Travel Guide

GOOD TO KNOW / TRAVEL TIPS

COUNTRY INFOMATION

Geography

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean and can be located in the southeast of the southernmost point of India. India and Sri Lanka are actually connected by a kind of natural bridge, consisting of sandbanks, coral reefs and some islands. The total area is about 65,000 square kilometers, North and south are 445 km apart, east and west 225 km. Sri Lanka is also called the pearl of the Indian Ocean Central Sri Lanka is fairly mountainous with Horton Plains as the main area with beautiful meadows and cloud forests. It is here that the numerous tea plantations are located on the lower areas. Once closer to the coast the grasslands change to tropical forests, where the coastal strip is dotted with beautiful sandy beaches and lagoons. The actual capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte functions as the administrative capital.

Fauna and flora

Sri Lanka has a rich fauna and flora, including easy to spot elephants, lots of butterflies, unfortunately quite a few snakes and more than 400 species of birds. Even more, for such a relatively small island, Sri Lanka actually has a large number of endemic animal species. Especially around the large water reservoirs, tanks, we can spot a lot of plant and animal wealth! In addition to elephants, there are also leopards, deer, monkeys where the gray langur can be found all over the island. In the tropical rainforests mainly teak and ebony grow, but bamboo and colorful orchids also contribute to a lush flora. Sri Lanka also makes a lot of efforts to preserve its natural resources.

Form of government

Sri Lanka has been a republic with an elected parliament since 1972. The president is elected every 5 years. In January 2024 there were elections and Anura Kumara Disanayaka became the new president. For 25 years there was a civil war between the government and the Tamil Tigers, but this came to an end in 2009. A constitution is currently being worked on that will meet the desire for self-government of the Tamil.

Population

Sri Lanka has a population of approximately 22.5 million inhabitants, mainly consisting of Sinhalese and Tamils, with the first group having a majority of 70%. In addition, there are a number of minority groups, of which the Tamils are the largest group with 17%: descendants of the Netherlands, the Arab world. Malaysia. In addition, there are also gypsies, who moved to the island a long time ago and are still wandering around today. There are various groups, but the most important are the snake charmers, monkey trainers. The social structure of the Sinhalese consists of a caste system consisting of 14 groups, but not based on origin, but also based on their profession.

Economy

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka is still a developing country, with many people living below the poverty line, especially in the countryside and the northeast, where the consequences of the civil war are still felt. Nevertheless, the government ensures that few people go hungry and the social provisions are quite reasonable. Since 2009, after the civil war, tourism has been on the rise again and dare foreigners to invest again. Tourism has become an important source of income. Rice is only grown for domestic consumption. Important export products are rubber and coconuts. Sri Lanka is the largest tea exporter in the world.

Climate

Sri Lanka can be visited all year round. The country has very green vegetation and that is only possible when there is sufficient rainfall. Therefore, there is always a chance of a rain shower. These are usually short-lived so that your travel program will not be affected too much by this. Sri Lanka has two monsoon periods that both take place in a different place on the island. For this reason, we always provide a beach stay on the northeast coast in the months of May to October and a beach stay on the southwest coast in the months of November to April. This way you can optimally enjoy the wonderful sun during your stay on the coast.

Money / Currency

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the local currency. There are banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 LKR. But the value of 20, 50, 100 is too low. For 1€ you get about 325LKR. (as of 01/10/2024) When you arrive at Colombo airport, it is best to withdraw some money with your Maestro or credit card at one of the ATMs. Another option is to exchange euros for Sri Lankan rupees at one of the many exchange offices at the airport. It is also best to have some small banknotes (50, 100, 500)
The cost of meals and drinks is a lot cheaper than in Netherland Of course. Below we give an indication of the prices.
      • LKR 400-1000 – Soft Drinks
      • LKR 1000-3000 – Cocktails
      • LKR 1200-5000 – Rice & Curry
      • LKR 1500 – 5000 – Western Meal
      • LKR 2500-8000 Buffet dinner hotel

Health

Always provide a basic first aid kit and your personal medication for the entire travel period. Inform the local guide or the hoteliers of any medical conditions. In case of serious medical problems, local doctors will be called upon.
Vaccinations.
Vaccinations against:

    • Tetanus (Clamp)
    • Diphtheria
    • Polio
    • Buiktyfus
    • Hepatitis A
    • In many circumstances, vaccination against HEPATITIS B is recommended.

Are you in doubt about your physical condition? Consult your home doctor before your departure.

Malaria & Dengue Fever
Malaria is generally not present in Sri Lanka, so malaria pills are not necessary. Dengue Fever, on the other hand, is a disease that can occur, just like in many places in Asia. Both diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, prevention is the most important.

Bring a good insect repellent. Regular mosquito milk does not provide sufficient protection against tropical mosquitoes. It is therefore recommended to use an anti-mosquito product based on at least 50% diethyltoluamide (DEET). In addition, it is best to wear long trousers and a T-shirt with long sleeves at sunrise and sunset.


