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

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

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Geographic location

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

The island has an elongated shape from south to north; it is separated from the mainland by the Polk Strait, more than five dozen kilometers wide. The southern part of the island is formed by mountain terraces, passing to the center in the highlands.

The geographical coordinates of Sri Lanka are 7°45′00″ s. sh., 80°46′00 E d.

Brief information about the country

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

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

From the 16th century to the middle of the 20th century it was a colonial possession:

• the Portuguese;
• the Dutch;
• English.

Capital

note: officially the main administrative center, the seat of government, is the city of Sri Jayawardanapura-Kotte, founded in the XIII century as a Kotte fortress. It is located between the channels of Diyavanna Oya and Kolonnava Oya.

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

Languages

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

Visa

Residents of Russia need to apply for a visa to visit. The easiest way is to fill out an electronic form posted on the embassy website in advance. Upon arrival, pay 35 dollars, present a valid passport, a completed arrival card and receive a visa.

Note: You can also apply for a visa on arrival. However, this will cost more and take more time.

Population

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

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

Religion

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

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

Sea and ocean

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

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

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

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

Currency

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

Transport

Sri Lanka has a fairly developed land transport infrastructure:

• tuk-tuks are the main mode of transport, which is a cross between a motorcycle and a cycle rickshaw. It is allowed to bargain on the price of the trip;
• city ​​buses;
• an extensive network of intercity buses, which is the most comfortable mode of transport;
• railway communication between settlements;
• Taxi. Developed only in tourist areas and capitals.

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

• no rights other than local ones are recognized by the authorities;
• Only persons over the age of 21 are allowed to drive.

Difference in time

Moscow time is 2.5 hours behind Sri Lankan time. Time ahead of Sri Lankan by 4.5 hours, Novosibirsk - by 1.5 hours. It is practically in the same time zone with Sri Lanka: the difference is only 30 minutes.

What to bring

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

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

Therefore, it is worth bringing from the trip:

• Ceylon tea. You can buy it on plantations, in shops, in the market. The price is highly dependent on proximity to tourist areas;
• spices: vanilla pods, pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks;

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

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

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

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

Climate

The island is completely located in the zone of humid equatorial with a transition to a subequatorial climate. On the coast, the climate is monsoonal.

The high season is winter. The climate is mild. The change of seasons is practically non-existent. Ceylon is the realm of eternal summer. Even in the mountains it never snows. There are practically no average daily temperature fluctuations.

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

The temperatures of air and ocean water are always almost the same, being 30°-32°C. Sea water temperature is lower by 1–2°С. Night temperatures rarely drop below +25°C.

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

How to fly

Direct scheduled flights from international airport Colombos are made only in one Russian city - Moscow. Flight period: from June to August.

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

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

• Beijing;
• Seoul;

These cities have year-round regular direct flights. Russian airlines have tariff agreements with Asian airlines operating flights to Ceylon.

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

Resorts

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

Negombo

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

Advice: Negombo is perfect for lazy beach lovers.

Colombo

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

The cleanliness of wealthy neighborhoods is replaced by the garbage of slums. Shine and poverty, eternal holiday and eternal work, past and future - all this is intertwined on the streets of Colombo. It is of interest to outdoor enthusiasts.

Bentota

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

Kalutara

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

Designed for outdoor enthusiasts aquatic species sports.

Halle

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

Induruva

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

Unawatuna

Not Big city ok in the south of Sri Lanka on the shore of a bay protected from ocean waves coral reef. Popular with solo travelers.

Take note: Unawatuna is ideal for a relaxing holiday with children.

Resort on the southern tip of the island. Quiet place away from civilization. The unique underwater world attracts diving fans.

Kogalla is known for its water excursions during which you can meet wild whales and dolphins.

Mirissa is the best beach

Experienced surfers go to Mirissa for high waves. Untouched marvelous nature, lack of economic activity create a feeling of paradise. The place is secluded, conducive to a romantic getaway. Habitual resort entertainment missing.

Surf paradise

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

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

Surf schools also operate in Kogalle, Unawatuna, Weligama.

shopping

Shopping impresses with its diversity and will bring real pleasure to those who like to shop.

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

Resting on the island, you should visit the numerous jewelry factories, which operate shopping centers. Assortment of jewelry shopping centers amazes with a variety and beauty of the presented production. Local jewelers can make custom-made jewelry with the stones they like.

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

In local markets, you can buy exotic fruits, spices, spices, essential oils. In addition, here you can buy cotton clothes or order their individual tailoring.

This is especially true for countries South-East Asia. Even if tourists bring any plants, seeds, they can simply be confiscated at customs. To prevent this, it is recommended to abandon the purchase or issue a phytopass. It is better to carry fruits in packed luggage, so they will definitely not be confiscated.

Tips

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

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

Kitchen

The national cuisine of the Sri Lankans is predominantly vegetarian with lots of spices and spices. The staple food is rice. The local cuisine originates from Indian, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British, the Arabs, the Chinese have contributed to it.

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

In hotels, tourists are offered the usual Europeanized menu. National dishes are served in an adapted form. You can try real Sri Lankan dishes in restaurants frequented by locals. For most Europeans, national dishes seem very spicy, this should be borne in mind when ordering dishes.

