TRAVEL TO EXOTIC COUNTRIES

SRI  LANKA

GENERAL INFORMATION

Sri Lanka - a small island state located in South Asia, not far from the Indian subcontinent. The current official name - the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the country received in 1972. Previously, the state was known as Ceylon. The official capital of Sri Lanka - Sri Dzhayavardenepura Kotte. Capital functions actually performs the largest city in the country – Colombo.

The population of Sri Lanka - 21 million inhabitants. Among the nationalities dominated Sinhalese and Tamils. The most common religion - Buddhism, which holds the majority Sinhalese. In addition, there are common Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Form of government in Sri Lanka - semi Republic. Administratively, the country is divided into nine provinces - Central, North Central, North, Northwest, West, South, East and Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces.

The main sectors of the economy are agriculture, textile and mining of precious stones. Recently, the tourism industry is gaining momentum. The most popular destinations in Sri Lanka - Resorts Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Kalutara and Beruwela. The most advanced sport - cricket exotic for Russians. The state is an active foreign policy, Sri Lanka - a member of renowned international organizations - the UN (United Nations), the IMF (International Monetary Fund), ADB (Asian Development Bank) and others.

HOW TO REACH

The question now regular direct flights between Moscow and Colombo is still open, but it is known that in the season flights on this route makes "Aeroflot". Excluding this option, the best way to travel to Sri Lanka at the moment are flights of «Emirates» Moscow - Dubai - Colombo, «Qatar Airways» Moscow - Doha - Colombo «Etihad» Moscow - Abu Dhabi - Colombo. All planes are arriving at the international airport of Colombo.

Many are interested in the important question when buying a ticket Moscow - Sri Lanka: how to fly? If you select a non-stop flight from Moscow - Sri Lanka, the trip will take 8 hours 45 minutes (flight to the capital of the country - Colombo). With connections it will be about 14 hours, but it depends on the time of docking, it is different from the airlines.

LANGUAGE

Sri Lanka has two official languages ​​- Sinhala language (Sinhala) and Tamil (Tamil). Sngalskom language spoken at 74% of the population, 18% in Tamil. Another 8% of the population speak other languages.

English to "get by" level, own approximately 10% of Sri Lanka. It is usually, urban residents, the public service and work in the tourism sector. Non-urban residents usually own no more than a couple of words of welcome in English.

CLIMATE

Sri Lanka's climate is tropical and warm all year round. To the equator a stone's throw away, so the temperature throughout the year is almost unchanged and is always 28-30 degrees. Most comfortable with the heat transferred from the coastal areas where the sea breeze always blows, and in the highlands of the island, where the temperature is about 10 degrees cooler.

Seasons in Sri Lanka are not determined according to changes in temperature, and the amount of precipitation. In this connection, on the island stands out the dry season (he is high tourist season) and the rainy season (low tourist season). Moreover, despite the small size of the island, on different coasts of the island during the rainy season is different:

    in the north-east coast of the rainy season from October to January;

    in the south-west coast of the rainy season from May to July.

The rainy season is characterized by a great amount of precipitation, but, fortunately, most of them are usually held at night. If we begin the afternoon rain, it is usually held a powerful rainstorm flooding all around, and quickly ends. So that even the rainy season is not a complete contraindication to rest.

Dry season (high season). At this time the precipitation is not seen, and the temperature a little bit, but weaker.

With this in mind we can say that the tourist season in Sri Lanka last year round, you just need to choose the right place to stay.

CUISINE

National Lankan cuisine has much in common with India, due to the geographical proximity of the two countries. Spices, succulent fruits, seafood - all these elements are traditional in both countries. The basis of the daily diet in Sri Lanka are dishes of rice and curry. The latter, by the way, not only the seasoned meat. On the island side dishes are served with curry, fish, vegetables and other dishes.

Since meals Sri Lanka and South India is very similar, in many local restaurants in the menu tells you where the Sri Lankan cuisine, and where - South India. In addition, in different regions have their own variations of cooking.

