TRIP PLANNER SRI LANKA
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The peak season is from December to March, but if you go in July-August, you get to see the country in a festive frenzy.
The peak season is from December to March, but if you go in July-August, you get to see the country in a festive frenzy.
TRIP TRAIL
Sri Lanka has something for everyone, from beaches and tea gardens to heritage monuments and wildlife. If you’re short on time, build an itinerary around a specific interest. If not, here’s a sample 7-8 day itinerary for you. Land in Colombo and take a taxi to Kandy for two nights. The best local attraction is the Temple of the Tooth. On Day 3, head for Sigiriya, and on to Polonnaruwa to soak in history. Then move to Nuwara Eliya for a night. By next afternoon, get ready to catch a bus/taxi to Matara for two nights, from where you can make day excursions to Galle and Weligama Bay for whale watching. From Matara, catch a train/taxi back to Colombo, where you can spend a night.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE...
AIR FARE
The Delhi-Colombo air fare ranges from 16,776-20,308, while ex-Chennai flights cost 6,663-10,500 per person. A cheaper option is Mihin Lanka, but you’ll have to book on the airline website as most travel portals don’t represent it. For February-March 2013 departures, its fares are 7,400-8,500.
The Delhi-Colombo air fare ranges from 16,776-20,308, while ex-Chennai flights cost 6,663-10,500 per person. A cheaper option is Mihin Lanka, but you’ll have to book on the airline website as most travel portals don’t represent it. For February-March 2013 departures, its fares are 7,400-8,500.
EXCHANGE RATE
Currently, 1 will get you Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) 2.329. However, the currency is expected to appreciate through 2013, with the USD-LKR likely to hit 126.5 by the end of the year from the 133 levels in mid-2012. So, plan a trip earlier to play safe and avoid disappointment.
Currently, 1 will get you Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) 2.329. However, the currency is expected to appreciate through 2013, with the USD-LKR likely to hit 126.5 by the end of the year from the 133 levels in mid-2012. So, plan a trip earlier to play safe and avoid disappointment.
VISA
Electronic travel authorisation is mandatory for all Indian visitors. To apply online, visit http://www.eta.gov.lk/s lvisa/. The tourist visa fee for SAARC countries has been increased to $15 from January 2013.
Electronic travel authorisation is mandatory for all Indian visitors. To apply online, visit http://www.eta.gov.lk/s lvisa/. The tourist visa fee for SAARC countries has been increased to $15 from January 2013.
TRIP EXPENSE
For a backpacking trip, the average daily expense per person (stay, food, local transportation) is 5,000-6,000. It’s 40,000-60,000 per couple for a mid-scale seven-night package (without air fare), and above 20,000 per night for a luxury break. Check http://www.budgetyourtrip.com for help with budgeting.
For a backpacking trip, the average daily expense per person (stay, food, local transportation) is 5,000-6,000. It’s 40,000-60,000 per couple for a mid-scale seven-night package (without air fare), and above 20,000 per night for a luxury break. Check http://www.budgetyourtrip.com for help with budgeting.
ACCOMMODATION
You will find plenty of guest houses and homestays in tourist areas, with basic, but decent, rooms available in the range of LKR 765-1,400. Midrange doubles typically cost LKR 1,500-2,000. Four-star hotel rooms will come for more than LKR 3,000.
You will find plenty of guest houses and homestays in tourist areas, with basic, but decent, rooms available in the range of LKR 765-1,400. Midrange doubles typically cost LKR 1,500-2,000. Four-star hotel rooms will come for more than LKR 3,000.
LOCAL COMMUTE
Tuk-tuks, or auto rickshaws, are readily available for short trips. For longer journeys, instead of the crowded local buses, consider a taxi, for which the typical charges for full-day hiring range from LKR 2,500-5,000, depending on the vehicle make and the season you visit.
Tuk-tuks, or auto rickshaws, are readily available for short trips. For longer journeys, instead of the crowded local buses, consider a taxi, for which the typical charges for full-day hiring range from LKR 2,500-5,000, depending on the vehicle make and the season you visit.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
FREE
Adam’s peak. Lipton’s
seat. Beach bumming.
PAID Sigiriya: LKR 1,725 Polonnaruwa: LKR
1,440 Anuradhapura: LKR 1,440 Dambulla cave temple:
LKR 1,200 Temple of the tooth: LKR 500 Botanical gardens: LKR 550 Pinnawala
elephant orphanage:
LKR 1,000
*SAARC rates
OTHER
DESTINATIONS Beach:
Negombo, Uanwatuna, Moagalla and Bentota. Cultural: Anuradhapura, Dambulla cave
temple. Nature: Sinhjaraja World Heritage rain forest and sanctuaries like Yala
and Udawalawe.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
• Mosquito repellent, as malaria
and dengue are health risks.
• Sunscreen lotion, to avoid sunburns and heat strokes.
• A stole/jacket for evenings in
hilly areas like Kandy
• Get vaccinations for typhoid,
tetanus, hepatitis A & B.
FESTIVAL OF THE AUGUST MOON
DON’T MISS...
The Festival of the August Moon or the Kandy Perahera, a 10-night spectacular medieval costume pageant, begins on a full-moon day. It has been celebrated since 300 AD, and modern-day visitors can see extravagantly decorated elephant processions, fire jugglers, traditional dancers and musicians, and acrobats hitting the streets.
DON’T MISS...
The Festival of the August Moon or the Kandy Perahera, a 10-night spectacular medieval costume pageant, begins on a full-moon day. It has been celebrated since 300 AD, and modern-day visitors can see extravagantly decorated elephant processions, fire jugglers, traditional dancers and musicians, and acrobats hitting the streets.
SUSHMITA CHOUDHURY AGARWAL, ET
130124
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