Leeches
In the jungle and forests of Sri Lanka you can encounter leeches. This is a small, brown-black insect that usually makes its way through the inside of your shoe to your sock. There it attaches itself to your skin and starts sucking blood. When the leech has ‘drank’ enough, it automatically lets go. Tucking your pants into your socks and regularly checking your shoes and pants for leeches is the only way to avoid contact with these profiteers. Apart from the fact that they suck a tiny amount of blood, they are otherwise harmless.

Time difference

Sri Lanka is 3 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Netherlands.

Electricity

In some hotels you will find power sockets like you have in Netherlands, in other hotels you will find the British socket with three flat pins. That is why it is best to bring a world plug so that you can charge your smartphone, tablet or camera without any problems.

THE LOCAL CUISINE

Local restaurants that serve you regional specialties at a reasonable price are the places to not only see a country but literally smell and taste it.
Culinary specialties in Sri Lanka:
      • Rice & curry: usually 6 to 7 dishes appear on the table: certainly a large dish with rice and all kinds of small dishes with different vegetable preparations, usually there is also a dish with pieces of fish or chicken, everything is spiced very differently, every Sri Lankan has his secret mixtures so that you will not often eat the same rice & curry twice.
      • Lamprais: a mixture of rice, meat and vegetables, all cooked for several hours in a banana leaf. When you open the banana leaf, it looks a mess, but… don’t judge until you’ve tasted it!
      • Kotthu rotti: this is a cut doughy thick savoury pancake, the pancake strips are mixed with meat and vegetables, the cutting of the pancake with iron spatulas, makes a very typical sound in the local eatery.
      • Hoppers: these are very thin pancakes steamed and cooked from rice flour, often in the shape of a bowl. If there is an egg at the bottom of the bowl, you have an egg-hopper, but you can also add sugar for a sweet version.
      • Wattalappam: an egg cream pudding made from coconut milk, egg, jaggery and cardamom.
      • Curd: yoghurt made from buffalo milk, you will see this for sale along the road in stone pots.
      • Jaggery: palmsiroop.
      • Toddy: the sap of the palm tree, it has a sharp taste.
      • Arrack: local alcohol made from toddy.
      • King coconut: large orange drinking coconut, this coconut produces almost no pulp There is plenty of delicious fresh fruit, chopped or pressed into a delicious fruit cocktail and… Sri Lanka is also the land of tea very famous for CEYLON TEA!

LUGGAGE LIST

  • Clothing : Light summer clothing, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers or skirts: this is good against mosquitoes and at the same time you are dressed respectfully according to the customs of the local population, which means you can enter all temple sites without
    any problems. In temples and holy places from your shoulders until Knees must be covered and you must take off your shoes every time. And white color or light color dresses are welcome to Buddhist Temples.
  • First Aid & Travel Kit : Your personal essential medication and medication for minor ailments while traveling.
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, high protection factor, cap/hat.
  • Rain cape or raincoat so you can withstand a heavy downpour.
  • World Plug Most sockets in Sri Lanka are compatible with ours, but not all of them.
  • Cordless sleep masks and sleep masks for on the plane or in the car if you otherwise have difficulty sleeping.
  • Camera binoculars.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Water sandals or shoes that can get dirty/wet when you want to cool off at a waterfall.
  • Daypack.
  • Toiletries. In addition to the traditional items, a small bottle of alcohol gel is always handy to use before or after the marches.
  • Neck gaiters: always useful on the plane but also for the longer journeys in Sri Lanka.
  • Pass port.
  • Mosquito spray: A product that contains Deet is recommended and is available from the pharmacist.

TIPS / Gratitude

Sri Lanka is celebrated for its beautiful landscapes, deep history, and lively culture. Travelling to Sri Lanka can expand your horizons and forge lasting memories. Knowing tipping customs can improve your trip as you engage with the local lifestyle. Tipping shows respect and gratitude to those who enhance your experience, so it is important to understand tipping in Sri Lanka is not mandatory, but it is customary and greatly appreciated.

It’s a way to show gratitude for good service and to acknowledge the effort of those working in the service industry. In Sri Lanka, the salaries in the service industry can often be modest. Therefore, tips for waitstaff, hotel housekeepers, tour guides, and taxi drivers supplement workers’ income.

Tips can supplement their income and support their families. You’re rewarding good service and contributing to the local economy by tipping. You’re also helping improve the lives of those who make your travel experience memorable with life long experience.

For many visitors, interactions with local people make travel experiences unique and memorable. Tipping is a clear, tangible way to show appreciation for these interactions and the efforts of those who go out of their way to make each trip special. Everything depends on the service and the satisfaction that you have received.
Eg : Tip Range for Guide $ 15 – $ 50
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