The Destination Galle In Sri Lanka Tourism Essay

Galle is the capital of a territory with the same name and is besides called the Gateway to the South. This larboard metropolis, 119 kilometer from Colombo, has managed to retain its old colonial town experience even today and is besides known for its Dutch walled fortress.

It is believed that Galle is the scriptural haven of Tarshish, from which King Solomon obtained gold, tusk, Inachis ios and other valuables. Bing on the strategic sea-route between Arabia, India and Southeast Asia, every bit good a natural seaport, Galle became an of import trading port for Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians and Chinese.

Harmonizing to other schools of idea, the name Galle derives from ‘Gallus ‘ ( chicken in Dutch ) , or from ‘Gaala ‘ , in Sinhala, intending a herding topographic point for cowss. Before the Portuguese arrived in the sixteenth century, Galle was known as ‘Gimhathiththa ‘ . In less than 100 year, the Dutch had taken over and reinforced the garrison. TheA Galle fortA is now a universe heritage site and shows the merger of EuropeanA architectural manners with south Asiatic traditions.

Beyond Galle, lies a stretch of seashore with a series of beaches like Unawatuna and Thalpe, the latter besides being celebrated for its stilt fishermen. In cricketing circles, Galle is known for its cricket land, which has rebuilt itself successfully after the tsunami devastation.

Other outstanding landmarksA are the natural seaport, theA National Maritime Museum, A St. Mary ‘s Cathedral, Amangalla the historic luxury hotel and one of Sri Lanka ‘s mainA ShivaA temples. Other natural attractive forces, temples and garrisons are besides tourist hot spots.

By itself Galle is a big town, with a busy coach station and market are its bosom. It provides variable attractive forces for its tourers with multiple art festivals. The one-year Galle Literary Festival attracts essayists from all over the universe.

Hotel Overview

General info on adjustment options and specific info on types of adjustment harmonizing to location

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A broad scope of adjustments from invitee houses, bed and breakfast, star hotels, to boutique resortsA is available in Galle. There is something for every budget, with monetary values runing from 20 USD to 600 USD for sole belongingss. Most of the hotels in Galle are situated in the Fort and Beach country. However, one can happen hotels located within the metropolis bounds every bit good. There are besides a figure of villas offering epicurean adjustment.

Among the high terminal hotels, the Amangalla and the Galle Fort Hotel inside the Fort and The Dutch House outside promise epicurean colonial manner adjustment.

Among the medium scope belongingss, The Lady Hill is the best option. The Fort House and Tamarind Hut are other options..

The budget belongingss are largely household tally guesthouses, offering plain diggingss and place cooked nutrient. Beach Haven, Weltevreden and Rampart View are some such belongingss.

The Villa are by and large historic houses or tea plantation cottages. The Last House, Auraliya and The Beach House are the few high terminal 1s. The Fort House and Tamarind Hut come with lower budgets.

Info on International and major domestic hotel ironss

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There are no major international ironss of hotels runing in Galle. A local concatenation of hotels, Jetwing does nevertheless hold belongingss here.

Focus on concern & A ; leisure travel

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Most of the hotels here have concern and leisure installations. One can happen conference halls, wireless cyberspace and facsimile installation in most of the hotels.

High terminal hotels besides have in house amusement picks for invitees, which takes of the leisure needs of tourers.

Pricing fluctuation harmonizing to season and events

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The monsoon months from April to September are less busy and the monetary values are somewhat on the lesser side during these months. Otherwise, Galle is a typical tropical coastal town and conditions remains warm and welcoming throughout the twelvemonth.

Thingss to Make

Thingss to Make – Overview

Overview of what all can be done in the finish across assorted classs of Thingss to make. Besides, continuance based possibilities to be listed.

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There are tonss of things to make in Galle. It has beaches, cultural attractive forces, temples, tea plantations, paddy Fieldss and besides shopping and dining. Everyone can happen an activity of their pick here.

OldA Galle has been declared a universe heritage site by UNESCO. The good preserved seventeenth century colonial Galle FortA is the major attractive force here. The garrison is an illustration of the colonial manner of architecture.

There is a museum inside the garrison which represents the art and civilization of the Southern Province. The Maritime Museum besides inside the garrison provides the history of Galle ‘s maritime successes. The Dutch Reformed Church has been restored and is worth a visit for its ambiance and architecture.

