TRAVEL TIPS
SRI LANKA
OVERVIEW TRANSPORTATION VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES
WHERE TO STAYONDE WHERE TO EAT SHOPPING COMPRAS FICAR ONDE COMER
OVERVIEW Sri Lanka is an Asian country located in an
establishing Buddhism as their official religion
island in the Indian Ocean, in Southwest
as well as establishing sinhala as the Sri
India. Divided in 9 regions with 25 districts,
Lankan language. From the third century on,
its economic capital is Colombo, and its
Tameis people from the South of India started
governmental capital is Kotte, a suburb inside
arriving at the island, initializing a process
Colombo. It has a population of approximately
of wars for power between several nations
21.1 million inhabitants, who speak the official
until 1948, when, finally, Sri Lanka became an
languages Sinhala and Tamil, but also English.
independent country.
The first natives, who nowadays are known
Due to its history of colonization, the country
as Vedas and had Malaysian origin, already
has a great religious diversity, and although
inhabited the island when Sri Lankan people
most people are Buddhists, there are also
migrated there, in the sixth century B.C.,
Hindus, Muslims and even Catholics. Very
according to the oldest registers of that region.
known for its religiosity, the country has a
Sri Lankan people soon dominated the island,
very particular architecture, also influenced
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by colonizing countries, such as China, India,
allows a direct contact with wild animals, such
Portugal (responsible for founding the city of
as elephants. And the country is also known
Colombo, in 1517), Netherlands, and the most
by its gemstones. It is the producer with more
recent one, England. Sri Lanka is a divided
varieties of gems in the world.
and multicultural country, built in a mixture of architectural and religious influences, added to the magnificent natural beauty of the island, with beaches and exotic landscapes. There is much to explore in the island: lost cities in ruins, such as Polonnaruwa; ancient historical cities, such as Sigiriya; vast and untouched natural beauties with mountains, forests, rivers and beaches; and the island’s rich fauna, which
In order to meet Sri Lanka effectively, you should spend at least 10 days there. It is important to check the need for a visa to enter the country, as well as the vaccines which need to be taken before going to the island.
WEATHER Just like most islands, its weather is predominantly tropical; however, the South region of the country has an equatorial climate
Public transportation is very accessible, and often there are buses to almost all destinations which are desired the most; however, they are always full and the times are frequently changed. The most comfortable option is to hire a car, a van, or tuk-tuk with a particular motorist so you can arrive faster to the desired tourist points. Such motorists are not difficult to find, because the hotels always have an indication and even on the streets they are willing to negotiate. Remember that tuk-tuks on the streets have a better price. There is also the option for land taxi, who go from luxury cars to the popular Tata Nano mini cars, and the air taxi, available to most popular while all the North region is tropical, causing
destinations of Sri Lanka in the entire island,
drastic weather differences from one city to
with a connecting flight to the airport or for
another. It is common to expect rain during
charter tours.
the entire year, but the most rainy seasons are from October to January and from May to July.
The tours by train are a comfortable option,
Therefore, the period between January and
with many routes and beautiful landscapes.
April is the best for traveling.
There are two main companies: Expo Rail, which have luxury trains for intercity routes, such as Colombo-Kandy, and Rajadhani
TRANSPORT
Expresso, which complete the same routes but with more accessible prices, with distinction for first, second and third classes. It is possible to buy tickets on-line in the website of the
The traffic in Sri Lanka, especially in the capital
companies. The mandatory tour by train is
Colombo, is confusing. There are people
the route Colombo-Kandy, which is one of the
everywhere walking relaxed, without afraid of
main tourist itineraries and has a duration of
the cars which go in their direction. All vehicles
approximately three hours.
go in the same traffic lane. Some of them go in the contraflow, and there is not a specific
Other alternative means of transportation are
direction to go. However, the country offers a
bicycles, with possibility for rent in the main
very integrated transportation service, with bus
cities, and the touristic bus with the second
stations, railways and air lines, and there are
floor open, in the city of Colombo (Colombo
both national and private lines inside the island.
City Tour), with a seven-hour-duration ride.
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ATTRACTIONS CITIES AND TEMPLES
theDehiwala Zoo, the Clock Tower, the City Hall Headquarter, the residential areas with beautiful mansions, the luxury shopping centers, the street markets and the night life with casinos and night clubs.
