SRI LANKA – History & Culture
Sri Lanka has a history of more than 3000 years and is home to some of the oldest cities in the world, including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla. Their once glorious townships, palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals, and theaters, intricately carved and modeled from stone, lay in the jungle and were abandoned and forgotten over time.
Of all the ancient cities of Lanka, the kingdom of Anuradhapura is the most famous and exquisite. Sri Lanka’s third and longest-serving capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is also one of the holiest cities of the world’s Buddhists. It was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC. Until the turn of the 11th century, it was one of the most stable and enduring centers of political power and urban life in South Asia.
Sigiriya, a fortress from the 5th century AD And a water garden showcases some of the most futuristic elements of landscaping and some of the oldest murals in the country.
Polonnaruwa, the country’s second oldest kingdom, has irrigation systems far superior to those of the country, and they provide irrigation water to farmers in and around Polonnaruwa. Digamadulla, the Eastern Kingdom of Sri Lanka, was the agricultural and spiritual capital of the country during the Anuradhapura Kingdom.
Sri Lanka’s last kingdom, the Kingdome of Kandy, is proof that Sri Lanka is capable of gathering ashes and rising from them. After the Kandyan Kingdom was burned and devastated more than three times by the invading Portuguese, beautifully carved and built houses, palaces and temples have been preserved over the course of almost 500 years.
Despite its fame as a magnificent island and a leading tourist destination, the secret to Sri Lanka’s appeal lies with the people. The spice-addicted, cricket-crazy and tea-drinking people of Sri Lanka are famous for their big smiles and bigger hearts. With a culture enriched with three thousand years of knowledge, Buddhism and many colonial traditions, Sri Lankan society is a potpourri of religions and races that are different yet similar in many ways.
All people in Sri Lanka love the spicy food and the light tea light. Inevitable for a country that produces the best spices and tea in the world. Introduced to the country in the 19th century through the colonial era, British Ceylon tea is the best tea in the world, while Sri Lanka has always been known for its high-quality spices.
In Sri Lanka, cricket is the ultimate passion that brings together all the people of Sri Lanka, regardless of caste, race, and creed.
Aside from tea and cricket, gemstones, especially blue sapphires, are synonymous with Sri Lanka. The country’s gemstone industry has a long and colorful history. Also known as “Rathnadeepa” or the land of gemstones, Sri Lanka has produced bright blue sapphire and red rubies, among other things. In addition to precious stones, Sri Lanka also exported fine ivory to many royal courts in Europe. Many delicious treasures carved from ivory by local artists can be found in the museum in Europe and testify to the local skills that were created after the handover of the father to.
SRI LANKA – Visas & Entry
Immigration and customs
Entry and import regulations for different nationals may change at short notice without the Federal Foreign Office being informed in advance. Legally binding information and/or information on the entry and customs requirements for the import of goods that goes beyond this information can only be obtained directly from the representations of your destination country.
Visa before entry
The visa can be applied for online in the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETA) before entry.
However, it is also possible to apply at a Sri Lankan mission abroad.
When applying online, please make sure that:
that you are using the official ETA website. There may be different fees when using other websites,
that all information is correct. The Sri Lankan authorities insist on issuing a new visa at the airport, even in the event of minor errors (e.g. transposed numbers or accidental entry of the letter “O” instead of the number “0” in the passport number), for which fees are then charged again.
Please also make sure that you specify the correct purpose of travel when applying for a visa. Travelers who misuse their visa for an undisclosed purpose of travel (e.g., business activities or attending conferences on a tourist visa) risk arrest and deportation.
Visa on arrival
For an extra charge, the visa can also be issued upon entry at the airport. The fee for a visit or business visa valid for up to 30 days for a single entry is US$ 35. If the visa is issued at the airport upon entry, the fee increases to US$ 40. Visas for transit travellers (valid up to two days) and for children under the age of twelve are free of charge. Please note that applying for a visit visa at the airport may involve long waiting times.
Tourist visas are issued for a period of four weeks. Extensions of tourist visas are possible in exceptional cases and are extremely time-consuming. Early admission with the Department of Immigration and Emigration, 45 Ananda Kumaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 8, is strongly recommended (e-mail: adcvisa@immigration.gov.lk).
