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A report on our 10-day vacation on the island of Sri Lanka, at the end of September 2012. On Sri Lanke, we decided to stay in the village of Waskaduwa, a 5-minute drive from Kalutara, at the Tangerine beach hotel 4 *.
You can watch the video clips on the link
https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=aYXzXoSeCD0
Flight to Sri Lanka:
Flight in both directions Fly Dubai (Fly Dubai) route Kyiv-Sharjah-Colombo-Sharjah-Kyiv. The transfer along this route is comfortable, I handed over my luggage in Kyiv, received it in Colombo at the Katuneyak International Airport and vice versa. Meals on board Fly Dubai are paid and, moreover, very specific, portions are small and prices are over the top (50 ml of vodka is about $8-10, beer is $8, a la shawarma is about $10). The calculation is in dollars, and the change is given either in dollars or in the UAE currency - dirhams, so it is advisable to have small money. As a result, stress relief on the plane cost about $ 50.
The duration of the flight is almost the same, both from Kyiv to Sharjah and from Sharjah to Colombo, about 4.
5 hours, + docking about 2 hours, total flight about 12 hours. Taking into account the delay of the plane, about 20 minutes remained for a transfer in Sharjah, we did not have time to climb Duty Free. Smoking rooms are also provided at the airport for smokers, so this is not a problem. By the way, in the emirates everything is quite strict with the inspection of things, it is better not to joke and not argue with customs. On the plane, in hand luggage, it is advisable to take a jacket, since from Sharjah to Sri Lanka the air conditioner plowed all the time and it was quite cold. Arrived in Sri Lanka around 4 am.
Sri Lanka Airport:
In view of the poor knowledge of English, finding the right direction and finding luggage was not a problem. For those who already have a visa ready, you just need to go to passport control and continue to collect your luggage. In the lobby, we and another group of tourists were met by a Russian-speaking guide.
When leaving the terminal, the local natives decided to immediately start making money by offering a very intrusive luggage transfer service for 100 rupees, which turned out to be 2 times more expensive than necessary. In general, earnings on tourists - there it is at every step, held the little animal, you have to pay, took a picture of someone, the same thing, etc. .
Transfer in Sri Lanka:
The transfer from Katunayake airport to the Tangerine beach hotel in Waskaduwe took 5 hours, but on a fairly comfortable bus. From the airport through Colombo along the coast of the Indian Ocean to the hotel is only 72 km, but due to the arrival of the bus to all the hotels that other tourists need, it takes a very long and tiring time. Therefore, if there is extra money (about $ 100 for two), it is better to order an individual car. Although the bus has its advantages - on the way you can see many hotels from the inside.
All the way, the Russian-speaking guide talked about the nuances of a holiday in Sri Lanka, about safety, where to go and what to do. On the way, they handed a folder with the sights of Sri Lanka, prices for excursions and contacts who to call in case of emergency. So there was something to compare with upon arrival at the hotel and the search for cheaper options for excursions.
Roads in Sri Lanka:
The traffic in Sri Lanka is simply crazy and resembles complete chaos - cars, buses, cows, tuk-tuks, bicycles, and other vehicles all the time honk and drive just mixed up. On the roads, the main rule for drivers is this: I honked and blinked the light, which means I have to drive here, and that’s it, and you at least go through the bushes and have to get off the road somewhere to let you through.
Despite the complete chaos on the roads, their condition is much better than many large cities in Ukraine. Especially the chic autobahn, which was reclaimed by the Japanese. The fee is based on distance.
You get a receipt when you enter, and you pay when you leave.
Mobile communications in Sri Lanka:
Upon arrival, they immediately bought a Dialog mobile communication card at the airport for $10, of which there is already money on the account, about $8, and the locals connected the connection there. It is advisable to call after 10 pm local time, as it is much cheaper, taking into account of course the time difference.
Currency exchange in Sri Lanka:
It is more profitable to change money at the bank, in the same place at the airport, bucks for Sri Lankan rupees. The rate seemed to be $ 1 - 130 rupees. That is, you really get a whole bag of local currency. If you save the bank receipt, if the rate falls on the day of departure, you can exchange rupees at the rate of arrival - purchase (as it is more profitable for you). It is advisable to immediately break the money into smaller denominations, as they will still be useful for tips, buying fruits and other sweets in the markets, where it is not desirable to shine bundles of money for security reasons.
In view of what 5000 rupees in one piece of paper for them is space money and at best there will be no change; at worst, you can lose the dough. Therefore, it is advisable to store valuables in a safe in the room, although we always carried goods, equipment, passport money with us, since these safes are easy to open, and in public we used a small amount.
Weather in Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka greeted us with a tropical downpour. Immediately upon exiting the plane, we felt a sharp contrast - stuffy air and colossal humidity. However, we got used to it pretty quickly. We also turned to this on the plane when we were circling for about 20 minutes, in the middle of the night, over the airport and could not land due to heavy rain, lightning that sparkled like crazy, heavy wind, shaking, etc. , in short the full set - it was scary to horror. However, the downpour, as suddenly as it starts, just as instantly stops.
By the way, this has its own plus, since the rain is very warm and the sensations are quite unusual in combination with a tropical climate. For 12 days of rest, it rained literally every 2 days and lasted only 10 minutes. So, we did not observe prolonged bad weather, although we flew out of season, as they say on the Internet. Dawn on the island around 6 am, sunset at 6 pm, and so every day.