Flora and fauna

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

More than half of the species are endangered:

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

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

scammers on the island

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

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

Attractions

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

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

• the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, built three thousand years ago by the Indians;
• ancient man-made lakes;
• the palace complex of Sigiriya, located on mountain terraces;
• national parks Horton Place, Yala;
• royal Botanical Garden;
• heritage of the period of colonization;
• numerous ancient temples.

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

tour cost

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

Sri Lanka is a luxurious pearl in the Indian Ocean. This island-state with more than 2000 years of history is considered a treasure trove of cultural and historical heritage of mankind. In short, Sri Lanka is tea, gems, an eventful history, amazingly picturesque views, a warm ocean and friendly people.

Geographic characteristics

The island of Sri Lanka, reminiscent of the shape of a tear, is located in South Asia, 800 km from the equatorial line. It is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Manar and Bengal, the Strait of Polk. In ancient times, Sri Lanka was connected to the mainland by the shoal of Adam's Bridge, but, as the legend tells, in 1481 this shoal collapsed during an earthquake.

The area of ​​the island is 65,610 km², in the west-east direction it stretches for 225 km, and in the north-south direction for 445 km.

The relief in Sri Lanka is mostly low-lying, and in the center is mountain range. highest mountain- Pidurutalagala (2524 m), but the majestic Sri Pada, which is also called Adam's Peak (2243 m), is more famous. There are 2 capes on the island: from the south - Dondra, from the west - Dutch Bay.

Sri Lanka has 21 million people. It so happened that the predominant nationalities are Sinhalese and Tamils, burghers, Moors and Veddas also live ( indigenous people). This situation has affected language issue States: The national languages ​​are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is often spoken.

History of the island

In the written chronicle "Mahavamsa", which from the VI century. until 1815 were led by Buddhist monks, set out detailed history island nation.

Ancient city Pollonaruwa

Initially, these lands were inhabited by the ancestors of the Vedds, who belonged to the Australoid-Negroid race. As indicated in the chronicle, in 504 BC. island lands conquered by the Indian prince Vijaya. His followers ruled Sri Lanka during the 6th-5th centuries. BC, and then many immigrants from India settled on its territory. Vijaya gave the island such a name as his clan was called - "Sinhaladvipa". In the XVIII century, under the British, this name was reborn into "Silon" ("Ceylon").

From the end of the 3rd century until the 13th century the island belonged to the Sinhalese kingdoms, and by the end of the 13th century. its lands from the north and east were inhabited by large communities of Tamils. In the XV century, the island was captured by troops from China, after which small states were formed on its territory.

In the XVI century. coastal island areas were occupied by immigrants from Portugal, who built a fortress in Colombo. The influence of the Portuguese colonialists increased and intensified more and more, and by the end of the 16th century. they controlled the bulk of the island.

In the 17th century the Portuguese were replaced by colonizers from Holland: in 1638-1639 they managed to conquer the island lands almost entirely. Until 1796, the entire territory was under their control.

In 1796, almost the entire island passed to Great Britain, and in 1798 it became its colonial territory. The kingdom of Kandy remained independent, but in 1815 it was included in the colonial lands.

Only in 1948, Sri Lanka emerged from the dependence of Great Britain, but remained a Dominion in the United English kingdom and acquired the name "Ceylon".

Since the island ceased to be a colony of Great Britain, its recent history conditionally can be divided into the following periods:

• 1948-1972 - Dominion of Ceylon. Autonomy in the Commonwealth of Nations under the leadership of the English ruler, nationalist reforms. Formation of the prerequisites for the beginning of interethnic discord, anti-Tamil pogroms, the deportation of Tamils ​​to India, the 1971 uprising.
• 1972-1978 - an independent Republic. The closure of British military bases, the nationalization of tea production.
• 1978-1983 - Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Increasing ethnic strife. Internal war in the state against the backdrop of the fight against the rebels "LTTE", demanding autonomy and separation.
• 2009-2017 is the recovery period. The implementation of the recovery program with the full support of other states. Peaceful change of power in 2015: the former Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena won the early presidential elections. Fruitful cooperation with international partners, economic growth.

Climatic conditions

The island is located in the tropical zone, respectively, the climate here is tropical - warm and with high humidity.

The air temperature is even, the difference between the warmest and coldest months is 2-3°C. The average annual temperature on the island ranges from +27°C to +32°C, with the exception of mountainous areas - there from December to March, up to +10°C can be observed at night.

In May - September, the coasts in the west and south are in the rainy season - they are brought by the monsoon from the southwest. From October to January, rains dominate the north coast, but there they are caused by the monsoon from the northeast. The rainy season is characterized by powerful and short showers (they last an average of 10-15 minutes, and at night), as well as powerful winds that raise high ocean waves.

Thanks to weather conditions, you can relax on the beaches of Sri Lanka all year round, just in different areas:

• in winter (October - April) - in the southwest;
• in summer (March - November) - in the northeast.

As for the Indian Ocean, its waters have a temperature that is kept within + 27 ... + 29 ° C.

Regions and cities

The Republic of Sri Lanka consists of 9 provinces, they contain 25 districts. The official capital is considered to be Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, which houses the parliament and the state judicial service. The government administration and the presidential residence are located in the nearby city of Colombo, which has been recognized as the unofficial capital.

