Category: Featured

The Coronavirus, also named ‘2019-nCoV’, made its first appearance in Wuhan City in the Hubei Province of China. Since its discovery of its first reported case on 31^st December, the virus has now infected over 20,000 people in countries around the world, including 1 confirmed case in Sri Lanka, who has since made a recovery. Travellers heading to Sri Lanka are urged to take a number of precautionary measures in order to avoid contamination and the spread of the virus.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are usually transmitted between animals and people. The Coronavirus is believed to have spread from the unsafe consumption of exotic wild animals like bats, however this has yet to be scientifically proven. The virus is said to be contagious for up to 14 days.

The Coronavirus, also named ‘2019-nCoV’, made its first appearance in Wuhan City in the Hubei Province of China. Since its discovery of its first reported case on 31^st December, the virus has now infected over 20,000 people in countries around the world, including 1 confirmed case in Sri Lanka, who has since made a recovery. Travellers heading to Sri Lanka are urged to take a number of precautionary measures in order to avoid contamination and the spread of the virus.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

The symptoms starts off with a sore throat, cough, cold and later become more severe by turning into a pneumonia-type fever, similar to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS – CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The Spread of the Virus

From January 2020, the number of infected patients grew from the Hubei Province and then quickly grew from other cities and several other countries as well. On 24^th January, the World Health Organization reported that 846 confirmed novel coronavirus cases of which 830 originated from China. Out of the 11 cases reported from around the world, 10 individuals had a recent travel history to Wuhan City. Only 1 confirmed case was reported in Sri Lanka, a Chinese national, who has now made a full recovery as of 3^rd January 2020.

Travelling to Sri Lanka

To curb the spread of the virus, authorities in Sri Lanka at all ports of entry have implemented the following cautionary measures,

• Travellers are advised to report to the health desk – which is open 24/7, if they have any symptoms – coughing, high fever, cold or difficulty in breathing.
• Passengers with any signs or symptoms will then be screened at the airport health desk to determine the possibility of the coronavirus. After which, appropriate measures will be taken.
• Thermal scanners are installed in the airport to detect passengers with high temperatures.

In addition, the Sri Lankan government has requested authorities to remove the On-Arrival visa for all Chinese nationals.  All passengers travelling from China are routinely checked and ensured they are not showing any symptoms.

General Precautions

As a general precaution, the public has been advised to adhere to normal hygiene and health standards to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Public areas should be avoided.
• Individuals who are coughing or sneezing, should wear a surgical mask or cover their mouth with a tissue. Tissues should be discarded immediately afterwards.
• Hands should be washed and sanitized.
• Avoid being in proximity to someone who has a cough or fever.
• Report to your nearest medical hospital immediately if you have any symptoms or have recently travelled to a city where the virus has been reported.

Is It Safe To Travel To Sri Lanka?

The paradise island of Sri Lanka has not had any new confirmed cases of the coronavirus. It is thus safe to visit and travel around the country, so long as you follow the general hygiene measures and take proper care of your health. Remember to drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated and should you be ill with the common cold and flu, it might be in your best interest to heal completely before travelling to Sri Lanka, as passengers showing any symptoms will kept under 24 hour observation before being released.

While there are no new cases of the virus reported in Sri Lanka, the public is advised to remain vigilant and monitor a change in their health, especially in terms of any respiratory illnesses and a change in body temperature.

In addition, a separate 24/7 helpline was set up for those with clarifications on the virus and can be found here – (+94) 710 107 107 / (+94) 113 071 073.

Are you looking for Sri Lanka tour packages from Vadadora (India)? This travel package curated by Olanka Travels’ combines the best of everything that the island has to offer so that your entire family has a memorable vacation! Sri Lanka is affectionately referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean due to its size and shape. However, though small in size, the island offers a plethora of experiences that will suit any type of traveller of any age. Here are some of the most incredible things to do in Sri Lanka during your holiday.

The Vibrant City

Start off your adventures with a visit to the city of Colombo. Colombo is the commercial capital of the island and has been thriving and changing in the recent past with skyscrapers and luxury hotels. Located approximately 20-30 minutes away from the international airport, the city is vibrant and full of life. There are a number of things you can do in Colombo to gain a quick taste of the island’s thriving city life. Walk along the breezy open spaces of the Galle Face Green and try some local street food, visit the nearby beach of Mount Lavinia with your kids or pop into a nearby shopping mall for some entertainment facilities that will keep the little ones occupied while you shop.

Mountains of Nuwara Eliya

The cold misty mountains will be a welcome change from the tropical humidity of the island. As the little town of Nuwara Eliya is surrounded by a rugged mountain range, the weather here is often cold and windy. Ensure to wear appropriate clothing, as the nights can be quite chilly if you’re not covered up. During the day, you’ll have a variety of things to do in Nuwara Eliya. Visit the old Post Office, with its red bricked walls that resemble a structure from a fairy-tale, send a message home of your adventures and memories thus far; locals and tourists have been encouraged to keep the post office running to avoid permanent closure.

Stroll along the manicured Victoria Gardens or if you’re looking for something more adventurous, head over to Horton Plains National Park. This protected national park sits under a cloud forest, so the weather alternates from cold winds to blazing sun. However, you’ll need to start your journey here early in the morning, just as the park opens will be the ideal time; as you’ll get to witness herds of grazing Sambar Deer. On your trail around the park, you’ll visit World’s End, Mini World’s End and Bakers’ Falls. Other things to do in Nuwara Eliya include visiting a tea factory and sampling Ceylon’s finest tea. You’ll even get a chance to watch how tea is plucked and processed before its packed.