Safety and rules of Sri Lanka:
Money, documents, equipment in a safe or with you, due to various cases of theft. It is advisable not to climb various chagarnyka and bushes in view of some dangerous animals - snakes, spiders and other evil spirits. You also need to be especially careful with swimming in the ocean, since this is far from the sea and the strength of the waves, the depth of their influx and waste on the shore is many times greater than the sea, so you can not have time to blink an eye as it will blow you away.
On the beaches from hotels, if the weather and the ocean do not allow swimming, then a red flag is hung out, although it hangs there around the clock, in compliance with safety rules (do not swim drunk, do not go into the water at night, do not swim far) and respect for the water, everyone can swim it is possible. You can not take pictures with your back to the Buddha statues. You can’t offend animals, because according to religion they have a special relationship with fauna and flora. You can not photograph local military and special forces. objects without special permission, you can not photograph the police without their permission. It is not advisable to speak loudly, shout or swear, as this is an unacceptable tone for them, they can regard it as a threat and call the police. It is advisable for girls not to wear provocative outfits either in the hotel or on the street, since at least for them this is a ban, while for locals it blows their minds and is fraught with “problems”.
It is strictly forbidden to drink local water, so you should always stock up on store-bought bottled water. Also, you can not order anything to drink in the markets, dubious cafes, including ice cream, cocktails, etc. All products must be washed at the hotel. You need to be careful about the medicines that you take with you, what we have allowed them to have can be like a narcotic.
Hotel and room:
We got to the Tangerine beach hotel 4 * at about 9 am, met us in the lobby with two marvelous cocktails, where we had to hang around exhausted until 11 o’clock, since they had check-in / check-out, as in other places from 12 noon. And no persuasion that we are tired, for a small fee, etc. , does not work for them, at least in this hotel. The next surprise awaited us with the number. Since we knew that one of the wings of the hotel was being renovated, we asked for a room away from the construction site overlooking the ocean and on the 3rd floor.
The choice of the floor is not accidental, as it is connected with the local wildlife. But to our surprise, it turned out that in fact there are three options: either there is a room near the construction site with an ocean view, or with a view of the porch, or on the ground floor, but with an ocean view. As a result, after a long debate with the hotel manager and bending our demands, with nothing but a meager selection of available rooms and promises that we would not even hear the construction, we settled on the 3rd floor with a stunning ocean view.
The room is comfortable and pleasant enough, with all working equipment, air conditioning, safe, mini-fridge (empty), TV, etc. , due to the crazy heat outside, the temperature in the room was very comfortable, even a bit cold.
The next "positive impression" from the hotel is two separate beds put together, and not with one double, as agreed in advance. That's where the surprises from the hotel ended.
Although no, that's not all, in the process of rest, they stole from our room, though then they returned it, I don’t know the hell, the WASH. They also noticed that someone was obviously looking for something in the suitcases, since the soap tubes were immediately packed into a suitcase for memory, and after cleaning they ended up in the bathroom.
The most impressive thing about the room is the furnished BALCONY overlooking the Indian Ocean with palm trees.
The hotel is located on the Indian Ocean in the first line. It is literally 20 m from the room to the beach. The hotel area is fenced and guarded, so you feel safe.
The hotel area is adjacent to the neighboring 5 * Royal Palms beach, so customers are allowed to use all the services of a cooler hotel.
The hotels adopted the following calculation scheme, during your stay, you drink and eat as much as you like without paying at the checkout. All orders are issued with fixation on the number, when ordering, you need to show the key and give the name and surname.
Full payment is due at the time you check out. It is quite convenient, on the one hand, that you don’t have to carry money with you, and on the other hand, there is no way not to owe the hotel and in case of any problems of money loss, theft, and so on, the calculation will become a big problem. Just calculate how much you have already worked up and how much and what else you can allow becomes a pain in the ass.
There are no problems with smoking in the hotel, you can smoke everywhere except the rooms (you can on the balcony). Cigarettes were taken with a margin, since they are very expensive, and the choice is not enough. One block in the main luggage, and half was stuffed into hand luggage, since only one block per person is allowed for import.
Another attraction of the hotels is the appearance of small geckos and lizards climbing the ceilings and walls at nightfall, both in the hotel and in the rooms. We only got one gecko in our room.
Flocks of chipmunks roam in the yard, which can be hand-fed, monitor lizards of different sizes from meter to 3 meters. Eternally importunate crows who strive to steal something. Flying foxes fly in the evenings.
Eating and eating in Sri Lanka:
We took a ticket with meals - only breakfast, because we didn’t want to squander on hotel food, but rather wanted to try something colorful from the local cuisine. Therefore, we had lunch and dinner in neighboring cafes, where they are tastier, more varied and cheaper than at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel starts from 7:30 to 9 am in the form of a buffet. The food is quite tasty and varied: sausages, chops, eggs, scrambled eggs, cereals, potatoes, various meat and cheese cuts, pancakes, a lot of sweets, vegetables and mango fruits, papaya, bananas, pineapples, oranges, etc. . From drinks - juices, teas, coffee.
Everything in unlimited quantities, with the condition that nothing can be taken out, except for bread, which can be fed to the chipmunks.
Near the hotel, there is a Sea Shells cafe, where we actually tried almost all the delicacies, and mostly ate there.
The staff is always polite, not intrusive and smiling. The food is very tasty and I have never had stomach problems. The only thing that was always asked when ordering was not to add “curry”, and absolutely nowhere - because the taste of food becomes very specific and spicy, although you need to try this too.
You also need to take into account that in all cafes, a 10% tax is added on top of the price, not counting tips.
All servings both in cafes and in hotel restaurants are simply insane sizes, at least one serving for two or three. Therefore, you need to count on it, and when half the plate remains, the locals think that it is not tasty and are offended.
