Sri Lanka popular resorts. Which resort in Sri Lanka should you choose? Brief information about the country

Few of us living in northern latitudes have wondered: what is the island of Sri Lanka, where is it located, what country is it, how to find it on the world map, what is it washed with? Many people are interested in the question - is Sri Lanka India or not? And what part of the world does Sri Lanka belong to?

Behind last years Holidays on this piece of land in the middle of the vast expanses of the ocean are becoming increasingly popular. Tourists come here for the warm sea, sandy beaches, eternal summer, unique souvenirs, and the opportunity to see whales.

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Geographical location

Geographically, Sri Lanka is located at the southern tip of the Hindustan Peninsula, it can easily be found on the world map in the Indian Ocean, since the state is located in the south of Asia, then the part of the world to which it belongs is Asia. Sandy shores, with a total length of about 1300 km, are washed by waters Indian Ocean.

The island has an elongated shape from south to north; it is separated from the mainland by the Polk Strait, more than five tens of kilometers wide. The southern part of the island consists of mountain terraces that move towards the center into the highlands.

Geographic coordinates of Sri Lanka - 7°45′00″ N. la., 80°46′00 e. d.

Brief information about the country

When Sri Lanka was colonized by England, Portugal and Holland in the 16th century, it was called Ceylon. Now the island is called Sri Lanka, but as for how official name sounds in Russian, Wikipedia answers - “Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.”

Form of statehood – Democratic Socialist Republic. Type of government - presidential republic. The main nationality is Sinhalese. The first states appeared in the 5th century BC. The ancient inhabitants of the island traded with the Chinese, Arabs, and Romans.

From the 16th century to the mid-20th century it was a colonial possession:

• Portuguese;
• Dutch;
• English.

Capital

note: Officially, the main administrative center, the seat of government, is the city of Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte, founded in the 13th century as the Kotte fortress. Located between the Diyavana Oya and Kolonnava Oya riverbeds.

In fact, economic cultural center The country is dominated by the city of Colombo, founded in the 7th century, presumably by Arab merchants. Initially, the city developed as a trading port.

Languages

The country has two official state languages– Sinhala and Tamil. In tourist areas, residents understand English.

Visa

Residents of Russia must obtain a visa to visit. The easiest way is to fill out in advance the electronic form posted on the embassy’s website. Upon arrival, pay $35, present a valid passport, completed arrival card and receive a visa.

Note: A visa can also be issued directly upon arrival. However, this will cost more and take more time.

Population

Ceylon is home to more than 21.5 million people. More than ¾ of the population is the titular nation - the Sinhalese, 1/6 - the Tamils. The descendants of Arabs and Austronesians, who are immigrants from, do not exceed 1/12 of the country's population.

In addition, descendants of European colonialists live here: the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British. Their number is about 1/15 of the total number of citizens.

Religion

Take note: Four world religions are officially recognized: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity.

The Sinhalese, the bulk of the population, profess Buddhism. Tamils ​​are Hindus, Islam is traditionally preached by Arabs and Austronesians. The descendants of Europeans are Catholics.

Sea and ocean

In fact, Sri Lanka is washed by the waters of two seas included in the Indian Ocean. The Palk Strait, separating Ceylon from the mainland, connects the Gulf of Mannar in the west with the Bay of Bengal in the east.

The northwestern shores are washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mannar, which is part of the Laccadive Sea.

The northeastern part is washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, which by its characteristics is a sea. The bay is famous for its coastal mangrove forests, rich in unique underwater world.

The rest of the island's coastline is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean itself. The sea coast with lazy surf is great for beach holiday. Fans of active recreation should choose ocean beaches with their ever-roaring waves.

Currency

The national currency of the republic is the Sri Lankan rupee. 1 US dollar costs about 153 Sri Lankan rupees. 1 Russian ruble costs approximately 2.62 rupees, for a euro they ask about 166 rupees.

Transport

Sri Lanka has a fairly developed ground transport infrastructure:

• tuk-tuks are the main type of transport, and are a cross between a motorbike and a pedicabs. It is allowed to bargain on the price of the trip;
• city ​​buses;
• extensive network intercity buses, which is the most comfortable type of transport;
• railway connections between populated areas;
• Taxi. Developed only in tourist areas and capitals.

Car and scooter rentals are also available. Just keep in mind that:

• the authorities do not recognize any rights other than local ones;
• Only persons over 21 years of age are allowed to drive.

Difference in time

Moscow time is 2.5 hours behind Sri Lankan time. The time is 4.5 hours ahead of Sri Lanka, and 1.5 hours ahead of Novosibirsk. It is located in almost the same time zone as Sri Lanka: the difference is only 30 minutes.

What to bring

Since ancient times, the island has been famous for its tea plantations, spices, and pearls. The number of tea varieties is so large that it is almost impossible to taste them all.

For decades, precious stones mined from the depths of Sri Lanka have been highly valued in jewelry markets: sapphires, emeralds, almandines, opals, tourmalines, topazes.

Therefore, you should bring from your trip:

• ceylon tea. You can buy it on plantations, in stores, and in the market. The price greatly depends on the proximity to tourist areas;
• spices: vanilla pods, pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks;

• natural essential oils tropical plants: vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood, wild lemongrass, vetiver;
• jewelry with precious stones.

Advice: When purchasing, you should pay special attention to the metal: gold and silver are exported, so no one is responsible for the quality of the metals.

The stones have a mineralogical passport, which will need to be presented when going through customs;

• cotton clothing. For its production, Indian cotton is used, characterized by long fibers that give the fabrics softness.

Climate

The island is entirely located in the zone of humid equatorial climate with a transition to subequatorial climate. The climate on the coast is monsoon.

The high season is winter. The climate is mild. There is practically no change in seasons. Ceylon is the kingdom of eternal summer. Even in the mountains, snow never falls. There are practically no average daily temperature fluctuations.