Long-term stays
The issuance of a long-term visa is only possible through a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission. For detailed information on how to apply for a visa, as well as in case of technical problems with the application for an ETA, please contact the responsible Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or consult the above website.
Minors
There are no known special regulations for the entry of minors.
If necessary, follow the instructions for a declaration of consent for minors.
Import regulations
The import of national currency is possible up to an amount of 1,000 LKR, the transport of foreign currency is unlimited, but from a value of 10,000 US dollars it must be declared. The export of national currency is limited to 250 LKR, the export of foreign currency is possible up to the amount declared upon entry.
Foreign tobacco products may not be imported.
The import of articles made from protected animal and plant species is prohibited. The export of antiques (all items older than 50 years) requires official approval.
The import and export of weapons and drugs is strictly prohibited.
Current medical advice
In January 2019, the WHO declared a lack of vaccination protection against measles to be a threat to global health. A review and, if necessary, supplementation of the vaccination protection against measles for adults and children is therefore strongly recommended at the latest in the travel preparation.
Vaccination protection
The Federal Foreign Office generally recommends checking and completing the standard vaccinations in accordance with the current vaccination calendar of the Robert Koch Institute for children and adults on the occasion of each trip.
For adults, this includes vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), possibly also against polio (polio), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), influenza (flu), pneumococci and herpes zoster (shingles).
Vaccinations against hepatitis A are recommended as travel vaccinations, and in the case of long-term stays or are at particular risk, also against hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid fever and Japanese encephalitis.
Dengue-Fieber
Dengue occurs seasonally more frequently throughout the country. In 2017, the strongest eruption to date was recorded. The west of the country with the capital region was particularly affected. The number of cases peaked in July 2017 and has been declining since then or is again adapting to long-term trends.
Dengue is transmitted by the bite of diurnal mosquitoes. Fever, headache and aching limbs and a rash characterize the course and can be confused with the symptoms of the flu. In individual cases, severe courses can occur with serious damage to health or death. There is no vaccination and no effective medication against the dengue viruses. Careful exposure prophylaxis is also indicated during the day, see also Leaflet Dengue Fever.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya infections can occur at the same time as dengue in the region. The viruses take the same transmission route. Therefore, protection against mosquitoes by wearing long clothing and repellents also applies here.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an inflammation of the brain caused by viruses. These are transmitted by nocturnal mosquitoes. Pigs and waterfowl in particular are infected with the virus without getting sick themselves. Diseases in humans are rather rare, but are often severe and leave permanent damage or are fatal. There are no effective drugs against the JE viruses. Therefore, careful mosquito protection and, if necessary, preventive vaccination are particularly important.
Malaria
In September 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Sri Lanka malaria-free.
Due to the mosquito-borne infection risks, exposure prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. Particular attention should be paid to the following points:
Wearing body-covering, light-colored clothing (long pants, long shirts)
Repeated application of insect repellent to all exposed parts of the body during the day (dengue!) as well as in the evening hours and at night
If necessary, sleep under an impregnated mosquito net
Stay in rooms protected from mosquitoes (fly screens, air conditioners)
Exposure prophylaxis can protect against diseases such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis.
HIV/AIDS
There is a fundamental risk of HIV and hepatitis B infection through sexual contact, intravenous drug abuse (unclean syringes or cannulas), tattoos or piercings and blood transfusions. The use of condoms is always strongly recommended, especially for casual acquaintances and commercial sex.
Diarrhea and intestinal diseases
Diarrhoeal diseases are common throughout the country all year round. Tap water does not always have drinking water quality, even in cities. It is recommended to consume only drinks in their original packaging in bottles or cans or to thoroughly boil, filter or disinfect water by counter-osmosis before consumption. For washing fruit and vegetables or brushing teeth, only treated drinking water should be used outside the capital. The consumption of raw, uncooked and unpeeled products should be avoided. Meat, fish and seafood should only be eaten if they are well cooked. General hygiene measures such as regular hand washing or hand disinfection after going to the toilet and before eating and keeping flies away from food can reduce the risk of infection.
Rabies
Rabies is a regularly fatal infectious disease caused by viruses that are transmitted with the saliva of infected animals or humans (by biting, licking injured skin areas or droplets of saliva on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes). Reliable protection against the disease is provided by vaccination against a bite. Therefore, a preventive rabies vaccination is of particular importance. It should be completed before the start of the journey. The immediate “refresher”, which is also necessary after a bite, can then be carried out on site if necessary.
