Sri Lanka Holidays, Flights & Travel Guide
The complete Sri Lanka travel guide - Sri Lanka
holidays & Sri Lanka flights.
Top destination guides for Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka Holidays
and Travel Overview
The island of Sri Lanka lies off the
southern tip of India in the Indian Ocean, a verdant paradise that
is the cradle of the Buddhist faith. Apart from hundreds of miles
of the world's most beautiful palm-fringed beaches, Sri Lanka
boasts no fewer than seven World Heritage Sites listed by Unesco,
ranging from sacred cities, palaces and cliff-top citadels to
colonial strongholds, spanning close to 3,000 years of history. To
complete the picture of perfection, Sri Lanka is situated just
three degrees north of the Equator, meaning the weather is
constantly hot, humid and tropical. Sunny skies are the order of
the day; even in the brief monsoon season there is always a daily
spell of sunshine. There has, however, been
trouble in paradise. Modern Sri Lanka has experienced indigenous
terrorism, particularly in the north of the island and the
metropolis of Colombo city, but the beautiful beaches and towns of
the south and southeast coast have been largely unaffected. Anyone
travelling to Sri Lanka is advised to acquaint themselves with the
current political and security situation before embarking on their
visit. To compound matters, the island's tourism infrastructure is
still recovering from the effects of the catastrophic tsunami,
which devastated coastal areas in December 2004.
Adventurous visitors who enjoy some mystery and wonderment
will, however, marvel at the ancient sites of Anuradhapura,
Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara, where the
remains of a great civilisation are to be seen. The cities of
Colombo and Kandy show the influence of the foreign colonial powers
that fought for control over the strategic, lush island in the
16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Dutch-inspired buildings stand cheek
to jowl with Victorian British mansions and Portuguese
fortifications. Sri Lanka offers leisure and
pleasure opportunities at a gentle pace; this is no package holiday
destination but rather one to be savoured by discerning travellers
who enjoy discovering their own
diversions.
Tourist Offices - Ministry of Tourism, Colombo: +94 11 441
464 or www.srilankatourism.org
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Entry Requirements
for Sri Lanka Holidays & Sri Lanka Travel
Visitors may be required to deposit a sum
of money not exceeding Rs. 500 on arrival. This is refundable, less
any expenditure incurred on the visitor's behalf by the government
of Sri Lanka. Visitors also should be able to satisfy the
immigration officials they have sufficient funds for their stay in
Sri Lanka (minimum US$15 per day). Entry can be refused to visitors
who do not comply with a required standard of general appearance:
men with long hair are not favoured. Visa-exempt nationals should
have a passport valid for three months beyond period of stay,
otherwise passports should be valid for two months after expiry
date of visa.
- For Australians -
Australian citizens require a passport valid for at
least two months beyond expiry date of the visa, which is issued on
arrival at Colombo airport allowing for 30 days touristic visit. A
return ticket or proof of onward travel is also
required.
- New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at
least two months beyond the expiry date of the visa, which can be
obtained on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic
purposes. Tickets and all documents necessary for an onward or a
return journey are also required.
- United States citizens require a passport valid for at
least two months beyond the expiry date of the visa. A visa
allowing for 30 days for tourist purposes will be issued on arrival
at Colombo airport. A return ticket or proof of onward travel is
also required.
- United States citizens require a passport valid for at
least two months beyond the expiry date of the visa. A visa
allowing for 30 days for tourist purposes will be issued on arrival
at Colombo airport. A return ticket or proof of onward travel is
also required.
- British citizens require a passport valid for at least
two months beyond the expiry date of the visa, which is issued on
arrival at Colombo airport allowing for a touristic stay of up to
30 days. A return ticket or proof of onward travel is also
required.
Currency of Sri Lanka
The unit of currency is the Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR),
which is divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are widely
accepted, and travellers cheques in US Dollars are recommended.
ATMs are becoming more common, but outside the main cities they are
unlikely to accept international cards. 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, but exchanging
cash is more expensive than exchanging travellers cheques. Banks
are closed on Sundays.
Sri Lanka
Telephone Access Codes and 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). City/area
codes are in use, e.g. (0)1 for Central Colombo. International
direct dial facilities are available in Colombo and other major
cities. Four mobile phone operators provide GSM 900 and/or 1800
frequency networks with coverage across all the main parts of the
island. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and
resorts.
Sri Lanka
Duty Free Allowances & Restrictions
Travellers to Sri Lanka over 18 years do not
have to pay duty on the following
items: 2 bottles wine and 1.5 litres
spirits; perfume up to 59ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and
souvenirs to the value of US$250. Cigarettes and tobacco are
subject to customs duties. 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.
Sri Lanka
Holidays - Tipping Information
A 10% service charge is added to most restaurant
and hotel bills. Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation
for almost all services and small amounts are sufficient, otherwise
10% of the amount due is standard. There is no need to tip taxi
drivers.
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