When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka? Weather in Sri Lanka: when is the best time to go on vacation. Tea plantations, climbing mountains, cave temples and ancient monuments

Sri Lanka is a small island nation located in South Asia near the Indian subcontinent. The country received its modern official name - the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in 1972. Previously, the state was known as Ceylon. The official capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. In fact, the capital functions are performed by the largest city in the country - Colombo.

The population of Sri Lanka is 21.6 million inhabitants. Sinhalese and Tamils dominate among nationalities. The most common religion is Buddhism, which is followed by most Sinhalese. In addition, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are widespread in the country. Form government controlled Sri Lanka is a semi-presidential republic. Administratively, the country is divided into 9 provinces - Central, North-Central, North, North-West, West, South, East, as well as the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva.

The main sectors of the economy are agriculture, textile production and mining of precious stones. Recently, the tourism industry has been gaining momentum. The most popular holiday destinations in Sri Lanka are the resorts of Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Beruwala and Kalutara.

Flight time:
Flights to Bandaranaike Airport, Colombo
from Moscow - from 8 hours 30 minutes.
from St. Petersburg - from 11 hours 25 minutes. (1-3 transplants)
from Kazan - from 12 hours 30 minutes. (1-4 transplants)
from Yekaterinburg - from 11 hours 55 minutes. (1-4 transplants)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 50 minutes. (1-4 transplants)

Current time in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte:
(UTC +5:30)

The most developed sport is cricket, which is exotic for Russians. The state conducts an active foreign policy, Sri Lanka is a member of well-known international organizations - the UN (United Nations), the IMF (International Monetary Fund), ADB (Asian Development Bank) and others.

How to get there

At present, the issue of direct regular flights between Moscow and Colombo remains open, but it is known that Aeroflot operates flights on this route during the season. Excluding this option, the most optimal way get to Sri Lanka this moment are Emirates flights Moscow-Dubai-Colombo, Qatar Airways Moscow-Doha-Colombo and Etihad Moscow-Abu Dhabi-Colombo. All aircraft arrive at Colombo International Airport.

Many people are interested in an important question when buying a ticket from Moscow to Sri Lanka: how long is the flight? If you choose a non-stop flight on the route Moscow - Sri Lanka, the flight will take 8 hours 45 minutes (flight to the country's capital - Colombo). With connections, it will be about 14 hours, but it depends on the time of connections, it is different for airlines.

Climate and weather in Sri Lanka

The climate in Sri Lanka is warm and humid. The temperature is very even, without sharp fluctuations throughout the year. The difference between the warmest and coldest months is only 2-3 degrees Celsius. The average monthly temperature usually does not exceed 30 degrees. The seasons here differ in the amount of precipitation. Most of the rain falls in summer. The coastal regions of Sri Lanka are the most comfortable for living. In large cities located inland, there is hot weather and high humidity. The average water temperature in the Indian Ocean near the country is 27 ° C, it differs from the air temperature by only a couple of degrees.

Cooler temperatures can be found in the highlands of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is located at 1884 meters above sea level. local mean annual temperature 18°C. In cold weather at night, the thermometer can drop to an unprecedented mark of 10 ° C in Sri Lanka. Such a “frost” forces the owners of local hotels and inns to use heating devices that turn on in the evening and at night. It will be useful and pleasant for tourists to know that it usually rains at night in Sri Lanka. Therefore, rest in the resort should not be overshadowed by precipitation. Smooth and favorable climate throughout the year allows vacationers not to think about choosing a month for a holiday in Ceylon. Here at any time of the year locals and tourists feel comfortable.

Rainy season in Sri Lanka

It is quite difficult to understand how famously the climate in Sri Lanka is changing from the first time, so you need to be more careful with its features. The island is dominated equatorial climate, a distinctive feature of which is the division into two seasons: dry and rainy seasons.

In addition, the Central Mountain Range rises in the middle of the island, creating a “rain shadow” for the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. This is the so-called "wet zone" of the island, where the southwest monsoons go from May to September. They form in the Arabian Sea and move towards the island as a large wall of warm, moist air. At the same time, due to the mountain range in the rest of the country (and this is three-quarters of the island), it is more or less dry at this time. These three quarters are the eastern and northern parts of the country, where the average annual rainfall is 1200-1800 mm. For comparison, in the southwest this figure is much higher - from 2540 to 5080 mm per year.

The north and east of the country are under the influence of the northeast monsoons, operating here from November to February. Most of the cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal hit Bangladesh and the coast of India, but Sri Lanka also sometimes gets it, even despite some remoteness.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka is characterized by heavy and short (about 15 minutes) downpours, most often occurring at night. The main disadvantage for vacationers in such a situation is a strong wind that forms large waves in the ocean, so it is better to part with dreams of a calm and safe swimming at this time.

The winter and autumn months on the island are characterized as inter-monsoon periods, when there are no heavy monsoon rains, but sometimes the so-called "zenithal rains" occur, often found in equatorial regions. Thus, the best time to relax in the attractive southwest for tourists is winter, and, accordingly, in the north and east - summer.

Cities and regions

Provinces of Sri Lanka

Central
North Central
North Eastern
Northern
Sabaragamuwa
South
Western

Cities of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has many large and small cities. Below is information about the cities most interesting for tourists.

Colombo - the largest city of Sri Lanka, which is actually the capital of the country, is located in the Western Province of the state. Colombo is the center of business, trade and culture. The population of the city is 740 thousand inhabitants, and the agglomeration (together with the suburbs, including the formal capital of Sri Jayawardenepura Kote) - 2 million 250 thousand inhabitants. Industry and high-tech production are booming in Colombo. The local port is one of the largest in the Asian region.

Interestingly, many districts have a certain professional orientation. This division has been around for a long time. In Colombo there is an area of artisans, the poor, merchants, etc. Of course, today such a classification is gradually becoming obsolete, but is still largely relevant. A major international airport is located 30 kilometers from Colombo. The city is developed culturally and religiously - it has its own university, observatory, spiritual institutions for various faiths.

