Sri Lanka Honeymoon Packages
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About Sri Lanka
With nearly 1600 km of palm-fringed coastline, Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for sun worshippers. Whether it’s windsurfing, kayaking, yachting, water skiing, scuba diving or just lazing around for the perfect tan, Sri Lanka offers it all.
Two monsoon winds bring rain to two corners of the country at different times, which makes a beach holiday in Sri Lanka a year-round prospect. The north east winds make the south western coast sunny and the sea calm from November to March; while the south westerly winds make the East Coast waters quiet with constant sunshine.
The pick of the beaches in the south includes Tangalla, Beruwala, Mirissa, Bentota and Unawatuna where you can enjoy the facilities of chic boutique hotels and explore the glowing coral reefs.
Sri Lanka’s southern beaches have long been discovered by the international traveller, but the east coast is yet to be fully discovered. The most popular among these beaches is Arugam Bay, a mecca for surfing enthusiasts in the region. Uppuveli beach is also open to the sun seekers now after three decades of civil war.
On the Western corner of the country to the north of Colombo is the Negambo lagoon. Its beaches and lagoon, famed for lobster harvesting, are an old favourite with local and foreign visitors.
Sri Lanka is famed for its ancient Buddhist ruins, including the 5th-century citadel Sigiriya, with its palace and frescoes, and the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Its flavourful cuisine reflects its history as a maritime hub and cultural melting pot.
Sri Lanka Basic Information
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are used.
Language
Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages, though the former has far more speakers. English is spoken at most tourist establishments.
Money
The unit of currency is the Sri Lanka rupee (LKR), which is divided into 100 cents. ATMs are becoming more common, though they are unlikely to accept international cards outside the main cities; major credit cards are widely accepted in major urban centres. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change, banks and hotels. Banks are closed on Sundays.
Safety
The vast majority of trips to Sri Lanka are trouble free, though bombings in 2019 show there is now a risk of terrorism in the country. Visitors should remain vigilant and keep themselves informed of developments. Since the Sri Lankan Civil War ended in 2009, the north and east of the country have seen a growth in tourism. Violent crime against foreigners is very rare, but there have been cases of sexual assault and robbery in rural areas, and women are advised to take care when travelling alone. Credit card fraud is the most common form of crime against tourists in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Travel Specifics
Health
Food and water borne diseases are the primary causes for ill health in Sri Lanka. Visitors should only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks, and they should take care to eat well-cooked food. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for all visitors to Sri Lanka. Tourists should get vaccinated for typhoid, especially if they are staying with friends or relatives, or are visiting smaller cities or rural areas; everyone 16 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required if travellers are arriving from countries where there is a risk of transmission.
Chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are a risk and protection against mosquito bites is essential. Travellers are strongly advised to take out good travel insurance, and to seek medical advice at least three weeks before leaving for Sri Lanka. Quality medical attention may be difficult to find outside of Colombo and other big cities, and medications are often in short supply. Travellers should bring any medication they may require with them.
Duty free
Visitors who are older than 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 2 litres wine and 2.5 litres spirits; perfume up to 250ml eau de toilette; and souvenirs to the value of US$250. They will also need to get a certificate of registration from the Department of Excise to import and export of any raw material or finished products of cigarettes, cigars, beedi, or pipe tobacco. The items must be declared upon arrival.
For family members travelling together, free import applies for two members. Passengers must declare personal effects to ensure free export when they arrive in Sri Lanka. Restricted items include firearms, ammunitions, explosives and weapons, plants, fruits, birds and by-products, medication (unless it is for personal use), and goods for commercial purposes. Prohibited items include drugs or narcotics, pornographic material, and material that ridicules religious belief systems.