The first order for two cost us 4.565 rupees (about $35), half of which was physically impossible to eat.
The cafe is located at the exit from the hotel immediately to the left about 100 m, cross the railway track and about 50 m more, on the left side. The cafe itself is on the second floor, the entrance to which is located between the souvenir shops.
Prices in Sri Lanka:
Tip - 100 rupees (0.8 $)
A trip from the hotel to Kalutara to the market, shop, pussies - 500 rupees in two directions.
crab soup - 450 rupees ($ 3.5);
king prawns - 3 pieces the size of a large plate 1900 rupees ($14.5);
lobsters (for some reason, locals have lobsters) - 1 pc. 2600 rupees ($20);
shark steak - 350 g. 900 rupees ($ 7);
crabs - 2 pcs. 1000 rupees;
fried tuna - 350 g. 900 rupees ($ 7);
fried barracuda - 350 g. 900 rupees ($ 7);
water without gas 1.5l - 65 rupees (0.5 $);
water with gas 1.5 l. – 160 rupees ($1.2);
Red rum RED ROM 0.75 l - 700 rupees ($ 5.5).
Beer "LION" lager 0.5 l in a wholesale and retail kiosk - 130 rupees ($ 1) (at the hotel 250 rupees, in a cafe - 250 rupees, in souvenir shops near the hotel - 200 rupees).
Passion fruit - 10 pcs. 500 rupees ($3.8)
Mangosteen - 10 pcs. 1200 rupees ($9)
Golden tea 50g - 1700 rupees ($13)
Silver tea 50g - 1200 rupees ($9.2)
Tea in bags 250 g - 375 rupees ($ 2.9)
A set of tea bags (4 types - 40 pcs. ) - 750 rupees ($ 5.8)
Drinks of Sri Lanka:
Special attention deserves the local red rum, which is very tasty to mix with Coca-Cola. The local beer "LION" is also famous, it is also very tasty. But ARAK coconut moonshine is rare rubbish. All this can be bought in Kalutare in shops, and beer can be bought near the hotel in souvenir shops, though from under the counter, you need to negotiate. We bought beer, rum and arak at a wholesale and retail kiosk in Kalutara, we took it immediately with a margin. There you need to be especially careful, because the audience is still there.
From LION beer, there are only three types, light, dark, and strong.
Fruits of Sri Lanka:
Coconuts are ordinary (the pulp is for eating, the rest is poured out) and royal (orange) - (only drink, quench thirst well) - for free, since we had our friend - a local resident, he treated us to this goodness.
Mango
Mangosteen is the most unusual fruit and amazingly delicious.
A pineapple
passion fruit
Bananas
Avocado.
All fruits are incredibly tasty and have nothing to do with what they bring to Ukraine.
Rest, routes and Excursions in Sri Lanka:
1st Day. 24.09. 2012.
After we got to the hotel and settled in, we decided to explore the surroundings. Walking along the coast, we accidentally stumbled upon one of the "Beach Fights", which our friends had previously told us about. The man's name is "Valera", as he was described to us and told about him, and so he turned out to be - friendly, not intrusive, and most importantly honest.
After a short explanation of how we know him, he suggested that we go to his friends in a cafe on the beach, where, for very little money, we were treated to crabs, lobsters, jumbo shrimp and red rum. In short, the booze came out the same. Immediately after talking with Valera, having learned the prices and the composition of the excursions, we decided not to worry and immediately agreed on trips.
2nd Day. 25.09. 2012.
After adaptation and the beach, we decided to go to Kalutara for fruit. For 500 rupees, we were taken by tuk-tuk to shops, where we stocked up on drinking water, picked up fruits in the market: pineapples, passion fruit, avocados, mangosteens, mangoes. We stopped at a wholesale kiosk, where we stocked up on cheap beer and rum. Having rolled around the city, we decided to go to the Si Shells cafe for lunch with shark, barracuda, crab soup and other delicacies. Until the evening, all that remained was to lie on the beach, since the next day we had an early departure for an excursion.
Although, nevertheless, we decided to go to the hotel to the show program: Performances with snakes. A Sri Lankan performed on the stage, demonstrating to the tune of the taming of cobras. After that, all the reptiles were carried around the hall and everyone was allowed to take pictures with them.
3rd Day. 26.09. 2012.
Route: Waskaduwa (hotel) - Pugoda (pineapple and banana farm) - Yutuwankanda (fruit market) - Pahala Kadugannawa (observation deck) - Kandu (Royal Botanical Gardens, Buddhist temple, sari shops) - Pilomatalawa (tea factory) - Karandupana ( Spice Garden) - Hiriwadunna (elephant nursery) - Waskaduwa (hotel). Price $230. The distance is about 180 km. one way. Only about 350 km. The price includes everything except meals and tips.
Having agreed everything with the same Valera, having agreed in advance the entire route, which is included in the price, payment of all expenses, tickets, etc. , time and other points, we had an air-conditioned minibus at our disposal.
It is advisable to discuss everything with such comrades in advance, what you are paying for, so that there are no surprises, such as we did not negotiate the entrance fee, so you pay yourself. But in this regard, everything was super with us, besides, we paid off upon arrival at the hotel, in short, we rode on credit. Since we skip breakfast, we asked the hotel in advance to pack our rations for us in the morning. Of course, there wasn’t much food, but it’s quite normal to have a bite to eat on the road.
Check out early around 6:30 am. The road is long and difficult. It takes about 3-3.5 hours to reach the final destination. Somewhere near Pugoda, we were taken to a pineapple and banana farm. Visually, of course, it is difficult to call it a farm, ordinary beds and scattered trees. After drinking coffee in a cafe, they rushed on. On the way, we stopped at the fruit market, stocked up on red bananas and were on the road again. Near Pahala Kadugannawa we stopped at the observation deck.