- Colombo, the actual capital of the country, was built by Portuguese people in the
- The City of Kandy, the second biggest one in
sixteenth century, and nowadays it is an
the country, is the cultural center of Sri Lanka,
architectonic mixture of modern buildings
and it was also the center of resistance of
with the old ones, which had British,
Sri Lankan people, when their territory was
Portuguese and eastern influence. Besides
dominated by the Portuguese and Dutch. It is
being the economic center and the doorway
considered a holy city, because it houses the
to the country, the city has several touristic
biggest Buddhist relic of the country: Buddha’s
points, such as the National Museum of
tooth, contemplated in the Temple of the Tooth.
Colombo, Temples such as Gangarama Vihara,
- The city of Sigiriya is one of the historical
- The city of Polonnaruwa, preserves historical
cities in ruins of Sri Lanka. It is famous for
ruins of the 12th century, time of the ancient
being built over a huge granite rock, and it
kingdom of Ceylon, when it was the capital
can be accessed by a ladder of 1250 stairs.
of the country. Attacked and burnt down, it
Nowadays considered as an UNESCO World
was forgotten for many years, but nowadays
Heritage, the city which already was capital
it has stunning landscapes, with temples such
of Sri Lanka was built in the fifth century
as Lankatilaka; sculptures of Buddha, such as
B.C. by the king Kassyapa. The ruins provide
Gal Vihara; columns which show the dimension
a beautiful idea of how was an Asian urban
of the prosperity that kept the city, Popular
center at that time, with geometrical gardens,
Forum and Royal Palace. It is one of the most
fountains, pools and buildings, among them,
desired attractions in Sri Lanka, and it also is an
the destroyed palace and throne in one of
UNESCO World Heritage.
domination wars.
BEACHES AND NATURE
- Anuradhapura, another old capital of the
- Fine and gold sand, with clear and warm
country, was built in the fourth century B.C.
water, and a beautiful vegetation of coconut
Considered a holy place by the Buddhists,
trees is the description of Sri Lanka’s beaches.
nowadays it is an UNESCO World Heritage. Its
The most beautiful ones are in the South
ruins are formed by several famous buildings,
region of Colombo. Colombo Beach is the
such as Loyamahapaya Palace and the queen’s
most visited and busy one, due to its easy
palace; Buddhists temples, such as Abhayagiri
accessibility. Negombo Beach is famous for its
Dagaba, Isurumuniya and Sela Cetiya; and
coconut trees and its charming fishing village,
gardens, including the holy fig Sri Maha Bodhi,
while Mount Lavínia is a surfing beach. Other
caves, statues and skyscrapers of that time.
beaches of the region are Kalutara andBentota,
Around it, there are also several monasteries.
where it is possible to see whales and dolphins close to the coast.
- It is located in the city of Dambulla the biggest and best preserved complex of temples built
- The most famous beach is the beach of
inside a cave. Known as the Temple of the Real
Unawatuna, which is praised as one of the best
Stone or as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, it
beaches in the world, by Discovery Channel.
was built in the middle of the first century B.C.,
It is a paradise for divers and surfers, and it
when it served as shelter for the refugee king
has a great infrastructure of restaurants and
after an invasion to Anuradhapura. The access
hotels. For people who want to explore more,
is through a staircase in the rock, and it has 5
the beaches of Beruwala andGalle are known
caves, Buddhist temples decorated with gold and
by their natural beauty. And the beach of
painted frescos, and over 100 images of Buddhas,
Hikkaduwa, which has white sands and a rich
including the most famous one: the 15-meter
marine fauna, is ideal for diving and relaxing.
laying Buddha. The city also has the biggest range of rose quartz mountains of South Asia.
- In the city of Pinnawala there is the famous elephant orphanage, where it is possible to
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watch them from a short distance. And in the
WHERE TO STAY
city of Kitulgala you can find Adam’s Peak, a mountain with a foot-shaped stone in its peak. The legend tells that it was the first
With options for every taste, Sri Lanka offers
place Adam stepped on after leaving Paradise.
hotels and resorts in the atmosphere which
For Buddhists, it is Buddha’s footprint; for
the tourist prefer: on the beach, in urban
Hindus, it is Shiva’s. For adventurous people in
centers, in mountains and in the country.
the city, it is also possible to go rafting in the
Some provide a relaxing experience with
famous Kwai River.