Entry requirements
US nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
UK nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
Canadian nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
Australian nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
South African nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
Irish nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
New Zealand nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
Passport & Visa
Passengers must hold return or onward tickets and all documents needed for their next destination, and should be able to show the immigration officials proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Sri Lanka. Those who prefer to arrange visas in advance can do so online or at a Sri Lankan embassy. An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) can be issued on arrival but can also be filled in prior to travel to Sri Lanka. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Climate in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s tropical climate is characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons, but there is virtually no distinction between the seasons as far as temperature is concerned, as conditions are always hot and humid. However, the occurrence of two monsoons makes the island’s weather a little more complicated for travellers.
In the southwest, the Yala Monsoon brings heavy rain from May to August, and the dry season lasts from December to March. The Maha Monsoon, on the other hand, brings rain to the northern and eastern parts of the island from October to January, with the dry season lasting from May to September. The southwest receives a lot more annual rainfall than the north and east, and an intercontinental monsoon period can also cause rainfall across the island in October and November. The average temperature in Colombo and other coastal regions is 81F (27C).
Generally, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March for the west and south coasts and the Hill Country, and from April to September for the ancient-cities region and the east coast. Peak tourist season is from December to March, when many visitors head to Sri Lanka to escape the European winter.
Sri Lanka Customs & More
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel bills. Tipping is appreciated for almost all services, and small amounts are sufficient; a 10 percent tip will be fine if there’s any doubt as to a suitable amount.
Local customs
Photography near government or military buildings is prohibited in Sri Lanka and homosexuality is illegal. Topless sunbathing is not allowed, and visitors, particularly women, should cover up when entering Buddhist sites. It is considered offensive to pose for photographs in front of a Buddha statue. Smoking and drinking in public are forbidden; honour, or personal dignity, is extremely important to Sri Lankans and causing an individual to ‘lose face’ by public criticism or anger should be avoided.
Doing business
The dress etiquette may vary according to various sectors of business due to the warm climate. In the more formal sectors, men will be expected to wear lightweight suits, though a more casual approach is acceptable during the warmer months depending on regulation. Appointments are to be made in advance and business cards to be swopped upon first meeting. It is considered rude to be late for meetings. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, with an hour taken for lunch.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Sri Lanka is +94. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is standard in hotels and guesthouses.
Sri Lanka Airport
Colombo Airport (CMB)
Location
The airport is situated 20 miles (32km) from the city of Colombo.
Getting to the city
Most hotels and tour operators offer transport from the airport; if possible travellers should confirm in advance. Buses and taxis are available, and there is a train station close to the airport, but visitors are advised to arrange their own transportation.
Time
GMT +5.30
Car rental
It’s possible to hire a car with a driver through most tour operators, but car rental agencies such as Sixt and Casons are also available.
Facilities
Facilities at the airport include a bank, post office, business lounge, restaurants, snack bars, a bar and a duty-free shop.
Parking
There are two main parking lots at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport. Parking at the terminal lot can run into quite a bit of money; the remote lot, located 300 metres from the terminal, charges substantially less. There are additional charges for vans, double cabs and jeeps.
Sri Lanka & Colombo Attractions
Most visitors holiday in Colombo for a short time while on their way to or from one of the beautiful Sri Lankan beach resorts, as the capital city, with its frenetic traffic and general chaos, is a little too much for most to handle. Colombo is, however, worth a look, offering colour and some interesting attractions, such as the national museum, the Pettah bazaar and some lovely temples. People who travel to Colombo also enjoy the Galle seafront and delicious local cuisine.
Colombo is home to some fascinating places of worship for Buddhists, Christians and Hindus. The Seema Malaka Temple, in the middle of the lovely Beira Lake, is a tranquil place where visitors feel as though they are far removed from the rowdiness of the city. The Isipathanaramaya Temple is another Buddhist gem in Colombo, feeling part museum and part temple. St Anthony’s Church is a firm favourite with Christian locals, who believe that the saint answers all prayers made in the church. The old Dutch Wolvendaal Church, though in need of some external maintenance, is full of history, with some interesting Dutch grave stones.
No matter what time of year visitors choose to travel to Colombo, the weather will be hot and humid. It is probably wisest to avoid the monsoon rains, however. These occur between May and August, and October and January.
Ratings and Reviews
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