Note: the pole of cold is Nuwara Eliya, where the average daily temperature ranges from +11° to 13°C.

Air and ocean water temperatures are always almost the same, 30°-32°C. Temperature sea ​​water lower by 1–2°C. Night temperatures rarely drop below +25°C.

In the highlands the climate is less hot, the temperature rarely rises above +25°C. Climatic conditions are such that the local southern winter is much warmer than our northern summer.

How to get there

Direct scheduled flights from international airport Colombo is visited only in one Russian city- Moscow. Flight period: from June to August.

Direct flights are organized from other Russian cities to Colombo. charter flights, information about which can be obtained from the tour operator organizing the trips.

It is convenient for residents of the Asian part of the country to fly with transfers at the following airports:

• Beijing;
• Seoul;

There are year-round regular direct flights with these cities. Russian airlines have tariff agreements with Asian airlines flying to Ceylon.

For residents of the European part, it is convenient to fly via Dubai or Doha. In addition, you can fly from Russia to Ceylon via, Mumbai, Delhi, Tashkent. These routes require 2-3 transfers.

Resorts

Resort areas are located in almost all corners of the country:

Negombo

In the western part of the country, the most popular resort is the fishing village of Negombo, located on the shores of the lagoon of the same name. Historically, the area is notable for its Portuguese fort, which the Dutch turned into a prison. Of interest to fans of history, cultural studies, and ethnography.

Advice: Negombo is ideal for those who love a lazy time on the beach.

Colombo

Popular youth resort Colombo is the cultural capital of the country, located on the shores of the bay of the same name in the west of the country. Like any eastern city, Colombo lives in contrasts: poverty borders on wealth, shacks of the poor huddle next to fashionable buildings.

The cleanliness of wealthy neighborhoods is replaced by the trash of slums. Glitter and poverty, eternal celebration and eternal work, past and future - all this is intertwined on the streets of Colombo. Of interest to lovers of active recreation.

Bentota

A romantic resort on the sea coast is perfect for peace and lazy relaxation. It is a quiet place with a leisurely pace under the shade of palm trees. The main type of recreation is beach. Located southwest of Colombo.

Kalutara

It is located on the shores of the Laccadive Sea, where the Kalu River flows into it.

Aimed at active recreation enthusiasts aquatic species sports.

Halle

The city is located in the southwest and is notable for its architecture. This resort is suitable for a relaxing, secluded holiday.

Induruwa

Located in the west of the country. It recently acquired the status of a resort, so the flow of tourists is still small. Fans of a leisurely, measured holiday will appreciate sandy beaches in the vicinity of the town.

Unawatuna

A small town in the south of Sri Lanka on the shore of a bay protected from ocean waves coral reef. Popular among lovers of individual travel.

Take note: Unawatuna is ideal for relaxing holiday with kids.

Resort on the southern tip of the island. Quiet place far from civilization. Unique undersea world attracts diving fans.

Kogalla is famous for its boat excursions, where you can spot wild whales and dolphins.

Mirissa - the best beach

Experienced surfers come to Mirissa for the high waves. Untouched, wonderful nature and lack of economic activity create a feeling of paradise. The place is secluded and conducive to a romantic getaway. There are no usual resort entertainment.

Surf paradise

The open ocean coast of the southern tip of the island is popular with surfers. Surf waves allow you to surf all year round. Sandy beaches are good for beginner surfing. Experienced surfers catch waves among rocks and reefs.

Interesting to know: Hikkaduwa is the most popular beach among surfers. Beginners can take individual lessons from professional instructors or sign up for classes at surf schools.

Surfing schools also operate in Kogalle, Unawatuna, and Weligama.

Shopping

Shopping amazes with its variety and will deliver true pleasure for those who like to shop.

Note: like everywhere else in the east, it is customary to bargain here. Local merchants do not like those who buy without bargaining. For them, this is one of the types of communication, a centuries-old tradition that is observed to this day. In addition, by haggling it is quite possible to reduce prices by several orders of magnitude.

While vacationing on the island, you should visit numerous jewelry factories with shopping centers. Jewelry assortment shopping centers amazes with the variety and beauty of the products presented. Local jewelers can create custom jewelry with your favorite stones.

After taking a trip to the tea plantations, strolling through the spice gardens, it is worth visiting the shops. True, prices there are much higher than in small shops and markets.

On local markets You can buy exotic fruits, spices, herbs, and essential oils. In addition, here you can purchase clothes made from cotton or have them custom-tailored.

This is especially true for the countries of Southeast Asia. Even if tourists bring any plants or seeds, they can simply be confiscated at customs. To prevent this, it is recommended to refuse the purchase or issue a herbal passport. It is better to carry fruits in packed luggage, this way they will definitely not be confiscated.

Tips

Leaving a tip is voluntary. Hotel staff, guides, porters, and drivers are advised to tip a dollar.

In cafes and restaurants, tips are already included in the bill. In other cases, tourists determine the tip size themselves; the maximum amount can reach 10% of the check value.

Kitchen

The national cuisine of Sri Lankans is predominantly vegetarian with big amount spices and herbs. The main food product is rice. Local kitchen originates from Indian culture, the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arabs, and Chinese contributed to it.

Therefore, modern dishes are a mixture of the culinary traditions of these peoples. A spice for all occasions is curry, which is served as a side dish with boiled rice.

Hotels offer tourists the usual Europeanized menu. National dishes are served in adapted form. You can try authentic Sri Lankan dishes in the restaurants that you visit local residents. For most Europeans, national dishes seem very spicy; this must be kept in mind when ordering dishes.

Flora and fauna

The fauna of this corner of the planet is one of the most diverse. The island is home to many endemic species of animals, amphibians, birds, insects that are found only here - 16% of the total.

More than half of the species are threatened with extinction:

• Indian sambar deer;
• Sri Lankan leopard;
• Sri Lankan elephant;
• sloth bear.