It is a simple pocket for parking buses. However, the view from it is simply amazing, behind the fence there is a cliff, and in the distance there are huge mountains overlooking Sigiriya. On this site, our first acquaintance with monkeys took place. Soon we got to Kandu in the royal botanical garden Paradeniya. The place is interesting, but apart from marvelous trees, nothing unusual. In addition to bamboo groves, a marvelous tree whose crown spreads above the ground, huge fir trees, which over the years of their life, as a result of strong winds, have taken on curved outlines, alleys with giant palm trees, trees strewn with flying foxes, orchids and other beautiful flowers, there is nothing more to see. In addition, in the garden near the road, we came across a small wild cobra.
Next stop, Kandy, a Buddhist temple, and a batik and sari shop. They said you need to come in the evening, then everything is lit up there and it is very beautiful.
Near Pilamatalava, we were brought to the tea factory Geragama Tea Center, looked at how tea grows, on the plantation and went to study the process of tea production at the factory itself. The spectacle is extremely interesting and educational. There you can also buy tea of different varieties and qualities. Prices are much cheaper than in souvenir shops. Next, near Karandupana, we went on an excursion to the spice garden. The garden is small but still interesting. They showed how coffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, sandalwood, etc. grow. They immediately bought an ointment in the store that shaves itself.
The last stop at Hiriwadunna was the Millenium Elephant Foundation. Here you can ride elephants, feed them, wash them. We had a short tour of the museum, told how hard life is for elephants. After that, around 6 pm rushed to the hotel.
4th Day. 27.09. 2012.
After a tiring excursion, we decided to relax for a couple of days, sunbathe, swim in the ocean.
We went to visit Valera, drank royal coconuts, and on that day ended, because tomorrow we had another excursion.
5th Day. 28.09. 2012.
Itinerary: Waskaduwa (Hotel) - Beruwela (Fishing Port) - Moragalla (Big Buddha Statue) - Bentota (river walk) - Kosgoda (Turtle Farm) - Peraliya (Monument to the victims of the tsunami in 2004) - Meetiyagoda (Mine for mining moonstone, jewelry store) - Galle (Fort, lighthouse, large stupa) - Unawatuna (swimming in the lagoon) - Koggala (fishermen on poles). Price $150. The distance is about 120 km. one way. Only about 240 km. The price includes everything except meals and tips.
Departure is also early around 7 am, as our first point was the fishing port in Beruwela, and because the fish sells out very quickly, we had to get up early. It turned out to be an interesting spectacle to stare at the inhabitants of the ocean, although after that it was dumb to climb into the ocean and the stench in the market was terrible. You can also take a picture with a fish, like with a shark in your hands.
Here are the incubators in the sand for turtles, took a picture with the baby turtles. Everyone can be touched. From turtles Loggerhead, Olive, Byss, Green.
On the way, we stopped near the Buddha monument, built in honor of the victims of the tsunami in 2004.
The next stop is a trip to the moonstone mine in Meetiyagoda. Nothing particularly interesting. We looked into the mine, at the peasant in the mud, cutting stones and climbing in the jewelry store, we drove on. By the way, the stones in the store are very cheap, we realized this later. And besides, the store issues a certificate for export from the country. There is also a curry garden, its processing and the possibility of buying.
The fort in Galle is interesting for its architecture, which is made in the colonial style. Against which the contrast of the rest of Sri Lanka is palpably felt. Of the attractions, a large stupa built by the Japanese, a lighthouse and huge fort walls.
There are also eccentrics who jump from the wall into the water between the stones for money.
After Galle we went to take a look at the world famous fishermen on poles in Koggala. The ocean in these parts is extremely different from the rest of the coast. The water here is turquoise and protected by coral reefs, so the waves are not particularly strong and you can swim safely. On the way back we stopped at Unawatuna to swim in the lagoon. On this our tour ended and we went to the hotel.
6th Day. 29.09. 2012.
An elephant was brought to the hotel, later we learned and watched the Sri Lankan wedding ceremony. A very colorful spectacle, with Sri Lankan dances, elephant riding and other entertainment. On this day, they had a Full Moon Poya Day - the day of the full moon. It takes place every month. On this day, restaurants and cafes do not work, the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited, also on the territory of the hotel. The hotel can only eat, alcohol is allowed in the room.
Therefore, beer stocked up in advance. In the evening, on a tuk-tuk, Valera took us to the village to the jungle, to see how people live from the outback. We went to visit his friend, housing of course just a paragraph. In the jungle we saw a large flock of wild monkeys, parrots, buffaloes, white herons. From plants, avocados, bananas, grass that curls when touched. The trip cost 500 rupees.
7th Day. 30.09. 2012.
Rest. Beach. Ocean. Buying souvenirs.
8th Day. 01.10. 2012.
Vacation, beach, ocean. Farewell to Sri Lanka. Transfer to Colombo. And a long flight back.
Souvenirs of Sri Lanka:
Golden tea, silver tea is the most trump tea. It is best to buy on excursions in shops at the factory, it is cheaper there.
Fruits Mangosteen, passion fruit - you can buy on the last day of rest and bring it as a souvenir, though they deteriorate very quickly. If you ask for greenish ones, they can lie down in the refrigerator for another week.
Pineapple - the main thing is to ask for a green tail to be cut off from it if you do not want to bring an anthill home.
Red rum - can be bought in Kalutara.
Beer Leon can be bought at Duty Free in Sri Lanka.