Geographical and climatic diseases
The intensity of the sun’s rays is often underestimated by holidaymakers. Good sun protection and sufficient fluid intake must be taken into account, especially for children and the elderly. Dangerous ocean currents repeatedly lead to tragic drowning accidents:
Pay attention to corresponding warnings on the beaches. Alcohol consumption should be avoided when bathing and swimming. Children should never play unsupervised on beaches. Beaches contaminated by animal droppings also carry a risk of infection for parasitic skin diseases (Larva migrans cutanea).
Adequate medical care, especially in emergencies or accidents, is not always and everywhere guaranteed.
Ayurveda
In the medical literature, there are always reports about arsenic and heavy metal poisoning caused by Ayurvedic medicines. In recent years, the media have also reported on individual cases from Sri Lanka. It is strongly advised not to take uncertified Ayurvedic medicines during Ayurvedic treatments and to make sure that neither arsenic nor heavy metals are contained as active ingredients.
Health care
Medical care is sufficient to good in the large cities and tourist centres, but does not meet European standards everywhere. In Colombo, medical care in individual specialist areas is also at a high to very high level. Sufficient and valid health insurance coverage, including travel repatriation insurance, is strongly recommended. Travellers should bring sufficient quantities of medication to Sri Lanka and have their doctor certify the necessity in English for entry.
Before you travel, seek personal advice from tropical medicine advice centres/tropical medicine specialists/travel physicians and adjust your vaccination protection, even if you already have tropical experience from other regions.
In addition to our general disclaimer, please note the following important note:
No guarantee can be given for the accuracy and completeness of the medical information or liability for any damage that may occur. You remain responsible for your own health.
SRI LANKA – Flora & Fauna
Despite its small size, Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world, whether in plants or animals, and is among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. Of the ninety-one species of mammals found in Sri Lanka’s Asian elephants, sloth bears, leopards, sambars, and wild buffalo attract most of the attention of wildlife enthusiasts. However, Sri Lanka’s rarest mammals are the red-slender loris, toque macaque and purple-faced langur, which are endangered by habitat loss, according to the IUCN.
Meanwhile, the ocean around Sri Lanka is home to large families of whales, including the mighty blue whales, sperm whales and lively dolphins. A total of 26 species of whales dominate the country’s waters, making it one of the best places to watch whales and dolphins.
Despite the mighty elephants and rare amphibians that can be found on land, birds are the glory of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. With nearly 433 species of birds, 233 of which are native to Sri Lanka, there are 20 endemic species in Sri Lanka. Another 80 species have developed different breeds in Sri Lanka compared to their cousins on the Indian mainland.
Although Sri Lanka is less famous, it has one of the richest amphibian species in the world, which includes over 106 amphibian species, over 90 of which are endemic. The country has long claimed to have the highest density of amphibian species in the world, with a high concentration in the Sinharaja Rainforest.
SRI LANKA – General information
Safety
Keep money, IDs, driver’s licenses, flight tickets and other important documents safe (for example in the hotel safe).
Take only the cash you need for the day and no unnecessary valuables.
Be particularly attentive in larger crowds such as at train stations or on the bus and pay attention to your valuables.
Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and do not leave them unattended in a restaurant or bar.
Natural disasters
Monsoon-like rains can cause short but severe flooding in Sri Lanka.
The rainy season extends from December to March in the northeast and from June to October in the southwest.
In addition, cyclones can occur, especially in the period from April to December.
Follow news and weather reports.
Always observe prohibitions, signs and warnings as well as the instructions of local authorities.
Familiarize yourself with tips on how to behave in the event of tsunamis. This is offered by the German Research Centre for Geosciences.
In the event of a storm warning, please note the information on hurricanes abroad.
Travel information
Infrastructure/Transport
Travel is possible to all holiday areas of Sri Lanka.
For overland travel, rail is preferable to public buses, which are often involved in serious accidents due to reckless driving.
Journeys to the hinterland in the east are sometimes arduous. An increased mine risk cannot be ruled out here.