The island is also home to more than 200 bird species, a quarter of which are also endangered. More than half of the amphibians may also disappear forever, and more than a hundred species live here, 90% of them are endemic.

Scammers on the island

You can come across scammers everywhere: on the street, in restaurants, shops, in transport. Traders and drivers usually quote a price that is many times higher than the actual price. There is only one piece of advice: find out the cost in advance and bargain desperately.

You can also become a victim of scammers when exchanging currency; tourists are often lured by a tempting exchange rate. Therefore, it is necessary to remain vigilant, not to be fooled by tempting offers, while maintaining a critical perception. As the saying goes: free cheese only comes in a mousetrap.

Attractions

Sri Lanka is a country with a thousand-year history and unique nature.

Traveling around the island, you can see architectural monuments that are cultural heritage under the protection of UNESCO:

• the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, built three thousand years ago by Indians;
• ancient man-made lakes;
• the Sigiriya palace complex, located on mountain terraces;
• Horton Place National Parks, Yala;
• royal botanical garden;
• legacy of the colonial period;
• numerous ancient temples.

In fact, the whole of Ceylon is one big attraction. Nearby are the eras of Ancient India and colonization, modern buildings and ancient palaces, botanical gardens and thousand-year-old plantations.

tour cost

Weekly cost package tour for two with departure from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk starts from 60 thousand rubles.

Dear readers, today I again invite you on a journey. The Indian Ocean with warm water, golden sand beaches, palm trees, gorgeous nature and exotic animals - all this can amaze even the most fastidious traveler. Where is this amazing place? - you ask. This is the former island of Ceylon, now its new name is Sri Lanka, where a vacation will delight you not only with picturesque landscapes, wild rivers and comfortable weather, but also with a large number of unique attractions, delicious food and unusually aromatic and strong tea.

The enchanting beauty of the island is complemented by a variety of resorts with hotels, welcoming and friendly people - the Sri Lankans. By the way, most residents speak several languages, including English and Russian. This place is perfect for a quiet and relaxing holiday with the whole family.

Sri Lanka - where is such a country located?

Sri Lanka is largest island, located in the Indian Ocean. It is a Democratic Socialist Republic in South Asia. The name translates as glorious and blessed land. Until it gained independence, or rather until 1972, the island was called Ceylon. India is located in close proximity to Sri Lanka. Even before the beginning of the 15th century, these states were connected by an isthmus. Now, there is a sandbank at this place, since a strong earthquake in the 15th century destroyed it. The capital of the island is a city with a difficult name to pronounce - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, but the cultural and economically developed unofficial capital is the city of Colombo.

In Sri Lanka richest world flora and fauna. Almost 3,000 varieties of plants grow here, about 1,000 of which are flowering, over 700 species of medicinal flowers and herbs, and 150 varieties of wild orchids and ferns. Many people associate this country with elephants. And for good reason. Mighty elephants really live here, and not only that. The diversity of wildlife makes this island an amazing place. Beautiful butterflies, birds, reptiles, mammals - and many of them are protected by law, as they are listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.

Sri Lanka - monthly weather, rainy season, water temperature

The climate is tropical, with monsoon rainy seasons. Amazing feature of monsoons in summer time- They travel mainly at night. The weather is very favorable for holidays all year round. The air temperature is always stable, about 28-30 degrees Celsius at any time of the year. Only in the mountainous region the temperature in winter reaches only 10 degrees Celsius. Beach paradise all year round - this is how this state can be described.

The rainy season is long. From December to May there are rains in the eastern part of the island, from May to September there are monsoons in the west of the country. Therefore, in winter, it is best to relax in the southern and western regions of Sri Lanka. For example, the most popular cities- Colombo and Galle. The weather here is excellent, dry and sunny, just as the rainy season is approaching in the east. But in the summer months, resorts located in the eastern region are perfect.

The water temperature here is always constant. The average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you can swim here all year round. Even at night you can bask in the warm waters of the ocean.

Sights of Sri Lanka, photos

Equipped beaches and comfortable hotels are not all that Sri Lanka can boast of. A huge number of ancient and unique attractions, 8 of which are included in the UNESCO list. Temples for all religions, various buildings and monuments in honor of Buddha, beautiful palaces, museums and temples are only a small part interesting places that you can visit.

Currently, excursions around the country are very popular, which allow you to see beyond a short time maximum number of attractions. Of course, if you have enough time and like to take your time and enjoy the sightseeing amazing places and architectural buildings, it is better to take a walk around the sights on your own. Here are some of them that you should definitely see, otherwise your trip around the island would be in vain. Tea center, sacred Bodhi tree, golden Buddha statue, national reserve"Kumana" and Adam's Peak.

Sri Lanka - holidays and reviews from tourists

All tourists who visited this amazing and mysterious place at least once were very pleased with their vacation. After reading many reviews, I made several useful discoveries for myself that will help improve my vacation in this country. Now I will share with you some tips.

• Don't buy tea in the city, otherwise you will buy a mixture of local Sri Lankan and second-rate Indian tea. You can buy one like this at home, in the supermarket. Be sure to visit the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, where you will buy really good Sri Lankan tea and enjoy the view of the tea plantations that cover all the slopes and peaks of the mountains.
• When swimming in the ocean, be careful, it is choppy and it is better to swim where you can feel the bottom. After a wave, you can be pulled into the ocean, and the point of no return is very easy to miss. There are no rescuers, and a cry for help may not be heard. Better swim in the pool.
• On the island it is not customary to use regular toilet paper. In their room they have a special hose with water supply, or a ladle (you know why). Therefore, if you cannot live without personal hygiene products, be sure to take it with you.
• There are a lot of impudent monkeys on the island, scurrying everywhere, which can seriously ruin your entire vacation. Do not leave your belongings unattended. When leaving your hotel room, be sure to close the windows, otherwise you may risk losing your belongings and causing significant damage to the room.