The tourist center is located in the northern district of the city - Fort. Hotels, hotels, shops, restaurants and other entertainment facilities are concentrated here. The main attractions of the city are Galle Face Green Park, National Museum, Museum of Local Lore, Presidential Palace and Independence Square. In the suburbs of Komlombo, you can visit one of the largest zoos on the continent - Dehiwala Zoo.

Anuradhapura is the district capital of the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The city is named after its founder, the Indian prince Anuradha. The population is 50,000 inhabitants. The most developed economic sectors are agriculture and handicrafts. The air temperature is warm and favorable throughout the year, the climate is characterized by high humidity. The city is known for its sights: the remains of ancient temples, monasteries and other cultural monuments have been preserved in Anuradhapura. Among the most famous sites are the Ruanvelli and Thuparama stupas, the Abhayagiri and Isurumuniya monasteries, as well as the famous statue of Aukan Buddha, located near the city.

Kandy is one of the oldest Sri Lankan cities. It is located in the central part of the country. The city was previously known as Senkadagalapura. The population of Kandy is over 150 thousand people. The city is one of the objects included in the catalog world heritage UNESCO, and in the past it was the capital of ancient Ceylon. The most significant cultural monument is the Dalada Maligawa Temple. The Sacred Tooth of Buddha is located here, and this famous artifact has become an object of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Every year, Kandy becomes the venue for the popular Esala Peraher festival, at which time the famous relic is brought to the public. For ten nights in a row, a procession with the participation of elephants takes place in the streets, which is accompanied by ethnic music, fakirs and other local attributes. In the suburbs of Kandy is the largest Botanical Garden on the continent. It contains many rare species tropical plants. In the vicinity of Kandy, there is a unique Spice Garden.

Negombo is a small town located 40 kilometers from Colombo. The resort has the nickname "Little Rome". The fact is that Negombo is the unofficial center of Christianity in Sri Lanka. The city is quite developed, shops, restaurants, rental offices and other services are literally on every corner. The local beaches are deserted, so they are popular with lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday. True, most tourists use Negombo only as a transit point for a day or two, and then go to other resorts. Nevertheless, the city has much to offer and show to vacationers. The most popular pastime is fishing. Local villages have long been famous for fishing. The most significant sights are the remains of a Dutch fort and a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, which is located 10 kilometers from Negombo.

Resorts of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka - the island where they go to rest all year round. Beach holidays, swimming in the Indian Ocean, trips to exotic places, complete relaxation, meetings to remember forever, authentic village life, age-old traditions- one way or another, this is exactly what is expected from the island.

The main question that tourists who are going on vacation to Sri Lanka ask themselves is which resort to choose? Indeed, there are many good places here, each with its own character and color. So, Hikkaduwa gathers surfers, divers and young people on its beaches. Bentota is focused on demanding tourists, Kogalla - on independent and those who arrived for the "wintering", etc.

Below are the best resorts in Sri Lanka. Additionally, you can read about Sri Lankan beaches.

Bentota is a popular beach resort in Sri Lanka. This romantic spot is popular with young families and adventure seekers. It offers tourists a full range of services designed for any budget. The resort will appeal to lovers of outdoor activities: the most popular Ceylon water entertainment center "Confifi Marina" is located here. Vacationers will be able to ride a boat, water skiing, scooter or scuba diving. The club also organizes excursions and boat trips.

Beruwala is a resort located in the southwest of the country, not far from Colombo. This place will appeal to tourists who prefer a beach holiday. However, lovers of more active image Life also has something to entertain itself with. Large hotels have sports facilities - golf courses, tennis courts, and traditional water activities are offered to tourists on the beaches. Along the coastline of the resort there are several hotels of different classes for people with different income levels. The main attraction of Beruweli is the ancient mosque of Kechimalai, to which thousands of Muslims from all over the world make pilgrimages every year.

Wadduwa is another Ceylon resort located near Colombo. Business card this place - chic coconut palms and amazing sandy beaches. The resort has a developed infrastructure. A large number of hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes are concentrated here. There is a popular diving center on Wadduwa. Diving enthusiasts will be able to fully appreciate the beauty of the local ocean depths. Just a few kilometers away is another resort town - Kalutara, famous for the Buddhist temple of Gangatilaka Vihara.

Kalutara is a resort town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. From time immemorial, the resort has been known for its spices and spices. Little Kalutara in its history had a chance to be under the yoke of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists. However, today the place has become one of the most modern and dynamically developing resorts in Sri Lanka. The local trademark is amazing and juicy tropical fruits, which are put into baskets created by local craftsmen using their own method. However, the famous Kalutarian spices are still respected all over the world. The main attractions of the resort are the Gangatilaka Vihara Stupa and the February Navam Parade.

Kogalla is a small but well-known resort in Ceylon. The relative remoteness from civilization (more than 100 kilometers to Colombo) attracts tourists here who dream of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of large cities. On the other hand, Kogalla has all the necessary infrastructure, including golf courses, diving centers, tennis courts and other entertainment. Not far from the resort is the town of Polonnaruwa. It is known for the fact that the remains of the legendary palace of the state of the ancient Sinhalese have been preserved on its territory. Other historical monuments include Watadage temple and giant statues of Buddha carved into the rocks.

Nuwara Eliya is a famous resort in the mountains of Sri Lanka. The place is known as one of the few islands of coolness in sultry South Asia. Numerous local waterfalls are popular with tourists. Among other attractions, it is worth noting the unusual architecture of local buildings in the British style. The main places for recreation are a magnificent modern golf complex, Victoria Park, the picturesque Gregory Lake and the racetrack, which hosts horse races every spring.

Mount Lavinia is a popular Sri Lankan resort, located just a few kilometers from the country's capital. The place is a fairly large commercial, industrial and economic center. The population of the city is 155 thousand inhabitants. Tourists especially note the local wide sandy beaches. The resort has several modern hotels. The main attractions are the Dehively Zoo, which is home to more than 300 species of animals and the giant lake Bolgoda with a rich flora and fauna.