There is left-hand traffic. Night driving is not advisable outside the cities for reasons of road safety; special attention must be paid to the often unlit traffic checkpoints, even in built-up areas.
There is a comparatively increased military presence in the Northern Province. Demining operations are still taking place there in isolated cases. In the vicinity of military camps and in mined areas, access restrictions sometimes apply. General caution is advised. Tourist infrastructure is mainly present in Jaffna and is developing in neighboring regions.
When travelling to the districts of Trincomalee (also Upuveli and Nilaveli), Batticaloa and Ampara (Arugam Bay), you can expect a military presence as well as occasional checkpoints along the roads and on public transport (bus, train). Along the coastal strip in the east, a tourist infrastructure is developing again.
In Yala National Park, only travel to the so-called “Block 1” is possible.
Driving licence
The International Driver’s License is required and is only valid in conjunction with the national German driver’s license. For the International Driving Licence, the holder must apply to the Automobile Association of Ceylon for a so-called “Recognition Permit” as recognition of the German driving licence. Car rental companies often support the application process for an extra charge.
Special Behavioral Notes
Behaviour that could be interpreted as religious contempt is punished by the police, including detention for several days.
It is forbidden to be photographed with your back to a Buddha statue. Disrespectful photos of religious motifs can lead to severe penalties and even imprisonment. Photographing the so-called “Cloud Maiden Frescoes” on Sigiriya Rock is prohibited. Failure to comply with this ban may result in severe penalties and confiscation of the camera by the Sri Lankan police authorities. Photographing military installations is also prohibited.
Temples may only be entered with covered shoulders and trousers or skirts reaching above the knee.
Treat religious sites, objects and symbols with restraint and respect, and dress appropriately when visiting Buddhist temples.
Do not display clothing or tattoos with Buddhist motifs, as they can be perceived as a denigration of Buddhism.
Make sure you are allowed to take pictures or ask for permission.
Be sure to follow the instructions and regulations at Sri Lankan cultural sites.
LGBTIQ
Both male and female homosexuality are punishable in Sri Lanka. In practice, however, criminal proceedings are almost never brought in cases of homosexuality among adults.
Please note the general travel advice for LGBTIQ.
Criminal law
Sri Lankan law, especially criminal law, must also be fully observed by foreign tourists. Reference is made to the provisions on the import and export of foreign currency, illegal possession of drugs and weapons as well as sexual offences. Violations, as well as behavior that can be interpreted as religious disrespect, can result in draconian punishments.
Sexual abuse of children (§ 176 StGB) can also be punished in Germany, even if the act was committed abroad.
Money/Credit Cards
The national currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Withdrawing cash from ATMs and paying with credit cards is common, but for more remote regions and smaller businesses, it is advisable to take cash in euros and US dollars, which may only be exchanged at authorized offices, banks and hotels that confirm the exchange on a specific form. Exchanged declared money can be exchanged back when leaving the country.
In Sri Lanka, cases of credit card fraud occasionally occur. It is therefore also advisable to cover a large part of the expenses with cash.
In order to pay possible hospital or medical costs in advance, the presentation of a credit card is often required, even if there is a valid international health insurance. The credit card should therefore always be carried with you. Bank cards cannot be used in Sri Lanka.
SRI LANKA – Climate & Weather
Although Sri Lanka is a relatively small island, it has a diverse collection of landscapes, climates, and natural features. Sri Lanka’s notorious beaches have been attracting visitors for many years. The rest of the island, however, holds many more idyllic views.
The central highlands are covered with emerald tea plantations with occasional waterfalls. Cool climate, misty views and quaint country estate bungalows are a throwback to times gone by.
There’s a certain magic to the cultural triangle in the middle of the island, with ruins from several ancient kingdoms, majestic tanks, hidden rock caves, and ancient sacred temples that reveal the fascinating and almost unbelievable ancient architecture, art, and engineering.
The north of Sri Lanka is a vibrant blend of essences with a unique taste and culture. Although the north still bears the scars of the civil war, it is a testament to the diversity and variation that defines the island. Influences include Portuguese, Dutch, Tamil, Muslim and British characters. Island chains with their unique habitats are waiting to be explored.
The east of the island is home to lush rice paddies, spectacular sunrises, and quieter, more rural life. Colorful places of worship, national parks, harbors, and pristine waters offer a pleasant experience for any weary traveler.
