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There is one simple way to savour the totality of what Sri Lanka is
about . . . tasting the incredible array of culinary creations available to any visitor as
a matter of fact commonplace situation. Two thousand five hundred years of history,
interactions, friendly otherwise with the different people who came into contact with Sri
Lanka during these long years, the Indians, the Arabs, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the
British and in more modern times, the Malays, the Chinese . . . all these have made a
delicious contribution to the range of foods and food consumption patterns of Sri Lanka
aided and abetted by the island’s diverse geo climatic zones which allow for the
cultivation of both temperate and tropical crops, and wealth from sea surrounding
it.Contributions by these varied people find solid expression in the cosmopolitan of Sri
Lanka.
No matter where any
visitor to Sri Lanka hails from, he is likely to find himself at home at the table.
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Sri
Lanka is perhaps on of those countries where the march of progress has not reduced the
individual into a predictable cipher . . . where there is no place for individual beauty
in preference to "mass loveliness". This will be obvious at a glance when one
considers the entire gamut of services, products and facilities available in Sri Lanka
specially geared to meet the fancy of the individual in you. Within the capital city of Colombo and in
the major outstation cities are the innumerable shopping centres with all modern
facilities for transactions including the use of international credit cards. |
| From time immemorial, Sri Lanka has
been a great entrepot of trade and occupied a strategic position in the Indian Ocean. The
Roman galleys, the Arab sampans, Caravels of the Portuguese… all made their
appearance here. What Time has managed to change is only the means of transport,
technology and communication … and they in turn have enhanced the importance of the
island. Today, Sri Lanka is well equipped with a modern communication network with
telephone, international direct dialling, cellular, and mobile telephones, facsimile,
E-mail and Internet facilities. In the field of passenger transport, luxury motor coaches,
cars express inter-city coaches and rail services are a common feature. The International
Airport is served by the major international airlines carrying passengers and cargo to and
from major destinations around the world.
In the days of the steamship, Sri
Lanka was a great centre of sea traffic providing a convenient port of call for all ships
ploughing the waters of the Indian Ocean. Trincomalee is one of the best natural harbours
in the East. The tradition continued into the era of advanced air travel characterised by
jumbo aircraft. Special emphasis was laid on the development of the national carrier as a
catalyst of export led, outward oriented, economic progress. The result has been the
speedy transformation of air transport facilities on par with those encountered in any
international airport. |
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In many ways, Sri Lanka is a unique
Island. Within a land area of
65,000 square kilometres it consists of a range of geo climatic zones… arid sand
dunes of the north and east, rolling plains of the north, centre and the south east, cool
mountains of the centre and the rolling grasslands of the east. A fantastic diversity of
fauna and flora to match… from the wild elephant to the tiny deer and the tail less
monkey… from the great ebony trees in the dry forest to the delicate orchid of the
mountain.
The same goes for the people, their manners and
customs, for a 2500 year old history has been inextricably blended with 500 years of
European influence.
Whatever one’s interest is,
there is always something in Sri Lanka which will hold the observer spellbound. |
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Negombo
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A characteristic fishing town 37km. north of
Colombo, it is a mere 6 km. from the International Airport. Set amid lush groves of
coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet's paradise with sea
food in plenty. Old world fishing craft like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran bring
seer, skipjack, herring and mullet, pomfret and amber - jack while lobster and prawns are
caught in the lagoon. |
Beruwela
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56 km. south of Colombo, Beruwela marks the
beginning of a 130 km. stretch of beach where resort development has taken immense strides
in the past few years. Good bathing may be had in the bay all year round. |
Bentota
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62 km. south of Colombo, the Bentota Resort Complex
is a romantic rendezvous of river and sea with several hotels, railway station, post
office, shopping arcade, cafeteria and an open air theatre showing folk and mask dancing
with clusters of palms overlooking everything. |
Hikkaduwa
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98 km. south of Colombo, Hikkaduwa is the place for
underwater delight. Site of the famed coral gardens; hire a glass bottomed boat or goggles
and flippers and explore the fantasies under your feet. Don't purchase or encourage sale
of corals. |
Galle
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116 km. south of Colombo, is the most important
southern town with an old-world charm. Believed to be the 'Tarshish' of the Bible, its
natural harbour was a famous fort in days gone by. Famous for its Dutch fort, lace making,
ebony carving and gem polishing. |
Weligama
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27 km. from Galle with its picturesque
bay, and an off shore islet where a French Count built his dream house, Weligama is where
you will see the famous stilt fishermen. |
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Sri Lanka has a rich
and exotic variety of wildlife and a long tradition of conservation rooted in its 2,230
year old Buddhist civilisation. The following are the most important sanctuaries in terms
of attractions, accessibility and availability of facilities. Animal Sanctuaries
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The animals to be seen in
Sri Lanka's national parks include elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, deer and
monkeys, wild buffalo, wild boar (pig), porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, jackal, mongoose,
loris (unique to sri Lanka) several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and
amphibians. Each park however has its own specialities. |
Yala (Ruhuna) National Park
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Situated 309 km. south of Colombo, Yala is approximately 1,259
sq.km. in extent and is located in the south eastern corner of the island. Its northern
boundaries border on the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and it has the added bonus of a
scenic ocean frontage. The terrain is varied flat plains alternating with rocky outcrops.
