Sri Lanka
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Travel
Internal
Travelling
by Air
The
major domestic airport is Ratmalana
at Colombo. There are daily flights to
smaller airports at Batticaloa, Gal Oya, Palali
and Trincomalee. The airport at Jaffna is
currently closed.
Travelling
by Rail
Trains
connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but
first-class carriages, air conditioning and
dining cars are available on only a few. New fast
services operate on the principal routes,
including an inter-city express service between
Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly
leisurely.
Note: Rail services to Jaffna have ceased
owing to the violent political disruptions in the
northern area.
Travelling
by Road
Traffic
drives on the left. Most roads are tarred, with a
56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and
75kph (45mph) outside towns. Flashing lights mean
that the driver is asserting right of way, unlike
in the UK. Avoid remote areas and travelling at
night. Bus: An extensive network of
services of reasonable quality is provided by the
Sri Lanka Central Transport Board. Private
bus drivers are paid according to the number of
passengers and can often drive rather
dangerously. Taxi: These have yellow tops
and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are
metered but it is advisable to agree a rate
before setting off. Drivers expect a 10 per cent
tip. Car hire: This is available from
several international agencies. Air-conditioned
minibuses are also available. Motorised rickshaws
are also readily available for hire in towns and
villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less
expensive and recommended. Documentation: In
order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri
Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be
obtained before departure. If not, a temporary
licence to drive is obtainable on presentation of
a valid national driving licence. This must be
endorsed at the AA office in Colombo. The minimum
age for driving a car is 18.
Urban
Bus:
The Central Transport Board provides
intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where
there are also private buses and minibuses. Fares
are generally collected by conductors. Services
are often crowded.
Travel
Times
Departure
tax
An embarkation tax of Rs1000 is payable at the
Bandaranaike International Airport. Otherwise,
none.
The
following chart gives approximate travel times
(in hours and minutes) from Colombo to
other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka.
| |
Air |
Road |
Rail |
| Matara |
- |
4.00 |
4.30 |
| Badulla |
- |
9.30 |
9.00 |
| Anuradhapura |
0.45 |
5.30 |
6.00 |
| Trincomalee |
1.00 |
6.00 |
7.00 |
| < TABLE> |
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Introduction - Travel
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Internal - Climate - Links - Partners
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