The following cities may be of greatest interest to travelers:

Colombo. In its northern part there is a tourist center Fort - almost all hotels, shops, restaurants are located there.

Anuradhapura is a town in the North Central Province. It is known for the temple and monastery buildings that have survived from ancient times.

Kandy is the ancient capital of the island state, located in the Central Province. Every year in Kandy, the Esala Peraher festival is held, when a religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha, is brought out to demonstrate.

There are many on the island good resorts. But the main question for most tourists remains: "Which resort to prefer?". So:

Bentota is popular with young families, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. A variety of services that tourists can use are designed for any wallet. Read .

Beruwala is suitable for vacationers who come to Sri Lanka primarily for the sake of the beaches. At the same time, there are hotels for both budget tourists and elite vacations.

Sri Lankan family on Wadduwa beach

Wadduwa is famous for its sandy beaches lined with coconut trees. The tourist infrastructure here is not very developed: there are several hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes, there is a diving center. will appeal to those who like to immerse themselves in the culture of the travel country.

Koggala is located at a relative distance from the civilized world, which attracts travelers who dream of relaxing holiday. All infrastructure is present, there are even tennis courts and golf courses. Read .

Mount Lavinia is a fairly large-scale center of trade, industry and economy. It is popular due to its extensive and well-maintained beaches.

Nuwara Eliya has the reputation of one of the few cool oases in the hot country of South Asia with Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, a golf complex, a racetrack. But first of all, produced in the area.

Hikkaduwa is a Mecca of diving, famous for its coral reefs and numerous inhabitants of the underwater world. In addition, the tourist infrastructure is the most developed here.

Tangalle is interesting for its numerous secluded bays, wide deserted beaches, and places for snorkeling. The resort of Tangalle is described in more detail.

Dambulla. On this mountain (its height is 350 m) there are several cave temples, which presents the most extensive selection of Buddha statues. Built in the 1st century BC. - an important religious place for numerous pilgrims and an interesting object for tourists.

Anuradhapura. This city on the banks of the Aruvi River was the capital in ancient times. " Old city"- this is an archaeological zone, a couple of ancient temples, bell-shaped stupas (III - I centuries BC), a museum of archeology.

Polonnaruwa. This city-museum was once the capital, since 1982 it has been protected by UNESCO. In this city, tourists are most attracted by the Stone Temple and 4 Buddha statues, carved from a single block of granite.

Fort Galle. The fortress, which is still in good condition, was built by the Dutch. They conquered the bastion from the Portuguese in 1640, and the merit of the foundation belongs to them.

As for entertainment, there are plenty to choose from on this island. In the entertainment complexes operating in most resorts, they offer a ride on a boat, "bananas" and skis, as well as parasailing.

Helicopter flights to many attractions are organized from Ratmalana Airport, and hot air balloon flights are held in Udawalawe Park and Mount Sigiriya.

The island has many golf clubs with well-equipped courses.

Night clubs and discos open after 22.00 and remain open until the morning. There are almost 2 dozen casinos in Colombo, almost all of them work around the clock. The CONTINENTAL CLUB, located in Colombo-3, won the greatest fame.

Sri Lankan Cuisine

The Sri Lankan cuisine is based on a variety of fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, rice. They eat very little meat here, preferring pork and chicken, and they don’t eat beef at all, since cows are considered sacred animals.

As in most Eastern countries The food in Sri Lanka is very spicy. Curry - this is the name here for any dish prepared with a mixture of powdered various spices. excessive love local residents to spices, especially to chilli, makes all local food fiery hot.

Coconut oil, juice, milk, shavings from the pulp of this nut, palm nectar are added to many Sri Lankan dishes.

Food on the island is cheap: as a rule, lunch will cost about $2-4. Is it in the most expensive establishments designed for tourists, you have to pay about $ 10.

Sri Lanka: the most important thing about the currency

Sri Lankan money is Sri Lankan rupees (LKR and Rs). There are denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000, and coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees.

It is allowed to bring any amount of currency into Sri Lanka, but the amount exceeding $ 15,000 must be declared. During the import of more than $ 5,000, the currency must also be declared if it is planned to take it back.

It is equally convenient to take dollars and euros to Sri Lanka - there are no exchange problems at all.

Where to change currency

The exchange can be carried out in bank branches, exchange offices, hotels, jewelry outlets - in big cities this is not difficult. In areas where tourists are rare, it can be difficult to exchange money, and this should be considered before traveling to such places.

Although "private traders" offer to exchange at a rate that compares favorably with the bank rate, it is still better to make such operations in official institutions. At the same time, it should be taken into account that even at exchange points that are very close, the rate can vary greatly. Therefore, it makes sense to bypass several exchangers in order to choose the one that offers the most favorable conditions.

You can make a reverse exchange, that is, return the remaining rupees in exchange for dollars at the rate of their purchase, before departure at the airport, but only if there is a certificate of the completed exchange (official exchangers give it when performing a currency transaction).

What you need to know about plastic cards

Plastic cards on the island are quite common, in big cities you can use them to pay in many hotels and shops. There are ATMs in all tourist areas, and even in most of the remote areas.

