| Sri lanka Travel Guides and Tips |
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Social Conventions
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. It is customary to be offered tea when visiting and it is considered impolite to refuse. Punctuality is appreciated. A small token of appreciation, such as a souvenir from home or company, is always welcomed. Informal, Western dress is suitable, except when visiting Buddhist temples, whereupon modest clothing should be worn (eg no bare legs and uncovered heads). Visitors should be decently clothed when visiting any place of worship, and shoes and hats must be removed. Jackets and ties are not required by men in the evenings except for formal functions when lightweight suits should be worn.
Tipping
Most hotels include a service charge of 10 per cent. Extra tipping is optional.
International Travel:
Note
All but essential travel to the north or east (other than Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Arugam Bay) is advised. Much of the north and east of Sri Lanka remains heavily mined, particularly around the A9 road to Jaffna. There is currently heavy flooding in low-lying areas in the north and east, particularly the Jaffna district, and north of Trincomalee (including the road to Nilaveli). There is a threat from domestic terrorism in Sri Lanka. However, most visits to Sri Lanka are trouble-free.
Air
Sri Lanka's national airline is SriLankan Airlines (UL) (website: www.srilankan.lk ).
Approximate flight times
From Colombo to London is 13 hours 45 minutes, to Hong Kong is five hours 10 minutes, to the Seychelles is three hours 55 minutes and to Tokyo is 12 hours.
International airports
Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB) (Katunayake) is 29km (19 miles) north of the city. Buses go to the city regularly and take 45 to 60 minutes. Taxis are available. There are trains to Maradana Station, located 1.6km (1 mile) from the city center (travel time - 60 minutes). Airport facilities include duty-free shop, restaurant, bar, snack bar, bank, post office, tourist information and car hire.
Departure tax
None.
Sea
International ports include Colombo, Galle, Talaimannar and Trincomalee. Passenger services to Sri Lanka are operated by CIT , Cunard , Holland America , P&O and Royal Viking .
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Sri Lanka by visitors aged 18 years and over without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 340g of tobacco ; 2 bottles of wine and 1.5l of spirits ; a small quantity of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette .
Prohibited items
Firearms, explosives and dangerous weapons; ivory; antiques, statues and treasures; old books; animals/birds/reptiles (dead or alive) and parts; tea; rubber; coconut plants; dangerous drugs.
Note
(a) Only two members of the same family traveling together are entitled to free import allowances. (b) Valuable personal effects (including jewelry), must be declared on arrival in Sri Lanka. (c) There is no gift allowance.
Internal Travel:
Air
The major domestic airport is Ratmalana at Colombo. There are daily flights to smaller airports at Batticaloa, Gal Oya, Palali and Trincomalee. The airport at Jaffna is currently closed.
Departure tax
An embarkation tax of Rs1000 is payable at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Otherwise, none.
Helicopter tours
Helitours of Ceylon , with pilots from the Sri Lanka Air Force, offers charter tours of major tourist areas.
Rail
Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few. New fast services operate on the principal routes, including an inter-city express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely. The total network covers 1500km (900 miles).
Note: Rail services to Jaffna have ceased owing to the violent political disruptions in the northern area.
Road
Traffic drives on the left. Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns. Bus: An extensive network of services of reasonable quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board . Private bus drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often drive rather dangerously. Taxi: These are available in most towns. It is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Car hire: This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended. Avoid remote areas and traveling at night. Documentation: In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary license to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national driving license. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.
Urban
Bus: The Central Transport Board provides intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where there are also private buses and minibuses. Fares are generally collected by conductors. Services are often crowded. Taxi: These are metered with yellow tops, and red and white plates. Drivers expect a 10 per cent tip. Travel Times: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka.
Travel Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka.
|
Air |
Road |
Rail |
| Kandy |
- |
2.30 |
3.00 |
| Galle |
- |
3.00 |
3.00 |
| Bentota |
- |
1.45 |
1.45 |
| Matara |
- |
4.00 |
4.30 |
| Badulla |
- |
9.30 |
9.00 |
| Negombo |
- |
0.45 |
0.45 |
| Nuwara Eliya |
- |
3.30 |
5.00 |
| Anuradhapura |
0.45 |
5.30 |
6.00 |
| Polonnaruwa |
1.00 |
6.00 |
7.00 |
| Trincomalee |
1.00 |
6.00 |
7.00 |
| Kataragama |
- |
6.30 |
- |
|
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