Holidays in Sri Lanka - independent travel

You can get from Moscow to Colombo by direct airline flights. Unfortunately, direct flights do not occur every day, but according to a schedule. If you urgently need to get to this island, you can use connecting flights. There are several of them - in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Koch and Istanbul.
How long does it take to fly from Moscow to Sri Lanka? The direct flight is the shortest flight time, it takes from 8 to 9 hours. If the flight has transfers, then it is a little longer; it can take up to 12 hours of flight time. Don't forget to get a visa before planning your trip to Sri Lanka.

The island's public transport is trains and buses. Therefore, you can travel around the country on your own only by train and buses.

Traveling by bus is only suitable within the city. The cost of bus travel is very low, while the price for private transport is the same as for public transport. There are even luxury buses - with air conditioning and free seats, but the price for such travel is much more expensive. But what can you do for comfort?
Remember, the first seats on local buses are reserved for monks - they cannot be occupied!

You can travel between cities on your own by train. Affordable prices and the ability to choose comfort have made this type of transport very popular among tourists and local residents. 1st class trains are not just luxurious, they are unique. In addition to air conditioners and free WI-FI there is a very interesting interior of the carriages, in vintage style. Train schedules are available on the official websites of railway stations.

You may also be interested in reading reviews from tourists or visiting the sacred Indian city, follow the links. I hope you will find it interesting to read and see photos about these travels.

Many tourists ask where the island of Sri Lanka is located on the map, in which country. We explain that the island-country is located in the Indian Ocean, southeast of India. The island is separated from it by a strait 50 kilometers wide.

In recent years, holidays on the island have become popular. This is truly exotic for residents of northern latitudes, who have never seen much sun in their lives, and many have never been to the ocean. Therefore, the island seems to us like a lost dream.

Since the opportunity to fly back and forth has arisen, how not to take advantage. Tourists come to soak up the sun, buy strange souvenirs, and breathe in ocean air rather than sea air. They are attracted by the opportunity to see whales. The island is favorably located, local residents took advantage of this advantage and began exporting coconuts, spices, and Ceylon tea to the mainland.

Country on an island

The city-country is home to 21 million people, a significant portion of which are employed in the tourism business. To finally understand where the island is, remember your school geography course and find the island of Ceylon on the map. This is the English name for the island of Sri Lanka.

The capital is Colombo, where 700 thousand people live. The area of ​​the island is comparable to the islands of Ireland and Tasmania. The coastline stretches for almost 1300 km. Abundance of beaches overlooking the ocean. The nature of the island is remembered by tourists for a long time as unique. Imagine that after a certain number of hours you will be transported from some Kostroma to the tropics. Don’t the plateaus there and the lush woody vegetation in which the island is buried seem miraculous?

History has left its mark on him. Until the mid-19th century it was a colony European countries, which inevitably affected development. The first states on the island appeared in the fifth century BC, so it has rich history. Since the 16th century it was colonized by England, Portugal and Holland.

These predatory countries have spread their influence wherever they go, continuing to hold the whole world in their hands and decide its destinies. The modern state in Sri Lanka is called the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, which is headed by a president.

The main distinctive features that attract tourists are the combination of tea plantations - the main souvenir of tourists, rice fields, quaint hills, Buddhist temples, warm sea, precious and semi-precious stones, unusual flora and fauna, spice plantations and idyllic beaches.

Local population

The cultural center of the island is the city of Colombo. There are two main nations living here - the Sinhalese and the Tamils. Therefore, there are two in the country official language: Sinhala and Tamil. And in coastal areas, people understand English, which is necessary to communicate with tourists. I wonder if anyone understands Russian or other Slavic languages?

The colonial past is reflected in the living descendants of the Portuguese and Spanish colonizers. But they make up no more than 15% of the population. I wonder how the indigenous population feels about them? Doesn’t he take revenge for the past, doesn’t he consider them outcasts? Or maybe, on the contrary, they retained their leading positions in management and business. And they continue to live happily and exploit the local population. In general, all this is interesting, and for real tourists it is an unexplored niche that they will definitely want to explore.

Sri Lanka is a developing country with the majority of its population engaged in agriculture. They cultivate tea plantations, fish, extract rubber, collect precious stones, collect coconuts, grow spices, mine precious metals and develop the textile industry.

In recent years, the tourism sector has been developing rapidly. All more people want to fly here from different parts globe. And residents of the northern hemisphere strive to spend six months, leaving winter for warm summers on the ocean shore. What may seem interesting is that all four world religions are recognized and practiced here: Islam, Islam, Buddhism and Christianity.

Relax and enjoy!

The island has a favorable atmosphere for relaxation! Unlike the northern latitudes, the climate is exactly the opposite. In our summer it is stormy, but the rest of the year you can easily enjoy the light breeze.

The humidity here is truly high, and overly susceptible travelers and people with chronic illnesses will need acclimatization. If you study the climatic features of the coast well, you can stay where it is most favorable.

For example, the coast washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal resembles the sea. Lazy waves slowly roll onto the sand and run back into the sea. If you want to watch the ever-roaring surf, you can go to the ocean coast, which occupies almost the entire rest of the island.

Gifts and souvenirs

Many tourists wonder what is best to bring from Sri Lanka. Of course, this is not an idle question for those who have climbed to the ends of the earth. Ceylon is famous for its excellent tea, plantations of which are everywhere. But it is impossible to try all growing varieties. Tourists are also attracted by products made of precious and semi-precious stones.

It's worth thinking carefully about gold and silver. These metals are exported; no one can vouch for the quality of the metal. Here you can buy real spices and even see how they grow. These are, of course, not tea plantations, but the vegetation is quite unusual for the usual latitudes.

The stores sell countless amounts of jewelry for every taste and budget. The main thing is to be able to choose them. Among the traditional local goods for which the island is famous is Indian cotton. It is particularly soft, as are products made from it. Therefore, Indian cotton is valued an order of magnitude higher than any other, feel free to buy it and take it home - you won’t go wrong, everyone will be happy.

