- Tea plantation

- Travel on an elephant

- Buddha Tooth Temple

- Never-ending religious holidays and festivals

- Great diversity and religious kulturowj

- Heavenly beaches of the south - east of the island

- Rice & Curry

- The railway Colombo - Kandy

The island is very diverse in terms of climate. Traveling around her, in a single day can be taken from the zone of tropical heat by a cold, foggy wymżyny in the dry zone. DWI are the main monsoon season - a monsoon blows from the northeast, the other from the southwest.

Most days are sunny and steamy, however, so short, torrential rains pleasantly freshen the air. The average annual temperature is 25 ° C. Rainfall - 1000 mm / year.

Very difficult to determine the best or the worst period for the visit to Sri Lanka. West and south is best visited from September to May, the west and north from May to September, due to the change in monsoon. Monsoon in Sri Lanka means the restless sea, and increased rainfall.

It is possible to avoid the most crowded of tourists, of which the largest number of visiting Sri Lanka during the New Year.

Involved which has more than 2,000 one thousand years civilization of Sri Lanka can boast of a huge cultural dorbkiem in many fields such as literature, music, painting, architecture. Most of the works produced here had their origin in the great diversity of religious inhabitants of the island. At every step you can find temples and holy places, and almost half a year there are religious festivals here. Traveling around the island, you can get an impression that lasts forever and never endless feast in honor of a god.

Sri Lanka współóistnieją next to each of four major religions: Buddhism 70%, 15% Hinduism, Christianity and Islam 8% 7%. Virtually all profess Syngalezi buddyz (a few belong to the Christian church). Most Tamils are Hindus, but many are also Christians Tamil origin.

When visiting a monument or sacred place, we know that faith represents.

Sri Lanka are forever smiling and very open, they can be photographed without asking for permission.

Embrace, or inclusion in Sri Lanka is a gesture of friendship, do not have sexual undertones.

What could be the beginning of the problem is the fact that Sri Lanka does not keep a distance while talking. Very often, callers are holding your hand for a few seconds after shaking hands and asking personal questions tourists staowi norm here.

Remember the collection of appropriate clothing and shoes when visiting temples and sacred areas ..

Seeing the monk and wanting to greet him should submit their hands as if in prayer and put it to his forehead. Please note that under no circumstances we can not touch the head monk, since it is a sign of disrespect.

To the monks, proceed in an appropriate way: give them a place on the bus or sitting with them in one room always try to sit down.

English, Russian, German, French

English is widely understood and used as an auxiliary language, also about 10% of the population speak it fluently.

83.8%

Do not expect that everyone, everywhere are able to speak fluent English.. On the beach and tourist areas there is no problem with understanding English. However, most people in the villages can not speak English, except for a few simple words.

After arriving in Sri Lanka at the airport get a free 30 day visa. The Embassy of Sri Lanka can obtain a visa for three months. You must have a passport with a validity period of two months longer than expected duration of stay on the island.

First extension of visa (free) to total up to 3 months can be made in the Office for. Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Another extension for periods of three months is possible for a fee (150 USD).

Office of. Immigration and Emigration

Colombo, 23 Station Road,

tel. 0094 22 1 597 511

Sri Lanka Tourist Board

PO Box 80, Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka

Tel: (01) 437 059 437 060 or 427 or 055. Fax: (2001) 437 953rd

E-mail: tourinfo@sri.lanka.net

Sri Lanka Tourist Hotels Association

50 Navam Mawatha, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka

Tel: (1) 242 1745 or 232 9143rd

2695434 - Emergency Red Cross

011/2435838 - Railway Information for Tourists

019/7332677 - Aviation Information

011/2437571 - Tourist Information

Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

al. Wilanowska 313 A, 02-665 Warsaw

tel. (0-22) 853 88 96-97;

fax (0-22) 843 53 48

E-mail: lankaemb [at] medianet.pl

Polish Consulate General in Colombo

Honorary Consul General, Kandiah Balendra

c / o Deputy Charmain's Office

Phoenix Ventures Ltd, 2nd Floor, 409 Galle Road

Sri Lanka

Tel: (00-94-11) 256-56-122

fax: (00-94-11) 472-70-60, 266-96-39

The nearest Embassy: India

Polish Embassy in New Delhi

Chanakyapuri, 50-M, Shanti Path

New Delhi 110 021

Tel.: (00 91 11) 414 900 1996

Fax: (00 91 11) 268 914 1971

www.newdelhi.polemb.net

E-mail: newdelhi.amb.sekretariat [at] msz.gov.pl

There is no obligation meldunkowego.