It should be taken into account that some banks classify Sri Lanka as a high-risk country when performing operations with plastic cards.

If you do not notify your bank in advance that the plastic card will be used in Sri Lanka, it is likely that it will be blocked during the first use.

Transport on the island

If a trip to Sri Lanka is planned independently, without the help of a tour operator, then you need to take care of the maximum convenient option movement.

The Sri Lanka railway system serves the main cities of the island, with the exception of cities in the north and east of the country.

The maximum fare from Colombo to any station is 300 rupees. The trains are very comfortable, and passengers can choose a car with any degree of comfort at their discretion.

Many routes, especially in the part where railways pass through the mountainous terrain, very picturesque. Tourists who want to admire native species, can use special carriages with large windows.

Aircraft

Aero Lanka operates flights from Colombo to the following destinations:, Jaffna - in the far north of the country.

Buses

Buses on the island are inconvenient, but they are very cheap: for just a couple of dollars you can drive through the entire island. Tickets for buses of class "AC" will cost 2 times more, but this transport is much more comfortable: air conditioners are installed and will definitely be provided seats. By big cities flights of city and private buses are provided, and travel in them will cost approximately the same.

Car rental

Renting a car is rare in Sri Lanka, due to left-hand traffic and poor enforcement of the rules by drivers and pedestrians. You can still rent a car in Colombo:

• With a driver- the driver's services are paid for. Some drivers have a state license allowing them to engage in such activities. Many of them speak several languages ​​and have a wide knowledge of the island.
• Without a driver– the average cost is 2400 rupees per day, it includes a run of 80 kilometers. All additional kilometers will cost 8 rupees each. A driver over the age of 21 can rent a car.

In Colombo and the suburban area, it is convenient to take a taxi. If payment is made according to the meter, then for landing and the 1st kilometer of the way you need to pay 28-30 rupees, for each subsequent kilometer - 24-26 rupees. If there is no meter in the taxi, then you need to specify the price before the start of the trip.

More popular for trips around the city is a tuk-tuk - a small motor scooter on three wheels with a cabin. Average payment per trip: for 1 km - 15-20 rupees.

How to get a visa to Sri Lanka

Since 2012, the government of Sri Lanka has introduced new rules for visiting the state by foreigners. Foreign citizens, including citizens of the CIS countries, receive a visa on the same conditions.

For a short-term (up to 30 days) stay in Sri Lanka, as well as for transit travel, you need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) electronic visa.

Means of communication

Almost all hotels have a telephone connection, but the cost of calls from the room will be high.

The two most popular operators mobile communications- Dialog and Mobitel, Etisalat, HUTCH and Airtel occupy a much smaller market share. The first 3 listed operators offer "tourist communication packages", which include different volumes of minutes for international calls and calls within the country, as well as limited Internet traffic. You can buy Dialog and Mobitel SIM cards without leaving Colombo Airport.

Wi-Fi is available in all major resorts. In business centers of hotels cards of different cost are on sale. It is also possible to communicate using a USB modem - it is available in almost all corners of Sri Lanka.

All about Sri Lanka, the land of ancient ruins, religious relics, beautiful beaches and colorful reefs. Similar to India, but not her. We talk about the best places what you need to know and where to go.

The content of the article

Sri Lanka- This Paradise Island with a rich history that attracts travelers from all over the world and remains forever in their hearts. An island located in the Indian Ocean is an exotic world romantic getaway and adventures in natural natural conditions. Each city of Sri Lanka is unique in its own way, one for its rich history, the second for the untouchedness of the surrounding world, the third for its developed infrastructure for tourism.

General information about the country

Location

Sri Lanka- a small island in the Indian Ocean, located on the southeastern tip of India. Occupies by area 65600 sq². This is a country that has EVERYTHING: beautiful beaches, high mountains (over 2000 m), tropical forests and many animals such as wild elephants, leopards, sea turtles, dolphins and whales.

Capital

Colombo city

Form of government

mixed republic

Religion

Buddhism 70%, Islam 8%, Christianity 6%

Sri Lanka is one of the most ancient countries of the Buddhist religion, which was first introduced to the island by the son of Emperor Ashoka in the 2nd century BC. In Anuradhapura, a branch from the sacred Bodhi tree, under the shade of which the Buddha attained enlightenment, was installed, it was brought by the daughter of Emperor Sanamitta. This relic is today especially revered in Buddhist world. The atmosphere of Sri Lanka is literally saturated with religion; there are many sacred temples here, the main of which is considered to be the Temple of the Sacred Tooth of the Buddha, located in ancient capital Sinhalese state of Kandy. Traditionally, the temple is visited with lotus flowers - a symbol of purity and perfection. Although the lotus grows in a swamp, it is able to grow beautiful and spotless. The philosophy of Buddhism is based on the teaching that, like a lotus, a person is able to purify his soul, overcome all the difficulties of life.

Language

Sinhalese - 74%, Tamil - 18%, Others - 8%. On English language about 10% of the population speak fluently. Menus (at tourist restaurants) are served in Sinhalese and English.

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee

Population

22 million people

Phone country code

Climate, when is the best time to go

Tropical climate. There are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka, which run from May to July and from December to January. The average annual temperature is around 28°C in the lowlands and around 18°C ​​in the highlands. mountainous areas.