The Galle seaport still handles transportation, and one can acquire a position of cruising yachts now and so. The cricket bowl here reminds one of the Dutch architecture.

Guided motorcycle Tourss are besides available to acquire a position of the countryside. Around Galle, trips to the Koggala laguna, the Sea Turtle Hatchery, Whale watching trips from Mirissa and Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum make for twenty-four hours excursions. The beaches of Unawatuna and Thalpe are besides good options.

Sightsing – Overview

Overview on the rubber-necking in the finish, including the popular 1s and thematic 1s

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The chief attractive force for sight visionaries in Galle is its old colonial Fort. With a batch of Reconstruction work done recently, the Fort has late been restored. Inside the bulwarks of the garrison, there are a batch of old edifices and colonial constructions to see.

The Dutch Reformed Church and The All Saints ‘ Church are the Dutch and Anglican topographic points of worship. The National Museum, Maritime Museum and the Historical Maritime Museum have some ancient artifacts.

Themed walking Tourss of the Fort, adapted to single involvements can be taken to acquire some new penetrations into the life of Fort occupants every bit good as see some off the all in facets of the Fort.

The Koggala Lagoon, with several islands, is a topographic point for bird observation. The Temple Island here has an old Buddhist temple, which is still in usage and attracts many visitants on full Moon ( Poya ) twenty-four hours. The Cinnamon Island is besides deserving researching and Ananda Spice Garden are other sightseeing options here.

The Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum, on the route to Udugama introduces one to the Sri Lankan rain forest.

Sightsing – Individual degree write-ups

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For illustration:

Name of the attractive force

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Timing: 9 a.m – 5:30 p.m ( Monday to Friday )

9 a.m – 9:00 p.m ( Saturday and Sunday )

Admission Fees: RM 3.00 per entry for grownup and RM 0.50 for kids and pupils.

The Galle Fort

This garrison, ab initio built by the Portuguese, was taken over by the Dutch in 1640. They farther fortified it over the following 6-7 decennaries, besides constructing a new luxuriant system of cloacas. Every high tide they would be flooded, taking the sewerage out to the sea.

This walled metropolis, within the metropolis gives a extremum into Galle ‘s colonial yesteryear. The pillars and the frontages, courtyards full of the stores selling spices and sarongs, old-timers and modern oddities give a glance of the old times.

The Fort is a common interest of tourers every bit good as locals. Walking Tourss, organized by Juliet Coombe and Daisy Perry, may be adapted harmonizing to single gustatory sensations – wildlife, history or architecture.

National Museum, ( Church Street, Tues – Sat, 9am to 5pm, LKR 300 ) , Historical Mansion Museum ( Leyn Baan Street, daily, 9am to 6pm, contributions optional ) and Maritime Museum ( Queen ‘s Street ) are located inside the Fort.

Koggala Lagoon:

‘Koggala Lagoon ‘ , approx 20 kilometer from Galle has Rhizophora mangles which are place to birds and reptilians like proctor lizards and serpents. There is besides a beach which stretches upto the Ahangama and Midigama bays.

There are several islands within the laguna. On Poya ( full Moon ) twenty-four hours, many people visit the Temple Island, which has an old Buddhist Temple. One can besides research the Cinnamon Island, or the Ananda Spice Garden on a separate island.

Visitors to Koggala can besides see the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum. Beyond Koggala, in the town of Ahangama, one can see a batch of stilt fishermen as they fish on piles, surrounded by H2O. Further on, Midigama offers surfing options.

Kottawa Rainforest and Arboterum

Located 16 kilometer from Galle, this is easy accessible and introduces the Sri Lankan rain forest to the tourers. A 1 kilometer walking trail is shaded by dipterocarps. One can happen violet faced langurs, elephantine squirrels, barking deer and samburs shacking here. There are besides different assortments of birds and reptilians. Guided Tourss for groups are run by Rainforest Rescue International ( LKR 2250 – LKR 3000 ) .