SPA services or are comfortable with good restaurants and stores. But the prices may
- The city of Nuwara Eliya is the region where
drastically change, depending on the region
the plantations of the country is located,
and on the time of the year.
including tea, where the best tea in the world is produced: Ceylon tea. It is possible to visit
In main cities of Colombo and Kandy it is very
the plantations and goclimbing or treeking in
easy to find lodging. It is possible to find accessible
one of the three mountains of the region, or
prices in hostels or domestic lodges. If you prefer,
visitBridal Veil Falls, Kamboda Falls, Ravana
you can pay more in luxury hotels and resorts.
Falls and the biggest fall, but with difficult access: Bambarakande Fall.
One of the biggest hotels of Colombo is the Galle Face Hotel, founded in 1864, it has a
- The most famous natural reserve of Sri Lanka
modern retro design, and it is the icon of
is the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya,
the rich heritage of the colonial period in the
located near Kandy, and it presents its visitors
country. Another one which is equally known
to beautiful landscapes of the country’s flora.
is the sumptuous Taj Samudra Hotels Resorts
and Palaces. Although it is very luxurious, its
Villa & Spa, in Wadduwa; and The Fortress
restaurants, bars and SPA services are easily
Resort & Spa, in Koggala. In Galle, there are also
accessible and open to the public.
several options, such as Amangalla, Galle Fort Hotel and The Dutch House.
The hotels in Colombo are Cinammon Grand, Havelock Place Bungalows and the most
To the travelers who will go to Sri Lanka on
centralized one, close to city attractions: Park
their own, it is worth to note and search for
Street Hotel.
lodgings close to urban centers or to the desired attractions, always remembering that
Most hotels in the coastal region of Sri Lanka
the locomotion can be precarious in some
are resorts. Some of them are: Lunuganga, in
heavenly parts of the island, causing you
Bentota, built by Sri Lanka’s legendary architect,
to lose more time than you expected and
Geoffrey Bawa; Amanwella, in Tangalla; Reef
affecting the course of the trip.
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DINING OUT
TYPICAL DISHES - The most simple ones of the region are Fish curry, chicken, meat and also vegetables and
Sri Lanka’s gastronomy is strongly influenced by its geographic factors: since it is an island, there is the strong habit to eat fish and seafood; as well as for its location in maritime route, providing different spices and herbs, being curry the most used one in the preparation of meals. Since it is an Asian country, the presence of rice in its various forms also compound daily meals of Sri Lankan
grains. - Mallung is prepared with vegetables cut in thin pieces, dried shrimp, grated coconut and spices; - Sambol (Seeni Sambol) is a combination of juicy fishes from Maldivas with spicy onions, and it can be eaten with conserves or cookies;
people. Due to the large quantity of coconut
- Lamprais, prepared with chops, sambols,
trees in the island, the coconut milk becomes
special shrimp paste, eggplant, curry and rice,
an essential ingredient of this cuisine, used in
are greased in a banana leaf and taken to the
the preparation of most meals. Vegetables also
oven;
complement most of the meals. - Buriyani, which is rice boiled in beef broth; Pol Symbol; is a combination of grated coconut, onions, pepper, lemon and salt; and Polos Pehi. - The desserts are: Halape (brown sugar mixed with coconut), Kavum and Kokis (fried candies), Thalaguli (a kind of bakery ball), Wattalapam, Dodol (coconut milk, rice flour and coconut sugar), Pani Valalu (honey rings), Athirasa and Kiribath (rice cooked in coconut milk).
RESTAURANTS In Sri Lanka it is possible to eat well without paying much for it. One of the icon restaurants of the city of Colombo, due to its localization in the recently reformed “Dutch Hospital” (hospital built in 1677, which has already functioned even as a police station of Colombo, and that nowadays is a commercial complex) is Ministry of Crab, very visited because of its
Fruits from many stalls of the street market are sweeter and fresher, and it is recommended to buy some of them to eat during the day. For those who want to run away from typical dishes, there is also the possibility to eat in fast-foods, pizzerias, and international restaurant chain, easily found in Colombo.
SHOPPING Sri Lanka is a big exporter of clothing, and it is also known as being the producer with greater number of varieties of gemstones in the world. Its jewelry, handicrafts, and decoration articles are very desired due to its quality, crabs. As well as The Gallery Café, reformed
differentiated design and handcraft works.
by Sri Lanka’s famous architect Geoffrey Bawa. Nihonbashi, which serves Japanese food, is
The most popular handicrafts of the region
elegant and the 38th best restaurant in Asia.
are ritual masks, products of lacquer (resin
Zaza has the option to be a coffee shop, a
obtained from plants. It is produced in Asian
bar, or a restaurant. Other good restaurants in
countries and is used for manual arts), wood
Colombo are: Chutneys, Curry Leaf, Seafood
carvings, pieces in batik, hand loom textiles
Cove, Beach Wadiya, The Cricket Club Café,
and lace. Traditional drawings of Sri Lanka,
Coco Veranda and Chesa Swiss.
in “makara” style, are portrayed as mystical animals, such as lion, swan, elephant and the
In the city of Negombo, close to the Colombo
lotus flower. They are usually draw to adorn
airport, there are several options of restaurants
boxes, trays, vases, cutlery and tea set, but
by the sea. One of them is Kings Coconut, with
they are also carved in jewelry and are printed
a very inviting atmosphere. A restaurant, in the
in clothes, among other several articles.
heart of Kandy, which is worth the meal just for its atmosphere and architecture, is the one
The city of Colombo is excellent for shopping,
in Queens Hotel (former house of a governor
with several luxury shopping centers which
in the time of British colonization), with even
have the last international fashion trends and
pianist and waiters wearing white gloves.
stores with very accessible and negotiable
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prices. The main commercial centers of
CURRENCY
Colombo are Odel: Shopping Paradise and
Sri Lanka’s currency is Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR)
House of Fashion. Other cities which are
with the symbol (Rs). One Sri Lanka Rupee
suggested for shopping are Kandy, which has
is divided by 100 cents, so that there are
a variety of souvenirs and typical stores of
currencies of 10, 25 and 50 cents, and 1, 2, 5
the country. Galle is known by having several
e 10 rupees. Money bills are in the values of
jewelry and gemstone stores. The west coast
10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 rupees.
city of Ambalangoda, with several stores and
It is important to always use small money
options, is the best place to buy the famous
bills, especially when shopping in Sri Lanka,
ritual masks.
because, sometimes, most traders do not have change for big quantities of money. Avoid also
There are stores specialized in ethnic clothes of
using dirty or torn money bills, which might
the region, such as Saris for women, offering
not be accepted in some places. There is no
hand-made garbs in several fabrics. Other
problem in using these credit card brands:
national products which can be bought are
Visa, Mastercard and Cirrus/ Maestro. They are
natural cosmetics for beauty, teas, cigarettes,
accepted in most places, and there are ATMs
chocolates and spices, all of them easily found
around all regional centers. In Sri Lanka there
in street stores of the cities of Sri Lanka.
is a culture for tips. The service charge is 10%
STREET MARKET The street market of Pettah has a British colonial architecture and takes nearly all the neighborhood with its stalls, stores and traders on the street. Everything is sold: electronics, costume jewelery, handicrafts, vegetables and much more. It is one of the most busy places in the city of Colombo, and it is also where daily life happens. Besides shopping, it is a place for watching citizens and religious figures walking around. On the beaches it is also common to find street vendors and sellers of handicrafts, which makes shopping an option while enjoying the sun and the beach.
in bills of restaurants and hotels, but it usually goes to the owner of the establishment, and not to the employee. For that reason, besides the service charge, they expect to receive tip, so save from 10 to 20 rupees to motorists, hotel’s doormen, waiters and tourist guiders of a specific place, for example.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
+94 0094 110 116 119 112 118
CODE OF THE COUNTRY
EMERGENCY EMERGENCY (AIR FORCE) POLICE POLICE (FOR CELLPHONE) NATIONAL HELP DESK
CODE OF THE CITY COLOMBO
011 HAMBANTOTA
047 KANDY
081 COLOMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BANDARANAIKE)
+94 (11) 225 2861