The recommended time for a holiday in Sri Lanka is during the dry season - from April to November for east coast and December to March for the west coast and central highlands. Christmas and New Year a particularly popular time to go to Sri Lanka

Do I need a visa to enter Sri Lanka?

Everyone who wants to visit Sri Lanka is required to apply for a visa from January 1, 2012. The exceptions are citizens of the Republic of Singapore, the Republic of the Maldives and the Republic of Seychelles. But don't worry, it's easy enough, the only thing you need to do is apply for an online ETA tourist visa before entering Sri Lanka. The online visa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival and can be extended for up to six months. The cost of a visa is $35 (children under 12 are free).

If you failed to pre-arrange an ETA, you will need to go through the collection procedure at the airport upon arrival (but you will have to pay already $ 40, children under 12 years old are free)

What are the entry requirements for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a very easy country to visit and there are not many entry requirements. The only thing you will need when entering Sri Lanka, besides an online visa, is at least one blank page in your valid passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, also return ticket with the exact date of departure, a voucher, a migration card (must be filled out in English, fill it out either on the plane or at the border) and cash in the calculation of $ 25-50 per day.

Insurance

Never travel without valid travel insurance! Travel insurance may seem expensive, but it's nothing compared to what health care may cost you more. This is the one thing you should never skimp on!

How to get to Sri Lanka

It is more convenient to get to Sri Lanka by plane. During the season, you can fly from Moscow with Aeroflot, in winter, the following airlines Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways fly with stops in Male (Maldives).

What to do in Sri Lanka?

The island has plenty of sun, sea and sand. South coast counts tourist center countries with golden sandy shores, calm lagoons and picturesque nature.

Types of recreation presented to tourists on the island:

• surfing
• sailing
• windsurfing
• deep sea fishing
• sightseeing tours

Due to the relatively small area, the island is easy to explore, it is well developed here. transport system, which is based on bus and rail connections

Paradise corner of the eternal sun, the birthplace of fragrant tea and unforgettable holiday- Sri Lanka opens its arms to travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Places to visit in Sri Lanka

All kinds of monuments of culture and art are located on the island in abundance, eight of which are under the protection of UNESCO: - Anuradhapura - historical city; - Polonnaruwa - a historic city; - Sigiriya - rock fortress; - Singaraja - forest reserve; - Kandy - holy city; - the old part of the city of Galle with fortifications; Dambulla - the golden temple; - highlands of the central part of Sri Lanka.

In addition to historical monuments, Sri Lanka is famous for the presence of an elephant nursery, a turtle breeding farm, and spice gardens. Near the city of Kandy is the largest botanical garden in Asia, which presents rare tropical plants of various shapes and colors.

National cuisine of Sri Lanka

Thanks to the tropical climate Sri Lanka is rich fresh fruits, vegetables and spices, which are used in most dishes. Freshness plays a key role in food preparation. Many families grow the curry tree and vegetables, some of which are virtually unknown outside of Sri Lanka, such as murunga (drumsticks), which are used in curries and accompaniments, and their leaves are a popular addition to the beloved crab curry.

A simple meal might consist of rice, sambol cooked with chili, pickles or chutney, and of course a vegetable curry or dhal. also in local cuisine there is a huge assortment of meat, vegetable and seafood dishes.

Sri Lankan cuisine is a labour-intensive cuisine, as many of the dishes are difficult to prepare. For example, Hoppers are pancakes made from rice flour that are used to brew curries and rice. Even more laborious are haircuts, which are thin pods of rice flour that are strained through a sieve and rolled into a small round mat and steamed.

Pros and cons of holidays in Sri Lanka

• Beautiful people. The people in Sri Lanka are great! They are sweet, kind and hospitable.
• Tasty food. Sri Lankan food is fantastic! Their rice and curry dish is especially delicious.
• Excellent climate. Sri Lanka has a subtropical climate which makes it an ideal country to visit.
• Magnificent beaches. Here you will find the most amazing beaches!
• wild nature.Despite the fact that Sri Lanka is a small island, there is a great wild nature. You can see animals such as wild elephants, crocodiles, leopards, sea turtles, whales, dolphins and many beautiful birds.
• Everything is within reach. The best thing is that Sri Lanka is a small island that makes it easy to travel and see a lot in a short time.

• Overpriced. Probably one not so much a good thing in relation to the budget of travelers, these are the rising prices in Sri Lanka. Just a few years ago, accommodation, transport and entry tickets the sights and temples were much cheaper than they are today. Sri Lanka is more expensive than other Asian countries that we are used to, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia.
• For tourists, all entertainment is more expensive. Foreigners have to pay much more than locals to visit the sights and temples in Sri Lanka. Just keep in mind that entrance fees eat up a lot of your budget when traveling around Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

Representatives of different cultures and religions live in harmony in an amazing way in Sri Lanka, Buddhism is considered the main religion, Buddha statues in various variations are found everywhere on the island. It should be noted that it is indecent to photograph against the backdrop of the Buddha, standing with your back to the statue, visiting temples barefoot, and your knees, shoulders and back must be covered. In a word, natural beauty Sri Lanka is closely intertwined with the country's rich history.