In addition, tourists in any country are attracted by national dishes and exotic fruits, which can be purchased everywhere, both fresh and dried. Stock up on natural essential oils for memories and for gifts and souvenirs, which are specially produced for tourists and thus are distributed throughout the world. However, be careful with the seeds. It is strictly prohibited to import seeds and plants into Russia that have not passed phytosanitary control.

Where to stay?

The World Wide Web has some pretty colorful and detailed description each of famous resorts Sri Lanka. Here, as they say, there is something for every taste and budget. The cultural capital of Colombo is also famous for its popularity and is presented to tourists as a city of contrasts. Here, along with fashionable buildings, shacks of the poor live. Eternal idleness and eternal hunger coexist side by side.

This can be observed in any large eastern city. That's how life works. In the south of the island stretches the beautiful Mirissa beach. This is a sandy beach, a secluded place, suitable for a romantic getaway. There are no familiar and noisy tourist entertainment. That's why he's good. It was chosen by novice surfers riding the waves. And having learned, they move to more lush places between the rocks.

What to eat?

Concerning national cuisine, you will definitely try it, but it is better to do it in small restaurants that are visited by locals. In hotels, tourists are served quite European dishes and Europeanized national dishes, not as spicy as they are used to here.

Curry is considered a spice of all times. Locals prefer vegetarian food, the main ingredient of which is rice. The local cuisine has Indian national roots and is therefore similar to the national dishes of India.

wild nature

The flora and fauna on the island will amaze you as much as anything else. Here you can find relict animals that are no longer found anywhere else on the globe. The same applies to equatorial forests on mountain slopes. They contain such rare species of trees that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Naturally, these animals, plants and birds are very few in number and are on the verge of extinction. Travel business for them it is a kind of stress and an additional threat to life.

Fraudsters are everywhere

A separate warning to tourists is to beware of scammers. They lie in wait everywhere, in cafes, restaurants, transport; traders at the bazaar will first of all charge you a price for an item that you do not give. You can always bargain, especially since this is encouraged in the country.

It’s the same with drivers, they will never name the real cost of the trip, and after looking at the tourist, they will definitely try to charge him more. There is nothing personal about this - just business.

Let's go to Sri Lanka!

So, you have decided to visit Sri Lanka. You can buy a two-week tour for two, or go on a trip on your own. It is worth taking care of an electronic visa, air tickets, and medical insurance necessary for tourists traveling abroad. Book a hotel, order a transfer, provide guides, or plan your own route for future excursions. Or maybe you just like to lie on the beach most of the time and wander around the area or sightsee in the evening.

Many people wonder if it is possible in Sri Lanka family holiday? Possible, but it must be taken into account that children find it difficult to tolerate such long flights. And most importantly, a long acclimatization awaits them on the island, which is unpleasant. Sri Lanka is a kingdom of the tropics, a riot of colors and vegetation. Among the animals that can attract tourists are monkeys, Asian elephants, and palm squirrels.

Climate zones

Since the island is long, natural areas replace each other. Mountains occupy a significant part of the island and rise to a height of up to 2500 meters. The famous tea plantations are located here. But there are also local attractions that tourists consider it a duty to visit. For example, the giant Bambarakanda waterfall.

The second climatic zone on the island is the tropical regions. And the third, most noteworthy for tourists, is the coastal zone with beautiful equipped beaches. This island does not know snow, it does not even fall in the mountains, where the temperature drops to a maximum of 12 degrees Celsius. And with appropriate humidity, this invigorating effect is pleasant and easily tolerated.

The island where dreams come true

The island of Sri Lanka on the map and in life - exotic place. Arriving there, you find yourself in a kind of paradise, with outlandish coconut palms, smelling of the sea breeze and leaving vivid memories of your vacation on this wonderful island.

Those who like to travel thoroughly can prepare in advance and see the island on the world map in Russian or interactive map on the Internet with the names of various objects of the island in Russian. It is small in size, you can travel far and wide and learn everything about the life of the local natives, who willingly find a common language with tourists.

How much does a vacation cost?

It is estimated that a flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka will cost less than, say, from St. Petersburg. From other cities it is more expensive, the airlines have their own problems, which a mere mortal is not destined to understand. Prices for tours are not constant and change throughout the year. It is possible to track and buy a trip for two for quite reasonable money.

How long is the flight?

Question: how long does it take to fly, it is known that Aeroflot arrives in 8 hours 35 minutes. In which plane to do this is up to you

Why do you need Sri Lanka?

In general, a holiday in Sri Lanka is recommended for those who are tired of the standard Turkey and Egypt, who want real exoticism, to see live Indian elephants, not just alive, but living in nature, in the wild, or serving as pets to local residents. Isn’t this real exoticism, worthy of diversifying the leisure time of a successful person who can afford to get to know his native planet closely, love it more and take care of it?

Blessed land, a real tourist paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean, famous tea plantations, rainforests and magnificent beaches - all this is Sri Lanka. Where is the best place to relax in the former British colony? Almost the entire coast of the island has luxurious and varied sandy beaches with amazing nature, where you can also practice water sports. Next we will talk in more detail about the country, tourist places and attractions.

We're going on holiday to Asia

Sri Lanka or Goa - where is it better to relax? Compare popular tourist destinations it won't work in a nutshell. Therefore, you need to decide what type of vacation attracts you most. In Sri Lanka, for example, there are many secluded and untouched places by civilization, often located very close to the hotel. But Goa is a resort that is completely different from the rest of India. South Goa is famous for its respectable resorts, where rich Indians and wealthy Europeans relax; North Goa, on the contrary, is noisy, democratic and relatively inexpensive. Advanced young people from Europe come there en masse.