You can watch the video clips on the link
https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=aYXzXoSeCD0
Flight to Sri Lanka:
Flight in both directions Fly Dubai (Fly Dubai) route Kyiv-Sharjah-Colombo-Sharjah-Kyiv. The transfer along this route is comfortable, I handed over my luggage in Kyiv, received it in Colombo at the Katuneyak International Airport and vice versa. Meals on board Fly Dubai are paid and, moreover, very specific, portions are small and prices are over the top (50 ml of vodka is about $8-10, beer is $8, a la shawarma is about $10). The calculation is in dollars, and the change is given either in dollars or in the UAE currency - dirhams, so it is advisable to have small money. As a result, stress relief on the plane cost about $ 50.
The duration of the flight is almost the same, both from Kyiv to Sharjah and from Sharjah to Colombo, about 4.
5 hours, + docking about 2 hours, total flight about 12 hours. Taking into account the delay of the plane, about 20 minutes remained for a transfer in Sharjah, we did not have time to climb Duty Free. Smoking rooms are also provided at the airport for smokers, so this is not a problem. By the way, in the emirates everything is quite strict with the inspection of things, it is better not to joke and not argue with customs. On the plane, in hand luggage, it is advisable to take a jacket, since from Sharjah to Sri Lanka the air conditioner plowed all the time and it was quite cold. Arrived in Sri Lanka around 4 am.
Sri Lanka Airport:
In view of the poor knowledge of English, finding the right direction and finding luggage was not a problem. For those who already have a visa ready, you just need to go to passport control and continue to collect your luggage. In the lobby, we and another group of tourists were met by a Russian-speaking guide.
When leaving the terminal, the local natives decided to immediately start making money by offering a very intrusive luggage transfer service for 100 rupees, which turned out to be 2 times more expensive than necessary. In general, earnings on tourists - there it is at every step, held the little animal, you have to pay, took a picture of someone, the same thing, etc. .
Transfer in Sri Lanka:
The transfer from Katunayake airport to the Tangerine beach hotel in Waskaduwe took 5 hours, but on a fairly comfortable bus. From the airport through Colombo along the coast of the Indian Ocean to the hotel is only 72 km, but due to the arrival of the bus to all the hotels that other tourists need, it takes a very long and tiring time. Therefore, if there is extra money (about $ 100 for two), it is better to order an individual car. Although the bus has its advantages - on the way you can see many hotels from the inside.
All the way, the Russian-speaking guide talked about the nuances of a holiday in Sri Lanka, about safety, where to go and what to do. On the way, they handed a folder with the sights of Sri Lanka, prices for excursions and contacts who to call in case of emergency. So there was something to compare with upon arrival at the hotel and the search for cheaper options for excursions.
Roads in Sri Lanka:
The traffic in Sri Lanka is simply crazy and resembles complete chaos - cars, buses, cows, tuk-tuks, bicycles, and other vehicles all the time honk and drive just mixed up. On the roads, the main rule for drivers is this: I honked and blinked the light, which means I have to drive here, and that’s it, and you at least go through the bushes and have to get off the road somewhere to let you through.
Despite the complete chaos on the roads, their condition is much better than many large cities in Ukraine. Especially the chic autobahn, which was reclaimed by the Japanese. The fee is based on distance.
You get a receipt when you enter, and you pay when you leave.
Mobile communications in Sri Lanka:
Upon arrival, they immediately bought a Dialog mobile communication card at the airport for $10, of which there is already money on the account, about $8, and the locals connected the connection there. It is advisable to call after 10 pm local time, as it is much cheaper, taking into account of course the time difference.
Currency exchange in Sri Lanka:
It is more profitable to change money at the bank, in the same place at the airport, bucks for Sri Lankan rupees. The rate seemed to be $ 1 - 130 rupees. That is, you really get a whole bag of local currency. If you save the bank receipt, if the rate falls on the day of departure, you can exchange rupees at the rate of arrival - purchase (as it is more profitable for you). It is advisable to immediately break the money into smaller denominations, as they will still be useful for tips, buying fruits and other sweets in the markets, where it is not desirable to shine bundles of money for security reasons.
In view of what 5000 rupees in one piece of paper for them is space money and at best there will be no change; at worst, you can lose the dough. Therefore, it is advisable to store valuables in a safe in the room, although we always carried goods, equipment, passport money with us, since these safes are easy to open, and in public we used a small amount.
Weather in Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka greeted us with a tropical downpour. Immediately upon exiting the plane, we felt a sharp contrast - stuffy air and colossal humidity. However, we got used to it pretty quickly. We also turned to this on the plane when we were circling for about 20 minutes, in the middle of the night, over the airport and could not land due to heavy rain, lightning that sparkled like crazy, heavy wind, shaking, etc. , in short the full set - it was scary to horror. However, the downpour, as suddenly as it starts, just as instantly stops.
By the way, this has its own plus, since the rain is very warm and the sensations are quite unusual in combination with a tropical climate. For 12 days of rest, it rained literally every 2 days and lasted only 10 minutes. So, we did not observe prolonged bad weather, although we flew out of season, as they say on the Internet. Dawn on the island around 6 am, sunset at 6 pm, and so every day.
Safety and rules of Sri Lanka:
Money, documents, equipment in a safe or with you, due to various cases of theft. It is advisable not to climb various chagarnyka and bushes in view of some dangerous animals - snakes, spiders and other evil spirits. You also need to be especially careful with swimming in the ocean, since this is far from the sea and the strength of the waves, the depth of their influx and waste on the shore is many times greater than the sea, so you can not have time to blink an eye as it will blow you away.