Sophisticated tourists will appreciate the golden border of hundreds of kilometers of beaches, the clear waters of the Indian Ocean with a rich underwater world, rice fields, lakes and rivers, forests and mountains from which waterfalls fall, the purest air, saturated with the aromas of jasmine and lotus - the sacred flower of the Buddhist religion. Welcome to paradise- Sri Lanka!

Hello, dear readers - seekers of knowledge and truth!

Sri Lanka is an unusual country for a European that attracts thousands of tourists every year. She can surprise picturesque beaches, high hills with an unforgettable view, as well as a warm climate, unique monuments, centuries-old culture.

Sri Lanka - where is this country located and what is it like? You will learn about its geography, climate, nature, people, culture, religion. If you have been thinking about a trip to Sri Lanka, then in this article you will find brief information information about the flight, the main attractions and values ​​of the country.

What country is it

Sri Lanka is a state in southern Asia, which is located on the island of the same name. It dates back to the 5th century BC, when the first kingdoms appeared here. Since ancient times, local residents have established trade with China, Rome, and Arab countries.

In the 16th century, the island was colonized by England, Portugal and Holland. Their intervention in the life of the islanders continued until the middle of the last century. Until 1972, Sri Lanka was called Ceylon.

Now its official name is the "Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka", headed by the president. Today, numerous tourists flock here, which makes the former Ceylon a unique resort.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

Such a tourist flow is not surprising, because here are connected:

• tea plantations;
• rice fields;
• ancient traditions, which are 2.5 thousand years old;
• temples of Buddhism;
• rich flora and fauna;
• precious and semi-precious stones;
• herb plantations;
• mountain slopes;
• idyllic beaches;
• warm sea;
• historical monuments, among which eight are on the list world heritage UNESCO.

One fourth of the world's tea plantations are in Ceylon.

Geography

It is quite easy to find the island on the world map - it is located about a hundred kilometers south of India, in the southeast of the southern edge of Hindustan, separated from it by the western Gulf of Mannar, the Polk Strait, and the eastern Bay of Bengal.

The shape of the island resembles a teardrop or a pearl, for which it is called "sapphire".

In the area of ​​​​the Polk Strait there is an isthmus that used to connect Sri Lanka with Hindustan. However, in the 15th century, several earthquakes occurred, due to which the shoal went under water. Now this place is called "Adam's Bridge".

Geography of Sri Lanka in numbers:

• length - 450 kilometers;
• the widest place is 230 kilometers;
• length coastline- 1.3 thousand kilometers;
• area - 66 thousand square kilometers.

The island ends in the north with Cape Pedro, in the south with Cape Dondra, in the west with Cape Dutch Bay. At the same time, one percent of the state is made up of small islands near the "sapphire".

The main water arteries can be called:

• Kalu;
• Mahaweli Ganga;
• Aruvi-Aru;
• Kelani.

Kalu River

From Sanskrit, "Sri" is translated as "holy", "Lanka" - "earth".

The current republic consists of nine provinces and twenty-five districts. Since 1982, the city with the unpronounceable name of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte has become the capital - now the parliament and the supreme court are located here.

However, the former metropolitan center is considered to be a more popular city, The largest city states - Colombo, founded in ancient times. The residence of the president is also located here.

Climate

The weather pleases residents and visitors all year round - average temperature is about 27 degrees. In the high season - from October to March, when the cold rages in Russia, here the air warms up to 32 degrees, and sometimes even higher.

A bit cooler in the mountainous areas. For example, in winter, at the coldest point of the island, the temperature can drop to 12 degrees Celsius, but even here there is never snow.

Due to the monsoon climate, it often rains: west coast- in May-October, in the east - in December-May. However, they do not interfere with enjoying the rest, because they are short and go mainly at night.

Relief and landscape

Landscape and relief areas of Ceylon can be divided into three groups:

• Mountains and hills

Mostly they are located in the central part, most of the tea plantations are concentrated here. Mountains can reach 2-2.5 thousand meters.

The highest mountain - Pidurutalagala - exceeds the mark of 2520 meters.

• Rainforests
• Coast with lowlands and beautiful beach areas.

Nature

Striking diversity. lives here a large number of species of different representatives of the animal and plant world:

• birds - almost 500 (many Siberian and European migratory birds fly here);
• butterflies - 240;
• animals - 86;
• fish - 50;
• reptiles - 70;
• snakes - more than 80 (and only five of them are dangerous to humans);
• plants - 3 thousand.

The symbol of Sri Lanka is, perhaps, an elephant. They are found everywhere here. However, their population is declining compared to former times. So, for example, 2 centuries ago there were about thirty thousand of them, while now there are only six thousand.

People

Today, approximately 20.5 million people live on the island, and there is a gradual decline in population. On average, males live up to 73 years, females - up to 77.

There are several nationalities in the country:

• Sinhalese - 75%;
• Tamils ​​- every tenth, live mainly in the north and east;
• Moors, Arabs - a little more than 9%;
• burghers, they are the descendants of the colonialists - less than 1%;
• Veddas, whose ancestors were ancient natives - about a thousand people.

In this regard, Sinhala and Tamil are considered the state languages. Often you can hear English, which is used by representatives of different ethnic groups to communicate.

