Sri Lanka

From MaxTravelz

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is in Southern Asia. It is an island country in the Indian Ocean, south of India.

Contents 1 Regions 2 Cities 3 Other destinations 4 Understand 4.1 Climate 4.2 Terrain 4.3 History 5 Get in 5.1 By plane 5.2 By boat 6 Get around 7 Talk 8 Buy 9 Eat 10 Drink 11 Sleep 12 Learn 13 Work 14 Stay safe 15 Stay healthy 16 Respect 17 Contact

Regions

• Central,
• North Central
• North Eastern
• North Western
• Sabaragamuwa
• Southern
• Uva
• Western

Cities

Sri Lanka has many cities and towns. Below is a selection of nine of the most important to travelers.

• Colombo - the capital.
• Beregala
• Galle
• Jaffna
• Kandy - the spiritual heart of the country - home to a tooth of the Buddha
• Matara -
• Nuwara Elya
• Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
• Trincomalee

Other destinations

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Yala National Park
• Adam's Peak
• Anuradhapura ruins of ancient capitals (partially restored)
• Polannaruwa ruins of ancient capitals (partially restored)
• Singharaja Forest Park preserved remnant of ancient forest covering

Understand

Climate

Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)

Natural hazards 

occasional cyclones and tornadoes and of course the tsunami in 2005

Terrain

Mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior.

Highest point 

Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

History

The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced beginning in about the mid-3rd century B.C. and a great civilization developed at such cities as Anuradhapura (kingdom from c. 200 B.C. to c. 1000 A.D.) and Polonnaruwa (c. 1070 to 1200).

In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty seized power in the north and established a Tamil kingdom. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1796 and became a crown colony in 1802. As Ceylon it became independent in 1948; its name was changed in 1972.

Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted in violence in the mid-1980s. Tens of thousands have died in that violence (and in bloody uprisings by disaffected Sinhalese). Since late 2001 there has been a ceasefire and slow-going peace talks, and even war-torn parts of the island are now open for travel.

Since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and armed Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, several hundred thousand Tamil civilians have fled the island; as of mid-1999, approximately 66,000 were housed in 133 refugee camps in south India, another 40,000 lived outside the Indian camps, and more than 200,000 Tamils have sought refuge in the West (July 2002 est.)

Get in

By plane

There is air service to and from Sri Lanka, provided by the national airline Sri Lankan Airlines. Flights are available from origins throughout Europe, United States, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, the Middle East, India, and Pakistan. Sri Lankan Airlines also operates small Seaplane service to destinations such as Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Galle and many more locations. This is perfect for Photography trips because you can get a birds eye view of the island and takes less time to get to a destination than using the road. Also the seaplanes land on pictureseque lakes and tanks around the island.

By boat

Get around

The most common mode of transport in Sri Lanka is via a three-wheeled automobile called a tuk-tuk. These operate in a manner similar to taxis, and is a highly cost-efficient way to get around. Other modes of transport include renting cars (which often come with their own drivers). Often the automobile itself is free, whereas the driver will charge a small fee for his services. Some chauffeur/guides are government-licensed; some are extremely knowledgeable and bi-lingual, specialising in historical and cultural knowledge, and environment/natural history for your visits to the ancient sites and the natural reserves.

For those on a budget buses are everywhere. They're ridiculously crowded and massively uncomfortable, but they get you around for almost nothing; it costs about a dollar to get half-way across the island. If you're planning on splashing out, AC buses run most routes for twice the price, which offer air-conditioning and a guaranteed seat. However, they're still uncomfortable. Bus stations are confusing places, especially the big ones, but almost everyone will be delighted to practice their English and help you.

Trains also run in some places - these are slower than buses but more comfortable and picturesque. The Railway system in Sri Lanka is very picturesque when entering the hill country because of the winding tracks along the mountains especially on the Badullu-Nanu Oya line. Sri Lanka has an extensive railway system serving all major towns and cities in the island except for the North and the East. There are special Observation cars for tourists that like to take in the scenary.

Talk

The majority of Sri Lankans speak Sinhala, with Tamil a distant second. English is commonly used by government and tourism officials but almost everyone will know a few words.

• Sinhala Language The greeting in Sinhala is "Ayubowan." It means that "May you live longer"; 'Thank you' is "sthu-thi"
• Tamil Language: The greeting in Tamil is "Vanakkam"; 'Thank you' is "Nanri"
• Sri Lankan Moor: If you meet a Muslim it is polite to say "Assalamu Aliakum" (Arabic)

Buy

Handicrafts Of Sri Lanka. For reed, cane, cotton, paper, leather,wood, clay, metal, and gemstones have been transformed and re-expressed in a array of batiks,toys,curios and jewllery,all exquisite hand made treasures.

• Lakmedura,Situated at No 113, Dharmapala Road, Colombo 07 [Near the Colombo Municipal Council Public library] A shop by the Sri Lankan rural craftsmen and women, and facilitated by the Sri Lankan government.