With almost 1600 km of palm-fringed coastline perfectly baked around the country, Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for beach lovers worldwide. Whether it’s windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving or jute lounging for the perfect tan, Sri Lanka has it all.
The two monsoon winds, which bring rain to the two corners of the country at different times, make Sri Lanka’s beach holidays a year-round view.The northeast winds make the southwest coast sunny and the sea calm from November to March. The south-west wind makes the east coast calm and the constant sun seems to be happy.
Some of the best beaches in the south include Tangalla, Beruwala, Mirissa, Bentota, and Unawatuna, with various options including chic boutique hotels, vibrant coral reefs, gentle sandbanks, and undiscovered corners of paradise.
Although Sri Lanka’s southern beaches have long been discovered by the international traveler, the east coast has not yet been fully discovered. The most famous among the eastern beaches is Arugam Bay, the high church of surfing enthusiasts in the region. Once just a rumor, Uppuveli beach is also open to sun-seekers after a three-decade civil war.
At the western corner of the country, north of Colombo, lies the Negambo Lagoon. Its beaches, an old favourite with local and foreign visitors, and the lagoon famous for the lobster harvest. Galle Face Green, half a kilometer between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean, is the playground of Colombians, despite the many sandy beaches that surround the country.
Sri Lanka, with its changing climate and geography gathered on a small island, offers a range of adventures from the tops of the mountains to the depths of the oceans.
In addition to swimming in the oceans or snorkeling, diving and surfing are among the most popular beach sports in the country. Diving has a long history in the country. Today, the oceans full of coral gardens, a variety of exotic fish and ancient wrecks in Sri Lanka offer one of the best diving experiences in the world. Although surfing is comparatively new in the country, it has made a name for itself on the south and east coasts of the island over the past 25 years. The sea around Sri Lanka is also one of the most challenging areas for deep-sea fishing, while rafting, kayaking and canoeing are among the country’s relatively new water sports.
With a variety of roads winding through vast mountains, lush green forests, rice paddies, parks, and sleepy villages, Sri Lanka also offers plenty of opportunities for avid hikers and trekkers. A path that also leads through the tracks and paths on horses or elephants is a new experience that has recently been introduced. Experience the thrill of crumbling rocks underfoot, dizzying heights and spreading earth as you conquer many of Sri Lanka’s mountains, or take on the climbing of waterfalls with thrilling climbs such as the rock face of Bambarakanda Waterfall, the highest in the country.
With many adventures just a few miles apart, Sri Lanka itself is an adventure waiting to happen.
We would be happy to advise you personally, in order to get a better and faster insight into your wishes. Our travel examples can be designed in exactly the same way, combined, shorter, longer or according to your own wishes. Our travel specialists will (based on their own experience) present you with optimal travel routes and transparent prices for your planned dream trip.
After we know your wishes, the responsible travel specialists will send you a corresponding offer as soon as possible, of course non-binding and without obligation. We will then discuss this offer with you and will be happy to make changes according to your wishes. You decide when to start and how long you want to travel.
We concentrate 100% on your stay in your destination, receive you wherever and whenever you arrive, adapt the itinerary to your individual flight times and wishes, and are also available to you personally during the trip via email and WhatsApp 24 / 7 available for a smooth and relaxing trip. This enables us to respond promptly and personally to all eventualities, such as flight delays, extra requests on site, etc.
As an individual tour operator, we do not have fixed travel dates like many package tour operators.
With us, you as a customer decide when you want to fly and how long you want to stay, and therefore ideally you can also book the most cost-effective flight connection for yourself using the popular online search engines such as Kayak, Skyscanner, etc.
We will be happy to help you find the best international flight for you. Domestic flights are already included in our trips.
Only when you are 100% satisfied with our travel planning will your written booking be made with us and you can lean back and look forward to a dream trip according to your individual wishes. We will make all bookings for you in the destination and then send you our travel confirmation / invoice. Your deposit is 20% when booking, the balance is due 30 days before departure.
Owner & Managing Director
Meisara Tungga Dewi & Matthias Vogel
Sombomerten Demangan RT006/RW021
Maguwoharjo, Depok
Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55282
Yogyakarta
Indonesia
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