Sri Lanka is a developing country and most of the people are employed in agriculture. The main activity is the cultivation of tea plantations, the extraction of precious stones, rubber, the collection of coconuts, spices, fishing, textile industry.

The inhabitants themselves call their homeland simply - Lanka.

In recent decades, the tourism sector has been rapidly developing on the island. People come here not just on vacation, but more and more often - for the winter from the northern countries. Some foreigners even strive to settle here for permanent residence.

Contrary to popular belief that the former Ceylon is a poor country, the literacy rate here exceeds 90%.

Culture and religion

The cultural component of the Sri Lankans - that is what the inhabitants of Sri Lanka are called - is inextricably linked with religion. More than 70 percent of the locals are Buddhists, another 12 percent are Hindus, 9 are Muslims, and 7 are Christians.

many holidays and memorable places are connected precisely with religious beliefs, first of all, of course, with Buddhist philosophy, which appeared on the island as early as the 3rd century BC.

Theravada monks in Sri Lanka

Many religious places go back to Buddhism, for example, the famous Sri Lankan Buddha statue. There are also many Buddhist holidays. Here are some of them:

• Poya - every full moon is celebrated, and even if it falls on a weekday, it becomes a weekend, which should be devoted to meditation practices;
• Navam Perahera - celebrated in February as the first gathering of Buddhists of the year; accompanied by dances, music, ceremonial processions, the main thing takes place in the Colombian Gangaramay;
• Esala Perahera - a holiday dedicated to the first sermon of the Teacher in Sri Lanka, is celebrated for two weeks; the central event is the removal of the tooth of the Buddha, the main relic of the island. It is kept in the temple of Kandy - the most important Buddhist center in Sri Lanka.

The symbol of the island in the 80s of the last century was the star - the sacred flower of Buddhists.

Flying to Sri Lanka

The answer to the question of how long it takes to fly from Russia to Sri Lanka depends on the flight of the aircraft. Direct flights are operated only from Moscow, and not every day, travel time is 8-10 hours. From other cities, charters are possible as part of tour packages.

You can often fly to the Sri Lankan coast with a transfer, for example, in Indian Delhi, Qatari Doha, Chinese Beijing or Hong Kong, Korean Seoul, as well as in Dubai, Istanbul or Abu Dhabi. The time difference with Moscow is two and a half hours.

When traveling to Lanka for up to 30 days, Russian citizens can fill out an electronic form on the embassy website, and receive a visa upon arrival. This visa costs $35.

Tourists of various sizes can feel comfortable in Sri Lanka: there are both expensive hotels and budget hotels and houses - it all depends on the resort and the purse of the tourist himself.

The main resort areas include:

• Unawatuna;
• Hikaduwa;
• Mirissa;
• Beruwala;
• Kalutara;
• Negombo;
• Bentota;
• Kosgoda;
• Colombo;
• Kalutara
• Halle;
• Hambantota;
• Induruwa;
• Tangalle.

Hambantota Resort, Sri Lanka

Souvenirs

Lanka is famous for many values, but there are things that you should definitely bring from your trip:

• famous Ceylon tea;
• spices - pepper, vanilla sticks, cardamom;
• jewelry - topazes, opals, emerald, sapphire items;
• plant oil;
• cotton products
• attributes of culture and religion - masks, figurines, etc.

Conclusion

Summing up, I would like to say once again that Sri Lanka is a miracle island, a country of rice fields, tea plantations, picturesque hills, kind people and beaches that are more like Eden. It is located south of India separated from the mainland by a strait. It is warm here all year round, and the locals, mostly Buddhists, get along well with tourists.

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Full name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Area: 65,610 sq. km.
Population: 21,675,648
Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Official currency: Sri Lankan rupee.

In the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, off the coast of India, there is a small island shaped like a drop.

Everyone has heard about him at least once, and every day they probably enjoy his gifts - delicious black or green tea. His real name is rarely spoken, but the "nickname" Ceylon is widely known. This is Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the narrow Polk Strait.

The inhabitants of Sri Lanka are called Sri Lankans.

At the beginning of the 19th century the island was a colony (dependent territory) of Great Britain and was called Ceylon, and in 1972 it became independent and received a new name - Sri Lanka, which means “blessed land” in Sinhala.

Due to former British dominance, almost everyone in Sri Lanka speaks English today. Only he's not exactly normal. Often a resident british isles or the United States will not fully understand the Sri Lankan, although both will communicate in the same language. This is because the locals add a lot of "their" words to the speech.

The flag of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest. It depicts a Sinhalese lion and two multi-colored stripes. The lion is a symbol of the ancestors of modern Sri Lankans, the green and orange stripes mean a few Muslims and Hindus, and the red part of the flag symbolizes the Buddhists prevailing on the island. In the corners of the flag there are 4 paipula leaves, a sacred tree for Buddhists.

Sri Lanka is an island of gems. In its bowels - rubies, garnets, moonstone, amethysts. But the "king" of stones is sapphire - blue, pink, yellow, white and very rare star. Sri Lankan sapphire even adorns the English crown!

