Sri Lanka has only one International Airport, the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake (30km north of Colombo). If you are lucky enough to land while the sun is still out, you will notice Sri Lanka's rich green foliage the moment you begin descent. Remember to fill out your disembarkation form before you proceed to the sparkling new wing of the Island's Airport. Most often, many flights arrive at the same time, but as long as you have your documents ready and don't allow any over-eager travellers to cut in line, the smiling immigration officers will send you sailing through towards your adventures in Sri Lanka.

Airport clearance process

The clearance process is not too complicated. You will be able to get your disembarkation form from a flight attendant before you land, or from the desks in the immigration area. Make sure you have them filled out before you get in line at immigration.
When you have your bags, if you have any goods to declare, make sure you fill out a customs form before you get into the exit line. These forms can be found at the desks near the luggage carousels.
The porters will be more than happy to assist you with your bags, and are usually paid Rs. 100 ($1) per bag to help you move your bags and push your trolley.

Transport on arrival

Once you have cleared customs proceed to the arrival lobby where one of our friendly chauffeurs/guides will await you with a name card, ready to commence your reserved holiday in Sri Lanka.

Roads & Road Rules

Average mean temperature along the coast is 26.7 C (80 F) and 19.7 C (66.50 F) in the hill country. In Colombo, the commercial capital, situated on the west coast, the temperature varies from 26.4 C (79.5 F) to 27.8 C (82.12 F). Relative Humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night. In the lowlands the climate is typically tropical with an average temperature of 27OC in Colombo. In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16OC at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters. Bright, sunny warm days are the rule and are common even during the height of the monsoon - climatically Sri Lanka has no off season. The south west monsoon brings rain mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central regions of the island, while the north-east monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December and January.

Public Transport

Self-Driven Car

If you like blazing your own trail in new places, or have visited the island before and have a good idea of where you're going, a self-driven car is a great option. Srilanka.com partners with a few rental car companies that have a great selection of cars for you to choose from, at reasonable prices. We would be glad to arrange a suitable car for your travel plans around Sri Lanka. However, you will have to have an internationally valid licence to legally drive in Sri Lanka.

Chauffeur Driven Car

If you're travelling with a healthy budget and desire privacy and comfort with your transportation arrangements, why not rent a car that comes with its own driver? Not only is it cheaper than a self-drive car rental, it's a hundred times less scary than trying to brave Sri Lankan traffic. Chauffeur-driven cars are a particularly good option if you're planning long trips around the island. Sunway Holidays team would be happy to arrange this for you. Chauffeurs are multilingual and thouroughly knowledgeable about the country.

Taxi

There are quite a few reliable taxi companies within the city limits of Colombo that are ideal for shorter trips. All these taxis are metered and, depending on the company, most taxis are in very good condition. However taking taxis from time to time can be more expensive than having your own private chauffer/guide.

Tuk Tuk

The most common mode of transport in Sri Lanka is a three-wheeled automobile, commonly called a "three-wheeler" or a "tuk-tuk". Taking a three-wheeler is the best way to see the local sights, have some fun and make friends with the locals. They are always available, and in the brightest of colours so you couldn't miss them. However, as they're not metered, some bartering is in order and you should make sure you agree on a fare before you start your journey, but they are definitely one of the cheaper modes of transportation.

Bus

For those on budget, buses are everywhere. Although they are ridiculously over-crowded within the city, and tempting haunts with all pick-pockets, buses can be a good option for long journeys. They are unbelievably cheap and a few dollars can get you halfway across the island. Inter-City buses are a little bit more expensive but they offer A/C and guarantee you a seat, and are the better option for longer journeys. For timetables, call the main Bus Stand in Colombo on Tel: (Sri Lanka +94) 0112329604/5 or local bus station office for private timetables.

Train

Taking the train, you will be promised a slower and more comfortable ride than a bus, although slightly more expensive. The rail network is quite comprehensive and criss-crosses much of the island. Travelling first class is definitely the way to go as it is affordable, and the only way to be comfortable on Sri Lanka's older trains. The main city links from Colombo, Galle and Kandy offer great observation and night carriages and the coast line South from Colombo, up through the Hill Country and the northern line through the Cultural triangle, all offer scenic journeys. Taking the train is a cost-effective option for long journeys, if you're on a budget.

Air Taxi/ Sea Plane

Sri Lankan Airlines introduced an Air taxi service around the island, which gives you a unique way to enjoy Sri Lanka's rich, scenic views. The small 8-seater Caravan planes use waterways, lakes and domestic airstrips to land and take-off. Flights run conveniently to many tourist destinations like Kandy, Bentota, Galle, Tangalle. Planes can also be chartered privately, as long as there is a suitable landing area. Reservations and arrangements can be made through Sunway Holidays.

Clothes

Cotton garments are 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. A sun hat and sunglasses may help you to escape the heat during daytime. A good thing to keep in mind is, despite the tropical weather, some hotels have a 'no shorts' policy at dinnertime. So bring comfortable alternatives.

Footwear

If you plan to spend most of your time on the beach, bring comfortable sandals. If you intend to hike or do most of your sightseeing on foot, then bring comfortable walking shoes that are easy to pack and clean. Also, if you plan to visit some of the nicer restaurants or nightspots in the city of Colombo, you will need to bring shoes with you as most of these places have "no sandals" policies.

Temple Etiquette

When visiting a Buddhist or Hindu temple you should remove your footwear and headgear. Your legs and shoulders should be covered as a sign of respect. Some Hindu temples even ask men to go shirtless in order to enter the inner sanctum. In most temples, you will be asked for a donation. However, the traditional practice is that you make a donation only if you wish to. Any money you decide to donate should be placed in the donation box.

Public Nudity

Public Nudity, including females being topless, is not only unacceptable but also illegal in Sri Lanka, although a few German-owned hotels may make an exception in designated areas. Ask your hotel on their policy about this.

Customs Regulation - Entering the Country

Declare all your valuable equipment, valuable jewellery and gems. Baggage should not contain goods for others, goods in commercial quantities, and prohibited or restricted goods. You are allowed to bring in 1.5 liters of alcohol, 2 bottles of wine, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and a small quantity of perfume.

Customs Regulations - Leaving the Country

PERMITTED: You are allowed to take out what you have declared and brought into the country, and whatever you have purchased in Sri Lanka like gems, jewellery and Sri Lankan products. Make sure you keep the receipts of all your purchases in Sri Lanka, in case you are asked.

NOT PERMITTED:

You are not allowed to take out goods for commercial purposes, gold (crude, bullion or coins) firearms, explosives and dangerous weapons, Antique, statues, treasures, animals, birds or reptiles (dead or alive) and their parts, tea, rubber and coconut plants or any dangerous drugs.