Hikkaduwa is a resort town located in the south of Sri Lanka. This city is considered the Mecca of diving. Unusually beautiful local Coral reefs and other inhabitants underwater world attract tourists from all over the world. The coral has become the unofficial emblem of the city. In addition, there is a coral reserve in the city. Other attractions include a Buddhist temple and a large, beautiful lake.

What to see

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Private guides in Sri Lanka

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Sri Lanka in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Water sports

Comfortable weather throughout the year, amazing pure water and the beauty of the underwater depths of Sri Lanka attract many outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.

Diving - scuba diving, mask, fins and other equipment. Indian Ocean besides the most beautiful marine life and underwater reefs keeps many secrets and mysteries. Diving near wrecks and underwater caves heightens the senses and makes diving in Sri Lanka simply unforgettable. Sri Lankan diving centers have modern gear and equipment, and are scattered around the entire perimeter of the island. When planning a diving holiday, consider the travel time. The fact is that diving centers located in the southwest of Sri Lanka work from mid-autumn to mid-spring, and in the northeast - from early spring to mid-autumn.

Snorkeling also allows you to contemplate the splendor of the underwater world, but only at shallow depths: snorkeling requires only a mask, fins and a snorkel. The purity and transparency of the Sri Lankan waters easily allow you to engage in this exciting activity, because underwater delights are visible at a depth of several meters.

Surfing is riding the waves using special boards. Surfers have chosen many parts of Sri Lanka. The picturesque landscape, the relaxed atmosphere of the resort and, of course, good high waves make the island ideal for practicing this sport.

Windsurfing is riding the waves with a board equipped with a sail. This sport can be practiced in Negombo, Trincomalee, Bentota. Equipment is rented at specialized rental points. Some hotels specialize in windsurfing and offer tourists all the necessary equipment. The gathering place for experienced athletes was the bay - Arugam Bay.

Ayurveda

Traditional treatment in Sri Lanka is very developed. Especially popular is Ayurveda, which means the science of life. This whole complex folk methods of treatment, including aromatherapy, relaxation, meditation, massage, healthy eating. Ayurveda implies a comprehensive improvement of the body, and not the treatment of only diseased organs. The most important thing is that this direction has no side effects and contraindications. All medicinal products medical direction are completely made from natural ingredients. Several hotels in Sri Lanka at once offer to combine relaxation with Ayurveda treatment.

Ecotourism

Ecotourism has long been a popular holiday destination all over the world. Recently, this type of recreation has begun to gain popularity among our compatriots. Tours to Sri Lanka are distinguished by a wide variety of ecotourism offers. At the choice of vacationers - rafting mountain rivers, cross-country off-road driving, elephant riding, mountain climbing and other original excursions.

Camping and safaris

For tourists who are tired of the comfort of modern hotels and want to join the natural world, Sri Lanka offers a special excursion program with accommodation in tent camps at national parks. The tour program is compiled taking into account the individual wishes of vacationers. Tourists independently choose parks to visit and other criteria for recreation. Among the latter - the comfort of tent rooms, the number of days on the tour, the purchase of additional excursions. The standard program is designed for 9 days, during which all the main national parks of the country are visited. The camps provide all the necessary living conditions and three meals a day.

Agritourism

Agritourism is the best holiday destination for those who want to get to know the peculiarities of Sri Lankan life from the inside. Tourists can not only live in the usual conditions of a Ceylon village, but also take part in agricultural work, as well as take care of pets. As part of the agro-tourism packages, vacationers get acquainted with the local culture, customs, learn how to cook national dishes.

Fishing

The coastal waters of Sri Lanka abound in the number of fish and other representatives of the underwater world living there. Saturation with plankton attracts a large variety of individuals - from tuna to sharks. Excursion fishing usually starts early in the morning. Tourist groups take out fishing for several tens of kilometers from the coast. Vacationers are accompanied by experienced local fishermen, and all the necessary equipment is included in the price of the tour.

River safari

The so-called boat safari enjoys great success on the island. This is a three-hour river boat trip. During the tour you will be able to meet many exotic birds and animals. Moving away from civilization on a boat, you can meet more and more interesting and unusual things - small islands of land, aboriginal settlements and unique vegetation. The services of a local guide will cost only $20.

Helicopter tour

The opportunity to take a walk in a helicopter appeared recently. This is a very expensive entertainment, but those who wish are still there. The helicopter base is located 15 kilometers from the capital of Sri Lanka. From here you can fly to almost anywhere in the country. The maximum allowable number of tourists in the cabin of one helicopter is four people. The most popular excursion to Sigiriya will cost $2,000 for a helicopter, in addition, you will have to fork out another $112 for each hour of waiting for a helicopter.

Hot air balloon flight

Another excursion that allows tourists to admire the amazing Sri Lankan landscapes from a bird's eye view. Air walks are made only in low wind, safe weather for flights. The standard duration of the tour is one and a half hours, and the cost is approximately $1000 for the entire group, the number of which cannot exceed four people.

Golf

This game began to develop in Sri Lanka in the 19th century. To date, several high-class golf complexes have been created in the country that meet world standards. Novice athletes will also be able to enjoy the game: special individual and group lessons are held for beginners in golf clubs.

Sri Lankan wedding

Newlyweds from all over the world are increasingly choosing Sri Lanka as their wedding venue. The ceremony takes place according to local traditions - the bride and groom dress in bright national costumes, the procession is accompanied by elephants and drumming, young men and girls in colorful dresses dance nearby. After exchanging rings, the newlyweds give each other a taste of rice boiled in coconut milk and drink it with water. This ritual symbolizes the future mutual care of husband and wife. There are a number of other traditional wedding ceremonies - tying the little fingers of the bride and groom with gold thread, breaking a coconut to sprinkle milk on the clothes of the newlyweds, and lighting an oil lamp together. The cost of the ceremony should be discussed in advance with the organizer. The amount will vary depending on the number of selected services. But on average, you can meet $1000.

Sri Lanka beaches

Sri Lanka boasts magnificent sandy beaches that stretch for 1000 km along the entire coast of the island. When swimming in the ocean, you should be careful: the deep currents are quite dangerous, besides, you can cut yourself with coral fragments. Sunbathing topless in Sri Lanka is not accepted.