History in Galle

If you love history, you’ll fall in love with Galle. The old Galle of town, also referred to as the Galle Fort was built during the colonial era, when the Portuguese seized control of the island. The fort was later occupied by the Dutch and later by the British. Steeped in history, stroll along the ancient ramparts of the fort and admire the beautiful structures of the Galle Clocktower and the Galle Lighthouse. Watch the sunset from the ramparts right near the lighthouse and wait for the lights to switch on – it’s quite memorable and you wouldn’t want to miss it. As you walk within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll come across cobblestoned streets lined with boutique stores, cafes, bistros and restaurants beckoning you to come in. Shop for souvenirs and dine on the streets of the Galle Fort for a unique experience of the fort. Visit the National Museum, the National Maritime Museum and the Groote Kerk if you want to learn about the history of the city and its surroundings.

Whales in Mirissa

The season for whale and dolphin watching in the southern coast begins in November and lasts until April. Mirissa has evolved from a quiet fishing village to a tourist-friendly town that thrives and flourishes from those who set sail to the depths of the Indian Ocean in pursuit of the giants in the sea. As you set sail from the harbour at 6am, keep a keen eye out for Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins as they frolic in and out of the water alongside your boat, leading you to the whales. These tropical waters are known to be the best place for spotting the largest mammal in the world; the Blue Whale. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to spot them or several other species of whales such as Bryde’s Whales, Humpback Whales and Sperm Whales.

To get Sri Lanka tour Package From Vadadora contact Olanka Travels also check our Sri Lanka 7 days tour package.

Are you looking for a fun and exciting destination to visit with your family? This Sri Lanka family tour package is ideal for families who simply want to relax and bond with each other as they explore a beautiful island. Sri Lanka is often referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and Paradise Isle as there are a plethora of things you can do here, regardless of your interests. If you’re staying in Sri Lanka for 7 days, here are of the most popular things to do.

Galle

Dive into history and you explore the ancient town of Galle. The Galle Dutch Fort was first built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch and the British during their occupation of the island. Explore the towering, pristine lighthouse or the bricked clocktower and you walk along the ramparts, bordering the azure Indian Ocean and the old town. Within the protected walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the National Maritime Museum, the National Museum and the Groote Kerk for a taste of the town’s history. With numerous boutique stores, restaurants and cafes lined up along the streets, there are a variety of places to choose from whether to dine in or shop for local crafts and souvenirs. Your kids will love to dip their toes in the refreshing waters while enjoying a refreshing king coconut by the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Mirissa

A little further down south, head over to the fishing village of Mirissa for some fun and excitement. Set sail at dawn on a whale and dolphin watching expedition off the coast of Mirissa as these tropical waters are best to spot Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins and several types of whale species, from the ginormous Blue Whale to Bryde’s Whales, Humpback Whales and Sperm Whales. The entire family will love the experience of watching these magnificent creatures glide along the crystal blue waters. If you’re looking for something more exciting and adventurous, you and your entire family can take surfing lessons in Weligama or Ahangama. Best known for beginner surfing waves, and with countless surfing schools to choose from; you’ll be surfing the waves in no time. It’s a great experience and a skill especially for kids! There’ll be lots of laughs and good memories as they master this fun sport.

Jungles

Sri Lanka is blessed with exotic wildlife species, so whether you’re in the northern regions, western or southern regions, there are numerous parks to visit where you can spot wild animals. Some of the most famous wildlife parks are Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Udawalawe National Park and Wilpattu National Park. Yala National Park for example, is home to the largest population of leopards; but spotting them as you embark on a safari can be quite tricky – your best chances are at the peak of dawn and dusk. The park is also home to the elusive sloth bears, elephants, deer, crocodiles and countless other species. Minneriya National Park is best known for the largest gathering of wild elephants; also known as The Gathering. This has gained popularity across the world as herds of elephants gather together during the dry season, near the park’s main watering hole. It’s an unmissable experience and definitely worth the early morning safari ride. Spend a day exploring Yala or Minneriya; especially if you’re adamant in spotting these exotic creatures.

Nuwara Eliya

This is must include location in your Sri Lanka family tour package. Escape the heat from the coast and head over to the mountains of Nuwara Eliya for cold weather and hot tea. The birth of Ceylon Tea, you’ll be passing through mountains of tea and jungle, offering a good change of lush scenery. Nuwara Eliya is a quiet little town that was heavily influenced by the British during their occupation of the island, and this is evident through several building structures that have adapted old English styles. Explore stunning waterfalls, learn of their legends or hike through several nature trails like the one at Horton Plains National Park, with your family. With many adventurous things to do here, your children will enjoy the beautiful scenery and the chance to be outdoors with nature.

Kithulgala

Kithulgala is ideal for adrenaline junkies! Families who wish to bond with their older children as they engage in a variety of high-powered adrenaline sports will love Kithulgala. Famous for white water rafting, hop on board a raft and zig zag through the rapids with your family. At the end of the raft session, you’ll relax in a natural pool and partake in ‘confidence jumps.’ There are a range of fun things to do in Kithulgala with your family. Contact Olanka Travels to get a Sri Lanka family tour package. Also check our Sri Lanka 3 days tour package.