We are small but big attraction in Asia
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a remarkable diversity of culture, languages, religion and the natural beauty. Discover the beauty of this tiny island with us, we will make your tour a memorable one for life time.
Sri Lanka, the land of smiles & hospitality is world renowned for its inexplicable, friendly culture. Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, described as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ is located at the southern tip of India.
Inherited with diverse landscapes, breathtaking picturesque & nature parks supported by a tropical climate, Sri Lanka certainly is a paradise Island. Sri Lanka has so much to offer with its palm fringed, golden sandy beaches, magnificent rivers & waterfalls & fascinating wild life either with wet- zone forests or dry- zone forests, it is truly an exploration of beauty & wonder bundled to one package.
Due to the location of Sri Lanka, it has become a drop off point for long journeyed ships that pass thru Asia which has added more value to this beautiful island. Sri Lanka is also the proud title Holder to 8 UNESCO world heritage sites, being bestowed with Cultural, Historical and Natural beautiful landscapes with value and diverse array of wildlife.
History
Sri Lanka has many eras added to its history, starting from the tribes of Yaksha and Naga before 300 B.C. , Ruled and governed by many great Kings , Invasion of Portuguese, Dutch and British throughout the early 16th to the mid 20th centuries to democratic government soon after the freedom in February 1942. As a result there are four ethnic groups, the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burghers with religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. With the democracy, free education, legal and commercial agriculture systems added more value to Sri Lanka’s culture making it even more diversified.
Transport in Sri lanka
Transportation in Sri Lanka took a new leap with the construction of first ever Highway, The Southern Expressway from Kottawa to Galle (Down South) which takes only an hour to reach the destination. With the ongoing projects of highways to the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport as well as the extension from Galle to Mattala International Airport, Sri Lanka’s Transport has a promising future.
In general, Sri Lanka’s transport system is centered to the Capital city, Colombo on road and rail having a network to reach all major towns and tourist destinations.
Air Transport
Sri Lanka owns two International Airports in Katunayake and in Mattala. Due to the fact that Sri Lanka is taken as a Transit point to many carriers, almost all major airlines in the world operates to Sri Lanka. Sri lanka also owns few domestic airports as well as Air Force bases in Major Cities such as Rtahmalana, Ampara, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Galle, Minneriya and Anuradhapura to name few.
Sri Lankan Airlines is the carrier of pride for Sri Lanka which flies direct to all major cities around the world and is known for its friendly, homely service and the delicious food served on board.
Mihin Lanka is a low-fare carrier based in Colombo, owned by the Sri Lankan Government. It flies to number of cities in the Indian Sub Continent, The Gulf States and Southeast Asia. It code-shares with its partner Sri Lankan Airlines on several routes and also has domestic flight s to destinations such as Trincomallee, palely ( in Jaffna) and Ampara.
Geography
Sri Lanka is an island situated at the southern tip of india in the Indian Ocean. From North to South – 432 km From East to West – 224 km Total area – 65, 525 sq. km
Population
The majority of Sri Lankans are Singhalese and Buddhists, but the total population is a mixture of Tamil, Moor, Burgher (people of european descent). Sinhala, Tamil and English are the national languages. English is spoken throughout the island.
Climate
The south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. The weather is finest in the coastal regions and hill country of the south-west from October to March. The temperature in the lowlands averages 27 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures fall rapidly with altitude. In Kandy the temperature on average is around 20 degrees Celsius and in Nuwara Eliya it is often below 15 degrees Celsius.
Time
Sri Lanka is +5 ½ Greenwich Mean Time.
Clothing
Lightweight clothing is recommended. It is a good idea to be conservatively dressed on the streets and shorts are not permitted in places of worship. Footwear off in temples. A light sweater is recommended in the hill country. Bring rain proofs, avoid synthetics.
Telephones
Card operated telephone booths and cyber cafes can be found in most towns. Cards can be obtained at the nearest shop or kiosk. Mobile telephone rentals are also freely available.
Health
It is safer not to drink water from the tap though water in major towns are treated. Boiled water, bottled water and water and ice at reputed hotels are safe. Government run hospitals and a number of private hospitals are available in the event of an emergency. Most hospitals are well equipped with medical specialists on call at any time of day. Reputed hotels have a Doctor on call.
Electricity
210-240 volts, 50Hz, Alternating Current / Plug sockets take round pins.
Currency
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee. The value fluctuates with world market rates. All commercial banks are authorized to exchange money and so are most tourist class hotels. American Express, Master Card and Visa Card are also widely accepted.
Visas
Nationals of most countries may obtain visas on arrival, at the airport. It is best to check with your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or consulate. The visa that is issued at the point of entry is only valid for 30 days. Extensions can be obtained, if required, from the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.
Communications
The general post office is situated in the city of Colombo. Other towns have central post offices. Privately run agency post offices, cyber cafes, communication centers also function throughout most of the country.
Photography and Video
Photography and video filming often require permits at historical and sacred sites- it is advisable to check with the officials at each place. Film rolls and videotape are freely available in all main cities.