The resorts offer all kinds of water sports: diving, surfing, yachting, snorkeling, sailing.
On island 2 beach season: north winds blow from November to March on the western and southern coasts, the sea is calm, and the weather is comfortable. From April to October, the west monsoon blows, so beach weather sets in on the east coast.

Movement around the country

Bus

Buses are often crowded with passengers and very uncomfortable, but they can travel the entire island for next to nothing, for a few dollars. There are AC class buses with air conditioning and guaranteed seats, they will cost twice as much.

Bus stops are busy, especially the big ones, but just about everyone will be happy to practice their English and help out.

Private and municipal buses run in major cities of the country. The fares are about the same. Public transport Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest in the world.

Train

It is convenient to travel between Sri Lankan cities by train. From the capital, you can get to any end point for no more than 300 rupees. Passengers have the opportunity to choose a class of carriage with a suitable level of comfort. Sri Lanka has an extensive rail system serving all the major cities of the island except the north and east.

Trains are more comfortable and colorful than buses, and thanks to the winding railway in the mountains, the railway network in the mountainous part of Sri Lanka is very scenic, especially on the Badullu-Nanu Oya line. If possible, it is better to sit on the right side of the train, where the most the best views. For tourists who want to see the local views, there are special sightseeing cars with large windows.

Knock Knock

The most popular form of transport in Sri Lanka is a small cabin scooter called a tuk-tuk. For us, they are unusual, but the Sri Lankans regularly use them for everyday trips. Tuk-tuk is much cheaper than a regular taxi, the average price per kilometer is 15-20 rupees. Tipping is not customary in Sri Lanka.

Taxi

A more traditional mode of transport will cost about 50% more. For a kilometer of the way you will have to pay about 30 rupees. If the taxi is not equipped with a meter, then the cost of the trip should be negotiated in advance. You can “catch” a taxi driver right on the street or call by phone.

Car rental

The country has a well-organized transport system, but Russians will be very surprised by two things - left-hand traffic and the possibility of neighbors on the road of animals driven by farmers and cars.

With a driver

The car itself is often provided free of charge, and money is paid to the driver for his services. Some of the drivers/guides have a state license to carry out their activities, some of them are extremely knowledgeable and multilingual, specializing in the history and culture of the country. Those who go to see historical places and nature reserves they talk about the environment.

Without a driver

Those who are not embarrassed by strangeness traffic in Sri Lanka, they can rent a car for independent trips. The standard fee is 2400 rupees per day. This amount includes a run of 80 kilometers, and for each additional kilometer you will have to pay an extra 8 rupees.

Airplane

Air carrier Aero Lanka operates domestic flights to Colombo-Ratmalata, Colombo-Jaffna and Colombo-Trincomalee destinations.

Communication

The main language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, the second language is Tamil. English is used in government and tourism. Don't expect the entire population everywhere to be fluent in English. It is much more common in beach and tourist areas. Most people in countryside do not know English at all, except for a few simple words.

Sinhalese: the greeting in Sinhala is "aayuBowan", which literally means "stay a little longer"; thank you in Sinhalese it will be "stuti";
Tamil: the greeting in Tamil is "vanakkam"; thank you - "nanri";
Arabic(Sri Lankan Moors): when meeting with a Muslim, it will be polite to say "Assalamu alaikum"; thank you sounds like "jazz-ka alla."

culture

The culture of Sri Lanka has managed to preserve many of its own ancient traditions, despite the fact that European colonizers had a great influence on it. The country has managed to preserve traditional customs in many areas. Most of the ancient national works of art, one way or another, are associated with the dominant religion in the country - Buddhism. Painting, sculpture and architecture developed under his influence. Original dances and songs are also an important object of Sri Lankan culture. From modern art in Sri Lanka, cinema, radio and television are actively developing.

One of the main holidays for the Sri Lankans is the New Year. True, unlike our country, in Sri Lanka it is celebrated in April. Many rituals are associated with this event on the island, and of course, the traditional chic fireworks are not complete.

The number one sport in Sri Lanka is cricket. The national team in 1996 even became the world champion in this sport. In addition, American football, rugby and various martial arts. Among the latter are the Sri Lankan martial arts Cheena di, which was taught by Chinese monks, and Angampora, a fighting style using swords, daggers and other weapons.

Kitchen

The national Sri Lankan cuisine has much in common with Indian cuisine, due to the geographical proximity of the two countries. Spices, spices, juicy fruits, seafood - all these elements are traditional in both countries. The basis of the daily diet in Sri Lanka is dishes made from rice and curry. The latter, by the way, is seasoned not only with meat. Side dishes, fish, vegetables and other dishes are served on the curry island.

Since the dishes of Sri Lanka and South India are very similar, in many local restaurants the menu indicates where the cuisine is from Sri Lanka and where it is from South India. In addition, different regions have their own cooking options. As a rule, food is very cheap, an inexpensive lunch will cost about a dollar. Rarely can a meal cost more than ten dollars, except in the most expensive places tourist oriented. Colombo has a large selection of high quality restaurants.

Coconut ingredients are often used in Ceylonese cuisine - coconut juice, oil and shavings. There are many other dishes with other ingredients that are unusual for us.

String hoppers are rice vermicelli rolled up and steamed.

Umbalakada is a fine powdered fish.

Hoppers are local rice flour pancakes cooked in coconut milk.

Bittara arra is a pancake combined with scrambled eggs. For cooking, a chicken egg is placed in the middle of the pancake.

Hakuru arra is a treat similar to Bittara arra but sweetened with coconut flakes.

Kiribath is a traditional white rice cooked in coconut milk.

Rotti is a flatbread flavored with curry sauce.

Pittu is made from water, rice flour and coconut. Also served with curry sauce.

Kottu Rotti is a mix of chopped unleavened rice cakes, vegetables and meat of your choice. This dish is found only in Sri Lanka, the most delicious Kottu Roti from street vendors, freshly prepared.