The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle. Water holes, small lakes,
lagoons and streams provide water for the animals and birds. The speciality here is the
large numbers of elephants. |
Gal Oya National Park
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Situated at Inginiyagala, the Gal Oya National Park is 314 km.
from Colombo and is most renowned for its elephant population. |
Uda Walawe National Park
Situated 170 km. South East of Colombo the Uda Walawe National Park
is approximately 30,821 hectares in extent. This Park which lies within the Ratnapura and
Monaragala Districts acts as the catchment to the Uda Walawe Reservoir and is located in
the Dry Zone. This Park comprises grasslands and thorn scrubs and many valuable species of
trees are found within it. Large herds of Elephants and Deer species such as spotted Deer,
Sambhur, Barking deer and Langur, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Jackal are some of the
prominent wild animals found in this Park and a variety of avifauna is seen.
Wasgamuwa National Park
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Situated approximately 200 km. away from Colombo, the Wasgamuwa
National Park lies within the Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts and have the Mahaweli river
and Amban river as its eastern and western boundaries. Tropical intermediate dry mixed
evergreen forest predominates its environment. |
Horton Plains National Park
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The Horton Plains National Park is the only National Park
situated in the Hill Country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district and is 200 km.
away from Colombo. Panoramic scenic beauty of the Hill Country could be witnessed within
the Park. The famous `Worlds End' is a major attraction within the Park. Endemic slender
loris and endemic purple monkey are among the important animal species that could be seen
in addition to sambhur, a member of the cat family etc. There are some endemic avifauna
also found within this Park. |
Bird Sanctuaries
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The sanctuaries at Kumana 312 km. from Colombo, Wirawila 261
km. Bundala 259 km. and Kalametiya 224 km. are all lagoon locations in Sri Lanka's extreme
south eastern coast. The Giant's Tank in the north western corner of the island is a huge
ancient irrigation reservoir of 3,800 hectares. The coastal sanctuaries are exotically
picturesque with combinations of lagoon, swamp, river, jungle, lake and plain. Large
flocks can be found here of both resident and migrant aquatic birds. The highland
sanctuaries at Udawattakele 118 km. from Colombo and the Peak Wilderness 141 km. are
quieter but equally picturesque with wooded hills and secluded streams and have the added
bonus of rare flora such as our unique Wesak Orchid as well as numerous species of rare
butterflies. The Udawattakele Sanctuary is in the suburbs of Kandy, our picturesque and
fascinating hill capital. The Peak Wilderness is situated on the slopes of Adam's Peak
(Sri Pada), Sri Lanka's sacred mountain. |
National Zoological Gardens
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Situated 11 km. from the Fort, the Zoo has a fine collection of
animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world. The aquarium is the only one of
its kind in Asia and displays over 500 varieties of aquatic life. Also walk in through
Aviary, Reptilium, Butterfly Park. There are daily elephant performance at 5.15 p.m. Open
daily between 8.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Entrance fees : Rs 90/- per adult and Rs.45/- per
child. |
Elephant Orphanage
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An orphanage for elephants has been set up by the department of
National Zoological Gardens, at Pinnawela, 90 km. from Colombo. It was established in 1975
and several animals brought here at the inception are now mature enough for breeding,
which is the ultimate aim of the institution. Entrance fees : Rs.75 per adult and Rs.40
per child. |
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Pinnawala elephant orphanage has largest captive
herd in the world The Pinnawala
elephant orphanage has not only got the largest captive herd of elephants in the entire
world but it also has become the most successful elephant breeding centre, according to
reports. The elephant orphanage was established in 1995 with seven orphans today has a
population of sixty two. The elephant orphanage now boasts of its sixteenth birth and the
second generation of births in captivity. It has become a major tourist attraction because
of its uniqueness. This is an ideal site for photography, research and education on
elephants as the visitor is able to observe a large herd comprised of week old babies to
sixty year olds.
A state of the art zoo is under construction at
Pinnawala which will be open to the public by 2003. The Department of National Zoological
Gardens now maintains two farms at Pallekelle and Gonapola to meet a part of its food
requirements for animals. |
Botanic Gardens
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Sri Lanka has three beautiful Botanic Gardens - Peradeniya at
an elevation of 488 metres, Hakgala at an elevation of 1,680 metres and Henarathgoda in
the low country. |
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Kandy
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Sri Lanka's hill capital, stronghold
of the Sinhala Kings, is our most beautiful town. It is 488 metres above sea level and
next to Colombo is Sri Lanka's most visited place. The focal point of the town is, without
doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is
enshrined. Major restoration work is in progress here by the UNESCO - aided Central
Cultural Fund. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the
relic casket is taken in procession accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers
and about 80 to 100 elephants during ten glittering nights in July/August. Visit
Kalapuraya in the beautiful Dumbara valley 8 km. from Kandy, where descendants of the
ancient craftsmen still create items of rare elegance in metal and wood. There are many
shrines and temples in and around Kandy, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood
and stone carvings. Don't miss the Peradeniya Gardens begun as a pleasure garden by a
Sinhala King, with its amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. Kandy is an exciting
place for shopping with souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony and bronze.
Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be
purchased. |
Nuwara Eliya
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Set in the heart of the tea-country,
this beautiful town is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with
homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican
church and the famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia.
Situated at 1890 metres above sea level, the air here is cool and fresh - a serene retreat
from the hustle and bustle of Colombo. Close to Nuwara Eliya are Horton Plains, Sri
Lanka's highest and most isolated plateau. Nature lovers will revel in this wide, patna
grass covered plain, the haunt of many wild yet harmless animals and the home of many
species of birds. Bridle paths will take you to
the precipice known as World's End - a sheer drop of 1050 metres. Acres and acres of tea
with its lush green foliage extend miles across the hills and no visit to the hill country
is complete without a visit to a tea estate and the chance to purchase some of the world's
finest flavoured tea - our major export crop. |
Ratnapura
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Sri Lanka's `City of Gems' and the
centre of its gemming industry. The gems found include sapphire, ruby, cat's eye,
alexandrite, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet and zircon. Visits to gem
mines may be arranged through travel agents. Gem collections can be seen at the National
Museum, Ratnapura and a number of private museums, rubber and tea estates and scenic
landscape are found in plenty. |
Polonnaurwa
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The island's medieval capital (11th to
13th century A.D.) is situated 216 km. from Colombo and rose to fame after the decline of
Anuradhapura. The largest of the man made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra, is
larger in size than the Colombo harbour. See also the ruins of the King's Council Chamber,
the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House lavished
with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing, Kiri Vehera - the best preserved of
all Sri Lanka's un-restored dagabas; Gal Vihare - the most impresive sculptures are the
colossal Buddha images carved on the face of a granite boulder. The recumbent Buddha
measures 14 metres and the standing figure is 7 metres in height. |
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Anuradhapura
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Sri Lanka's first capital, founded in
the 5th century B.C. is situated 206 km. from Colombo. Attractions worth seeing are:- The
Sacred Bo Tree, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen Palace, Thuparama Dagaba,
Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna and Mirisavati Dagaba. |
Sigiriya
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This rock fortress was built by king
Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a
sheltered pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of
the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace, the outer wall of
which was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO - sponsored Central
Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya's 5th century Water Gardens to their former glory. |
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General Information |
| What to Wear |
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Entry Formalities |
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 | Light cotton dresses of the drip-dry wash-and-wear
variety and light weight suits are the most comfortable year-round attire. A wide-brimmed
beach hat and sun glasses are recommended as well as comfortable shoes or sandals. Medium
weight slacks and pullovers will be necessary in the hill country where the temperature
can go down as low as 10’C. |
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| Immigration Basics
A valid passport
Sufficient funds for maintenance
An outward or return ticket, or foreign exchange to purchase an outward ticket
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| Visas
Nationals of the following countries coming to Sri Lanka as bona-fide tourists, do not
require entry visas for a period of thirty days: Albania, Australia, Austria, Bahrain,
Belgium, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, France,
West Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait,
Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Netherlands, Norway, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines,
Portugal, Poland, Romania, Qatar, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, U.A.E., U.S.A., U.K., Yugoslavia, Turkey, 15 New States of The Former Soviet
Union, 5 New States of Former Yugoslavia.
Such tourists should, however, have a visa for
the country to which they are proceeding from Sri Lanka if the law of that country
requires it. Nationals of the above countries require visit visa to enter Sri Lanka if
they are not coming as Bona-fide tourists. Visit Visas are issued by Sri Lanka diplomatic
missions abroad.
Nationals of all countries not included in the above list require a visa for entry into
Sri Lanka. |
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Duty Free Allowance
Baggage of a tourist will be exempt from import
duty if the Customs is satisfied that the tourist will re-export the articles comprising
his baggage (other than tobacco, spirits and toilet water brought within the allowance) on
his leaving the island or within period of one month from the date of his arrival in the
island, whichever is earlier. |
| 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 12
ozs. Tobacco |
| Liquor |
| 1 ½ litress Spirits & 2 Bottles
wine |
| Perfumes |
| 2 ozs. Perfume & ¼ Litre Toilet
water
For the convenience of incoming
visitors there are Duty Free shops at the Airport. |
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Transport
| Air Conditioned limousines are available for hire at
most hotels in the city. Radio cabs are also available in Colombo. |
Self Drive
| International Rent-a-car Companies. AVIS, HERTZ,
EUROPCAR/INTER-RENT and others are represented in Colombo.
More Information on Sri LANKA |
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