The natural wealth of the island of Sri Lanka makes it a great place to relax. The Sri Lankans themselves say that they know only three colors: the blue of the ocean and the sky, the gold of the beaches and the lush green of the tropics. The world center of Buddhism, the center of its ancient history, culture and traditions, Sri Lanka is a place of pilgrimage for historians, archaeologists and all “lovers of antiquity”.
Each of the resorts of Sri Lanka will bring to your holiday something of its own, individual. You will be able to plunge into the fabulous atmosphere of the island of Sri Lanka chose a tour to Sri Lanka.
According to toppharmacyschools, Buddhist and Hindu temples of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. more than 15 – 20 centuries old, the city of Polonnaruwa, in which the main attraction of the island is located – the stone temple of Gall Vihara, as well as the archaeological museum of jewelry, ancient coins and household items; coast of Kozogody – location of a turtle farm; Dambulla – a place on top of a mountain, famous for its Buddhist temple with the largest collection of Buddha statues and amazing frescoes; Known for its surfing, diving and hunting sports clubs, the Navam festival and the opportunity to sample the local cuisine, Kalutara, whichever you choose, you have never experienced before.
Kandy – the ancient capital of Ceylon, it is here that one of the most revered Buddhist shrines is kept – the Tooth of the Buddha.
Dambulla is famous for its largest temple, built in the 1st century BC. BC e. inside the cave and decorated with many niches with paintings from the Buddhist epic.
Anuradhapura is a sacred city and Sri Lankan capital of Buddhism. The famous and oldest Bo tree in Sri Lanka grows here, under which, according to legend, enlightenment occurred in the Buddha.
Sri Lankans are known around the world as smiling people, they are famous for their hospitality and cordiality. When traveling, you will certainly hear the Sri Lankan Aubovan – i.e. you can stay for a long time.
In the center of the island, in the so-called Cultural Triangle, historical monuments protected by UNESCO are concentrated: the lion rock of Sigiriya, the cave Golden Temple in Dambulla… More and more tourists come to Sri Lanka to improve their health and spend an unforgettable vacation in Sri Lanka. The oldest methods of treatment of Ayurveda and aromatherapy, time-tested and improved by modern ones.
Interesting facts
Before gaining independence in European languages, the country was called Ceylon.
Of the 450 bird species found on the island, 24 species live only in Sri Lanka. 50 species of freshwater fish live in reservoirs. There are 12 national parks and 3 nature reserves in Sri Lanka.
In 1996, the Sri Lankan team won the Cricket World Cup, since then it has been the most popular sport in the country.
The national flower of Sri Lanka is the Star Lotus.
No special vaccinations are required when traveling to Sri Lanka. However, depending on the route, it is recommended to take a course of malaria pills.
Currency
The official currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (100 cents); All major hotels and shops accept international credit cards. Money can be exchanged at Colombo airport – here is the best rate. By keeping the check received during the exchange, you will be able to exchange unspent money at the purchase rate.
Customs rules
Expensive things and foreign currency are declared. It is forbidden to export items that are of cultural and historical value, including tea over 2 kg.
Sanitary standards
For drinking it is better to use bottled mineral water; hands must be washed with soap and wiped with sanitary napkins. Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunburn lotion, as well as insect repellant. If you are planning a trip to the jungle, you should, after consulting with your doctor, drink a course of appropriate pills or get vaccinated.
Transport
It is possible to rent a car (the cost of the service is from $2 per day), but it is safer to use the services of a driver or a taxi. The roads of Sri Lanka are well paved; right-hand traffic.
Alcohol
On full moon days, all alcoholic drinks in public places are prohibited!
Shopping
Sri Lanka is famous for its gems. It is better to purchase jewelry in specialized stores, requiring a certificate. In cities, you can buy relatively inexpensive textiles. In the markets and in private stores, bargaining is appropriate, sometimes allowing you to drop the price by a third.
Tipping
Porter at the hotel – within 2 dollars, depending on the amount of luggage. Guide reward – from 5 to 20 dollars per day per group. Tipping waiters in cafes and restaurants is at your discretion.
Helpful Hints
Part of the money is better to exchange immediately at the airport. Money can also be changed in hotels and banks (from 9:00 to 13:00 on weekdays). Major stores, restaurants, hotels accept major credit cards. Local and international telephone communications are available around the clock.
Calls made from an international pay phone or post office are much cheaper than from a hotel.
Traffic is on the left side. The roads are well paved but narrow. Most of the roads lie in the mountains. Traffic rules are not well observed by both drivers and pedestrians. Therefore, it is recommended to rent a car with a driver. The fare is approximately $ 0.3 per 1 km.
In almost all hotels offering a buffet, you will find the maximum variety of dishes of local, Indian, Thai and traditional European cuisine. The most common dish among the local population is rice seasoned with curry sauce. Also in a large assortment there are dishes from meat, fish and seafood, poultry, vegetables. It is recommended to try as many different tropical fruits as possible: pineapples, bananas (of which there are more than 200 varieties in Sri Lanka), avocados, mangoes, papayas, oranges, and coconuts.
Of the local drinks, beer and arak – vodka made from coconut juice are very popular. It is not recommended to drink tap water, it is better to drink mineral water and other factory-made drinks.
It is necessary to follow the rules of personal hygiene, wash hands thoroughly with soap, boiled water or bottled vegetables and fruits, and try not to eat in questionable places.
You should not visit Buddhist or Hindu temples in shorts, as well as in clothes with bare shoulders and back. When entering the temple, you need to take off your shoes and headgear.
Every month, the full moon day – Roua Day – is a religious holiday. On this day, all institutions, banks, most shops are closed. On this day, the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited not only in shops, but also in hotels.
Undoubtedly, it is best to buy handicrafts as souvenirs and gifts for friends: ebony masks, painted silk fabrics (batik), leather goods.
Almost no one leaves Sri Lanka without buying one or two packs of real Ceylon tea in original packaging or a set of local spices.
Sri Lanka is famous all over the world for its precious stones: sapphires, rubies, topazes. It is recommended to purchase jewelry in specialized stores, requiring an appropriate check or certificate.
In the markets and in private stores, by bargaining, you can reduce the price by 30% relative to the initial one. However, this is not allowed in government stores, supermarkets, malls and DUTY FREE stores.
Baggage must not contain the amount of any goods in the commercial volume. Expensive items and things are declared upon entry for their subsequent unhindered export. Without special permission, the export of items of historical or cultural value, antique masks, manuscripts, books, ivory items, collections of coins and stamps, raw precious and semi-precious stones, tea (more than 2 kg) is prohibited.
