sri-lanka-13-full-pdf-ebook.pdf

Directory A–Z

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MIDRANGE
Midrange guesthouses and
hotels are the most common
choices throughout Sri Lan-
ka. Most provide a decent
level of comfort, although
some can be quite nice,
with a range of services and
views. Choices include well-
run colonial-era hotels (that
haven’t turned far upmarket)
and stylish places on or near
a beach.
Expect the following
amenities:

̈ (^) maybe a balcony, porch
or patio
̈ (^) satellite TV
̈ small fridge
̈ air-con in most if not all
rooms
̈ wi-fi (in most cases)
̈ (^) maybe a pool.
TOP-END HOTELS
Top-end hotels range from
small stylish boutique affairs
in colonial mansions to lavish
five-star resorts.
Expect the following
amenities:
̈ good service
̈ usually enticing views –
ocean, lush valleys and rice
fields or private gardens
̈ (^) usually a pool
̈ (^) spa.
Villa rentals are taking off
in beachy areas, especial-
ly along the south coast.
Specialty accommodation
includes the former homes of
British tea-estate managers
in the Hill Country, which
have been converted into
guesthouses or hotels, often
with beautiful gardens and
antique-stuffed living rooms.

Customs

Regulations

Sri Lanka has the usual list of

prohibited imports, including

drugs, weapons, fresh fruit

and anything remotely por-

nographic.

Items allowed:

̈ (^) 0.25L of perfume
̈ 1.5L of alcohol.
There are duty-free shops in
the arrivals area before you
reach baggage claim at the
airport. Besides booze they
include appliances such as
blenders and refrigerators.
For more details, see Sri
Lanka Customs (www .cus-
toms .gov .lk).

Discount Cards

An International Student ID

Card is not widely recognised

in Sri Lanka.

Electricity

The electric current is 230V,

50 cycles. Plugs come in a

bewildering range of varia-

tions. Besides the primary

plug type shown here, you

may well find US, EU and

British-style plugs in your

room.

Adaptors are readily avail-

able at markets, supermar-

kets and tourist shops for

under Rs 500.

23 0V/50Hz

Embassies &

Consulates

It’s important to realise the

limits of what your embassy

can do if you’re in trouble.

Generally speaking, their

hands are tied if you’ve

broken Sri Lankan law. In real

emergencies you might get

some assistance, but only if

all other channels have been

exhausted. Embassies can

recommend hospitals,

doctors and dentists.

Unless indicated, the

following embassies are in

Colombo:

Australian High Commis-

sion (Map p64; %011-246

3200; www .srilanka .embassy.

gov .au; 21 RG Senanayake

Mawatha/Gregory’s Rd, Col 7)

Canadian High Commis-

sion (Map p64; %011-532

6232; www .srilanka .gc .ca; 33-A

5th Lane, Col 3)

French Embassy (Map

p64; %011-263 9400; www.

ambafrance-lk .org; 89 Rosmead

Pl, Col 7)

German Embassy (Map

p64; %011-258 0431; www.

colombo .diplo .de; 40 Alfred

House Ave, Col 3)

LUXURY RENTAL S

Sri Lanka has some beautiful rental villas, old colonial

mountain retreats and other luxurious and exclusive

accommodation options. Three good places to start

browsing:

̈ http://www.villasinsrilanka.com

̈ http://www.lankarealestate.com

̈ http://www.vrbo.com