On the beaches from hotels, if the weather and the ocean do not allow swimming, then a red flag is hung out, although it hangs there around the clock, in compliance with safety rules (do not swim drunk, do not go into the water at night, do not swim far) and respect for the water, everyone can swim it is possible. You can not take pictures with your back to the Buddha statues. You can’t offend animals, because according to religion they have a special relationship with fauna and flora. You can not photograph local military and special forces. objects without special permission, you can not photograph the police without their permission. It is not advisable to speak loudly, shout or swear, as this is an unacceptable tone for them, they can regard it as a threat and call the police. It is advisable for girls not to wear provocative outfits either in the hotel or on the street, since at least for them this is a ban, while for locals it blows their minds and is fraught with “problems”.
It is strictly forbidden to drink local water, so you should always stock up on store-bought bottled water. Also, you can not order anything to drink in the markets, dubious cafes, including ice cream, cocktails, etc. All products must be washed at the hotel. You need to be careful about the medicines that you take with you, what we have allowed them to have can be like a narcotic.
Hotel and room:
We got to the Tangerine beach hotel 4 * at about 9 am, met us in the lobby with two marvelous cocktails, where we had to hang around exhausted until 11 o’clock, since they had check-in / check-out, as in other places from 12 noon. And no persuasion that we are tired, for a small fee, etc. , does not work for them, at least in this hotel. The next surprise awaited us with the number. Since we knew that one of the wings of the hotel was being renovated, we asked for a room away from the construction site overlooking the ocean and on the 3rd floor.
The choice of the floor is not accidental, as it is connected with the local wildlife. But to our surprise, it turned out that in fact there are three options: either there is a room near the construction site with an ocean view, or with a view of the porch, or on the ground floor, but with an ocean view. As a result, after a long debate with the hotel manager and bending our demands, with nothing but a meager selection of available rooms and promises that we would not even hear the construction, we settled on the 3rd floor with a stunning ocean view.
The room is comfortable and pleasant enough, with all working equipment, air conditioning, safe, mini-fridge (empty), TV, etc. , due to the crazy heat outside, the temperature in the room was very comfortable, even a bit cold.
The next "positive impression" from the hotel is two separate beds put together, and not with one double, as agreed in advance. That's where the surprises from the hotel ended.
Although no, that's not all, in the process of rest, they stole from our room, though then they returned it, I don’t know the hell, the WASH. They also noticed that someone was obviously looking for something in the suitcases, since the soap tubes were immediately packed into a suitcase for memory, and after cleaning they ended up in the bathroom.
The most impressive thing about the room is the furnished BALCONY overlooking the Indian Ocean with palm trees.
The hotel is located on the Indian Ocean in the first line. It is literally 20 m from the room to the beach. The hotel area is fenced and guarded, so you feel safe.
The hotel area is adjacent to the neighboring 5 * Royal Palms beach, so customers are allowed to use all the services of a cooler hotel.
The hotels adopted the following calculation scheme, during your stay, you drink and eat as much as you like without paying at the checkout. All orders are issued with fixation on the number, when ordering, you need to show the key and give the name and surname.
Full payment is due at the time you check out. It is quite convenient, on the one hand, that you don’t have to carry money with you, and on the other hand, there is no way not to owe the hotel and in case of any problems of money loss, theft, and so on, the calculation will become a big problem. Just calculate how much you have already worked up and how much and what else you can allow becomes a pain in the ass.
There are no problems with smoking in the hotel, you can smoke everywhere except the rooms (you can on the balcony). Cigarettes were taken with a margin, since they are very expensive, and the choice is not enough. One block in the main luggage, and half was stuffed into hand luggage, since only one block per person is allowed for import.
Another attraction of the hotels is the appearance of small geckos and lizards climbing the ceilings and walls at nightfall, both in the hotel and in the rooms. We only got one gecko in our room.
Flocks of chipmunks roam in the yard, which can be hand-fed, monitor lizards of different sizes from meter to 3 meters. Eternally importunate crows who strive to steal something. Flying foxes fly in the evenings.
Eating and eating in Sri Lanka:
We took a ticket with meals - only breakfast, because we didn’t want to squander on hotel food, but rather wanted to try something colorful from the local cuisine. Therefore, we had lunch and dinner in neighboring cafes, where they are tastier, more varied and cheaper than at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel starts from 7:30 to 9 am in the form of a buffet. The food is quite tasty and varied: sausages, chops, eggs, scrambled eggs, cereals, potatoes, various meat and cheese cuts, pancakes, a lot of sweets, vegetables and mango fruits, papaya, bananas, pineapples, oranges, etc. . From drinks - juices, teas, coffee.
Everything in unlimited quantities, with the condition that nothing can be taken out, except for bread, which can be fed to the chipmunks.
Near the hotel, there is a Sea Shells cafe, where we actually tried almost all the delicacies, and mostly ate there.
The staff is always polite, not intrusive and smiling. The food is very tasty and I have never had stomach problems. The only thing that was always asked when ordering was not to add “curry”, and absolutely nowhere - because the taste of food becomes very specific and spicy, although you need to try this too.
You also need to take into account that in all cafes, a 10% tax is added on top of the price, not counting tips.
All servings both in cafes and in hotel restaurants are simply insane sizes, at least one serving for two or three. Therefore, you need to count on it, and when half the plate remains, the locals think that it is not tasty and are offended.
The first order for two cost us 4.565 rupees (about $35), half of which was physically impossible to eat.
The cafe is located at the exit from the hotel immediately to the left about 100 m, cross the railway track and about 50 m more, on the left side. The cafe itself is on the second floor, the entrance to which is located between the souvenir shops.