Beverages

In Sri Lanka, you should not drink tap water, it can be fraught with intestinal disorders. Buy plain bottled water from stores. But it is better to refuse to buy local milk altogether. Thanks to the Sri Lankan climate, it spoils very quickly, although it is quite expensive.

The traditional non-alcoholic drink among the Sri Lankans is Tambili, juice from the royal coconut. Fresh can be cooked in front of you right on the street, and it will cost less than bottled.

Other local drinks include ginger oil and cream soda. If you prefer the classic Coca or Pepsi, then you can buy them in almost any grocery supermarket on the island.

The most popular beers are Three Coins (brewed according to a Belgian recipe), Lion Stout (oily with a chocolate flavor) and Lion Lager.

For those who prefer strong alcohol, we can recommend a local drink - Arrack. It usually costs about $4 a bottle and is often drunk with ginger beer. The quality depends on the price, but the Old Reserve brand is generally recommended at a price of $ 7.5.

Purchases

Shopping in Sri Lanka is represented by both fairly modern shopping centers and traditional markets with all kinds of folk goods - from spices to clothing made from natural fabrics. The prices for local products are very democratic. The most shopping opportunities, of course, are in Colombo, but the Sri Lankan outback, and even more so tourist centers there is also something to offer tourists in terms of shopping.

You can read more about the opening hours of stores, what to buy, where to buy, and how to bargain in the article “Shopping in Sri Lanka”.

Connection

Telephone communications

Telephone communication is available in almost any hotel, but usually a call from the room is very expensive. It is more economical to use special phone cards and call from automatic machines or make calls from the nearest post offices. Cards in denominations of 100, 500 and 1000 rupees can be bought in supermarkets, kiosks and post offices. To call Russia, dial 007, area code and phone number.

Sri Lanka phone code: +94.

Useful phone numbers

Internet

Cellular communication on the island is poorly developed and unstable. You can use a mobile phone only in the capital, as well as in large cities and popular resorts.

You can access the global network through Internet cafes located on the territory of large cities. In the outback of the country to get access to the "world wide web" is very problematic.

Safety

Tourists traveling to Sri Lanka should follow a number of simple safety measures. You should be careful while walking in parks and reserves - look under your feet, do not turn off the tourist path and use mosquito repellents. If you go on an excursion to the jungle, then before the trip, just in case, you need to drink antimalarial pills. You need to be more careful with animals. Often there are cases when monkeys steal various things from unlucky tourists.

As in many other tourist areas, pickpockets should be avoided in Sri Lanka and valuables should not be left unattended. It is better for women not to be alone at night on the streets or on the beach. Over the past few years, there has been a slight increase in crimes against tourists, but these cases are rare.

Tourists are discouraged from traveling to areas controlled by the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). Some areas are mined, and armed clashes are taking place in cities. In addition, military action by the government is also possible. However, due to the large number of state checkpoints, it is extremely unlikely to enter the territory of hostilities through negligence. These areas are far removed from places that are usually visited by tourists. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to see well-armed soldiers on the streets, major highways, and at the airport.

Before traveling to this country, it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis, A and B, polio, and tetanus. If you plan to travel outside the tourist areas, especially during the rainy season, you need to be vaccinated against typhus. Malaria-free areas are Gampaha (eg Negombo), Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya, as well as the city of Kandy (but not the district). In other parts of the country, there is malaria and the most likely to get sick exists in Anuradhapura. In the dry season during the day on the road, or traveling by train to Kandy (including trips to the gardens of Peradeniya) or Nuwara Eliya, you need to use a DEET-containing repellent, this should be enough. The risk of infection increases after sunset. Anti-malarial prophylaxis protects against infection when traveling to the north (especially to Anuradhapura), the east, and the southeast (however, some types of drugs are not available there).

Try to be respectful of the locals cultural property. It is forbidden to appear in temples in shorts, short skirts or in other clothes that are too revealing, and before entering the sanctuary, you must take off your shoes. When buying jewelry and jewelry, do not forget to ask for a license to export goods from the country, otherwise there may be problems at customs. On full moon days, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited on the island.

Some traditions take some getting used to, especially for Europeans.

Embassy Russian Federation in Sri Lanka:

Address: Embassy of the Russian Federation, 62 Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha, Colombo-7, Sri-Lanka.

Phone: (8-10-941) 57-4959, 57-3555.

Where to stay

Standard hotels

Classic hotels with 50 to 500 rooms. A suitable hotel of this class can be found for any budget. Because of their convenience, standard hotels are loved by vacationing families or large groups. The all-inclusive system (all inclusive) is often used.

boutique hotels

Recently, hotels of this type are becoming more and more popular. Boutique hotels are small hotels with 3-15 rooms. The guests of such hotels prefer silence, comfort and tranquility, which are so lacking in large hotels. Boutique hotels are on average more expensive than usual, but they have their own unique look. Customers get much more attentive service and maintenance. The standard cost of renting a double room is $100-$250 per day.

Bungalow

Usually bungalows are small private houses, renovated and converted to the needs of tourists. Sometimes there is a private kitchen, a maid or a cook. Renting a bungalow is not cheap, but if you are going on vacation with a large company, then there is an opportunity to save money. Rental price $100-$200 per day.

Villas

A villa is a luxurious home with a large number of rooms, all possible amenities and maximum comfort. They are usually rented in their entirety and are suitable for wealthy people. A villa, like a bungalow, is beneficial for renting a large group of people, for example, several families. The average rental price is $300-$1000 per day. It varies depending on the level of the villa and the distance from the sea.

Monthly weather in Sri Lanka. Climate features. rainy season and dry season. We find out when and on which part of the island it is better to go on vacation.

February

Precipitation is practically absent. Many tourists consider February the most suitable for holidays. During the day it is stably warm - about +29 ... +30 ° С, at night from + 20 ° С to + 23 ° С, the water in the ocean is about + 28 ° С. The most comfortable weather stands in the southwest of Sri Lanka: in Beruwala about + 30 ° C, in Colombo up to + 32 ° C.