Exit fee is included in the ticket. Without duty, we can export up to 3 kg of tea (each additional kilogram is charged 5Rp). In order to Sri Lanka to export precious stones, items over 50 years, and specimens of fauna and flora, we do not have the specific documents - for details please ask your dealer.

Leaving the country need to remember to exchange foreign currency rupee. It may be necessary prior to the receipt of the exchange office or bank bought kórym national currency of Sri Lanka.

Arriving in Sri Lanka may be asked to show a return ticket and proof of possession of a minimum of $ 30 for each day spent. In most cases, just show your credit card.

Free health care is available in public hospitals. In addition, the National Hospital in Colombo is available hour care, medical. Most hotels have on offer medical care, but unfortunately that is an additional fee.

It is necessary to take out personal insurance. Are respected insurance major international towarzyst ubezpieczeniowyc.

110 - Ambulance

The main hospital in Colombo

011/2691111

Private hospital in Colombo

Asiri Hospital

181 Kirula Road, Colombo 5

Tel. 2500608

Sri Lanka should be considered for all kinds of lizards, snakes and spiders, as contact with them may be in the best circumstances, to finish hospitalization.

The island has the world's largest zgodnów rate caused by snake bite.

Malaria in Sri Lanka represents a real threat, outside urban areas, so be sure to receive appropriate medications. City of Gampaha, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle and Nuwara Eliya are considered to be free from the threat of malaria.

Zagrożenim largest on the island were the ongoing hostilities between Sri Lankan troops and Tamil Tigers.

Fortunately, in May 2009 the Army managed to extinguish the conflict, but it is still far too early to conclude that the northern part of the country is safe for tourists. Most of the northern part of the island remains under constant control of the army.

Conflict with the separatist group - the Tamil Tigers.

Lack of international conflicts in which they would be involved in Sri Lanka.

119 - Police

118 - National Help Desk

110 - Ambulance

111 - Fire brigade

With the intensification of the conflict in the north of the country in 2008, the number of tourists visiting the island has been reduced. After successful completion of the fighting in May 2009 we can expect regular increases in the number of tourists on the island.

The terrorist attacks were and are a real threat on the island, but never their goal they were not tourists. As a result of attacks has never killed any tourist, but only a few were accidentally injured.

As a much more real threat during the trip to Sri Lanka should be considered in road accidents.

Be careful of pickpockets and scam circulating the beaches (Beach Boys) who want to stretch us.

Valuable documents and money should be left in lockers rooms, and cheap guest houses and hostels in special compartments for the reception.

Sri Lanka is an island because communication with the rest of the world takes place mainly by air. Very easy to get to and from: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.

Sri Lanka Airlines is the national air operator on the island, which offers flights to and from the largest airport in Colombo, Bandaranayake International Airport.

It is also the possibility of a direct flight to Sri Lanka from Europe, the USA, China, Japan, Pakistan, India and the Middle East. Sri Lanka Airlines years also from nearby locations such as Goa and the Maldives.

Directions to the country by train is not possible.

Directions to the country by bus is not possible.

Directions to the country by car is not possible.

Ferry

Once the existing connection between India and Sri Lanka, has been recently suspended.

The biggest airport on the island is Ratmalan in Colombo. It is organized daily flights to Jaffna and Trincomalee. Internal air transport is generally available, but not very popular means of transport on the island because it requires a lot of effort and formality in the organization.

It is very pleasant, convenient and cheap way to travel around Sri Lanka. Their disadvantage is the fact that it runs very nieegularnie, and often do not come. By train you can reach virtually every corner of the country, but please note that during peak hours (morning and about. 18:00) can be very crowded.

They are everywhere and have a very low price (7Rs / 2 stops).

Sri Lanka is a left hand drive, so learning how to drive a car with the steering wheel on the right side most of the drivers may take several hours. Initially, traffic on the roads seems to be very chaotic, but accidents are rare. The drivers themselves are very helpful and friendly.

Renting a car is often combined with driver rental. While the car is subject to a fee free service is that we provide a driver.

Most of the drivers, speaks several languages and could easily serve as guides around the country revealing to us the most scenic spots.