Prices in Sri Lanka:
Tip - 100 rupees (0.8 $)
A trip from the hotel to Kalutara to the market, shop, pussies - 500 rupees in two directions.
crab soup - 450 rupees ($ 3.5);
king prawns - 3 pieces the size of a large plate 1900 rupees ($14.5);
lobsters (for some reason, locals have lobsters) - 1 pc. 2600 rupees ($20);
shark steak - 350 g. 900 rupees ($ 7);
crabs - 2 pcs. 1000 rupees;
fried tuna - 350 g. 900 rupees ($ 7);
fried barracuda - 350 g. 900 rupees ($ 7);
water without gas 1.5l - 65 rupees (0.5 $);
water with gas 1.5 l. – 160 rupees ($1.2);
Red rum RED ROM 0.75 l - 700 rupees ($ 5.5).
Beer "LION" lager 0.5 l in a wholesale and retail kiosk - 130 rupees ($ 1) (at the hotel 250 rupees, in a cafe - 250 rupees, in souvenir shops near the hotel - 200 rupees).
Passion fruit - 10 pcs. 500 rupees ($3.8)
Mangosteen - 10 pcs. 1200 rupees ($9)
Golden tea 50g - 1700 rupees ($13)
Silver tea 50g - 1200 rupees ($9.2)
Tea in bags 250 g - 375 rupees ($ 2.9)
A set of tea bags (4 types - 40 pcs. ) - 750 rupees ($ 5.8)
Drinks of Sri Lanka:
Special attention deserves the local red rum, which is very tasty to mix with Coca-Cola. The local beer "LION" is also famous, it is also very tasty. But ARAK coconut moonshine is rare rubbish. All this can be bought in Kalutare in shops, and beer can be bought near the hotel in souvenir shops, though from under the counter, you need to negotiate. We bought beer, rum and arak at a wholesale and retail kiosk in Kalutara, we took it immediately with a margin. There you need to be especially careful, because the audience is still there.
From LION beer, there are only three types, light, dark, and strong.
Fruits of Sri Lanka:
Coconuts are ordinary (the pulp is for eating, the rest is poured out) and royal (orange) - (only drink, quench thirst well) - for free, since we had our friend - a local resident, he treated us to this goodness.
Mango
Mangosteen is the most unusual fruit and amazingly delicious.
A pineapple
passion fruit
Bananas
Avocado.
All fruits are incredibly tasty and have nothing to do with what they bring to Ukraine.
Rest, routes and Excursions in Sri Lanka:
1st Day. 24.09. 2012.
After we got to the hotel and settled in, we decided to explore the surroundings. Walking along the coast, we accidentally stumbled upon one of the "Beach Fights", which our friends had previously told us about. The man's name is "Valera", as he was described to us and told about him, and so he turned out to be - friendly, not intrusive, and most importantly honest.
After a short explanation of how we know him, he suggested that we go to his friends in a cafe on the beach, where, for very little money, we were treated to crabs, lobsters, jumbo shrimp and red rum. In short, the booze came out the same. Immediately after talking with Valera, having learned the prices and the composition of the excursions, we decided not to worry and immediately agreed on trips.
2nd Day. 25.09. 2012.
After adaptation and the beach, we decided to go to Kalutara for fruit. For 500 rupees, we were taken by tuk-tuk to shops, where we stocked up on drinking water, picked up fruits in the market: pineapples, passion fruit, avocados, mangosteens, mangoes. We stopped at a wholesale kiosk, where we stocked up on cheap beer and rum. Having rolled around the city, we decided to go to the Si Shells cafe for lunch with shark, barracuda, crab soup and other delicacies. Until the evening, all that remained was to lie on the beach, since the next day we had an early departure for an excursion.
Although, nevertheless, we decided to go to the hotel to the show program: Performances with snakes. A Sri Lankan performed on the stage, demonstrating to the tune of the taming of cobras. After that, all the reptiles were carried around the hall and everyone was allowed to take pictures with them.
3rd Day. 26.09. 2012.
Route: Waskaduwa (hotel) - Pugoda (pineapple and banana farm) - Yutuwankanda (fruit market) - Pahala Kadugannawa (observation deck) - Kandu (Royal Botanical Gardens, Buddhist temple, sari shops) - Pilomatalawa (tea factory) - Karandupana ( Spice Garden) - Hiriwadunna (elephant nursery) - Waskaduwa (hotel). Price $230. The distance is about 180 km. one way. Only about 350 km. The price includes everything except meals and tips.
Having agreed everything with the same Valera, having agreed in advance the entire route, which is included in the price, payment of all expenses, tickets, etc. , time and other points, we had an air-conditioned minibus at our disposal.
It is advisable to discuss everything with such comrades in advance, what you are paying for, so that there are no surprises, such as we did not negotiate the entrance fee, so you pay yourself. But in this regard, everything was super with us, besides, we paid off upon arrival at the hotel, in short, we rode on credit. Since we skip breakfast, we asked the hotel in advance to pack our rations for us in the morning. Of course, there wasn’t much food, but it’s quite normal to have a bite to eat on the road.
Check out early around 6:30 am. The road is long and difficult. It takes about 3-3.5 hours to reach the final destination. Somewhere near Pugoda, we were taken to a pineapple and banana farm. Visually, of course, it is difficult to call it a farm, ordinary beds and scattered trees. After drinking coffee in a cafe, they rushed on. On the way, we stopped at the fruit market, stocked up on red bananas and were on the road again. Near Pahala Kadugannawa we stopped at the observation deck.