Sri Lanka or Vietnam - where is it better to relax? Vietnam attracts beautiful nature national parks(but not as untouched as in Sri Lanka), the architecture of bygone civilizations, delicious food, hotels with good service and reasonable prices. You can feel the European spirit here - after all, the former French colony. And in Vietnam you can feel nostalgic for our recent past: pioneers in ties, a leader in a mausoleum, a red flag with a yellow star.

Travelers often compare Sri Lanka with Thailand. The latter benefits from a developed infrastructure, but the former Ceylon does not always offer a service commensurate with the money spent. It is better to go to Thailand for partygoers who love leisure, shows and night discos, but for married couples and people who prefer romantic evenings on the shores of the Indian Ocean, beautiful story and untouched nature, welcome to Sri Lanka.

Colombo: shopping and attractions

Where is the best place to relax in Sri Lanka? Colombo - cultural and financial center island state, most Big City and (formally) the capital. Here you can combine a beach holiday, excursion programs, shopping, sightseeing, nightlife and entertainment. Today the city is bustling with life; it is partially built up with modern high-rise buildings, but has retained its special flavor without turning into a concrete jungle.

Travelers rarely stay in Colombo. This city is more of a transit point or temporary shelter before heading to other parts of the island, flying into Bandaranaike Airport, or finally leaving the country. But there is still a certain tourist infrastructure in the city. There are plenty of places where you can have fun, take a walk, shop or gamble.

Attractions and excursion programs There is also enough in the capital. There are many ancient temples, known throughout the country, several museums, and outstanding architectural monuments. There is also a beach, however, city tourists rarely choose to relax, preferring suburban beaches. You can also stay in a hotel with an ocean view.

Hikkaduwa

Where is the best place to vacation in January? Sri Lanka is a country that has everything for year-round comfortable rest. Heat water and air (about 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 20-25 degrees at night) constantly remain at approximately the same level. Only the rainy season can spoil a pleasant pastime. In the north east coast it lasts from October to May, and in the southwest - from May to October.

Hikkaduwa, a popular resort, is located near Colombo. Tourists choose it for developed infrastructure and good beaches. There are many hotels here, so you can find an option for every taste and budget. Many cafes have menus in Russian, and hotel staff understand Russian. In the northern part of the city there are several large supermarkets, a market, ATMs, bicycle and motorcycle rentals.

The beaches in Hikkaduwa are long and have good tourist infrastructure. Many hotels and cafes overlook the shore, so travelers who want to stay in a bungalow are better off going to another part of the island. Several undeveloped, but quite pleasant beaches are located north of Hikkaduwa. In the city itself, surfing and diving schools are located everywhere, and the weather here is the most suitable for such activities, because high waves It's not at all uncommon here.

In the most resort area There are no outstanding attractions, but it is a paradise for lovers of nightlife. Every Friday, for example, a noisy party takes place in one of the hotels, and many cafes on main street open until late evening every day.

Bentota: beach resort infrastructure

Where is the best place to go on holiday with children in Sri Lanka? Bentota, for example, is synonymous with an exceptionally relaxing beach holiday, where the appropriate infrastructure is available. The small town has many cafes and restaurants where you can taste local food or order European dishes. There is also travel agencies, transport rental, on the beaches you can find some water activities, and after swimming to your heart’s content, go on excursions.

Unawatuna - year-round holiday

Where is the best place to relax in Sri Lanka at any time of the year? You can, for example, go to Unawatuna - small town on west coast islands. This is one of the most popular places resort holiday. The main beach is located in a cozy bay, and the sea remains calm even during the busiest times. strong winds. There are few hotels here that are suitable for an all-inclusive holiday, so most of the vacationers are independent tourists. Travelers stay in small hotels or directly with local residents. Night life activates only on weekends, when noisy parties are held on the beach, and plays in bars until the morning live music. Unawatuna is not suitable for shopping, and there are no attractions here.

Galle Tours & Historic Sites

Galle is a large city located near Unawatuna and 145 km from Colombo International Airport. This place is primarily an excursion place. In Halle you can visit the ancient port, which was built by the Dutch in 1663, and in 1988 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as a Catholic church, museums, a lighthouse, several temples, and many outstanding architectural objects in the European style. Of interest are the fisherman's market and the beach, where you can watch local fishermen catch fish straight from the ocean and sell it right away.

In general, if you answer the question of where is the best place to vacation in Sri Lanka (in December, January, February or other months), we can safely recommend Galle. The city is the most developed in south coast islands, there are many attractions and you can have an interesting time. True, there are no beaches at all, and the only entertainment available is walking, which can get boring after a couple of days. Many tourists go to Galle only for day excursions, and also if you need to go to the hospital or buy something.

The choppy sea of ​​Weligama

Where is the best place for surf lovers to relax in Sri Lanka? Weligama is perfect for them - resort town on South. Most his coastline There are sandy beaches without rocks and reefs, but there are few sunbathing tourists here. The sea is choppy, so the surfing infrastructure is very well developed here, which cannot be said about the tourist infrastructure. There are also no opportunities for interesting shopping; you can only buy the most necessary things: food, simple medicines, clothes.

Mirissa - beach relaxation

Where is the best place to relax in Sri Lanka for families with children and tourists who prefer calm beaches? Of course, in Mirissa. First, a resort area arose here, and only then some infrastructure began to develop. There are hotels, cafes and restaurants, but you can only buy the essentials, and there is practically no night entertainment. There is a fish market where you can enjoy fresh fruit and local food. Still, the main attractions of Mirissa are beautiful beaches and boat rides. True, the main beach of the town usually has strong waves, so it is more of a surfing spot, but to the east there are several very calm bays where there are no waves even in bad weather.

Koggala is a place little touched by civilization

Is Sri Lanka suitable for a holiday in December? Where is the best place to relax? Koggala is resort village, located near Galle. Although the local beaches are little touched by civilization, you still won’t be able to stay in complete silence and away from the crowds of tourists, since a busy highway passes very close by. The infrastructure is poorly developed, and the entire life of the village is concentrated only around the road. You can, of course, go scuba diving or surfing - there are all the conditions for this.

