Car Hire Sri Lanka

Driving

The ‘teardrop of India’ is made up of bustling towns, ancient cities, lively beach resorts and cool mountainous areas, and is more easily explored than neighouring India. History and culture can be enjoyed at every turn and the ending of the Tamil conflict means most areas are open for exploration. By car you can visit the beaches of Galle, the mountains of Kandy and the statues of Sigiriya.

Driving Tips for Sri Lanka

There are over 70,000 miles of roads, about 2,000 of which are national highways. Although the system is being modernized and improved with new expressways between main centres, routes are generally bumpy, slow and feature lots of traffic and inconsistent signage. Many people hire a car with a driver.

Driving licences: a UK licence, together with an International Driving Permit, is required, along with a driving permit from the AA in Colombo (provided by car hire firms).

Which side does Sri Lanka drive on: the left.

Speed limits:
Expressways: 62mph (100kph)
Rural areas: 46mph (75kph)
Built-up areas/local roads: 35mph (56kph)

Alcohol limits: 0.08 per cent, which is the same permissible blood alcohol level as in the UK.

Driving age: 18 years.

Seatbelts: are compulsory for all passengers. Locals routinely flout the law, but police are tightening up.

Mobile phones and GPS: it is illegal to operate a mobile phone while driving though hands-free kits are permitted. GPS coverage is sketchy outside the main centres and is therefore best used in conjunction with locally produced maps.

Cost of fuel in Sri Lanka: considerably cheaper than in the UK, in particular diesel, which is one-third of the price.

Car hire and fuel payment: most petrol stations accept main credit cards, while car hire firms have a policy where renters pay, or sign a deposit, by credit card.

Insurance: although many locals don’t have it, third-party insurance is the norm. Paying extra for fully comprehensive insurance (with excess if possible) is recommended.

Traffic and parking: Colombo has horrendous traffic and parking is hard to find, while Kandy also gets very busy. Other towns are easier going although traffic moves slowly in general, both in towns and the countryside. There are parking lots, but it is best to leave your car at your hotel when in Colombo.

Transport

Trains
The rail network is not extensive (being particularly scant in the north), although you can go between most tourist towns by train and there are interesting trips with observation cars. Most trips are slow and crowded but there is an express service between Colombo, the capital, and Kandy, the main tourist town. Trains are also more comfortable than buses and cheaper (by class), and there are first, second and third class options. Prices for first class journeys on a main line are under £5. Visit the Government Information Centre for schedules.

Taxis
Taxis are the best way to get around Colombo as they are quick, clean and metered. The yellow NanoCabs are especially useful for dodging traffic. Rates are around £0.30 per kilometre and you can also negotiate a day tour with drivers for about £25. The alternative to taxis is three-wheeler ­rickshaws, which are ubiquitous and open-sided. While fun for short trips, they are generally not metered and often work out more expensive. Around £0.30 per kilometre is the normal rate—cheaper for longer journeys—but drivers routinely try to charge £0.50 or more per kilometre.

Buses
Buses are typically uncomfortable, crowded and confusing, but cheap. Even air-conditioned services are a bit rough, although you can travel to the next town for about £0.20 or even less using the standard CTB services. It pays to use the intercity express buses as they are much faster.

Ferries
There is a passenger ferry service from Tuticorin in southeastern India to Colombo, and cruise ships with Zegrahm Expeditions also call in. Getting in by boat is not recommended, however.

Airports
Bandaranaike International Airport is the main airport, residing near Katunayake to the north of Colombo. SriLankan Airlines is the flag carrier and offers the most connections, including flights from London-Heathrow. It also serves other main centres in Europe, along with the Middle East, India and the region at large. The country’s other international airports serve regional destinations. Sri Lankan AirTaxi runs seaplanes from Colombo to cities around the country, including Kandy and Galle, for fares of around £50.

Explore

Exploring Sri Lanka

Kandy is the main draw, with its mountains and cool air. It has a slow pace of life and is noted for its day markets and the Temple of the Tooth. There is good cycling, hiking and sightseeing at temples within the Cultural Triangle.

The Dutch old town and beaches of Galle are the main draws to this southern town. In town, see the Dutch fort and hit the beaches at Unawatuna. The sunsets here are legendary.