Beach in Bentota. Why not paradise? (Photo © booking.com / Rockside Beach Resort)

March

Daytime air temperature +31...+33°С, nighttime +24...+25°С. The water in the ocean is about +29°С. The number of rainy days is increasing, the showers are becoming longer and stronger, there may be thunderstorms. In the southwestern part of the island - Bentota, Negombo, Wadduwa - winds blow at the beginning of the month, sometimes there are short and warm showers.

April

April is the last month before the rainy season and is the hottest. The amount of precipitation almost doubles. The air temperature rises and reaches +34°C during the day, +27°C at night, the water in the ocean is +28...+29°C. You can go on vacation in April to any resort in Sri Lanka, but for a beach holiday at the end of the month it is better to prefer the resorts of the north east coast.

May

The monsoons are starting to kick in. Very hot and humid: +32...+34°C during the day, +28°C at night, few sunny days, frequent tropical showers. The southwestern region is flooding. The ocean water becomes cloudy and unsuitable for swimming. In the north-east of the country it is sunny and about +30°С, there is little rain. The coolest resort on the island - Nuwara Eliya - reaches maximum temperatures in May: +27°C during the day, +18°C at night.

Batticaloa - the northeastern resort of Sri Lanka (Photo © booking.com / Naval Beach Villa & Rooms)

June

The rainy season is in full swing, there are few sunny days. Most of the time it rains at night, with cloudy days. It is very damp in the southern part of the island, in the northeast it is drier and more sunny. The water is +28°C, but swimming is difficult because of the strong waves. The average air temperature is +31°C, although it feels much higher.

July

Monsoons join heavy tropical showers, hot and strong winds do not bring the expected coolness. It is very rainy in the west, sometimes rivers overflow, causing floods. It is hot and sunny on the northeast coast - in Batticaloa and Trincomalee + 35 ° C during the day, in Jaffna + 32 ° C, water in the ocean + 26 ... + 28 ° C.

Rainy season in Sri Lanka (Photo © Denish C / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

August

In August, there is less rainfall in Sri Lanka, but the humidity remains high. Cloudy, although sometimes sunny days slip through. The weather in Sri Lanka in August creates acceptable conditions for relaxing on the southwestern coast of the island - in Kandy, Bentota and Galle (about + 30 ° C), but sometimes waves appear. In the northeast, the ocean is calm and warm - up to +29°С, air temperature during the day is +34°С.

Weather in Sri Lanka

September

The weather in Sri Lanka in September has not yet settled down, it is still overcast, a frequent occurrence is zenithal rains. It is stormy in the southwest, although the water is warm. In Galle +28...+30°С during the day, +26°С at night. In Bentota there is a strong wave, and in Unawatuna a lagoon protects from waves. In the northeast, it is warm and there is much less precipitation.

October

It is best to relax in October in Sri Lanka in the east of the country, as the western monsoons are in effect. In Trincomalee and Batticaloa during the day + 33 ° C, at night about + 25 ° C. However, by the end of the month, the weather in the northeast begins to deteriorate - the rainy season is approaching. For a beach holiday in the south of Sri Lanka, only the Unawatuna lagoons are suitable, the ocean is calm and warm up to + 29 ° С. It's hot and rainy in Colombo.

Beach in Trincomalee (Photo © booking.com / Sasvi Cabana)

November

From the second half of the month in Sri Lanka begins a high tourist season. At the end of November, it is already dry and warm in the southwest: the air temperature is +29...+30°С during the day, +26°С at night. The water temperature in the ocean is +27°С. In the northeast it rains, the monsoon exerts its influence.

December

December in Sri Lanka is considered the coolest month. Rains are rare. During the day +28...+30°С, at night +23...+24°С. The ocean is warm - up to +28°C. In the southwest, the beach holiday season is in full swing, in the east it rains, but most often at night. The mountains are cold and humid.

Beach in Hikkaduwa (Photo © iris0327 / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Features of the climate of Sri Lanka in different parts of the island

in Ceylon beach holidays are possible all year round. It is only necessary to take into account that the climate of Sri Lanka is slightly different in different parts countries. In the northeast the climate is subequatorial, in the southwest - equatorial.

In Sri Lanka two seasons- rainy season and dry season. The monsoons have a huge impact: from October to March, the northeast monsoon acts, from May to September - the southwest. Monsoons bring rain and storms. In the inter-monsoon period, zenithal rains can be observed - this is when short showers fall in the afternoon (the sun is at its zenith).

Medium air temperature in the daytime +28...+30°С, the water in the ocean warms up to +27°С. The climate in the coastal zone is fresher and more pleasant than in places remote from the ocean - it is hotter there, more humid.

The island is flat, divided by the Central mountain range. In mountainous areas, the average annual temperature is + 23 ° C, in high-mountainous places the temperature can be much lower. One of the coldest places on the island is Nuwara Eliya: +16...+18°С during the day and +10°С at night.

Map of Sri Lanka resorts

Full house in the high season in a street cafe in Hikkaduwa (Photo © booking.com / Villa Paradise)

During the rainy season in Sri Lanka, 95% falls annual precipitation. From October to January it rains in the northeast of the island, in summer (May - October) - in the southwest, the likelihood of a tsunami increases, there may be floods due to overflowing rivers.

Despite the fact that during the rainy season in Sri Lanka it is cloudy and damp, low prices tours during this period attract part of the tourists. Even in cloudy weather, you can sunbathe here, and heavy showers occur mainly at night. During the day it can rain 3-4 times for 15-30 minutes. The main disadvantage for vacationers during the rainy season in Sri Lanka is the restless ocean and muddy water.

On the eve of a storm on the beach in Hikkaduwa (Photo © unsplash.com / @maxkuk)

Holiday season in Sri Lanka: when is the best time to go?

From the reviews of tourists, we can conclude that at any time in Sri Lanka there is enough heat and sun, and the water in the Indian Ocean is always warm. For a full-fledged beach holiday, it is better to go to the southwestern part of the island in December-April - it is sunny, dry and there are no winds. But on northeast coast of Sri Lanka the holiday season lasts from May to September. October and November are transitional months with changeable weather.