Address: 14 kilometer station, Udugama Road

Timing: 8 am – 5 autopsy

Admission Fees: LKR 600

Activities – Overview

Info on the sort of activities possible in the finish

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One can research the Fort and the environing country either on pes or on a bike. The bike drives can run from staid 2 -3 hour 1s to whole twenty-four hours trips. Surfboarding at Midigama and Ahangama is another option for surfing partisans. Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa offer beautiful beaches. Galle besides offers the option of plunging to see stone and coral reefs and besides some unreal reefs which have come up on wrecks.

One can besides travel to Habaraduwa, to see baby polo-necks hatching at the Sea Turtle Hatchery. For those interested in treasures and jewelry, Millenium Gems offers a scope of treasure rocks and jewelry.

Activities – Generic, Individual level write-ups

Overview of any 3 top, generic activities of the finish

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Address and contact inside informations ( if applicable. )

Sea Turtle Hatchery – Habaraduwa

With the purpose to help the endurance of sea polo-necks, Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery is a not- for- net income organisation which has opened a “ Turtle Farm ” in Habaraduwa ( Galle District ) near a beach. This 8is kilometer from the Galle Matara route. The farm was opened in 1986 and to day of the month hold released over 500,000 sea polo-necks into the sea

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With the entry fee of LKR 300 merely, one can see a babe polo-neck hatching out and doing its manner to the sea.

Millennium Gems:

To see a scope of treasure rocks and ready-made jewelry, one can see Millennium GemsA in the Fort country. A 5th coevals jewelry maker, the proprietor, Mr Mahesh, has over 20 old ages of experience in doing custom jewelry. All the jewelry on offer is hand-made. Millennium Gems specialise in Moonstones and are licensed exporters for it.

Surfboarding

Surfboarding is a popular activity in Galle. There are many beaches in and around the metropolis where one can take portion in H2O sporting activities including H2O surfboarding. However, one should avoid the monsoon months if one wishes to bask the H2O featuring activities here, as the beaches are closed during the monsoon months. A popular location for surfing in the part is Ahangama and Midigama, which are less crowded than some other countries.

Excursions & A ; Tours – Overview

Info on the type of jaunts and Tourss possible from the finish and the popular 1s depending on pick and budget

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Excursions to Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum and Hiyare Rainforest Park are possible as full twenty-four hours excursions. The Samakanda eco-tourism undertaking ( www.samakanda.org ) has a 60 acre organic farm and eco-retreat. Day trips can besides be organised to see tea plantations and tea processing mills for approx LKR 750-1000 per individual

The Yala Wildlife Sanctuary has leopards, elephants and crocodiles. There is besides rich birdlife here, particularly from October to March when migratory birds arrive.

Whale observation is another activity possible near Galle. The seas South of Dondra are a good location to see bluish giants. Recent perceivers besides say that it may be possible to see bluish giants and sperm giants together.

Restaurants – Overview

Info on Main culinary arts, types of constitutions, Street nutrient, Specialities etc.

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A scope of eating houses offering western every bit good as local culinary art are available in Galle. Most eating houses are expensive, but a batch of coffeehouses have besides come up to provide light repasts at sensible monetary values. Several guesthouses in the Fort country besides dish out home-made local cookery for budget travellers.

Seafood is popular, and the traditional culinary art has a whole scope of vegetarian options as good. Pan Asian nutrient is besides easy available. Most cafes offer rice and curry at lunch period, every bit good as soups, salads and sandwiches. Restaurants at Amangalla an Galle Fort Hotel are rather popular.

Restaurants with other international culinary arts are besides coming up. Though non many Indian eating houses are available, one can happen rice and curry options at most topographic points. Indian Hut, ( on the format of Pizza Hut ) offers a scope of Indian, Pakistani and Chinese dishes for nice monetary value.

( DO NoT give references / contact inside informations in eating house. )

Shoping – Overview

Info on chief shopping territories, duty-free, deals, fortes, VAT refund etc.

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A figure of galleries and dress shops have come up in Galle. These offer both the western necessities and native artifacts. Galle is besides celebrated for its handcrafts. Teas, spices, old-timers and handcrafts are some of the chief shopping points for tourers.

The Dutch Market is known for selling the freshest fruits and veggies and day of the months back 300 old ages. Elephant Walk has a good choice of spices, potions and handcrafts. Kanthisiri is a good option to purchase good quality cotton cloths. Traditional Sri Lankan dress can be bought at Shoba ApparelA

Traditional craftspeople can be seen making jewelry, leatherwork, batik, lacing and embellishment at the South Ceylon Industrial Agency & A ; Handicraft Factories. For antique Dutch furniture and reproductions, one can see OlandaA .