Yala West National Park is located to the east and is best known for its leopards, while in between the two are the sleepy town of Mirissa and the fabulous beaches of Tangalla. Heading towards Colombo is the lovely resort of Hikkaduwa.

Colombo itself can be hard going. A look at Galle Road and the streets of the Pettah area are interesting, while to the north are some pretty beaches.

Farther north is the cave complex at Dimbulagala and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Heading north again is ancient Anuradhapura, which is said to be set on the site of Buddha’s Tree of Enlightenment.

Our Travel Editor’s Recommended Drives

The southern loop – from Colombo to Galle by way of Rakwana, Deniyaya and Akuressa is a great getaway option for escaping the capital. The drive takes in beautiful countryside where mountains, valleys, forests and waterfalls reside before hitting the beaches of Galle.

Kandy to Mahiyanganaya – head east from Sri Lanka’s favourite town by way of the lush paddy fields of Ampara district and the mountains of Mahiyangana.

Jaffna to Kayts – this northern region does not get many tourists, making it a must for those looking for something different in this now peaceful region. Jaffna, though inherently poor, has many colourful mosques and friendly people, while Kayts lies on the northern tip and is noted for its wildlife.

Holidays and Festivals

Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day (early January)
National Day (4 February)
Medin Full Moon Poya Day (7 March)
Aurudu, Sri Lanka New Year (mid-April)
Vesak (5 May)
Aadi Vel Festival (early August)
Deepavali (mid-October)

Weather

Sri Lanka is typically hot and humid for most of the year, with average temperatures in the mid-20s (°C) and highs well into the 30s (°C). The west and south get hit by monsoonal weather from May to September, and other coastal areas get rain from October to January. The central and northern highland regions are always cooler. Most people come December to March.

Practical Stuff

Sri Lanka Travel Tips

Sri Lanka is on par with India for travel, although is generally easier to travel as distances and population densities are less. There are some things to be aware of, including health and weather issues, so be sure to brush up on these tips.

Sri Lanka contact numbers
Country code - (+94)
British Embassy – +94 11 539 0639
British Consular Emergency – +94 11 539 0639
Irish Embassy – +94 11 258 7895
Australian Embassy – +94 11 246 3200
US Embassy – +94 11 249 8500
Canadian Embassy – +94 11 522 6232
Emergency – 118
Traffic news – +94 11 242 1528

Money matters

The Sri Lankan rupee is the currency, while US dollars and pounds sterling are often accepted at large hotels, big shops and restaurants. Banks and hotels can change currency, as can casinos. Credit cards are accepted but best used sparingly as fraud is a problem here. Debit cards with Maestro, Cirrus or Visa Electron are usually accepted at Commercial Bank ATMs.

Health and safety
The main tourist areas are malaria-free, including Galle, Kandy and Colombo, though visitors should always use mosquito repellent. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, and for typhus when visiting in the wet season, are recommended. Cases of dengue fever have been reported in the wet season, as have instances of Japanese encephalitis. Only eat at stalls where you’ve seen the food cooked and avoid tap water. Political and ethnic tensions have now cooled.

Fitting in…
Sri Lankans are friendly, but avoid discussing the Tamil/Sinhalese issue and brush up on the etiquette of the various ethnic groups before visiting. Avoid photographing military installations, going topless at the beach or engaging in public displays of affection.

Visas for Sri Lanka
UK visitors need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority visa online before visiting Sri Lanka. The visa permits two stays of up to 30 days each within a three month period. The same visa regulations apply to those from other EU countries, Canada, the US and Australia.

Electricity
Sri Lanka is on 230V/50Hz, which is roughly the same as the UK. Sockets are usually round and three-pin though are sometimes of the square type. Adaptors for both types can be had at the airport and in towns.

Business hours
Businesses: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 13:30, Saturday
Government offices: 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday
Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday

Helpful phrases
Hello - Hello
Karuna kara - Please
Sama venna – Excuse me
Stuh-tee – Thank you
Ehekka keeyada? – How much is this?
Naeh - No
Owu - Yes
Aayu-bowan - Goodbye