Generally, the food is very cheap, inexpensive lunch will cost about a dollar. Rarely dinner can cost more than ten dollars, except in the most expensive places targeting travelers. In Colombo, a selection of high quality restaurants.

In Ceylon the kitchen often used coconut ingredients - coconut milk, butter and chips. There are many other dishes with other unusual ingredients for us.

SHOPS

Shopping in Sri Lanka is presented as a rather modern shopping centers and tradatsionnymi markets with all kinds of people's goods - from spices to clothing made from natural fabrics. Local producers of goods prices are very democratic. Most shopping opportunities, of course, in Colombo, but the Sri Lankan provinces, and especially the tourist centers also has much to offer tourists in terms of shopping.

More on store opening times, about what to buy, where to buy and how to haggle you can read in the article "Shopping in Sri Lanka."

WHAT  TO SEE

Sri Lanka - an island full of sights: it is a huge number of cultural sites, nine of which in 1978 were included in the program of assistance for the restoration and conservation of ancient monuments by UNESCO. All the most important sights of the island are located in the so-called "Cultural Triangle" - the area between the Anuradhapura (ancient northern capital), Polonnaruwa (eastern capital of the country) and Kandy (capital of the last independent state Sinhalese in the island's center.)

Anuradhapura

The ancient city of Anuradhapura is located 200 kilometers from Colombo. Archaeologists believe that the settlement was established in the V century BC. e. Anuradhapura - the object is not only cultural but also religious heritage. Bo-tree and seven Dagobah considered one of the major Buddhist shrines in the world. According to legend, Bo-Tree - tree appendage Budha Goya, which is known for the fact that it happened to him under the insight of the Buddha. Dagobah is the storage location of the holy relics of the Buddha, or built in honor of important historical events. The most famous - or the Great Stupa Ruvanovelli stupa. Diameter of the base of the building more than 80 meters. It is known that it was built in the II century BC. e.

Mihintale

Mihintale is a small town just a few kilometers from Anuradhapura. Memorable place because here, for the first time in Sri Lanka appeared missionaries to preach Buddhism. Mahinda Mountain is named in honor of the first Buddhist preacher on the island. Staircase of 1840 steps leads to a whole range of different structures. Among them - a stupa containing the relics of Mahinda, a statue of the Buddha and stupas with functioning in our time Buddhist temple.

Polonnaruwa

City of Polonnaruwa is known that in the Middle Ages was the capital of Sri Lanka. Here is the whole complex of the ruins of ancient temples, palaces and other buildings. The most remarkable sights - Gal Vihara temple. Of particular interest are the statues of Buddha, carved into the rock. All four of the monument depicted in different poses and look very natural. Furthermore, in the city there are many other attractions. Among them - the Archaeological Museum, the Sea of ​​Parakramabahu, Southern Monastery Garden Parakramabahu, the Council of Ministers building and Nissankamally huge complex - an ancient city.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya - the legendary historical complex, located on a high cliff. The main attraction - a unique gallery with giant murals which depict naked girls. The big picture is amazing - sigiriyskie motifs are located in the space of a length of 140 meters and a height of 40 meters. From other sites - a giant rock lion over "gate Sigiriya" preserved only the lower part of the legs with the beast.

Dambulla

Sigiriya is located close to the popular tourist spot - Dambulla. Vacationers from all over the world come here to see the legendary cave temple. It huge collection of Buddha statues, as well as view of the murals, which depict the principal moments of the life of the great prophet. The temple consists of five caves - Devaradzhalena, Maharadzhalena, Maha Vihara Alut, Pachchima Vihara and Dewan Alut Vihara.

Aluvihara

30 km from Kandy is the famous Temple Aluvihara. Originally, it consisted of 13 caves, some of which have survived to our time. Each of the caves has a special position. According to ancient tradition, for example, the cave was covered Aloka Vihara is the abode of the gods and the god of the chakram.