Tuk Tuks

This is a three-wheeled motorcycle, a very popular and economical means of transportation on the island. Most tuk - tuków no pointing devices mileage and price. Therefore, the fee must be negotiated prior to travel is always. A short trail (2-3 km) will cost Rs 1950, longer (about. 8 km) is about 250 Rs.

Taxi

Virtually all taxi drivers speak English. The price should be agreed before entering into a taxi (about 100km =. 40USD)

Taxi in Colombo:

GNTC - tel. 2688688

Ace Cabs - tel. 2501502

Yellow Cabs - tel. 2502888

AC Bus

It is very fast, but relatively unsafe mode of transport. Drivers who work at piece rates often lead them recklessly.

Minibus

Consider this mode of transport wanting to travel the island p in a group. Renting a bus will cost approximately $ 70 per day with a cap of 100 km (for each extra kilometer for the addition of pay 65Rs). For this fee we get an English speaking driver, comfortable airline seats, fridge, air conditioning, TV and DVD equipment and Internet access.

Motorcycle

ON a motorcycle visited the country very quickly and pleasantly, you need only adjust to unpredictable rainfall and adventures on the road. Even for the most expensive machine does not pay more than 10USD/dziennie, but letting it necessary to leave your passport. It is necessary to make sure that the motorcycle has adequate insurance in case of conflict because we have problems with the recovery of our documents.

Internet cafes exist in major cities, although it can sometimes be a problem with that. Price is Rs 2-5 per minute.

In hotels and restaurants and cafés, access to wi-fi is becoming popular and is always worth asking whether the restaurant offers such a service.

Post Offices are available in all cities and most are beehives in okolocy places attractive for tourists. Postal services are cheap, but unfortunately not always trustworthy. To be confident that our correspondence will be delivered is worth to send me a priority.

Opening hours are:

Monday - Friday: 08:30 - 17:00

Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00

Cellular network coverage is virtually throughout the island.

When calling the hotel, it is better to do with the reception than the hotel room, then it is cheaper.

Condition of roads and a lot of traffic on the roads makes travel to Sri Lanka is relatively slow, around: by car - 40 km / h train 50km / h, rickshaw - 30 km / h, by bus - 30 km / h.

1 rupee (Rs) = 100 cents

1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents

2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 RC

ATMs

They are available virtually everywhere in the country.

Credit Cards

Commonly accepted cards are Visa, Master Card, American Express - to be careful when you pay them on potential fraudsters.

Travellers Cheques

Often Happen to that exchange traveler's checks is higher than foreign currency exchange or bank. Advised to take travelers checks in dollars and pounds sterling.

Cheap accommodation - from $ 8.

A bottle of water - $ 0.5.

Coca Cola 2l - 130 Rs

Rice & Curry - 250-350Rs.

Internet - Rs 100-150 / hour

Power adapter - 100 Rs

Running a local bus - 1-2 stops for Rs 7. Drive is about 150 km. Rs 300 per person.

Lunch in a cheap bar - 100-150 Rs.

In Sri Lanka there are many shopping centers in the safest way is to obtain the items for which we can have genuine doubts (stones, wood products, textiles).

To buy the spices, tea or traditional products we go to market or bazaar where you find huge selection of such products in very reasonable prices.

If you want to buy original fabric such as cotton, silk or hand-sewn lace ask about local factories producing these products - in every city there are at least a few.

Tea - it's worth to buy in the shops Mlesna

Sapphires, rubies,

Jewelry - only reputable shops.

Buddha figurines, masks

High quality spices

Elephants are made of wood

Handmade furniture (very often bought by tourists and sent by ship)

Textile materials, silk

Tailored clothing from Italian fabric

Oils, ointments, medicines - necessarily certified health ministries on natural medicine

People over the age of 18 may import / export from Sri Lanka:

- 2 bottles of wine and 1.5 liters of strong alcohol

- Small amounts of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette

Note:

Into Sri Lanka can only bring a few packs of cigarettes for personal use. Attempt to transport a greater quantity of tobacco is punishable 6000Rs/karton.

It is best to replace all cash intended to stay in Sri Lanka immediately at the airport. It is worth to keep evidence of the exchange for the return journey only to replace him with rupees in foreign currency when leaving the island.

Exchange currency in the bank takes a very long time and always carry a passport.

Traveling around Sri Lanka should always carry with them in case the equivalent of $ 100.

Much better to bring U.S. dollar than the euro.

