Getting Around Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the premier holiday destination in the Indian ocean is inhabited by people of various religions and cultured.

The majority of Sri Lankans speak Sinhala, with Tamil as the second language. English is commonly used by government and tourism officials. Don't expect everyone, everywhere to be able to speak it fluently.

Sri Lanka follows decimal currency system in Rupees (Rs.) and cents (Cts.) with 100 cents equal to a rupee. Currency notes are available in the denominations of Rs. 2,10,20,50,100,200, 500 and 1000. Coins are issued in values of Cts.1,2,5,10,25,50 and Rs.1,2,5 and 10.

The food is very cheap generally, with a cheap meal costing about a dollar. The staple food of Sri Lankans is rice and curry.- a massive mound of rice surrounded by various curries and delicacies. A cheap lunch is always available in a million small café's, confusingly called "Hotels". For Dinner, Street Vendors make "Kottu Roti" which is a quantity of Rotti, rhythmically chopped with vegetables, eggs, spices and your choice of meats. Though cutlery is available, try it the Sri Lankan way using your right hand fingers to consume meals for a change. If you do not wish to step down, 5 Star elegance awaits you in the City of Colombo with many restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. Bottled mineral water is recommended for tourist and Thambli, the juice from yellow coconuts, is very refreshing. It's sold at the side of streets throughout the island,

Cotton garments are the ideal as Sri Lanka is a tropical island. However, viscose/cotton mixed garments are commonly worn. Light clothing is recommended in the lowland areas and light woolen clothing is suitable in the hill country.

Tri Shaw or Three Wheeler (also known as Tuk Tuks implied with the noise of their engine) as is the most common means of transportation in Sri Lanka. For those who are in a budget, Buses are everywhere.