More Information about Sri Lanka

  


Note the following informations for travel to Sri Lanka

climate / clothes

Average temperature 28° - 34°C in the plains and 20° - 25°C in the uplands. Ideal for a bathing holiday is the southwestcoast from October till April. In the evenings short but strong shovers of rain arenīt rare. If you visit the uplands please donīt forget solid shoes and a warm pullover.

entry and outward journey formalities

Passport, valid for at least 6 months after outward journey. Germans, Austrians, Swiss and citizens of the Benelux Countires need a visa for a stay longer than 30 days. The visa can be applied for at:
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Chaiya Road, Colombo 1, Tel.: 01-436353.
You are only allowed to import or export 1000 Rs.

vaccinations

Vaccinations arenīt duty. The tropical institutes advise Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis-A and for journeys to the area of Anaradhapura and Polonaruwa a malaria precaution.

credit cards

credit cards arenīt usual but are accepted at some hotels.

voltage

220V AC

sights

the ruins of Anuradhapura, Polonaruwa, Mihintale, Sigiriya, Dambula und Kandy. tea plantations, uplands, about 1000 miles of nearly untouches sandy beaches, colourful religious feasts in all parts of the country, for example the famous Esala-Peraha-feast in Kandy with its big processions of elephants (in Juli / August).

sport

swimming, diving, fishing, surfing

food

You can choose between ceylonasian, chinese and european food. The native food is really recommendable and consists of "Rice&Curry" which means meat, fish, vegetables, etc. First the meals might be rather sharp, but by addition of coconut it can be softened.

gratuity

Normaly the tipp is 10-15% in reaturants or hotels.

holiday

The "Poya-Day" (full-moon) is an additional holiday in Sri Lanka. On this day no alcohol is sold in restaurants and banks stay closed.

souvenirs

precious stones, carving work, masks, handmade silver and brass objects

precious stones

Rubin, Topas, Saphir, Turmalin, Alexandrit, Aquamarin, Granat, Amethyst, Spinell, Zirkon