It is a simple pocket for parking buses. However, the view from it is simply amazing, behind the fence there is a cliff, and in the distance there are huge mountains overlooking Sigiriya. On this site, our first acquaintance with monkeys took place. Soon we got to Kandu in the royal botanical garden Paradeniya. The place is interesting, but apart from marvelous trees, nothing unusual. In addition to bamboo groves, a marvelous tree whose crown spreads above the ground, huge fir trees, which over the years of their life, as a result of strong winds, have taken on curved outlines, alleys with giant palm trees, trees strewn with flying foxes, orchids and other beautiful flowers, there is nothing more to see. In addition, in the garden near the road, we came across a small wild cobra.
Next stop, Kandy, a Buddhist temple, and a batik and sari shop. They said you need to come in the evening, then everything is lit up there and it is very beautiful.
Near Pilamatalava, we were brought to the tea factory Geragama Tea Center, looked at how tea grows, on the plantation and went to study the process of tea production at the factory itself. The spectacle is extremely interesting and educational. There you can also buy tea of different varieties and qualities. Prices are much cheaper than in souvenir shops. Next, near Karandupana, we went on an excursion to the spice garden. The garden is small but still interesting. They showed how coffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, sandalwood, etc. grow. They immediately bought an ointment in the store that shaves itself.
The last stop at Hiriwadunna was the Millenium Elephant Foundation. Here you can ride elephants, feed them, wash them. We had a short tour of the museum, told how hard life is for elephants. After that, around 6 pm rushed to the hotel.
4th Day. 27.09. 2012.
After a tiring excursion, we decided to relax for a couple of days, sunbathe, swim in the ocean.
We went to visit Valera, drank royal coconuts, and on that day ended, because tomorrow we had another excursion.
5th Day. 28.09. 2012.
Itinerary: Waskaduwa (Hotel) - Beruwela (Fishing Port) - Moragalla (Big Buddha Statue) - Bentota (river walk) - Kosgoda (Turtle Farm) - Peraliya (Monument to the victims of the tsunami in 2004) - Meetiyagoda (Mine for mining moonstone, jewelry store) - Galle (Fort, lighthouse, large stupa) - Unawatuna (swimming in the lagoon) - Koggala (fishermen on poles). Price $150. The distance is about 120 km. one way. Only about 240 km. The price includes everything except meals and tips.
Departure is also early around 7 am, as our first point was the fishing port in Beruwela, and because the fish sells out very quickly, we had to get up early. It turned out to be an interesting spectacle to stare at the inhabitants of the ocean, although after that it was dumb to climb into the ocean and the stench in the market was terrible. You can also take a picture with a fish, like with a shark in your hands.
Here are the incubators in the sand for turtles, took a picture with the baby turtles. Everyone can be touched. From turtles Loggerhead, Olive, Byss, Green.
On the way, we stopped near the Buddha monument, built in honor of the victims of the tsunami in 2004.
The next stop is a trip to the moonstone mine in Meetiyagoda. Nothing particularly interesting. We looked into the mine, at the peasant in the mud, cutting stones and climbing in the jewelry store, we drove on. By the way, the stones in the store are very cheap, we realized this later. And besides, the store issues a certificate for export from the country. There is also a curry garden, its processing and the possibility of buying.
The fort in Galle is interesting for its architecture, which is made in the colonial style. Against which the contrast of the rest of Sri Lanka is palpably felt. Of the attractions, a large stupa built by the Japanese, a lighthouse and huge fort walls.
There are also eccentrics who jump from the wall into the water between the stones for money.
After Galle we went to take a look at the world famous fishermen on poles in Koggala. The ocean in these parts is extremely different from the rest of the coast. The water here is turquoise and protected by coral reefs, so the waves are not particularly strong and you can swim safely. On the way back we stopped at Unawatuna to swim in the lagoon. On this our tour ended and we went to the hotel.
6th Day. 29.09. 2012.
An elephant was brought to the hotel, later we learned and watched the Sri Lankan wedding ceremony. A very colorful spectacle, with Sri Lankan dances, elephant riding and other entertainment. On this day, they had a Full Moon Poya Day - the day of the full moon. It takes place every month. On this day, restaurants and cafes do not work, the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited, also on the territory of the hotel. The hotel can only eat, alcohol is allowed in the room.
Therefore, beer stocked up in advance. In the evening, on a tuk-tuk, Valera took us to the village to the jungle, to see how people live from the outback. We went to visit his friend, housing of course just a paragraph. In the jungle we saw a large flock of wild monkeys, parrots, buffaloes, white herons. From plants, avocados, bananas, grass that curls when touched. The trip cost 500 rupees.
7th Day. 30.09. 2012.
Rest. Beach. Ocean. Buying souvenirs.
8th Day. 01.10. 2012.
Vacation, beach, ocean. Farewell to Sri Lanka. Transfer to Colombo. And a long flight back.
Souvenirs of Sri Lanka:
Golden tea, silver tea is the most trump tea. It is best to buy on excursions in shops at the factory, it is cheaper there.
Fruits Mangosteen, passion fruit - you can buy on the last day of rest and bring it as a souvenir, though they deteriorate very quickly. If you ask for greenish ones, they can lie down in the refrigerator for another week.
Pineapple - the main thing is to ask for a green tail to be cut off from it if you do not want to bring an anthill home.
Red rum - can be bought in Kalutara.
Beer Leon can be bought at Duty Free in Sri Lanka.
Translated automatically from Russian. View original
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OTHER REVIEWS ABOUT THE HOTEL
- All OK
- Great hotel on the ocean
- Proven option
- Very good hotel!!! Cool vacation!! Amazing stand!!!
- Nice atmospheric hotel
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