Attractions – Overview

Overview of the chief finish ‘s high spots

( This will be a summary of 5 to 6 chief attractive forces from sightseeing, activities, jaunts, shopping and eating houses, as applicable )

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The Galle Fort is the landmark attractive force. The garrison dates back to 1640 and has late been restored after batch of Reconstruction and beautification work. There are many old structured within the garrison to see and research.

The Dutch Reformed Church is the oldest church in the part. An old pipe organ with manual bellows, though non in working status can still be seen inside the church.

The Galle beacon on Point Utrecht bastion is besides popular. Peace Pagoda, a Buddhist temple, and Meeran Jumma Masjid can besides be visited. The beaches of Unawatuna are besides a major attractive force. The traffic free portion of Main Street offers the local coloring material of little stores and paving bargainers.

Whale observation is besides a really popular attractive force. Apart from all that, one can travel surfing on the assorted beaches here. There is besides the sea turtle hatchery at Habaraduwa which one can see. The hatchery is a non net income administration where tourers can see violet polo-necks puting their eggs.

The Yala national Park houses many species of workss and animate beings. The topographic point gets a batch of migratory birds during the month of October, which makes it good for bird observation.

Traveling To

Traveling to – Overview

Overview of how to go to the finish

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At present, the lone manner to acquire to Sri Lanka is to wing into the island ‘s international airdrome at Katunayake, merely North of Colombo. Sri Lanka is good connected by international air hoses and to the Asian air webs.

From India, regular non-stop flights of Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Air India and SriLankan Airlines are available from Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Trivandrum, Tiruchirappali and Delhi. As such, one halt connexion is available to Colombo from about all Indian metropoliss. A few sail line drives that sail between India and Maldives besides stop at Colombo.

After acquiring out of the airdrome, one can take a tuk-tuk or cab to the train station less than 1 km off. This station can be used to catch a train to Colombo and onwards to Galle. Alternatively one can take a cab to Colombo and so catch the train to Galle. A individual one manner trip to Galle from Colombo costs Rs 100 to Rs 340 per individual, depending on the category of travel.

One can besides travel to Galle by route, either by a cab or by coach. The distance from the international airdrome to Galle is 130 kilometer. It takes about four hours to make Galle from the airdrome by cab or coach, depending on the traffic denseness.

Best manner of making the finish – will be site specific, including linking flights.

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Taxis or rental autos are the fastest and most comfy manner to make Galle from the airdrome or Colombo. However, taxis are an expensive option. There are standard taxis and gilded taxis, which are air conditioned, available from outside the airdrome.

Trains and coachs are a inexpensive option to taxis and auto leases. Intercity express is available from Colombo to Galle and offers comfy seating. However, trains are normally late and do non run often.

Buss are another option to make Galle from the airdrome. Majority of the coachs are run by the authorities, although there are private operators every bit good. Buss run often, at an interval of 15-20 proceedingss. However, coachs can acquire crowded as they are the most popular manner of conveyance among locals.

Flights

Airport info: Location in metropolis, info on airdrome itself and services available, on the terminuss.

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The Bandaranaike International Airport is 130 kilometer from Galle. It has 39 check-in desks, 4 Gatess, short term parking infinites, 3 Airport Hotels, Banks, Post Office, Restaurants, Cafeterias, Bars, VIP Lounge, Duty Free Shop, Gift Shops, Travel Agent, Tourist Help Desk, Car Rental, Taxi Service/Rank, First Aid, Baby/Parent Room and Disabled Access/Facilities.

Six Bankss operate in the arrival anteroom for currency exchange installations. Telephone booths are available in the reaching, going and theodolite countries. A communications counter with international direct dialling and facsimile installations is located in the theodolite sofa.

Travelers can besides avail the bond luggage installation at the airdrome. Day suites are available for theodolite riders.

There are ATMs and currency exchange counters easy available at the airdrome.

If airdrome is nearby, include distance, manner of conveyance and travelling clip

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The airdrome is 130 kilometer from Galle. From the airdrome, one can take a coach or a cab to come to Colombo. Taxis and coachs are available at the airdrome. From Colombo to Galle, one can take a train or coach or cab. The journey from Colombo to Galle takes approx 2.5 to 3 hour.

