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Classic Sri Lanka is a destination management company (DMC) experienced in creating and planning personalized holidays in Sri Lanka. Our passionate team have explored the country and come across vast beauties, prepared to ensure our customers the best and the most unique travel holiday. We pride ourselves on our great services and aim to give the best travel experiences for our customers. If you are interested in discovering Sri Lanka and the best of the Indian Subcontinent, Classic Sri Lanka is capable of combining your Sri Lankan trip with the cultural mysteries of India or with a sunny stay in the Maldives to lighten up your vacation. We provide Professional tour agents, recommended Stays - Inns according to your expectation. Our team not only aims at giving you the best experiences of Sri Lankan Hospitality but also offer comfortable travel coaches and vehicles and will always maintain ethical standards and provide the best of services just for you.
At Classic Sri Lanka, we firmly believe to venture beyond the expectations of all our
stakeholders, adhering to ISO 9001:2015 international standards including other
applicable regulatory requirements and certification. This will help us to continually
improve our process to ensure that we provide a quality service to our customers&
stakeholders alike.
Furthermore, we ensure this policy is communicated and understood by all levels of the
organization.
We have years of expertise travelling around the island, seeking and recommending suitable and comfortable properties for our guests. The genuine first-hand experience of our team helps them in finding and creating the perfect holiday experience for our customers. Our uniqueness of services grants our customers the opportunity to create their holiday plans, as they wish. Apart from the common standard tour packages, we offer customized packages as well. Whether it is for a newly married couple on a Honeymoon vacation, a group of bird enthusiasts in search of endemic species or a family on a relaxing holiday trip, we create and provide them with the perfect travel package to their expectations. Classic Sri Lanka aims to always provide creative and innovative new experiences to our customers. While the common destination sites are being seen by thousands, we bring our customers to the hidden beauties of the country, to encounter Sri Lankan hospitality, indulging in authentic Sri Lankan flavours, sunbathing in the golden sands and experiencing being a true Sri Lankan. Classic Sri Lanka also offers luxurious travel solutions for the high-end clientele, who request top of the line services such as, fast-tracking services upon arrival, departure at the airport, lodging in private villas and top-end boutique properties, private helicopter charters, scenic balloon rides, transportation in a spacious and comfortable SUV and excursions led by specialists at tourist sites with exclusivity.
As a responsible corporate citizen and a leading Inbound Travel Provider, we very much focus on protecting the wellbeing of our surroundings – especially the natural resources we are blessed with; we conduct business ensuring we make the least of an impact on the environment that sustains us.
We were able to adopt 600 acres of land that had been cleared off the invasive species to initiate a project that focuses on rehabilitating and reviving the surrounding habitat by planting 125,000 trees over 5 years, so that migratory birds would return over the years. In the year of inception (2019), we successfully planted 15,000 plants of native species.
In early 2020, the project’s progress was delayed due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, we were able to launch phase 2 over two stages due to the ease of lockdowns and restrictions in the South: October 2020 and January 2021.
Head of Classic Destinations (Inbound)
Manager- Wildlife and Luxury Travel
Head of Marketing & CSR
Assistant Manager – Adventure & Experiential Travel
Assistant Manager
Project Manager
Assistant Transport Manager
Team Lead – Operations
Senior Tour Executive
With no striking seasonal changes in the country, Sri Lanka can be considered as a year-around holiday destination
Sea Gazing and Sunbathing: The monsoons in Sri Lanka plays a major
role in beach visits. It is advised to visit the east coast between the months
of April to October. The west and the south coast comes alive during November to
April when the south-west monsoon takes a break. Marine tours such as Surfing,
Snorkeling, Sea diving, Whale and Dolphin watching is in act during this time.
Safari tours: Wilderness tours happen all year around. Sighting
Leopards and Sloths are famous in Yala and Wilpattu during the dry season which
spans between the months of May and September. Elephant Gathering sights in
Minneriya and Kaudulla National park can be observed only between June and
October. The Gathering is ranked amongst the world's top wildlife spectacles
where hundreds of elephants come together in the late afternoons around the tank
beds. Elephants however can still be seen year-round in other national parks
such as Uda Walawe.
Bird Watching: One can engage in Bird Watching all year around
where 34 endemics and over 150 resident species are observed. The winter season
through November to February is the best time for Bird watching for over 100
bird species migrate to Sri Lanka from all over the world. Most recorded species
migrate from far way Siberia, Europe and Northern parts of India.