During the full moon can not be in Sri Lanka to buy alcohol.

Completely non-export: coral, shell, przedmitów older than 50 years (without documentation), some species of wood, ivory, tiger skins, drugs.

Do not buy precious stones in small shops and stalls since then we have 50% sure that you buy a valuable product, although the vendor will provide us with its originality.

Accommodation in Sri Lanka has been completely transformed in recent years. Something that could be regarded as a modern tourist industry has arisen only in the 60s. Then began the construction of seaside resorts in the western style to encourage tourists to visit the traditional tour operators to cooperate. The last decade has brought major changes, with the development of villas, golf hotels and private property to rent Sri Lanka has gained a very wide range of accommodation that will satisfy every visitor.

There are many possibilities of cheap accommodation. Hostels and guesthouses are widely available in virtually every city. Corresponding to each choice (and affordable) location is very high - especially in a period of reduced tourist traffic.

It is possible overnight stay in a tent in some national parks and a very popular accommodation in the local population in their gardens.

Camps for the purposes of camping are very rare and is probably due to the very large number of low and very low-cost hostels.

Guest house

They offer a relatively cheap and comfortable accommodation.

Private accommodation

For those who wish to learn more about the customs and atmosphere in Sri Lanka there is a possibility to stop at the private hosts. By prior arrangement money can rent a room or place for a tent for tea and rubber plantations.

Prices vary from very cheap to expensive resorts and luxury resorts. This ensures that everyone is able to find the best corresponding option prices.

8 - $ 20 - accommodation in a hostel in shared rooms

150 - $ 300 - Night at the five star hotel on the coast

Very often, the people of Sri Lanka will invite tourists to each other at night - this is an excellent opportunity to learn about local customs and culture.

Pamięteć should, however, that prior to the visit, ask the father of the family (your house) for approval.

Cuisine in Sri Lanka is very sharp, almost inedible, but very healthy. The risks are virtually non-food. European cuisine can be found in the better, while the more expensive a la carte venues.

The island is prawdzimy culinary paradise for those who like fish and seafood. Also, vegetarians will have no problem finding vegetarian food for themselves.

Rice & Curry - the most popular food in Sri Lanka

Gorlice curry - a local delicacy in Ella

Hopper - a pancake-like dish

Stringhopper - steamed rice flour peg

Jaggery - cow milk candy made from palm kitul

Durian - the most smelly fruit in the world, in Sri Lanka is considered a delicacy

Lion - local beer

Tea - the national drink of the island

Toddy - a palm tree juice

Arrack - zfermentowany juice of the palm-tree

Thambli - juice with coke

On the island is full of bars and restaurants where you can eat fresh and delicious meal for less than one dollar. Often you can find restaurants misleading name "hotel", which operate on a buffet - you pay for what you ate.

You can also visit the market or supermarket where among sellers of vegetables and seafood will find a small, local and cheap grillbary.

Of course, there is also a more sophisticated restaurants that pay for a meal from $ 10 upwards.

Most hotels and restaurants take into account the 10% tip. Additional tips are optional and depend on individual preferences.

Stołując in restaurants, we have to be patient because all dishes are prepared on an ongoing basis with fresh produce.

Visitors should drink bottled or boiled water due to differences in bacterial flora.

Sri Lanka's rare use of cutlery, rather eat meals hands - only his right hand because the left hand is considered unclean.

Safari on elephant or jeep - wato is to visit one of the national parks of Sri Lanka, which are full of tropical plants and animals such as elephants, leopards, bears and monkeys.

Railway Route Colombo - Kandy

It is considered one of the most beautiful scenic rail routes in the world. However, do not expect comfort or punctuality. Both tracks, stations and trains come almost exclusively from the period of British colonialism.

Beaches in Sri Lanka - over 1,600 km coastline and beautiful beaches and palm groves dostrczą by every unforgettable moments of relaxation.

Rafting

If you want to try this extremely exciting sport you may visit the village concealed among the ravines Kitulgala Hill Country.

Water Sports in Hikkaduwa, Midigam and Arugam Bay

It's the perfect location for lovers of water sports such as water skiing, sailing and windsurfing.

Hiking

The most popular lines are wandering around in Sri Lanka are: tropical rain forest, Adam's Peak (one of the highest peak - 2243 m asl) and the forest around Kandy Knuckles.

Tea plantations

One of the most visited by tourists is the Nuwara Eliya.

