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| Country Guide > Indian Subcontinent > Sri Lanka |
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Travel - Internal 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. Departure tax An embarkation tax of Rs1000 is payable at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Otherwise, none. Helicopter tours Helitours of Ceylon, with pilots from the Sri Lanka Air Force, offers charter tours of major tourist areas. 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. The total network covers 1500km (900 miles). Note: Rail services to Jaffna have ceased owing to the violent political disruptions in the northern area. 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. 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 are available in most towns. It is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Car hire: This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended. Avoid remote areas and travelling at night. 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. Taxi: These are metered with yellow tops, and red and white plates. Drivers expect a 10 per cent tip. Travel Times: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka. Travel Times The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka.
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