According to reviews, in Sri Lanka, where it is better to relax for both experienced travelers and beginners, the most popular destinations are the places listed above. There are plenty of water sports and a virtually untouched environment. For example, for a beach holiday, tourists recommend Tangalla, the towns of Unawatuna, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa and Kogalla, and for excursions it is better to go to Galle or Colombo.

Hello friends!

Today I took a ride in my furious Enfield from Arambol to Kerim beach. And then he passed out like a knockout: he had no strength to work or cook. I can only listen to music. This is not the first time I have noticed such a feature when I go out into a crowded place. Either I’m grabbing other people’s bad energies, or I’m sick from the heat and climate...

Please write in the comments if you have encountered this? And how did you cope? So far, only a cool shower brings me more or less to my senses, and only every once in a while.

I remember the island of Ceylon, where we spent 2 months last year. And I remember that I also fell into a similar “blackout” within the confines of bazaars and noisy streets. Therefore, if you are looking for silence and solitude, I will tell you where it is better to go in Sri Lanka, not only to the hectic beaches, but also to the cold with fogs. By the way, I had a great time working remotely there.

Mountains are my favorite landscapes throughout the ages

In general, all the sights of Sri Lanka can be divided into 3 large groups (based on interests, let’s say): beach, mountain and cultural. The latter include not only ancient cities like Kandy or Anuradhapura, but also such legendary psychedelic places as the tomb of Adam and Eve or the Rama Bridge.

But I'll start with the most popular.

In general, the beaches of Sri Lanka are wildly popular among our fellow tourists. Consider the Sinhalese who have learned to babble in Russian on the narrow streets of Negombo. The sight, along with beer-addled vacationers, is not the most pleasant, of course, but all this is more than compensated by the stunning nature and friendliness local population(albeit with a huge amount of absolutely stupid desire to cheat for a rupee or two). About the latest in the country.

So, resorts. Best time— winter, especially in January and February, the weather in summer is very hot, and in early September it can rain. You can visit them calmly and independently!

Negombo

Closest to the capital and airport beach town with a wide tourist infrastructure and a huge number of hotels for every taste and budget. You can easily rent a motorcycle for a long trip around the island or lie down while waiting for your next visa to India.

Among the obvious advantages of Negombo, there is one significant disadvantage. Especially for the female half of humanity: the number of spermotoxic degradants is simply off the charts. I am frankly at a loss as to the reasons for this situation, but the fact is clear. It is impossible to leave your girlfriend for a minute: immediately some creature with an obligatory hand in his pocket begins to get hooked. Therefore, I would only recommend staying here to those who have nowhere else to go. It is better to go to the South, to Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna.

Hikkaduwa

Big beach resort with an even larger selection of all the tourist delights. You can get here from Colombo in 3-4 hours by bus or in 2 hours by train. But you have to manage to squeeze into the latter, because in Sri Lanka trains with reserved seats run on very limited routes. But upon arrival there is a long beach with soft and fine sand; and the sea, into which the sun sets every day in incredible colors.

Here it is, the sunset sea of ​​Hikkaduwa

An incredibly strong Tsunami wave hit here in 2004, resulting in death great amount of people. I already wrote about the tsunami museum earlier in a small one.

It’s crowded and hectic here, but if you live in a small apartment off to the side, it’s quite bearable. And everything is there: supermarkets, Saturday market, diving, snorkeling and surfing. And the prices are more than adequate.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna is an even more party and youthful place than Hikkaduwa. A picturesque area for long-term stays next to a very beautiful piece of colonial architecture - Galle Fort. Especially if you live away from all the bustle, behind the railway.

Here, according to National Geographic, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

I am often asked which is better: Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna? I cannot give such an answer, you need to come and look at everything yourself. It seemed to me that Unawatuna was somehow more cozy. Most of it lies below the main road and is not so hectic there. But in Hikkaduwa there is a beach with an amazing ocean right next door.

Arugam Bay

A small and very rustic little place with huge stone piers. It is located on the east coast of the island, so on the beach, unlike Hikkaduwa, it is better to meet the sun than to see it off. Suitable for long-steers and those who need rural silence.

Trincomalee (Trinco)

Almost the most the best place Sri Lanka, where you can hang out in May and August. Either cyclones swirl like that, or some other typical local mysticism. The beaches in Trinco are also in complete order, and if in Hikkaduwa you are attacked by the ocean, insane in its fury, with waves, sunsets and wild surfers, then here there is relaxation and silence, because all the beaches are located along a large and cozy bay.

In addition to typical beach attractions, you can find WWII bases and even hot springs right there in the jungle. Of course, I somewhat doubt the relevance of the latter against the backdrop of eternal summer.

Tea, mountains and fogs

If you, like me, prefer fogs, the smell of taiga, waterfalls and coolness - you should go to the central highlands. Because there's a really cool story going on here. Quiet, measured and very fresh. I remember especially fondly Haputalle and Ella, where it was especially fun.

Kandy

Ancient capital Ceylon. There is, however, a minimum of fog here. But the surrounding forests, tea hills and Buddhas are truly fascinating. There are also several tea factories in the area, where there are some super-old-school tea machines (or whatever they are called), which are shown in the museum to enchanted tourists right there in the city.

Lake in Kandy - wonderful

People have differing opinions about Kandy. Some people think it's vain, but I really liked it. But I wouldn’t hang around here for any long time (there’s nowhere to be found).

Ella

I’m talking about this wonderful place on the very edge of the Ceylon Highlands. Ella is a very small village, permeated with tourist orientation, coolness and thick fogs. There are several amazing viewing points, tea plantations and extremely picturesque waterfalls around. This is probably one of those places where I could hang for months.

By the way, in Ella, during one of them, I actively chased cats in order to 100% capture the delights of the surrounding space.

