Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka combines beautiful beaches, modern hotels with a plethora of ancient monuments. It’s an island in the Indian Ocean. The official language is Sinhala. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. You can bring dollars and euros with you.
Seasonality of Vacation:
The island is located near the equator, making it a country of eternal summer. The average year-round water temperature in the ocean is 27-29 degrees Celsius, and the air temperature ranges from 28-32 degrees Celsius. It’s best to visit the eastern coast from mid-May to October. The best beach season is from November to March. During this time, the ocean is calm, and the weather is good. During other times of the year (rainy season), swimming in the ocean on the western and southern coasts can be dangerous.
Visa Regime:
To enter the country, you need to obtain an electronic visa. The cost is $35. Children under 12 years old are free. If you do not arrange a visa in advance, you can obtain a visa upon arrival. The cost is $40 per person. Required documents: passport (valid for at least 6 months); air tickets; voucher; insurance.
Etiquette and Country Specifics:
Women are advised not to wear overly revealing clothing in public places. Swimming naked is strictly prohibited in this country. It’s not necessary to take or give things with the left hand because this hand is considered unclean. Raising one’s voice is considered very rude here. It’s not advisable to pose near a Buddha statue, climb on it, or turn your back to it. Smoking in public places on this island is prohibited.
National Cuisine:
The main dishes here are rice and curry. In Sri Lanka, curry is not just a spice; it’s a whole range of dishes made from various seafood, fish, meat, vegetables, and legumes. What unites them is a blend of spices ground into powder and fried in a pan. Juices are usually served freshly squeezed – papaya, mango, banana, pineapple. One of Sri Lanka’s national dishes is also “string hoppers.” It’s a thin rice vermicelli cooked by steaming.
Interesting Places to Visit:
Sri Lanka is known for its tea plantations, so be sure to visit them. The world-famous Ceylon tea is grown here. One of Sri Lanka’s main landmarks is the Dambulla temple complex, which is under UNESCO protection.
What to Bring Back:
First and foremost, Ceylon tea. The most elite are considered white gold and silver tea. You can also take tropical fruits in your suitcase: papaya, passion fruit, mango, pineapple. Coconut arrack and red rum Kalipso are in demand.