Auca Buddha

Buddha statue Auca - one of the most beautiful monuments of the enlightened world. Auca is located 50 kilometers from the ancient capital - Anuradhapura. Specialists note naturalism and perfectly preserved statues of proportion. This is despite the rather big dimensions - height of the monument is 13 meters.

Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden is located a few kilometers away from Kandy. It contains a huge number of species of flora. Botanical Garden is considered one of the best on the continent. Only in the collection room colors are more than 750 species of orchids and decorative nearly 100 species. Interesting and unique "Walk of Fame" consisting of trees that had been planted by famous people. In this case, had to be noted and our countrymen - Tsar Nicholas II and the world's first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. In addition to the plants, the garden was chosen by representatives of the animal world. Everywhere you can find monkeys and flying foxes.

Elephant Nursery

In 1979, Pinavelle opened elephant nursery. Here, take care of the young elephant calves. When the young are growing up, they are sent to work requiring enormous physical strength or in zoos adult elephants. It is best to visit the nursery during feeding. You can watch up close to see how elephants are fed milk from the bottle.

Trincomalee

The city is located in north-eastern Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is known for it until the 50's of the last century, the British Navy base is located. Today, the city attracts many tourists attractions - sea port, hot springs, coral island, the naval museum. It is interesting that in the spiritual place has become a stumbling block to Hindus and Buddhists. The fact is that in the near Trincomalee located objects of value to representatives of these two religions - Buddhist temple Giri Kanda and Hindu Kovil Konesvaram. Thus, in the region are strong conflicts between the Sinhalese, Tamils ​​and Buddhists adhering to the Hindu religion.

Batticaloa

This town in the east of Sri Lanka, you can witness the unique spectacle - the "performance" singing fish. From mid-spring to early fall marine life peculiar arrange concerts. True, to hear the "concert" only in a quiet and calm weather - the sound is very muffled water. Batticaloa town is also known for its unique architectural structure - the Dutch port, built in XVII century.

Gulf of Arugam Bay

Is very popular among water sports enthusiasts who come to Arugam Bay from all over the world. Sports season here begins in spring and lasts until late autumn. Annually Arugam Bay is the venue for the world championship of surfing. At this time, the island attracts the best surfers from around the world. In addition, the diverse flora and fauna of the underwater world of the bay attracts divers and snorkelers.

Botanical Garden Hakgala

A few kilometers from Nuwara Eliya in 1860, was created Hakgala Botanic Garden, which is still a popular tourist destination. At this point you can see a very exotic trees - English oak, cypress, camphor, and others. Especially colorful local collection of ferns and orchids. In the garden you can find not only the unique plants and rare animals. Tourists most admired funny bearded monkeys.

Plateau Horton

Plateau Horton became home to exotic insects, birds and plants. But the main attraction is the animals - jackals, leopards, deer, roe deer and monkeys. Previously lived here even elephants. In addition, Plateau Horton known multimeter vertical cliff with the symbolic name "End of the World." It offers a stunning view of the ocean and surrounding area.

Adam's Peak

Adam Gore - one of the highest in Sri Lanka, with an altitude 2240 meters. Associated with this place in legend. Adam's Peak is considered sacred to all major religions - Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. At the top of the mountain is located footprint in form similar to man, but its length (160 cm) casts doubt on the fact that someone should really left out of people. Someone thinks this mark just a unique natural phenomenon, one version proves fraud, and someone truly believes that mark by the first man on Earth. Anyway, in order to touch her lips to the artifact, a trip to Sri Lanka every year making thousands of different religions.

Tea plantations

Tea is known since ancient times for its taste. Old traditions and recipes are preserved in the modern production of great drinks. At present Sri Lanka is the first in the world in export of tea. Plantations are located in the central part of the country. You will be able to visit them during their tours, to see firsthand how the famous Ceylon tea is grown and even try to drink a cup of the local tea.