How to plan a holiday in Sri Lanka:

Look for tours minimum prices on services and It is convenient and reliable.
Check the monthly weather information above.
Look at the month you need.
Find a good hotel based on traveler reviews and location.

Just a few simple steps - and the rest will be great!

Our travel tips:

Intro image source: © Dhammika Heenpella / Images of Sri Lanka / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

Monthly weather in Sri Lanka. Climate features. rainy season and dry season. We find out when and on which part of the island it is better to go on vacation.

February

Precipitation is practically absent. Many tourists consider February the most suitable for holidays. During the day it is stably warm - about +29 ... +30 ° С, at night from + 20 ° С to + 23 ° С, the water in the ocean is about + 28 ° С. The most comfortable weather is in the south-west of Sri Lanka: in Beruwala about + 30 ° С, in Colombo up to + 32 ° С.

Beach in Bentota. Why not paradise? (Photo © booking.com / Rockside Beach Resort)

March

April

April is the last month before the rainy season and is the hottest. The amount of precipitation almost doubles. The air temperature rises and reaches +34°C during the day, +27°C at night, the water in the ocean is +28...+29°C. You can go on vacation in April to any resort in Sri Lanka, but for a beach holiday at the end of the month, it is better to prefer the resorts of the northeast coast.

May

June

July

August

Weather in Sri Lanka

September

October

November

From the second half of the month, the high tourist season begins in Sri Lanka. At the end of November, it is already dry and warm in the southwest: the air temperature is +29...+30°С during the day, +26°С at night. The water temperature in the ocean is +27°С. In the northeast it rains, the monsoon exerts its influence.

December

Features of the climate of Sri Lanka in different parts of the island

in Ceylon beach holidays are possible all year round. It is only necessary to take into account that the climate of Sri Lanka is slightly different in different parts of the country. In the northeast the climate is subequatorial, in the southwest - equatorial.

Map of Sri Lanka resorts

During the rainy season in Sri Lanka, 95% of the annual precipitation falls. From October to January it rains in the northeast of the island, in summer (May - October) - in the southwest, the likelihood of a tsunami increases, there may be floods due to overflowing rivers.

Despite the fact that during the rainy season in Sri Lanka it is cloudy and damp, low prices for tours during this period attract some tourists. Even in cloudy weather, you can sunbathe here, and heavy showers occur mainly at night. During the day it can rain 3-4 times for 15-30 minutes. The main disadvantage for vacationers during the rainy season in Sri Lanka is the restless ocean and muddy water.

Holiday season in Sri Lanka: when is the best time to go?

How to plan a holiday in Sri Lanka:

Look for tours at the lowest prices on services and. It is convenient and reliable.
Check the monthly weather information above.
Look at the month you need.
Find a good hotel based on traveler reviews and location.

Just a few simple steps - and the rest will be great!

Our travel tips:

In the Indian Ocean, east of the southern tip of Hindustan, is the island of Sri Lanka, or Ceylon in the old way. It is covered with great fame as a producer of delicious tea and one of the best places for an exotic beach, educational and recreational holiday.

Geography of resorts

The official capital of the island is a suburb of Colombo with an unpronounceable name. Unofficially, it is Colombo- a typical Asian metropolis, where the country's richest history and modernity are mixed. People go to Sri Lanka for a quiet beach holiday to surf, plunge into Buddhist culture and receive treatment from local experts in Ayurveda. Discos, nightclubs, noisy beach parties are a rarity for the island.

There are several resort destinations. Despite the geographical position (only 800 km from the equator) and the possibility of year-round recreation, not all coasts of the island are comfortable to spend holidays at certain times of the year.

Southwest and south of the island

Resorts southwest coast have good infrastructure, there are hotels of different levels and all kinds of marine entertainment. Most popular beaches:

Two more resort towns are not at all suitable for a beach holiday, but are rather sightseeing. This Halle, Colombo and Negombo.

Southern resorts - Mirissa, Dikwella, Tangalle- small fishing towns with rather frail service, but beautiful beaches. However, you will not have to enjoy swimming in the ocean here because of the strong waves. True, if desired, you can find quiet coves.

Northeast resorts

In the northeast of Sri Lanka, only one city can be called a resort - Trincomalee. It has everything for a comfortable stay, but it is located far from the airport.

Not far from the resort there are several villages with magnificent, but completely unequipped beaches. These are Uppuveli, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay. Here you can rent unpretentious housing and relax with children - snow-white beaches and a calm ocean contribute to this.

Climate and seasons in Sri Lanka

The south of the island is in the equatorial zone, in the north the climate subequatorial. The seasons depend on the monsoons. These strong hot winds do not make the resorts unsuitable for a beach holiday, but greatly reduce its quality. Monsoons come from the northeast from October to March, from the southwest from June to October.

Going to rest on an exotic island, you need to remember that its shores are washed by the ocean, so most of the beaches are unsuitable, and sometimes even dangerous for swimming.

As in all tropical countries, two seasons are clearly expressed on the island - dry and wet. The dry season lasts from December to the end of March, the wet season from April to October. It is better to go on vacation to Sri Lanka at the beginning of winter - the temperature is kept within a comfortable 28-30 ° C, the ocean warms up to 27 ° C. This time is considered the high tourist season.

Prices during this period go off scale, and a lot of people gather. For Christmas and New Year, local residents arrange enchanting performances for guests, and hotels arrange festive balls and banquets. The dry season is the best time for excursion programs. No suffocating heat and showers.

With the advent of April, the low season begins, people leave, and prices fall. Meanwhile, the summer months are not the most bad time for holidays in Sri Lanka. Showers go mainly at night, only by July, midday short-term rains become more frequent.

What to do on the island in different seasons

The uneven weather and the peculiarities of the beaches force tourists to choose resorts depending on the type of recreation they are interested in. Beach holidays here are possible all year round and seasonal rains are not a hindrance to it.

windsurfing season

The most beginner-friendly surf sites are located on the west coast of the island in Bentote And Kaluntare. Beaches Negombi not suitable for swimming due to the proximity of large cities. But mid-level surfers feel great on them.