Whale and Dolphin Watching: Whale and Dolphin Watching is famous in
Mirissa of the south and Kalpitiya of north-west from November to April while
Trincomalee is mostly visited through March to September.
Adam’s Peak tours: The Adam’s peak can only be toured during the
season, which comes in December to April every year.
Kandy Perahera: The world famous Kandy Perahera is the largest
cultural spectacle in Sri Lanka, not only within the locals but also within
tourists interested in Culture and tradition of Sri Lanka. The Kandy Esala
Perahera takes place in Central Kandy for 12 days from late July to mid-August
with the final perahera falling on Esala full moon poya day.
Sri Lanka is a Tropical country and possesses a lovable climate all year around
with average temperatures of 27°C/81°F to 32°C/90°F in the lowlands and coastal
areas. The hill country in the interior is cooler with a temperature range of
12°C/54°F to 25°C/77°F.
Rainfalls are determined by the two monsoons that affect the island every year.
The north-east monsoon runs from October to February affecting north,
north-west, north-east and highlands. The south-west monsoon starts from late
April till September washing off west coast and hill country.
Unpredictable rains occasionally occurs during the dry seasons too. So just be
ready!
There are two international airports in Sri Lanka, The Bandaranaike airport in
Katunayake and the Mahinda Rajapakse airport in Mattala. Roads are mostly used
for domestic travels due to the island’s finite area.
Public buses can be found all around the roads of Sri Lanka, and a ticket would
cost a very low amount. Although at peak times, finding seats on a bus would be
tough.
However, traveling by air makes a holiday more interesting and adventurous.
There are private planes, sea planes and helicopters that are scheduled from
Colombo and Katunayake to selected military airbases and lakes.
Anyhow Travelers have the opportunity to hire their own charter jet and fly to
any part of the country they wish. With its luxurious comfort and great offers
charter jets make any vacation smoother.
Trains are the most used method of transportation among the locals as well as
foreigners. Most of the rails and caves were built during the British, and
haven’t been renovated since then, this rustic look gives these sites a unique
colonial touch of beauty. Sri Lanka’s extensive rail networks allow people to
travel and discover remote charms of the island.
Train rides through central highlands of Kandy and Ella opens up scenic views of
green hills, tea estates, misty forests and waterfalls. Try taking a train trip
to the highlands for the most breath-taking sceneries.
Express train services travel directly to Jaffna halting only in key towns such
as Anuradhapura.
Southern railways pass through golden beaches to reach up to Southern’s hub
Galle and towards Hambantota.
Sri Lanka being a culturally devoted island, appropriate dress codes and
behavior matters a lot. Make sure your clothing doesn’t attract unwanted
attention, especially for women.
Down in the lowlands, the climate could be quite hot most of the time, so make
sure to wear light yet cotton material clothing which will prevent from sweat
and discomfort. Sunglasses, Sunscreens, hats or caps are highly recommended
during sight-seeing in the hot season. Bringing a raincoat or an umbrella would
save you from sudden rainfalls.
Hiking trips down the lowland or highland rainforests could end in leech stings
and bleedings, so remember to bring leech socks to prevent hurtful leech stings.
Classic Sri Lanka provides these during tours around Sinharaja Reserve and
Kitulgala.
Late Nights and Early mornings in the hill country can be really cold, so
jackets, jumpers, windcheaters and sweaters are recommended.
A typical Sri Lankan greeting would be “Ayubowan” with the palms pressed
together and a slight bow. This is a pleasant wish for a long life. Responding
in the same way is expected.
Displaying intimate affection such as kissing in public are frowned upon in the
Sri Lankan society, so it is advised for couples to be discreet.
Beaches are indeed eye catching and perfect for sea bathing and tanning, but
nudity and topless sea bathing is not permitted in Sri Lankan beaches.
Visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples require appropriate clothing that covers the
upper and lower body including shoulders and legs. Any footwear or hats should
be removed before entering. Taking photographs of religious deities and gods,
could be an insult and is advised to steer clear from these acts.
There are no restrictions for taking photography or filming but some historical sites restrict taking photographs with the flash on, and some sites charge a little amount in order to snap pictures or film videos. Anyhow, make sure not to take pictures of religious monuments with people posing.
The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) which is
approximately 155.00 USD. But it’s not consistent. Currency changing outlets are
all over the town including in the Bandaranaike International
Airport.