Eat

The food is very cheap generally, with a cheap meal costing about a dollar. The most expensive, tourist-orientated places seldom charge more than ten dollars. The staple food of Sri Lankans is rice and curry - a massive mound of rice surrounded by various curries and delicacies. If you want to eat a cheap lunch you can follow the Sri Lankan crowds and duck into any of a million small cafes, confusingly called 'Hotels'. These normally sell a rice and curry packet, as well as 'short eats', a collection of spicy rolls. This is ideal for backpackers and those who want to get past the touristy hotels selling burnt chicken and chips - you're charged by how much you eat, and unless you're absolutely ravenous it probably won't cost over a dollar.

Kottu (Kothu) Roti (a medley of chopped roti, vegetables and your choice of meat) is a must-have for anyone - tourist or otherwise - in Sri Lanka. It is uniquely Sri Lankan and tastes best when made fresh by street vendors.

Note that Sri Lankans eat with their right hands - this isn't a major problem, because everywhere will be able to provide cutlery if you can't eat otherwise. But try the Sri Lankan way (tips of fingers only!), it's harder than it looks but strangely liberating.

Drink

Water is not always healthy for unseasoned travelers, and so it is recommended that bottled water be used whenever possible. Fresh milk, due to the climate, spoils easily, and so is often very expensive. Powdered milk, however, is safe and is often substituted.

Soft drinks are available almost everywhere, normally in dusty-looking glass bottles. The local producer, Elephant, make a range of interesting drinks - try the ginger beer.

The local beer is Lion Lager, and the traditional spirit is Arrack, which costs about four dollars for a bottle.

Sleep

Sleeping is very cheap. Guesthouses normally don't offer a single rate, but you can always try bargaining.

Learn

Work

Stay safe

Violent crime is not a serious problem for tourists in Sri Lanka. As in most tourist locations, beware of pickpockets, and don't leave valuables unguarded. Women should not be alone at night on the beach or streets. There has been a slight increase in violent crimes involving tourists in the past few years, but it is still rare.

The Tamil Tiger rebels have never targeted anyone for random violence besides the local Buddhist majority and Muslim minority, and are currently in peace talks with a cease-fire. In rare instances, a few tourists have been wounded (mostly minor) by terrorist actions, while a somewhat larger number have witnessed and been frightened by them. It's believed that the Tamil Tigers would prefer to have no Western or foreign casualties. In general, traffic accidents should be a much greater concern than terrorism. There is heavy security in all sensitive locations, and together with the country's long experience in dealing with it would probably make any radical Islamist or foreign terrorism less likely than elsewhere. In addition, Sri Lanka has good relations with all nearby countries (who aren't always at peace with each other) and internationally as well.

It's advised that tourists not travel to areas under control of the Tamil Tiger (LTTE) rebels. Some areas may contain land mines, and the facilities in cities and towns are war torn. It is highly unlikely, though, that someone could inadvertently go into a war zone due to the large number of government checkpoints. Such areas are far distant from places tourists normally visit. Note though, it is common to see well-armed soliders on the streets, main highways and airport, even in times of peace.

Con artist and touts are a serious problem throughout all tourist areas. Using the services of a tout for accommodation, local travel, etc. will most likely increase the price. Do not believe anyone who claims to be a professional (e.g. airline pilot), or in charge of a location (like a bus terminal) without proof. Scams involving gemstones are common. Do not buy with the intention of selling them in your home country for a profit. Also, beware of single males who wish you to accompany them after a religious service. First, ask other members if person is honest and reliable. Dishonest Sri Lankans (mostly male) are very adept at talking tourists out of their money, and generally prefer this method over violence.

Stay healthy

• Vaccination are recommended for Hepatitis A+B, Polio, and Tetanus. Also, the Typhus vaccination outside of tourist areas especially in the wet season.

• Dengue fever: During the rainy season use mosquito repellent when visiting rural areas. When head and joint aches occur get a blood check.

• Malaria : Gampaha (e.g. Negombo), Colombo, Kalutata, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya districts are considered malaria free, as is the city (but not the entire district) of Kandy. Elsewhere, malaria exists and is most likely in Anuradhapura. In the dry season, using DEET repellent for a mid-day road or train trip to Kandy or Nuwara Eliya should suffice. Risk increases after sunset. Malaria pills are warranted for trips to the north (especially Anuradhapura), east, and southeast (usually Malarone or Lariam, but not available locally.)

• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.

Respect

There are several customs that, (for Westerners) take a bit of getting used to.

• As in many Asian countries, toilet paper is not common-- a hose or bucket of water by the side of the toilet is provided as an alternative. If you prefer to use paper, bring your own, but be conscientious about local sewer systems and throw used paper in the trash. As always, the touristy places will be accustomed to Westerners and supply toilet paper.

• It is customary to remove shoes and wear respectfull attire (i.e. no miniskirts, short pants etc.) when visiting temples. It is also the custom to remove shoes before entering a home, though this is not as strictly followed as in places such as Japan.
• Never touch or pat the top of the head of a buddhist monk.
• Do not turn your back to (or be alongside) a Buddha statue when within a reasonable distance (observe what others are doing). This includes posing for photos. It's OK to photograph the statues, but all persons should be facing them.
• Public nudity (including females being topless) is not only unacceptable but also illegal in Sri Lanka - though a few German-owned hotels may make an exception in designated areas.
• Although much latitude is given to tourists, it is more polite to use your right hand when shaking hands, handing money and small objects, etc.

• Be respectful to monks. There's no particular etiquette for Westerners - just be polite.

Contact

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