Gulf beaches and Nilaveli in the northeast and Hikkaduwa in the south are suitable for windsurfers of all levels. The season for surfing on the northeast and east coast lasts from May to October, on the southwest - from November to April.

Diving in Sri Lanka

The best time for diving is from November to March, the sea is clear at this time. The best sites are off the coast in the Negombo area. There, 20 km from the coast passes big ridge dotted with coral gardens. The smallest diving depth is 18 meters.

Near beruwellas And Bentota are the most beautiful reefs. These are unique rock formations in which the most diverse marine life is found. close to the peninsula kalpitiya on the west coast is the largest reef in Sri Lanka - bar reef. There you can see reef sharks and almost all representatives of the local marine fauna.

The best time for fishing

European and Russian tourists love sea fishing in the southern seas. In Sri Lanka, it is especially good because of the abundance and variety of fish in coastal waters.

However, the fish also obey the vagaries of the weather and sometimes move away from the shore. All resorts have special companies that organize marine entertainment and provide equipment.

Fishing can be ordered in almost all medium and large hotels on the southwest coast, but the service is not cheap.

If finances do not allow you to go to sea, it is possible to go fishing on local rivers or lakes. In the south and southwest, a good catch is provided from October to April, in the northeast - from May to September.

whale watching season

The waters near Sri Lanka are where they hibernate and breed blue whales are the largest marine animals. Here you can also see other breeds - baleen and toothed whales, fin whales, sperm whales - up to 26 species in total.

Most of them accumulate from December to April at Cape Dondra, the extreme southern point of the island.

Off the east coast in the Trincomalee area, whales are observed from June to September. Also a good place Aluthgama in the West. Hundreds of thousands of wildlife lovers and just tourists specially go to Sri Lanka to see the sea giants.

Wellness season

What the weather cannot interfere with is visiting Ayurvedic medicine rooms at specialized hotels. Ayurveda- not only the art of healing, it is an ancient philosophy aimed at harmonizing the soul and body. It is this, according to its adherents, that allows you to cure any ailments.

Summer is considered the best time for a health trip to Sri Lanka. Usually the course of treatment lasts up to three weeks.

Holidays in the mountains

The flat island of Sri Lanka is divided by a mountain range. In the mountains there are Buddhist shrines, monasteries and small towns. Alpine resorts - and Kandy. These are cities with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Every year they receive millions of people - pilgrims and just tourists who are interested in Buddhism, Hinduism and immersed in Eastern spiritual practices.

Kandy and Nuwara Eliya should not be considered as a full-fledged vacation base, they are best visited with one- or two-day excursions.

- the highest mountain resort. It is surrounded by famous tea plantations. Once in this town, you can forget that you are in Asia.

It was built by the British and resembles a European city not only in architecture but also in climate. It is much cooler here than on the coast, and in winter the temperature drops to +10°C. The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya and Kandy is spring and summer.

Fruit Paradise Sri Lanka

Tropical fruits in Sri Lanka also have their own seasonality. Bananas, papayas, mangoes and coconuts are harvested all year round on the island. And although these fruits are no longer new to Russians, their taste is strikingly different from those sold in our supermarkets.

Seasonal fruits:

All year round on the table of the Sri Lankans there are breadfruit, especially among poor families. After all, one fetus weighing up to 20 kg can feed a whole family for a week. It is worth trying it not only fresh, but also baked - it really has the taste and smell of bread.

A few more exotic fruits known and loved by us can be eaten all year round. These are watermelons (peak in May-June), pomelo and pomelo (the most delicious fruits are from May to September).

The magic of the island of Sri Lanka captures, making the rest rich and serene. The most important thing is to decide what you expect from him, and choose the right time for the trip.

Sri Lanka is rich in first-class beaches, modern hotels and a host of ancient sights. Entertainment - entirely quiet-peaceful: picnics, fishing and diving. The capital of Colombo, waterfalls and national parks - everything about Sri Lanka: tours, reviews, weather, prices.

Tours for the New Year Worldwide
Hot tours Worldwide

The style of rest in Sri Lanka can be briefly defined as follows: away from the hustle and bustle, closer to the sea and nature. It is unlikely that there is a more “slow” country in the world than Sri Lanka: here no one is in a hurry, everyone enjoys life, including service staff in hotels (though it doesn’t apply to top establishments - everyone runs around in soap to please the guests). Most of the attractions in Sri Lanka are natural, just like most entertainment. Noisy discos and smoke yoke until the morning are not in favor here, but picnics in nature, fishing or barbecue on the beach - as much as you like. Well, diving, of course. What Sri Lanka cannot please is its proximity to our immense: the flight here is long.

In general, it is very simple to determine a person who will definitely like it here. Firstly, there are few blank pages left in his not the first passport. Secondly, he is either interested in world culture and history (and ancient Sri Lanka is very rich in interesting monuments), or he is a desperate sea daredevil who wants, in addition to palm trees, sand and the sea, to have a diving center nearby, and surfer headquarters. Thirdly, he will certainly look askance at your fragrant cup of tea. After all, Ceylon, aka Sri Lanka, supplies a quarter of the world with this drink.

Regions and resorts of Sri Lanka

Money

The monetary unit of the country is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), in 1 rupee 100 cents. Current exchange rate: 1 LKR = 0.37 RUB (1 USD = 176.96 LKR, 1 EUR = 197.98 LKR).

It is better to exchange currency at Colombo airport. It makes sense to keep the check received at the same time until the end of the trip: in this case, upon departure, it will be possible to convert back unspent local money at the airport bank at the purchase rate. In addition, the currency is changed at any hotel and bank. The latter are open from 9:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday. For exchange, we recommend taking US dollars with you: they are accepted in all branches, and in tourist areas they can be paid directly at hotels and all kinds of retail outlets.

In large hotels and shops you can pay with credit cards, there are ATMs in almost all cities of the country. However, it is better to warn the staff of your bank in advance about the upcoming visit to Sri Lanka: due to the critical level of financial fraud on the island, a credit card can be blocked at the first attempt to use it.

Sri Lanka Hotels

Police: 133, ambulance: 144, fire department: 122.

The best photos of Sri Lanka

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