The highest mountain resort in Sri Lanka at an altitude of about 1800 m above level and one of the coldest places on the island. It is located at the foot of the highest point - Mount Pidurutalagala (barely able to pronounce it). Here, with tourism, everything is on a grand scale: a bunch of alpine-style hotels, a bunch of expensive cafes and a bunch of those who want to spend a few days away from the heat of the plains and coastal areas. All around is very beautiful: mountains, the same tea, which in Nuwara Eliya is considered one of the best, and even coniferous forests.

Here she is - highest point Sri Lanka

And in winter, as legends and locals say, frost sometimes falls at night. On my own behalf, I will say that in the absence of heating, it is very oaky here, especially when it rains. But all this is more than compensated for by the gorgeous surrounding beauties.

A very small village, located, like Ella, on the very edge of the highlands and rightfully considered the coldest place in Sri Lanka. There is absolutely no tourist infrastructure here, as well as more or less adequate housing options for a long stay.

Let's meet New Year in Haputale with Ippolit and Zhenya Lukashin

But he who seeks will find. Therefore, we discovered a wonderful little place called Bawa Guest House with a nice elderly couple of Muslim jewelers. That’s how the place began to be called: Uncle Bava’s. There is complete freedom all around for walks through the jungle and tea fields, and at night the clouds literally flow from one window of your home to another. Sit and watch!

My favorite Sri Lankan photo is the view from Haputale looking south

From here you can also organize a trip to the Horton Plains - mountain shrouds with incredibly clean air and an equally insane 30 USD per person for entry.

Ohiya

Another place for relaxation and flow in the heart of eucalyptus forests. If even Haputale seems noisy to you, go to Oia. Because it is very quiet here and, according to the locals, even water here can be easily collected from the stream and drunk without boiling. It's so clean.

Eucalyptus forests near Oia

Bandarawella and Badulla

Quite large transport and tourist hubs of the central highlands. From Badulla, for example, you can take a direct train to Colombo or Kandy. This is where the line of the stunningly beautiful mountain railway ends.

All around are the same tea fields, serpentines and night oak trees. It’s just a lot more bustling and crowded, so my clear favorites are Haputale and Ella. Where, despite the size, there is everything you need for a long hang.

Cultural and archaeological sites

I finished my favorite part about mountains and nature. Now I will touch on the cultural wealth of the island. And with some degree of regret I will say that I knew absolutely nothing about him before coming here. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is one of the main hotbeds of Buddhism, where it has not only survived for 2 millennia, but has multiplied and spread its tentacles quite widely. At the beginning of our era, the teachings of the Buddha fell into decline and only thanks to the efforts of traveling monks it was carried away to the most remote corners Asia.

Sri Lanka seems to have got the most significant piece. Where else can you find Buddhist temples that have been in operation for over 2000 years? Where can you touch antiquity, the developments of which are still used today? I haven't found such a place yet...

The only downside to all these cultural fossils is the price of entry. In Sri Lanka, pricing in general is a complete mess. Entry to Horton Plateau costs $30. Go beyond the Anuradhapura gate - 35, etc. Sigiriya, who has nothing else besides aesthetic beauty, asks for 40 bucks. Well, etc.

And Kandy again

As I already wrote above, this is a rather picturesque place, rightfully considered almost cultural capital islands. But the main attraction here is the Temple of the Tooth Relic. No more and no less! I will say right away that you still won’t see the tooth itself; it is hidden from prying eyes somewhere in the depths of the temple, but you will be able to fully feel the ancient energy. Entrance price 1000 rupees (rate 1 dollar = 145 rupees)

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Dambulla

Ancient cave temples, about 2000 years old. The most important artifact of the place is a small stream of water, which during the rainy season suddenly begins to run up the walls. Either a miracle, or a trick... But for me, the place is very touristy, and in order to somehow feel the energy and character of the place, you have to hide in the farthest corners. Entrance price 1500 rupees (rate 1 dollar = 145 rupees)

cave temples of Badulla

Anuradhapura

If there are places where the antiquity is simply off scale, then after cities of the dead Varanasi, I can only name Anuradhapura. Huge Old city, a living archeology of 2,300-year-old stupas, and a Mahaboddhi tree grown from a branch of the Boddhi tree in Bodhgaya, India, where the Buddha gained enlightenment. Mahaboddhi of Anuradhapura is considered oldest tree in a world with documented history.

Entrance price 4500 rupees.

Pollonaruwa

Another place where travelers to Sri Lanka strive to get. The ancient capital of the island big temple Gal Vihara. If you are fans of antiquities and cultures, welcome. If not, then let's go to Ella.

Sigiriya

The strangest attraction, in my opinion. Because apart from its psychedelic-photogenic location, for me it is not particularly remarkable. Well yes, object world heritage UNESCO. Well, yes, it’s beautiful... But around you can find at least a couple of places where the view will be even cooler, and you don’t have to pay money for entry. Unless the fact that there are Buddhist monasteries at the top makes it somehow significant. The rest is a place promoted by the tourism industry, where package travelers are transported by huge buses.

Admission is $30.

Mannar Island

But this is a completely different matter! North of Sri Lanka. There are no tourists at all, just villages, Christians, churches and tuk-tuk drivers completely indifferent to our white faces. It is from here that the legendary chain of islands leads to India, called the Rama Bridge, and a few kilometers from it are the graves of Adam and Eve themselves, who, after the Fall, decided to live in Sri Lanka for a season. Not a bad option for earthly paradise?

Rama Bridge Islands

But all around is chaos worthy of the best examples of India. Heat, dust and donkeys. The sea and beaches are deserted and inaccessible.

Jaffna

The far north of Ceylon, which for a long time remained the center of LTTE separatist militants, until they were finally defeated by government forces in 2010. Until 2012, the city was closed to foreign tourists; apparently it was actively cleared of mines, tripwires, undead groups of Tamil Tigers and unexploded shells. And today you can even find KFC here.