miles) from Colombo, at the country’s northern tip, and is both city and seaport. It was once noted for its Hindu temples, Dutch forts, the Keerimalai Baths, the tidal well and the Chundikulam Sanctuary. Jaffna has many scenic beaches, the best known of which is Casuarina Beach. Check with the Tourist Board, Embassy or High Commission whether the area is off-limits to foreign visitors.