Thinking of Sri Lanka vacations? Plan your trip and tell us what you’re interested in doing or check out some of our tailor-made Sri Lanka tour packages and inquire about any package that you are interested in.

 

Sri Lanka Vacations Facts & Figures:

 

• Official Name :Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

• National Holiday: Independence Day, 04 February (1948)

• Total Area : 65,610km2

• Geographic Coordinates : 6-10 N, 80-82 E

• Location - Island off the Southeastern shores of India, 800km north of equator

• Coastline - 1340 km

• Capital - Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte

• Commercial Capital Colombo

• Population (million) [2011] 20.401

• Languages :Sinhala, Tamil & English. English is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of remote villages.

• Ethnic Mix : Majority are Sinhalese, minorities Tamil & Moor

• Religions : mostly Buddhist, then Hindu, Christian & Muslim

• Major Exports :Textiles & garments, tea, diamonds, gems, rubber & coconut products

• Highest : Peak Pidurutalagala (Mt. Pedro) At 2524m, Adam’s peak (Sri Pada), holy to believers of all religions, ranks 4th at 2,243m.

• EssentialsTime : Zone GMT +5:30. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

• Voltage Requirement : 230/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Round three pin plugs are usual, with bayonet lamp.) fittings

• Currency : Sri Lankan Rupee – LKR (Rs.) USD 1 = LKR 134

• Travelers Cheques : Widely accepted in banks and money exchanges, a 1% stamp duty is payable, plus a small commission.

• Credit Cards : Increasingly accepted in the main areas, but don’t expect your local shopkeeper to take one.

• ATMs : Common in large towns

• Tipping : A service charge of 10% is added to all restaurant and hotel bills. A small tip (no more than 10%) above this is appreciated.Drivers expect a tip if you have bargained well.

• Working : Week Monday to Friday

• Medical Facilities :The professional standards of doctors and surgeons are excellent with specialist hospitals including Eye, Children’s, Ayurvedic and Maternity

• For emergencies call:Fire & Ambulance: (011) 2 422222Police: (011) 2 433333 / 119Tuk tuk and taxi drivers will know of the nearest hospital.

• GSM Network : 900

• Transportation: Taxi Radio cars can be called by telephone and are very good value.The minimum charge is Rs. 45 - 65 per kilometer.

• Other taxis are available, but are not metered, so it is wise to agree on the fare. Cabs from the airport taxi counter at Bandaranaike International Airport cost : from Rs 1,500 – 2,500 for the journey into Colombo.Other taxi counters may charge more. Always ask before.

• Rentals : Self-drive hire cars are readily available, but if it’s your first time here, consider hiring a car and driver from the counters at the airport or from your hotel.Drivers offer excellent insight into the island and great flexibility, staying in dedicated drivers’ rooms at the same hotel(s) as you.

• Tuk-tuks : You’ve not been to Sri Lanka if you've not traveled in a tuk-tuk. Rs35-45 per km. Bargain for the best prices.

• Trains : Many places of interest are served by trains from Colombo Fort station.

• Buses : A comprehensive network covering the island with express services between principal towns. Can get crowded.