The coachs from airdrome to Colombo Fort Railway Station ( Bus # 187 ) run often and cost about LKR 50 per individual, ( may bear down extra LKR 50 per piece of luggage ) and take about 1.5 hour.

There are taxis available straight from the airdrome to Galle. The journey by cab takes about four hours and is the most expensive option to travel.

Transportations to metropolis ( from the airdrome )

Taxi/Bus/Metro etc. , distance and traveling clip

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From the airdrome, one can lease a auto or engage a cab, to Colombo or beyond to Galle itself. Alternately, take coach # 187 from the airdrome to The Fort Railway Station in Colombo. From Colombo, a coach or a train or a cab can be taken to Galle.

Buss do non run straight to Galle. However, one can catch a coach to Colombo and so catch a connecting coach to Colombo. The journey by coach takes about 4 hours form the airdrome to Galle. Trains are another option to make Galle. However, to catch the train, one has to come to Colombo Fort station from the airdrome.

The distance between Colombo and Galle is 117 kilometer and the journey by train takes about 2 hours.

Trains

Train station info: Basic info on the station/s. Location and distance from metropolis landmarks. Facilities at the station

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The train station in Galle is located near to the cricket land and near the garrison country. The coach base is merely 500 m off from the station. One can catch a coach signifier the station for going around the metropolis. The station has ATMs and currency exchange counters.

There is besides a supermarket outside the station from where one can purchase food markets and other material. The Galle Fort is at a walking distance from the Galle railroad station. One can besides develop timings at www.bluehaventours.com

If nearby train station, include distance, manner of conveyance and travelling clip

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The coach station is near to the train station and there are coachs available to other parts of the metropolis every bit good as other neighboring countries. Buss run often from the station and the cheapest manner of conveyance to go. However, they can acquire crowded. Three Wheelers and taxis are besides available from outside the station.

The three Wheelers or the tuk tuks do non hold a meter installed, which is why 1 has to negociate a monetary value before get oning the three Wheeler.

Facilities available in the trains

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The intercity express is a train which runs from Colombo to Galle. The train has sleeper category and anterior reserve is needed to board the train. The train has big seats and broad insides.

Buss

Bus station info: If multiple coach Stationss, reference them and portion info

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The chief coach station of Galle is located in the cardinal country of the metropolis, outside the train station. Buss originate from here and travel to other parts of the metropolis and besides neighbouring metropoliss. There are air learned coachs every bit good as standard coachs available from the coach station.

The coachs run at regular intervals, normally at a spread of 15-20 proceedingss. There are bus bases near major tourer attractive forces, and coachs provide good connectivity within the metropolis. However, coachs can acquire crowded, as they are the popular manner of conveyance in the metropolis.

Operators: Govt. and Private, Frequency of operation

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Both authorities and private coachs ply on the Colombo – Galle path. Frequency of the coachs ranges from 15 to 30 mins.

Weather

Summary: General clime, Best clip to see

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Galle ‘s conditions remains pleasant throughout the twelvemonth. Coastal and low-land countries have a high temperature around 30 C. Humidity is high, sometimes upto 90 % . Galle being on the south-western seashore experiences the southwest monsoon from late April or May to September/October, with May and June being the wettest months.

The best clip to see Galle is from November to mid April. Galle being a cosmopolite with a figure of exiles settled here, does non shut down in the monsoon season like some other smaller towns. However, the sea remains jerky during this season and activities may be restricted. Cotton apparels are advisable throughout the twelvemonth, with extra waterproof protective vesture required during the monsoon season.

Visa

Visa info: Basic debut on visa

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It is easy for Indians to obtain the Sri Lankan visa, because of the assorted tie ups and the 1954 understanding between India and Sri Lanka.

India is one of the 80 states listed in the agenda “ A ” of Sri Lanka Visa list. Residents of any of these states can obtain the visiting visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. The paperss required are valid passport, application signifier, exposure and visa fees. Default cogency of visa is 30 yearss which can be extended by 2 months. Visa fee is about LKR 150 with a revenue enhancement of LKR 1.50.

