Live Your Best Lives
In the vast Indian Ocean lies a tiny island. On a world map, it's so tiny it's barely noticeable to the naked eye. Compared to its neighbor, India, it resembles a stray drop of ink. Yet, this seemingly insignificant island is the finishing touch to the Indian Ocean's map.
She is neither ostentatious nor lonely. From ancient times to the present, in the middle of the boundless ocean, blown by the tropical monsoon, she has attracted countless literati, military strategists and merchants to compete for her, and has written many colorful chapters in the history of human civilization.
It has everything except snow.
Sri Lanka is a tropical country with an average temperature of around 30°C. In most areas, cool summer clothing is recommended, including T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, and light pants. You can also bring a light jacket to prevent catching a cold in air-conditioned rooms or on tour buses.
The temperature in the central mountainous area is relatively low. In Nuwara Eliya, which has an average altitude of 1,800 meters, the temperature drops sharply, reaching around 10°C at night. Please remember to bring appropriate clothing to keep warm.
Dress modestly when entering formal events or temples. Remember to remove your shoes and leave them in the storage area before entering (this is at your own expense). It is recommended to bring thick cotton socks to avoid burning your feet after removing your shoes. Female travelers should refrain from revealing clothing to avoid inconvenience or attracting unfriendly glances. Regardless of gender, bottoms must be below the knee, and tops must have sleeves.
China is 2 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Sri Lanka. Tourists are advised to set their watches back 2.5 hours after arriving in Sri Lanka.
The official languages are English, Sinhalese and Tamil. Many signs on the street and even receipts printed by cash registers in shops are only in English, so the locals have a certain level of English proficiency.
Sri Lanka's currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). However, with economic development, the renminbi (RMB) is becoming increasingly common in the country, and Alipay and WeChat Pay are now available in many locations.
Bring your own US dollars or RMB for travel. US dollars, RMB and other foreign currencies can be directly exchanged for Sri Lankan rupees at local banks in Sri Lanka for consumption. The denominations are 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000.
1 RMB is ≈ 24.62 Sri Lankan rupees, which can be exchanged with US dollars or RMB.
The main telecommunications companies in Sri Lanka include Dialog, Mobitel, Aritel, Etisalat, Hutch, etc. There is a Dialog counter at the airport exit, and there are various shops selling phone cards on the roadside in every city. You only need to provide your passport to apply for a phone card. Now there are small cards, so you don’t need to bring your own card cutter as mentioned on the Internet.
Note: Customized machines cannot be used
Sri Lanka relies on tourism as its mainstay, so tourism facilities are quite comprehensive. Hotels in major cities range from five-star global chains to affordable guesthouses. However, please note that hot water is not a common practice abroad, and each hotel has its own specific requirements. Tourists who prefer hot water are advised to bring their own kettle.
Special attention
Since Sri Lanka is a tropical country, the overall temperature is relatively high. Many hotels only provide sheets as quilts. However, due to the superior environment and dense shade of the trees, the hotels are often located in summer resorts. If it is still quite cold even with the air conditioning turned off, you can only add a blanket, which is usually available in the wardrobe. Hotels do not provide thick quilts!!!
Generally speaking, it is smaller and older than hotels of the same star rating in China, but the service is thoughtful and enthusiastic. Teams are generally provided with double standard rooms, with two people sharing a room. The hotel rooms provide towels, but no toiletries, slippers, or hot water.
Please note that as a country with a strong food culture, China often dislikes the food quality of other countries when traveling abroad. Sri Lanka, as a South Asian country, has a strong curry-flavored cuisine, which many tourists find difficult to get used to. It is recommended that you bring some plastic-wrapped food with packaged brands to improve your diet.
The hotel offers a mix of Chinese and Western breakfast, while main meals are mainly Chinese, some of which have Indian-style Chinese flavors. Chinese tourists may not be accustomed to this, so they can bring side dishes (liquid foods must be checked in) according to their personal needs. For tourists who are not used to Chinese food, it is recommended that they prepare some pickled mustard tubers, Lao Gan Ma, etc.
We recommend buying a universal adapter in advance so you don't have to worry about switching between different country standards when traveling abroad! Also, bring a power strip to power your photography equipment. The voltage is generally 220V or 240V, which complies with Chinese voltage standards. However, hotel outlets are mostly two-way round-head, so please bring your own adapter. (To convert a flat-head Chinese outlet to a round-head Nepalese outlet, please purchase a three-way round-head adapter with two short legs and one long leg.)