Negombo

It is the oldest and best known fishing village on the island. Located near the Katunayake International Airport. To try the best fish and seafood in Sri Lanka we go to this place.

Buddha Tooth Temple in Kandy

This spectacular object of worship in Sri Lanka is stored in the tooth relic of Buddha. Located in the Kandy temple is listed by UNESCO.

Kandy

Located about 75 miles from Colombo, peaceful village is the largest place of worship for followers of Buddhism on the island. There is a famous temple of Buddha's Tooth - the sacred relics of the Buddhist faith.

According to legend, the Buddha's tooth had been stolen from the stack pogrzeboweg and smuggled to Sri Lanka in the hair of princess in the fourth century. In July and August, a tooth is carried in a solemn procession, which is a tourist spectacle in itself.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

It's an amazing fifth wieky palace, which is on UNESCO list. Is located on top of a mountain rising high above the plains in the central part of the country.

Dutch Fort in Galle

Another facility located in the UNESCO list. Built in the coastal area of shaft and surrounded by amazing villas and streets full of charm.

Dambulla Cave Temples

It is located in the central part of the island located in the cave temples of the massive hill. There you can see the amazing collection of religious paintings and fine sculptures.

The huge Buddha at Polonnaruwa

Located in the ancient capital of the statue was inscribed on the UNESCO list, is also known from the remains of royal palaces and temples located in the vicinity.

There is a great museum there is also regarded as one of the best on the island.

Sri Lanka National Museum

This is one of the two museums in Colombo, also known as the National Museum of Colombo. It is the largest of its kind on the island. Listed there are the royal insignia of the last king of Kandy, and a huge collection of skłdającą lankijsiej overview on art and crafts.

National Gallery

Listed in making it work in the twentieth century Sri Lankan artists.

Yala National Park

Park is located on the south coast of the island wschodnik is the most popular destination for tourists wanting to experience the wilderness. It is a place in the world's largest concentration of leopards and other gatóunków from elephants to birds.

Sinharaja

This reserve is a perfectly preserved piece of the rainforest. It is worth to hire a local guide who will show us all the most attractive places.

Pinnawala

An orphanage for elephants when we can watch happily playing and bathing Pets.

Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa and Bentota

These are the best locations for diving. Beautiful and full of colorful reef fish are one of the biggest attractions of Sri Lanka.

Beach Unawatuna in Galle

1915 is considered the most beautiful beach in the world.

The most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka are on the east of the island południwym: Nilaweli, Pasikudah, Unawatuna, Weligama.

Be aware of appropriate dress when visiting religious sites (long pants, covered shoulders).

No translation.

January 21 - Duruthu Perahera

This is an annual religious festival is celebrated during which the Buddha's third visit to Sri Lanka. It takes place when a great procession through the streets of Colombo.

Breakthrough in July / August - Esala Perahera

Buddhist festival held in Kandy which has become in some sense a symbol of Sri Lanka. Accompanied by a great procession, dances, beautifully decorated elephants, fireworks and traditional music.

August - Vel Festival

The festival in honor of Lord Murukana held in Colombo and lasts up to 4 days.

Nightlife in Sri Lanka can be a truly memorable experience for tourists. Of course, you will find on the island of Western-style clubs and casinos, but spending the night there, do not feel the true atmosphere of the island. If you want to spend an unforgettable night is best to ask the local population (eg. Wheeler's driver), will advise us the best night of the premises, and in addition will take us to the place.

First of all, the capital of Sri Lanka, Kolomboc gives very many opportunities to spend the night outside the hotel room. The best rule is to be open and ask people to indicate our direction, and you'll find something for everyone.

- Plug-230V (UK)

- Medicines for malaria - if you plan to travel outside the safe areas

- Creams with UV filter

- Light cotton clothing

- Raincoat

- Cosmetics (foreign brands in Sri Lanka are relatively expensive)

- The rest of us potrzrbnego easily purchase the equipment at a reasonable price at local shops

Please note that in Sri Lanka, all devices powered by batteries will discharge by about. 30% faster, due to the difference voltage.

Being the first time in Sri Lanka is not expedient to grant to this fact because it may expose us to attempt to stretch us in a needless purchase.

Public nudity is prohibited in Sri Lanka and is punishable by a fine.

Do not shoot the soldiers and military facilities.

Sri Lanka consider the left hand as unclean, so remember to always use the right hand of greeting or giving something to someone.