Tourists can besides acquire theodolite visa at the entry port if the traveller is doing an incident journey to Sri Lanka during his/her onward journey to his/her concluding finishs.

Sri Lanka besides has a invitee Visa strategy, which encourages foreign investors to shack with household in Sri Lanka and contribute to the socio economic development of the state. The occupant ‘s visa can be availed by the partner, kids, and parents of the primary applier along with the applier. There are some investing demands to be fulfilled in order to obtain the occupant guest strategy of visa.

For farther information, please contact:

Sri Lanka High Comission, India

196, T. T. K. Road, Alwarpet

600 018 Chennai India

Telephone:

+91-44-498-7896

+91-44-498-7612

Facsimile:

+91-44-498-7894

Electronic mail:

sldehico @ md3.vsnl.net.in

Or

Department of Immigration and Emigration

# 41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha,

Maradana,

Colombo 10

Tele: +00-94-11-5329000, +00-94-11-5329316/20/21/25

Electronic mail: dcvisa @ immigration.gov.lk

Web site: www.immigration.gov.lk

Based on arising state – clip period, on arrival handiness etc

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If one is from India, one can acquire a visa on reaching in Sri Lanka. However, if one wishes to use for a Visa before set downing in Sri Lanka, one can make so by using at the Sri Lankan high committee in the state. It normally takes 3-4 yearss to acquire the visa for Sri Lanka.

One needs a valid passport, two passport sized exposure, a duly filled application signifier and visa fee to use for a visa to the state.

Residents of Britain, Australia, US, Canada, Japan and other EU states do non necessitate a visa to see Sri Lanka.

Tourists from the undermentioned states are issued visas free of charge for a period of 30 yearss on reaching at Colombo Airport ( installation applicable merely for the tourers ) :

( B ) subjects of Albania, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China ( PR, including Hong Kong ) , Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Korea ( Rep ) , Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Montenegro, Nepal, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro, Singapore, Slovenia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates ;

( degree Celsius ) subjects of CIS states.

However, all concern travellers to the state need a visa.

Documents required, Processing clip etc.

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India is one of the states listed in the agenda “ A ” of Sri Lanka Visa list. One can obtain the visit visa on reaching in Sri Lanka with the paperss such as valid passport, application signifier, exposure and visa fees. If one is using for a visa before coming to the state, it normally takes 3-4 on the job yearss for the application to acquire processed. The visa allows a 30 twenty-four hours of stay cogency along with an extension for 2 months allowed with grounds. Visa fee is about 150INR with a revenue enhancement of 1.50INR.

Currency

Overview: Name, denominations etc.

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The currency used is the Sri Lankan Rupee represented as LKR. Each rupee has 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of LKR 10, 5,2 and 1 and 25 and 50 cents. Notes are available in denominations of LKR 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000. It is advisable to maintain alteration ready to hand as alteration may non be available with all tradesmans.

Accepted Currencies: Other currencies widely accepted

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Most of the hotels and travel services quote their rates in US Dollar or Euros. However the payments still need to be made in the Sri Lankan Rupee. The Indian Rupee besides can non be used for any minutess and must be converted. Some hotels may accept payments from recognition cards of another currency.

Currency handiness: Best locations where to change over currencies, ATM, Money modifiers, acceptableness of traveler ‘s checks and international recognition cards, Comparative fees charged for these services

One can interchange the currency at the airdrome itself, which has many exchange counters, which are unfastened 24/7. The exchange rates at the airdrome are normally the best.

There are besides assorted ATMs available on the airdrome itself, if one needs to retreat money. However, the Bankss may subtract some service charges for retreating money from an ATM. ATMs and money money changers can besides be found near the fort country or in markets. However, the money money changers in this country do non offer really good exchange rates.

Private Bankss, like Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank, HSBC and Sampath Bank offer a quicker service than their government-run rivals ( Bank of Ceylon, People ‘s Bank and National Savings Bank ) .

It is ever advised to do all foreign exchange minutess through authorized Bankss or exchanges with the proviso of an encashment reception. Changing money through unauthorized traders is illegal. Unspent rupees may be reconverted at a commercial bank before one leaves the state.

Travelers ‘ checks ( T/Cs ) issued by American Express and Thomas Cook ( in UK? , US $ or Euro a‚¬ ) are best and are accepted without trouble and give a somewhat better exchange rate than currency notes in Sri Lanka. They besides offer the security of replacing if lost or stolen.

