Getting There

Most Flights from Europe would take around 11 to 12 Hrs with one stop, transit time between 1 to 4 Hrs in the Transit Land to to your destination Colombo Airport ( BIA ).There are also international direct Flights with an avarage flight time of 11 to 12 Hrs.

Population

Approximately 21 Million - Multiethnic and Multireligious Nation consisting of Singhalese Buddhists, Tamil Hindus, Muslim religion Islam and Christians.

Entry

Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA ) is required for 30 days Ca.36 Euros. Travel visas can be applied at the Sri Lankan Mission online in your respective Countries or obtainable directly at the Colombo Airport upon your arrival.

Surface Area

Approximately 65,000 Sq Km

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for Sri Lanka required by law for travelers from Western Europe to gain entry, however vaccinations for all travelers to Sri Lanka are strongly recommended.

Climate

Sri lanka has a tropical climate and consists of very distinctive dry and wet weather seasons. The avarage temperature usually ranges from 28 to 32 degrees Celcius which may fluctuate due to global weather condition as a whole.

Currency

Sri Lankan currency is the Rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents;Rupee coins come in denominations of one, two, five and 10 rupees. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 rupees. Any bank or exchange bureau will change major currencies in cash, including US dollars, Euros and British pounds.You are advised to Change rupees back into hard currency at the airport.

( before security check, as there are no exchange counters after that ) prior to your onward flight, as even neighbouring countries may not exchange the Sri Lankan currency.

For actual Currency exchange rates please check with the many currency exchange providers on the web before your depature.ATMs available in almost all towns and cities of any size. ATMs often issue Rs 5000 notes. Try to exchange a few larger for smaller denominations as soon as possible as small vendors may not accept large notes: you can usually do this inside the bank that operates the ATM During the opening Hours.Please note that if you withdraw money a nominal Bank Charge may apply.

MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly accepted credit cards , Cards are generally welcome at most established Hotels and Restaurants.An inquiry in advance is recommended

Money changers can be found in Colombo and major tourist centres. Their rates are competitive, but choose carefully, as money-exchange scams abound. Stick to banks or reputable offices, such as those at the Airport. ATMs are safer and more realiable

December to April is ideal to Travel in the South and West Coast area

April to October is ideal to Travel in the North and the East Coast Exceptions apply as a direct result of Climate change

WHALE WATCHING - South West Coast - from January to April , Mirissa has well organized Whale watching Establishments and there is always a high chance of seeing Whales all year around East Coast - from May to September to see the Sperm and Blue Whales

TURTLE SANCTUARY - Best Place is Tangalle from September to March

ADAMS PEAK & WORLDS END - From December to May

YALA NATIONAL PARK – Asian Elephants ,Leopards, crocodiles and many more - 1st November week to April end week

BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK - A coast near National park with around 200 species of Birds -1st November week to Last April week

SURFING – South and West Coast from 2nd week in October to end week in March and East Coast from beginning of April to end of September