Getting Around
Most travellers head to Colombo and make an onward journey
from there. If your holiday is part of a package, transfer
from the airport should be included and the local representative
will be on hand to meet you. If you arrive independently
and have not arranged for a transfer, you must make your
own way to Colombo or your holiday resort. Colombo's major
hotels have desks at the airport where hotel transport can
be booked.
Getting Around Colombo
Trishaws
(Auto rickshaws in India) or three-wheelers are the best
way of negotiating Colombo's busy streets if you don't mind
the speed at which they travel. Fix the fare beforehand
which should be cheaper than hiring an air-conditioned taxi,
but often isn't, as much depends on the whims of your driver.
Change is rarely given so try to have the exact money or
ensure that you have a supply of small denom- ination notes.
Taxi
Only a few taxi companies have metered air-{;onditioned
vehicles. Yet despite the heat, you can feel comfortably
safe using these, even late at night, and they can be just
as cheap and sometimes cheaper than trishaws when there
is little traffic.Public transport should be avoided if
you are a first-time visitor because the buses are unreliable
and the train station is a long walk away and the service
(for Free Trade Zone workers) operates only three times
a day. Taxis are inexpensive and can be booked through a
desk in the airport lobby. A taxi really is the best way
for the journey to the hotel, especially as you will be
hot. tired and have luggage to worry about. Expect to pay
around Rs l000 to Colombo
Getting Around the Island
Security posts are stationed all over Colombo, particularly
in Fort, and securitY checks are common. Foreigners must
be in possession of passports at all times. If you are stopped,
a police officer will simply check your passport and then
hand it back to you.
On Foot
Colombo pavements are good in places but many are bad and
sometimes there are none at all. Getting around on foot
can be an ordeal, particularly in the midday heat, but it
is often the quickest form of transport during rush hour.
An A-Z street map booklet of the citY is available from
bookshops and is an invaluable aid to orientation.
By Road
A rush-hour bus journey in Colombo is the closest thing
to hell on earth. Buses are dangerously overcrowded to the
point that four or five people may be hanging out of the
doorway, holding on perfectly calmly for dear life, while
drivers barely stop long enough to allow anyone to get on
or off the vehicle. Bus journeys, whether short or long
distance, are hot, slow and uncomfortable but they are cheap
even if you are stifled, stepped upon and sometimes groped.
Private bus companies run intercitY buses which are air-
conditioned and generally carry Seating-only passengers
who have to pay a fare to the bus's destination even if
getting off halfway through the journey(Such as at Aluthgama
on a bus bound for Galle).
By Train
Trains are more comfortable than buses and provide a fascinating,
and sometimes leisurely, insight into island life, since
they pass through scenic areas not touched by road. Some
express trains carry special observation cars with seats
that can be reserved in advance. Most trains have only 2nd
and 3rd class and it is always preferable to opt for 2nd
class as the chances of getting a seat are better. Train
fares are low. If you want stunning views of the lush landscapes
on the Colombo- Kandy train, and peace and quiet, reserve
a seat in the observation saloon. It is not air-conditioned
but is off limits to other passengers.
For more Information Contact Enquires
Tel: 434215.