Sri Lanka has almost no industry, and all vehicles are imported, mostly TATA cars from India. These cars are relatively old and in relatively old condition. Some vehicles imported from Japan and South Korea are basically small cars, but they do not have inner boxes for storing luggage, which are usually placed on the roof. In order to realize the characteristics of small groups of photographers who can park at any time, we will select relatively comfortable and convenient small cars for traveling around the city.
In Sri Lanka, tipping is a cultural practice, and services are paid for. When traveling in Sri Lanka, please respect the service of your guide, driver, hotel, and restaurant staff, and tip appropriately.
Generally, you should tip between 100 and 500 rupees for meals or car hire. For other services, such as helping with luggage or cleaning your room, you should tip between 20 and 50 rupees. However, not all services require tipping. For example, fast food restaurants do not require tipping. Chinese and foreign restaurants do not require tipping because they charge service fees and government taxes.
The country is a Buddhist nation that protects wildlife. Avoid teasing or approaching wild monkeys. Avoid showing off valuables; avoid expensive gold watches or diamond rings. Tourists are often seen begging for money from vendors and beggars, and there are also pickpockets. Therefore, be mindful of travel safety, keep valuables safe, and avoid showing off your money.
Sri Lanka has very strict control over the entry of cigarettes. Only companies authorized by the Sri Lankan government can import them. Individual passengers are prohibited from bringing cigarettes into the country. Otherwise, if they are caught, they will be charged with smuggling.
It's recommended to prepare some common medications for emergencies, such as motion sickness medication, cold medicine, quick-acting heart pills, insulin (for diabetes), and berberine (for diarrhea due to acclimatization). If you must carry certain medications due to a medical condition, you must obtain a doctor's prescription and prepare the medication's foreign language instructions and purchase receipt.
Tel: 0094-11-2688610 (office), 0094-11-2694491 (switchboard)
Of course, when you go to Sri Lanka, you have to taste the local food. So what are the must-try local specialties in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka's most famous tea is undoubtedly Ceylon black tea, which can be divided into plain and flavored varieties. Popular local tea styles include adding various natural or artificial flavors, and even milk. I imagine anyone who visits Sri Lanka wouldn't want to try it! Among the most famous is the Mackwood Tea Factory.
In Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and some coastal towns, there's a thick, milky yogurt sold. It's brewed by the locals and has a rich, rich taste. Paired with honey, it's a sweet and sour dessert.
This type of coconut is golden in color, hence the name. They're sold everywhere in Sri Lanka, so you won't have to worry about finding one. They're also very affordable and come in large sizes. The vendors will peel them for you and insert a straw, making them a thirst-quenching and satisfying drink on a hot day. Afterward, you can ask the vendor to open the shell and enjoy the tender, refreshing coconut flesh.
Kutto Rotti is a Sri Lankan specialty. The chef shreds freshly baked flatbread, stir-fries it on a sizzling iron plate with various spices, and then mixes it all in with large pieces of chopped chicken. The flatbread is flavorful and chewy, and the chicken is fragrant, with a subtle aroma that's not overpowering.
There are many special drinks in Sri Lanka, and of course the local special beer and special soda are also indispensable.
Sri Lankans love curry rice. The curry is flavored with local spices, giving it a unique aroma. The spicy and rich flavor of the curry is a step above Indian curry rice.
Sri Lanka, located on the South Asian subcontinent and a pearl in the Indian Ocean, boasts an abundance of seafood. While abundance is one thing, affordability is key. In the coastal cities of the south, crabs and lobsters are the most popular foods among tourists.
Hopper is the favorite breakfast snack of local Sri Lankans. It is a thin pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk baked in a small baking pan. An egg is often beaten in the middle of the pancake, and it is served with fresh coconut sambol and spicy onion sambol, which makes the taste more outstanding.
Because it is a neighboring country of India, all Indian-style flatbreads have been modified into local-style curry flatbreads.
In addition to these more distinctive foods, you can also taste a lot of things in Sri Lanka that are not available in China, so prepare your stomach~
Sri Lanka is located in the tropics and has a tropical maritime climate, but thanks to the sea breeze, it is not extremely hot. There are no four seasons throughout the year, only rainy and dry seasons.