Banking Hourss

Mon – FriA A A Most Bankss are unfastened from 9.00 am to 3.00 autopsies, while certain Bankss are unfastened till 5.00 autopsy

SaturdayA A A Most Bankss are unfastened on Saturdays till 1.00 autopsy

SundaysA A A A A Banks are closed

Info on Forex modifiers and possibilities of best monetary values

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Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Bandaranaike International Airport every bit good as Bankss, hotels and authorized exchanges found all over the city.A However, one should avoid hotels, which ever charge immense premium over the rates available in the metropolis locations.

Alert on cozenages and tips to avoid them

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Sri Lanka, along with many states has a major job with credit/debit card fraud card planing etc. Peoples have even had jobs at the airdrome. Therefore, it is best advised to utilize the recognition cards merely when highly necessary.

Some constitutions may seek to add a surcharge on the recognition cards payments, which is illegal. Touts and peddlers may jostle and force you while seeking to take you to a peculiar hotel or attractive force as besides for taxis and three-wheelers.

It is advisable to non to go entirely after dark. In instance of larceny or any unpleasant incident, reach the Tourist Police Unit

Insurance

Overview – General write-up: What is Travel insurance? What ‘s covered and what ‘s non, How one can use, How one can claim, which are the taking companies.

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Travel insurance or Overseas Medical Insurance is something one should ne’er bury whenever be aftering an abroad trip. It is indispensable because it covers against medical and other fiscal exigencies that may go on during your travel, like trip hold, loss of passport etc. While a low cost policy does cover the rudimentss, it normally does non cover all affairs of exigencies. Travel insurance is one country where it is non advisable to purchase the cheapest policy. Always do a small research to find the degrees of screen offered with the policy.

Major Players in India: ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, TATA AIG, New India Insurance & A ; Royal Sundaram etc.

Travel insurance can now be bought straight on the web. Frequent travelers may desire to purchase Multi trip / Frequent Flier plans. In instance of a medical exigency, one must reach the insurance company ‘s Third Party Administrator who can so set up for cashless claims for medical intervention. To do a claim, it is necessary to maintain grosss, or constabularies study, in instance of theft/loss of passport and/or properties.

Destination specific insurance policy, Single traveler insurance, Family insurance, against Illnesses etc.

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Insurance premium differs between the companies, as there are some alone benefits with each supplier. There are few who besides provide insurance against hard currency loss / stolen every bit good.

Insurance is categorized for chiefly US / Non-US travel and premium varies between these finishs. Besides, there are certain finishs, which are non considered safe or attract inauspicious evaluation from International Safety Organizations or your state of beginning. Thesiss may hold a high premium or limited liabilities offered holding certain exclusions.

Insurance sum besides varies as per the amount assured.

For an illustration, for Sri Lanka travel, for 5 yearss for a Single traveler, ICICI Lombard Overseas Medical Policy costs around INR 600/- , for a amount assured of USD 50K.

For a household travel, insurance cost can be straight relative to figure of grownup / kid going together. However, there are certain household bundles besides, where predominating strategies need to be checked with the particular operators.

Traveling Within

Traveling within – Overview

Overview of the options to go within / inside the finish

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The chief travel in Galle is within and around the metropolis. Regular trains are scheduled from Galle to Colombo in the North or Matara to the South. There is a web of services of private coachs from the cardinal coach station to assorted finishs. When going by route, sooner engage a accredited vehicle ( with driver ) for the twenty-four hours or prosecute a cab or tuk-tuk for local journeys.

Sri Lanka has a good web of roads linking all major towns & A ; tourist finishs. Vehicles drive on the left of the route. The Central Transport Board besides has a broad web of coach services. Express coachs are available to all major metropoliss from Galle.

Taxis are besides easy available in the metropolis. Lot of people besides use tuk-tuk, three-wheelers for travel around the metropolis.

The cheapest manner of conveyance to go within the metropolis is the coach followed by the three Wheelers. A short journey in a three Wheeler costs around LKR 100. The menu for a coach journey within the metropolis ranges from Rs 4 to Rs 25, depending on the distance travelled.

