Car rental in Sri Lanka
In order to rent a car in Sri Lanka, a tourist must be over 21 years old, in addition, he will have to present an international driver's license. But no one will offer to acquire local rights in Sri Lanka, as would be done in Vietnam. Perhaps a permit from the Ceylon Automobile Association (AAC). And they will ask for the sum of 3000 Sri Lankan rupees, which will be about $ 23. As a rule, the distributor himself takes care of the preparation of this document. And you don't need to take any exams!
Rent price
Car rental in Sri Lanka costs on average from 18 to 20 thousand Sri Lankan rupees. It includes a deposit of about 8-10% of the total deal with the rental company. But you need to know that here, even with a small area of the island itself, a limited mileage is established. You can drive only 70-100 km per day in Sri Lanka, and if you exceed the norm, you can even pay a forfeit.
It is best to book a car rental in Sri Lanka in advance. This is done before the trip. It is necessary to send the necessary documents to the company. These are copies of national and international laws. Then you need to remotely pay for the service, and then the car you have chosen will be waiting for you at the airport..
Do not flatter yourself: this former English colony has left-hand traffic. Moreover, here, as in neighboring India, very aggressive driving is practiced. Therefore, if you are afraid not to cope with difficulties, then choose the safest option: renting a car with a driver, and although it will be 40% more expensive, it still makes sense. It is only advisable to make inquiries in advance: is it not the driver that the company will provide you with recklessly on the roads? Otherwise, your vacation will be associated only with fear for your own life..
Now about the fuel. Gasoline in Sri Lanka can cost 115-130 Sri Lankan rupees. Translated into US currency, this is $ 1. Moreover, you can buy fuel not only at gas stations, but even in grocery stores located along the road..
Where to go in Sri Lanka
Whether with or without a driver, you can go to see the sights of the country. And above all, it is the Sinharaja Biological Reserve. This is a virgin forest in which a myriad of exotic plants grow, and giant trees reach 50 m in height.
No less beautiful is the Bundala National Park, where there are beautiful lagoons with sandbanks. 20 thousand species of birds nest here. Other inhabitants of the reserve are sea turtles, which breed their offspring on the sand..
If you are a desperate lover of exotic fauna, then visit the Yalla National Park, the oldest and largest in the country. Huge populations of buffaloes, elephants, sika deer, wild boars, monkeys, crocodiles, flying squirrels, wild cats and monitor lizards live here..
The city of Hikkaduwa is «Coral reserve», and if you are a diver, there is no better place for you.
And if you also prefer historical monuments, then visit Sigiriya - «Mountain lion», where the most beautiful palace-fortress of King Kassiapa was erected.
