Sri Lanka How to get there and mode of transport
March 28th, 2008 admin Transport Comments Off
Sri Lankan Airlines, a national flagship carrier operates to and from Colombo Bandaranayake. Flights are available from all places to Colombo namely Europe, Middle East, China, Japan, India & Pakistan. There are also Sri Lankan flights to nearby resort areas like Maldives, Goa etc. Srilanka’s only low cost airline Mihin Lanka flies to several parts of India, Male, Bangkok and Singapore. Other airlines include Cathay Pacific, Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar and LTU.
For those traveling from USA or Canada there are various options and you can consider a stop over at Europe or SE Asia. You can also opt for the non-stop flights to New Delhi from Chicago or Newark. This may be the farthest route but you have to check if an Indian transit visa is required.
You can also travel via ship to Sri Lanka from Trivandrum. The rates are more affordable this way. Sri Lanka Port Authority will be able to give further details for traveling by ship.
Mode of Transport within Sri Lanka
The three-wheeler or tri-Shaw is the most common mode of transport within Sri Lanka. Also known as tuk-tuks this is the most cost effective method to travel around Sri Lanka. Rented cars are another mode of transport which are cheaper and safer than three wheelers and hence recommended by most hotels. You can also avail a van with driver facility from a tour operator but you have to agree upon a day to day travel plan with the tour operator for seeing Sri Lanka.
Bus rides can be uncomfortable and crowded and though they may be cheap it will leave you confused. AC buses are still better but still uncomfortable. Trains also run in certain places and are cheaper and more comfortable than buses. You can enjoy the picturesque scenery of Sri Lanka by going on a train ride. Sitting on the right side offers a better view. A good railway system covers major points in Sri Lanka excepting the North and East coasts. Seaplane services are available to certain places like Galle, Kandy, Nuwara, Eliya etc. You can get a bird’s eye view of Sri Lanka from such travel.
