top of page

Random Tips and Updates
 

​

Arriving in Colombo and Airport Pickups

​

As you are all aware by now, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to your arrival in Sri Lanka.  It can be accessed at https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/.    The ETA is free for Indian nationals and costs $50 for nationals of most other countries.  Turnaround time is fairly quick (under 24 hours).  

​

The ETA is not a document that the airline requires prior to boarding, nor do you need to carry a hard copy.  However, you should apply for the ETA any time before commencing your travel in order to avoid standing in a separate line at the visa-on-arrival counter.

​

The previously required disembarkation card has now been discontinued, so you do not need to complete any additional forms.

​

Airport pickups will be done through a combination of buses and vans. We have 3 dedicated 40-seater buses that will be used for transportation during the entire trip.  As we get closer to the 18th, we will send you instructions on the specific airport pickup times.  To the extent that there are flight delays, the schedule may change dynamically, but we will ensure that nobody is severely inconvenienced.  We will attempt to add on vans as and when necessary.

 

For those of you who are arriving within the primary 11-3 pm travel window, there will be someone from the travel agency to greet you and take you to your transportation.   We will reach out individually to others who are arriving earlier or later with specific instructions.

​

All pickup details will be provided no later than January 16th on the Official WhatsApp channel.

​

Self-service transportation

 

If you choose to make your own way to Kosgoda for whatever reason, you may take a taxi or a mini van.  Kosgoda is about 120 kms away and takes 2 hours by car.  The one-way cost of a private taxi is approximately USD $70 (vans range from $85-100 based on size).  Kangaroo Cabs is a recommended cab service with professional customer support and a user-friendly booking site.  We recommend adding the LKR 2,000 supplement for having the driver show up with a name sign.  https://kangaroocabs.com/​

​

Return transportation

 

There are about 50 individuals leaving for the airport from Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel at various times on the 22nd.  Transportation will be provided for all these passengers.  If you are departing Colombo on any day other than the 22nd, you will need to arrange for your own transportation to the airport.  You may use Kangaroo Cabs, which shows a car from Colombo city to the airport costing about $25.

​

Mobile Phones

​

If you are carrying a phone from India, international roaming service which we believe is reasonably priced is your best option for mobile services.  If you are just staying for the main event and not planning on any extended tours, you may not even need cellular service as the hotel Wi-Fi may suffice.  For those staying longer and requiring mobile services, you may get a local SIM  from one of the providers at the airport just before immigration or immediately after you exit customs (Dialog is one of them). A 30-day plan with 20GB of data and unlimited calls costs around $5 and can be purchased in under 10 minutes with only a passport.​

​

Excursions on Sunday the 19th

 

Based on the preferences that many of you have indicated on the G-Sheet, we will provide a more specific schedule after finalizing logistics with the travel agents.  You will see that the Daily Agenda shows parallel tracks on the 19th in order to balance transportation and capacity.  More to follow in the next few days.

 

Banquet Dinner on Monday the 20th

​​

There will be a banquet dinner at the hotel on Monday night with a DJ in attendance.  Due to popular demand, we suggest ethnic wear for this event - with no specific ethnicity in mind (we are an inclusive group).​

​

Weather

 

Temperatures along the coast are projected to range from highs of 29C (84F) to lows of 22C (74F). Unfortunately, the forecast calls for scattered rain and afternoon thunderstorms almost everyday.  Carrying a light waterproof rain shell or an umbrella may be helpful.

​

Other Tips​

​

  • No vaccinations necessary

  • The water is generally cleaner than India but please take usual precautions with respect to uncooked street food and tap water (brushing with bottled water is recommended).

  • Uber is available in Colombo.  However, wait times are a bit longer and some out-of-town drivers may struggle with language and directions.

​​

    What to pack​​

  • Swim wear

  • Ethnic wear for the banquet dinner

  • Power adaptors.  Outlets are types D (like India) or G (like the UK)

  • A hat or cap

  • Sunglasses (If you want to look cool)

  • Some cash (USD or INR) for tips and small purchases

  • Credit/Debit card enabled for foreign transactions​

  • If you are going on any extended tours, closed toed or hiking shoes and insect repellant

​

​

​

​

​





 

bottom of page