HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FLY TO COLOMBO?
There are no direct air services to Sri Lanka and most travellers will transfer through Singapore.
Total flying time will range between 9 hours (Perth) and 11 hours (Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane).
The airport is approximately 30km north of Colombo.
MALDIVES CONNECTIONS
Several services operate on a daily basis between Colombo and Male (the capital of the Maldives).
GEOGRAPHY OF SRI LANKA
Shaped like a tear drop hanging off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka has an area of 65,525 sq kms.
The island is made up of 3 main tourism zones: western and southern coasts (beaches), central and eastern (hill country) and the remarkable Ancient Cities.
WILL WE BE MET AND TRANSFERRED?
Where transfers have been included in your arrangements, you will be met by our appointed operator and transferred to your chosen hotel; and between resort areas.
FORMALITIES
A visa will be issued on arrival. Please note that partial or full nudity is prohibited and that you will be required to remove shoes before entering temples and houses.
HEALTH
You should check with your GP or medical centre to determine which inoculation and/or medication might be recommended. We do suggest you take out upper level insurance and that you only drink bottled water outside hotels and resorts.
LANGUAGE AND RELIGION?
There are around 19 million people in Sri Lanka, of whom approximately 70% are Buddhist, 16% Hindu and 7% each of Muslim and Christian.
English is widely spoken, together with Sinhalese and Tamil.
SEASONS?
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate. Colombo’s average temperature is 27C and with Kandy's average being approximately 7C cooler.
March-June is the hottest and November-January the coolest. The south west and central hill regions are affected by the SW Monsoon (May-August); whilst the north and east generally get their rains from the NW Monsoon (October-January).
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
Sri Lankan food has been adapted from Indian, Arabian, Malay and Portuguese cuisine, adding spicy flavour to rice (which is the staple diet). Fruit, vegetables and sea food are all plentiful. For those who struggle with spicy dishes, there is plenty of Western cuisine available, also.
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Hiking, walking and trekking are readily available; and there are several championship golf courses in the highlands.
Water sports are prolific along the south-west coast and include surfing, scuba-diving and snorkelling (we recommend you take your own snorkeling equipment and wet suits).
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE?
With the amazing historical features available throughout Sri Lanka, we strongly recommend that visitors combine the beach-life with cultural and historical aspects. A tour into the highlands will add dramatic breadth to your holiday arrangements.
Kandy is famous for its dance performances and there are numerous colourful festivals held throughout the year. Wildlife can be viewed in national parks and/or sanctuaries.
TRANSPORT: HOW TO GET AROUND?
Public transportation is readily available, however we would recommend taxis which are inexpensive and plentiful.
DRESS CODE
Casual light-weight clothing is the norm, however it is requested that you cover up (neck to knee and shoulders) when visiting temples.
POWER SUPPLY
230-240 VOLTS @ AC 50 cycles. Adaptors will be required as plugs are different from Australian varieties.
WHAT IS THERE TO SHOP FOR?
Silver, gold, semi-precious gems, sarongs, small wooden carvings, tea, masks, leather-wear and handicrafts. Markets in Colombo provide a “paradise” for the shopaholic as prices are extraordinarily low and with much on offer.
NIGHT LIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT?
Hotels provide entertainment and dance performances and there are numerous night clubs in Colombo.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?
The Rupee. Credit cards are readily accepted in most hotels, resorts and shops. US$ travellers cheques are best.
TIPPING
We suggest you take a supply of small denomination ($1.00 and $5.00) US Dollar notes to tip drivers and guides. Gratuities do remain a matter of personal choice, however there is an expectation that visitors will tip for exceptional service.
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