As in others Asian countries, motor cycle rickshaws are popular in Sri Lanka. Here they are called "tuk-tuk". This is the only safe remedy movement, as it can easily go around any obstacle. Chaos is happening on the streets of Sri Lankan cities! Local residents do not follow the rules of the road. They can stop their vehicle whenever you want and where you want, just to let a cow through or go out to say hello to an acquaintance who was suddenly seen on the street ...

This is interesting!
Taking Sri Lankan rupees abroad, even as a souvenir, is prohibited by law.

An umbrella in Sri Lanka is not a remedy for rain, but the main protection from the sun. From the showers that come here, he will not save, but under the hot sun without an umbrella in any way. Therefore, umbrellas are sold even in grocery stores.

In a cafe, before putting a dish on a plate, they put a plastic bag on it. Thus, the Sri Lankans observe hygiene, and the dishes do not need to be washed after eating.

One state - two capitals

The small state of Sri Lanka boasts that it has not one capital, but two! This is a large metropolis of Colombo and a little-known town with complicated name Sri Jayewardanapura Kotte. The first is the residence of the President of Sri Lanka, and the second is the country's parliament and the Supreme Court.

Translated from the Sinhalese language, Colombo means "mangrove harbour". The city is really located in an area where there are a lot of mangroves. But there is another version of the name. It is believed that the Portuguese, who conquered Sri Lanka in the past, could have named the city in honor of the navigator Christopher Columbus.

Colombo is the largest city on the island and the largest port in Sri Lanka. It is noisy and crowded all the time, the streets are filled with cars and tuk-tuks. Colombo is the only city in Sri Lanka where there are high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. And only here do temples belonging to representatives of three religions safely coexist - churches (Christianity), mosques (Islam) and Buddhist temples.
Colombo is home to one of the finest botanical gardens in Asia. Its highlights are the Orchid House and the Spice Garden. The world's rarest species of these plants grow in the Orchid House. And in the Spice Garden, all the fragrant plants and herbs of the island of Sri Lanka are collected. The king of the garden is pepper and the queen is cinnamon. It was thanks to the huge amount of spices that the island was of interest to many European countries. Their rulers have always dreamed of capturing plantations of allspice, vanilla, cloves, ginger, which had no equal in the world.

Sri Jayewardanapura Kotte is a town in the suburbs of Colombo. When at the beginning of the 16th century envoys of the Portuguese king arrived on the island, the guides managed to stretch the five-kilometer path between Colombo and Kotte into a three-day trip around the island! This was done to confuse uninvited guests and hide the exact location of the capital from them. The expression "to go to Kotta" for modern Sri Lankans means "to drive in a roundabout way."

The city of Colombo was the capital during the reign of the Portuguese, Dutch and British in Ceylon. When the state became independent, the city of Kotte received the capital function.

Today Kotte is a beautiful, quiet town with many universities and colleges. The Sri Lankan parliament sits here. A luxurious building was specially built for him in the center of the city lake. Various festivals and fun carnivals often take place on the streets, in which brightly and beautifully dressed elephants, the symbol and pride of Sri Lanka, always participate.

elephant city

In the past, elephants were the main means of transportation in Sri Lanka. They transported people and goods in the mountains and jungles. Today, tractors and trucks do this, but the elephant is still the main animal and symbol of the island.

The Sri Lankan elephant is different from its African brother. The inhabitants of the hot continent are larger, their ears are of a different shape and they always have powerful tusks. In Sri Lankan elephants, tusks can be seen on about one in 20 animals.

An elephant lives as long as a person - 70-80 years. An adult animal weighs about 5 tons. On the day he needs 250 kg of cane or coconut palm leaves and 200 liters of water.

For us, elephants are a symbol of wisdom and tranquility. But the Sri Lankans think differently. They regard the giants as natural disasters and fight them. Most animals are not killed by poachers. They are being shot by…farmers. Elephants wander into fields, destroy crops and even destroy houses. A herd of angry elephants can take down an entire village! Neither fences nor traps stop the giants, and it is useless to try to “negotiate” with them. Sri Lankan elephants are considered more aggressive and "stupid" than their African relatives.

There are fewer and fewer elephants in Sri Lanka every year. To protect the animals from extinction, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was built on the island. This is a huge nursery where baby elephants are left without parents, disabled elephants and retired elephants. By the way, the oldest animal here is over 60 years old, and the youngest is only two months old. He is drunk with warm milk from the nipple so that he gets stronger and feels good.

Elephants are the main participants in all holidays and festivals in Sri Lanka. They are dressed up in special costumes-masks, decorated with jewels.

Elephants have been trained for performances for many years. When elephants grow up, they "work out" caring for them by riding tourists on their backs. This is the most popular attraction among visitors and the main business of local residents. Before riding, the elephant is saddled. This is done only for tourists. Sri Lankans ride bareback. It is very difficult to maintain balance while riding, but an excellent view opens from the back of the animal. When traveling on horseback, you are convinced that the elephant seems clumsy only from the outside. Despite its impressive weight, it moves almost silently. Usually an elephant walks at walking speed, but if necessary, giants can reach speeds of up to 40 km / h.

The elephant, who worked up an appetite during the trip, must be thanked. The best way to do this is to feed him bananas - the elephant's favorite dessert.

Animal world Sri Lanka is very diverse. Animals and birds on the island feel free, they are not afraid of humans and live next to them.

Based on materials