The monsoon divides Sri Lanka's climate into four periods:
Southwest Monsoon Season: From May to September each year, the southwest monsoon near the equator brings rainfall to the southwest and central plateau areas of Sri Lanka, while the northeastern region continues to experience dry weather. This is the best tourist season.
Monsoon interseason: October each year, during the transition period between the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon, low pressure brings localized rainfall or thunderstorms.
Northeast Monsoon Season: From November to March each year, the monsoon from the Bay of Bengal brings rain to northeastern Sri Lanka, while the southwestern coastal areas usher in their peak tourist season.
Monsoon interlude: April is the driest and hottest season of the year. The whole island is sunny during this period, with only a few thunderstorms brought by the sea breeze.
Sri Lanka's rainy season is the off-season for tourism. While it's rainy, rainfall isn't significant, with only occasional showers throughout the day. During this time, the sea is high, and winds and waves are strong, making the water less clear, especially on rainy days. However, this also has its advantages: fewer tourists and relatively low prices.
Many Europeans visit Sri Lanka during the winter months of December to March, especially between Christmas and New Year's Day, when hotel bookings are tight. The Buddha Tooth Festival, held from July to August, is also quite lively.
Sri Lanka is a tropical country with an average temperature of around 30°C (114°F). Ultraviolet rays are strong at the seaside, so sun protection is essential. However, in Nuwara Eliya, at an average altitude of 1,800 meters, temperatures can drop dramatically, reaching around 10°C (69°F) at night. If you're planning a trip there, it's recommended to bring warm clothing, including long sleeves and long pants.
Local transportation in Sri Lanka is mainly divided into long-distance buses, cars, trains, taxis, and TUTUs (the transportation you may use)
Sri Lankan buses are the main form of transportation. They cover most towns and are inexpensive, but often crowded. Air-conditioned buses are available on only a few routes. Private buses are more comfortable than state-owned ones. Traveling by bus in Sri Lanka can be quite enjoyable, as most locals speak some English, making for some interesting interactions.
Sri Lankan travel is often completed entirely or partially by chartering a car. This method offers maximum flexibility and is the most efficient way to navigate the region. You can gaze out the window and relax while your driver navigates the chaotic streets. Many drivers are outgoing and helpful, offering travelers a wealth of local knowledge.
The growing rail network offers a more convenient option for traveling to major cities, offering far greater comfort than buses (except for third-class carriages). Some roads, such as the Tea Plantation Railway and the Galle to Colombo route, are renowned for their scenic beauty and are a must-see.
Taxis are available in all towns and villages in Sri Lanka, including small villages. However, only a few (with the exception of Colombo) use meters. For longer distances, taxis are more cost-effective than Tuk Tuks and are also more comfortable and safer.
TUKTUKs are almost everywhere in Sri Lanka. You need to agree on the price before getting on the bus. It is not recommended to take a TUTU bus for long distances.
Colombo Airport is an airport with an integrated entrance and exit corridor. After getting off the plane, just walk along this corridor!
Don't look back, keep going until the end
Then you will see this Buddha statue. Turn left here and you will reach the entrance.
At the customs channel, prepare your e-visa, passport, and completed arrival card (you'll get it on the plane, and you can also find it on the filling table next to it). Queue up to pass through customs. Customs generally won't ask any questions, just stamp it and you're through.
After passing through customs, walk forward and take the elevator at the end, which is where you can pick up your luggage.
Exit the airport through the passage shown in the picture
1. As soon as you go out, you will see a row of counters such as Tomas Cook. Here you can exchange RMB, US dollars, Euros, British pounds, etc. into local rupees (about 1 RMB = 21 Sri Lankan rupees)
Behind this row of counters, there are counters for various operators where you can apply for local phone cards, which are very cheap.
2. Later you will see a huge group of people waiting to pick you up at the airport. If you have made an appointment to be picked up at the airport, you can find your name card here.
If you leave the airport by yourself, you can take a taxi or TukTuk by walking out of the leftmost channel.
If you take a tuk-tuk to the meeting hotel, go to the right after exiting the airport terminal. There is a tuk-tuk passage in a small forest. It is not easy to get ripped off by taking a tuk-tuk here.
Of course, it is most convenient to sign up directly for China-TravelNote's airport transfer service.