Both Currency and Traveler’s Cheques can be changed through local banks. Unless
it’s a public holiday, banks are open on weekdays from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
ATM machines are found in almost every corner of the country, where most foreign
debit cards are accepted with a nominal transaction fee.
If choosing to use Travelers Cheques it is recommended to get them issued by
recognized companies such as Thomas Cook, Visa and American Express in US
Dollars, Sterling Pound or Euros, which are the most frequently traded
currencies.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express Debit and Credit Cards are accepted in
most outlets. Credit fraud does happen occasionally so it is advised to use your
cards only in recognized hotels, leading stores, upmarket restaurants and
supermarket chains.
Mobile phone coverage is usually good in the island, apart from travelling to
wildlife sites or remote villages.
Using local sim cards would save a lot of credits than using foreign sim cards.
Local pre-paid packages could be purchased from Dialog, Etisalat, Mobitel
outlets in the airport itself. Phone credits and reloads can be purchased from
any communication center or supermarket.
Most hotels and some restaurants and cafes provide complimentary Wi-Fi
usage.
It is permitted to bring in 1.5 liters of spirits, two bottles of wine, 250 ml of eau de toilette, small quantities of perfume and souvenirs up to $250 in value.
Travelers could bring in any sum of money in foreign currencies to Sri Lanka in Travelers Cheques, Bank Drafts or currency notes. If the total sum exceeds US $15,000, then it needs to be declared to Sri Lanka Customs upon arrival.
Sinhala and Tamil are the most spoken languages in Sri Lanka.
Sinhala is considered the mother tongue of Sri Lankans while English too is
spoken widely, especially in urbanized towns such as Colombo, Kandy.
It is important to know that English is the second or third language of most
Lankans, so their English is not very perfect or fluent.
It’s safer to be up to date with polio, tetanus and diphtheria and hepatitis A
vaccinations. It may also be worth considering typhoid, rabies and hepatitis B
which may depend on the activities you plan on undertaking and the duration of
your stay.
Malaria in Sri Lanka is very rare, but bringing mosquito repellents would keep
you safer due to the high dengue rates. Anyhow make sure to visit your local
general physician prior to travelling to Sri Lanka for immunizations and Health
Requirements.
Hospitals in Sri Lanka are reliable and available 24/7. The best private
hospitals are mostly located in and around Colombo and other key towns like
Kandy and Galle. Pharmacies in private hospitals are open 24 hours.
It is advised for tourists to bring the prescriptions and supplies they would
need during their holiday.
It is highly recommended to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy when visiting Sri Lanka which can cover medical emergencies, theft and potential adventurous activities such as white water rafting, diving and cycling. It is advised to keep these documents at hand in the event of an emergency.
Food in Sri Lanka is considered spicy and hot, consumption of spicy food would
make a change in the regular dietary routine and might affect in stomach aches
or diarrhea.
It is advised to keep hands sanitized at all times, especially after travelling
on public transportation and prior to consuming food. Try to avoid fresh salads,
cold cooked foods and any food items that have been out in the open for a long
time.
Tourists should be weary of consuming street food to steer clear of diarrhea due
to poor sanitation. Ensure to wash fresh fruits with clean water before
consuming.
In any case of sudden diarrhea, tourists are advised to keep themselves
hydrated, and to consume fluids. If there is fever and abnormal symptoms it is
best to consult a doctor.
Sri Lanka is an Island and the humidity and heat is high at all times besides
the hill country. It is best to be hydrated and protected during daytime,
especially in the lowlands where the sun goes to its peak in
mid-day.
Mineral water bottles are safe to drink and can be found all over the place, but
make sure the seals are unbroken. It is easier and safer to purchase them
through supermarkets.
Wearing sunscreen would protect the skin from burns and sun blisters.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system allows visitors to obtain their
Tourist Visas online, which are initially limited to 30 days validity from the
date of arrival. Extensions can be obtained for up to six months. Click here to apply for the
online visa.
Different processing fees and rules are applicable depending on the nationality.
On the basis of reciprocity, citizens of The Republic of Singapore, The Republic
of Maldives and The Republic of Seychelles are exempt from the requirement of
obtaining ETA to visit Sri Lanka. Payments can be made by electronic payment
cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards). Ensure that you have a
passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival, a confirmed
return ticket and sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay.