Tips for Travelling
Compared
with many other countries it is relatively easy and safe for women to
travel around Sri Lanka, even on their own, though most people find it
an advantage to travel with at least one companion. On the beaches and
tourist centres, some women have experienced harassment form local men.
By taking some simple precautions you can avoid both personal harassment
and giving offence.
Although
it might appear dangerous for a woman to travel in Sri Lanka,
unpleasant experiences are rare. In general, Sri Lankan males are
courteous to females and bad verbal behaviour of a few rarely escalates
to anything more physical or threatening.
Sri Lanka's society is conservative and many Sri Lankans will judge
ladies by their dress style. The short skirt and figure hugging blouse
are considered to be worn by someone who has loose morals.
Regulations / Documentation
Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up
areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns. The minimum age for driving a car
is 18.
In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an
International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If
not, a temporary licence to drive is obtainable on presentation of a
valid national driving licence. This must be endorsed at the AA office
in Colombo. (www.motortraffic.gov.lk)
The Central Transport Board provides intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where there are also private buses and minibuses. Fares are generally collected by conductors. Services are often crowded.
Other Useful Facts of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is located in Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean and south of India
Latitude of Sri Lanka: 7º00´ North of the Equator
Longitude of Sri Lanka: 81º00´ East of Greenwich
Area :- 65,610 sq km
Terrain - mostly low, flat to rolling plain mountains in south-central interior
Population- approximately 20 million
Religions - Buddhist 69%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 8%
Languages - Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil
(national language) 18% note: English is commonly used in government and
is spoken by about 10%-20% of the population
Capital - Colombo
There is air service to and from Colombo, provided by the national
airline Sri Lankan Airlines. Flights are available from origins
throughout Europe, United States, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, the
Middle East, India, and Pakistan. Other airlines, include Qatar Airlines
and Emirates. If you were to Fly Emirates, you can stop over in Colombo
on your way to Singapore (e.g. Dubai - Colombo - Singapore)
Colombo's international airport is at Katunayake, close to Negombo, on
the coast north of Colombo. The journey to Colombo will take about an
hour by taxi.
Getting into Colombo from Katunayaka airport
You may grab a travel map of Sri Lanka from one of the tourist information centres, prior to planning your visits.
Getting around
Although
Sri Lanka is small in size travelling around the island can be
frustrating and time consuming. The country's narrow roads, congested
with pedestrians, cyclists and trishaws make travelling difficult.
However, once you leave the hustle and bustle of Colombo, you can enjoy
many scenic drives around the coastal line or in the hill country. Sri
Lanka is beautiful and even though small in size offers visitors many
travel options.
Now it's possible to do a city tour of Colombo as well.
Air
Charter flights can be arranged to any destination in Sri Lanka through Deccan Aviation Lanka
( www.simplifly.com).
Deccan Aviation Lanka is a six year old helicopter and charter aircraft
operator based in Sri Lanka. The company is authorized to operate both
helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in the country.Today Deccan is the
airline of choice for business or leisure travelers who place a premium
on service, comfort and safety.
The company comply with health and safety standards of major global
tour operators and NGOs such as TUI, Kuoni, UN WFP, ICRC, etc
*Airport to resort transfers
*Corporate transfers
*Mutiple site visits
*Aerial advertising
*Wedding and Honeymoon transfers
*Regional tranfers by private aircraft
*Short duration scenic flights
Rail
Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class
carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few.
New fast services operate on the principal routes, including an
intercity express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys
are fairly leisurely.
The Viceroy Express is the only passenger steam train still in
operation in Sri Lanka. Every journey is hauled by a vintage, British
locomotive, at least 50 years old. For details contact J.F. Tours and
Travels (Ceylon) Ltd, Tel: 2587996, 2589402.
Road
Traffic drives on the left. Flashing lights mean that the driver is
asserting right of way. Avoid remote areas and travelling at night.
1. Bus:
An extensive network of services to most parts of the Island is
afforded with reasonable quality by the Sri Lanka Central Transport
Board (tel: (11) 258 1120; website: www.transport.gov.lk). Private bus
drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often
drive rather dangerously.
Long distance services are operated from Colombo at the Pettah Central Bus Depot. There are two services, one operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and the other operated by private bus companies. The private bus station is located close to the Central Depot. Most of the buses have air-conditioning. Buses to the coastal towns depart every ½ an hour while Kandy is every 15 minutes.
2. Taxi:
These have yellow tops and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are
metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers
expect a 10% tip.
Brand New -Tourist friendly Tuktuks - Hotline 077 2297028 1st Km - Rs. 50/- and after that Rs. 30/-
3. Trishaws (Tuktuks):
4. Car hires:
This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned
minibuses are also available. Motorised rickshaws are also readily
available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less
expensive and recommended.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and
minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka.
|
|
Air |
Road |
Rail |
|
Kandy |
|
3.00 |
3.30 |
|
Galle |
|
3.00 |
3.00 |
|
Matara |
|
4.00 |
4.30 |
|
Badulla |
|
9.30 |
9.00 |
|
Anuradhapura |
0.45 |
5.30 |
6.00 |
|
Trincomalee |
1.00 |
6.00 |
7.00 |