Buss ( info incl. contact inside informations & A ; links ) :

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Buss run often within the metropolis and offer good connectivity. The Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority has initiated Tourss in and around Galle to the touristry hot spots. Private coachs ( semi luxury and luxury ) have besides been recently added to the Galle Road service, although they are still in little Numberss merely. They may hold English mark of finish name. By and large they are better maintained and more comfy with drapes and soft seats.

Taxis

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Some hotels have their ain taxis for invitees, private chauffer goaded autos are easy available for one-way or return journeys, half yearss, full yearss or more. However, one should negociate on a menu before going.

Galle has Taxi services where the autos frequently have metres get downing on Rs. 40 and charge about Rs. 65 per kilometre. Some of them may hold air conditioning.

Metro/Subway

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There is no metro service in Galle as of now.

Trains

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Train services are easy available to acquire to nearby topographic points. The trains are available for all budgets, from luxury to the economic system category. The trains to other tourist topographic points like Bentota and Kandy are busy at all times. Trains are run by the Sri lankan Government. The approximative menu for a one manner journey by train from Galle to a neighbouring metropolis ranges from Rs 114 to Rs 250, depending on the distance travelled and the category of travel.

Others

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Three Wheelers are a popular option for intercity travel. However, they do non hold a meter installed, which is why 1 has to negociate a monetary value before get oning. Recently, the Sri Lankan touristry board has introduced Tuk Tuks which have meters installed. These can be identified from their different coloring material combination that the remainder.

Indicative menus

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The coach menu ranges from Rs 4 to Rs 25 for a one manner trip. A one manner trip by cab can be upwards of Rs 250. The menu for Tuk tuks starts at Rs 50 for 3 kilometers and goes up as the distance additions. The approximative menu for trains for intracity travel is Rs 114 to Rs 250, depending on the distance and the category.

Pass ( tourist/visitor & A ; otherwise ) :

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There are no tourer passes available for travel

Car leases

There are plentifulness of private operators supplying auto rental services in the metropolis. However, to book a auto, one must be 23yrs or older, have a Sri Lankan or International drive licence, possess a recognition card and do the reserve for at least 1 hebdomad.

Ratess vary for auto leases harmonizing to the auto selected and the continuance wanted for. For illustration, a Suzuki Alto rents for USD 150.00 for a hebdomad. Mileage restriction is 90 kilometer / per twenty-four hours. Excess milage costs USD 0.16 per kilometer

A Jeep / Nissan X-trail will lease forA USD 373.00 a hebdomad and extra milage is USD 0.40 per kilometer

Other Public Transportation

Buss: Timings of Operation, Frequency, Connectivity, Average day-to-day fare/Daily base on balls

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The Central Transport Board ( CTB ) and private coach companies operate parallel services. The frequence of the coachs is good, normally at an interval of 20-25 proceedingss, but the coachs are normally crowded. The coachs provide good connectivity, with coach Stationss spread across the metropolis, at popular tourer finishs.

There is no installation of a day-to-day base on balls available right now. The approximative menu for coachs is between Rs 4 to Rs 25, for a standard coach.

Taxis: Timings of Operation, Frequency, Connectivity, Average daily menu

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Taxiss are easy available in the metropolis and all major tourer finishs, but dialogue demands to be done on the monetary value forepart. Taxis can besides be arranged from the hotel itself, although it might be a little more expensive.

Approximate menu for cab for a distance of 5 kilometer is LKR 100.

Hired mini-vans with a driver are besides available through travel bureaus and hotel concierges

Metro/Train: Timings of Operation, Frequency, Connectivity, Average day-to-day fare/Daily base on balls

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Trains are non meant for intercity travel. One can go from Galle to other neighbouring metropoliss via train. The trains do non run often and frequently run behind agenda. There are economic system trains available every bit good as luxury trains for travel. Anterior reserve is required for some trains like the Intercity Express.

Intercity Express has sleeper category and large seats. The approximative menu for a one manner train journey ranges from Rs 114 to Rs 250, depending on the distance travelled.

Other: Rickshaw/Trishaw etc.

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Geting about by tuk-tuk is most convenient. Most three-wheelers do non hold any metres fitted with them and so one has to ever negociate and hold on a monetary value before one takes a trip. The approximative menu for three Wheelers ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 250.