Sri-Lanka is an island nation situated in the Indian Ocean in close proximity to the Southern tip of India. Sri-Lanka has a land area of approximately 25,600 square miles and a population in the region of 20 million. The population is multi-ethnic but predominantly Sinhala (74%) and Buddhist (69%) in composition. Tamils, Muslims and those of European descent (Burghers) form the rest of the populace and are followers of the faiths of Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.
The English language, at least in its elementary form, is commonly understood and spoken by many throughout the land. This usually enables the overseas traveler to get proper directions or have questions answered without too much difficulty.
There are a huge number of exotic tour destinations in Sri-Lanka that are just waiting to be visited. The country is a goldmine of natural beauty and ancient heritage. The Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri-Lanka are security risks for the traveler because of ongoing armed conflicts between the Tamil Tigers and government forces. Rent Cars Colombo strongly advises the traveler to keep away from harms way by avoiding traveling to these areas.
Despite these restrictions, your visit can be memorable and Rent Cars Colombo is out to prove it!

FLYING INTO SRI-LANKA
Flying into the Katunayake International airport outside Colombo can be a mesmerizing experience, especially so if you arrive during the day time. Look out of your aircraft window and view an ocean of greenery and vegetation. Watch tall coconut trees sway gently in the breeze and tiny thread like roads wind their way all over the place. You may also get to see the Indian ocean in the distance if you look afar. Rent Cars Colombo knows that you will take in these views deeply as they will form your very impressions of the country.
The Katunayake airport has undergone a lot of refurbishment in the recent past and your aircraft will dock right into the terminal building saving you from the elements till your emigration procedures are over with. Once your baggage is collected and have passed through emigration, it’s time to either travel towards Colombo, to a city hotel or move towards a resort.
If prior arrangements for accommodation have not been made, Rent Cars Colombo suggests that you proceed towards the hotels counter to seek a hotel of your choice.
Rent Cars Colombo lists separately Colombo City hotels and Resort hotels outside Colombo for your selection –

SOME GREAT, STAR CLASS COLOMBO CITY HOTELS
(Listed in no particular order)
• Galle Face Hotel – A hotel with a colonial past and a great place to unwind
• Ceylon Continental Hotel – Colombo’s first 5 star hotel
• Galadari Hotel – 5 star accommodation with a Middle Eastern twist
• Colombo Hilton Hotel – Expect the same service as with the rest of the Hilton chain
• Cinnamon Grand Hotel – A much sort after location with all facilities for the business traveler
• Trans Asia Hotel – A modern, quiet star class location
• Holiday Inn – 3 star accommodation but comfortable and good service
• Mount Lavinia Hotel – The only resort hotel that is closest to Colombo
• Airport Garden Hotel – A great location in close proximity to the International airport

STAR CLASS RESORT HOTELS OUTSIDE THE CITY OF COLOMBO
• The Blue Waters Hotel – Wadduwa
• The Lighthouse Hotel – Galle
• The Heritance Ahungalle – Ahungalle
• The Heritance Kandalama - Kandalama
• The Regency Hotel – Kandy
Please note that there exists at least ten times as many resort hotels as mentioned on this page. Rent Cars Colombo suggests that you check with your travel agent for a complete listing of accommodation outside the city of Colombo.

HOTEL BOOKINGS
All of the above star class hotels offer generous accommodation and great food and service. Room rates are competitively priced more or less in the same price range. Rent Cars Colombo suggests that you check as many hotel counters as possible before settling for any one particular hotel.
Rent Cars Colombo suggests that if you are an accomplished traveler and have good driving capabilities and confidence on Asian roads, that you also make inquiries about renting a car or any other type of vehicle of your choice at the airport itself.
Most hotel counters at the Katunayake International airport will be able to make immediate booking of rooms for you and your family right then and there. Rent Cars Colombo advises that you take advantage of these offerings and rates as you will be assured of availability of rooms on your arrival at a hotel of your choice and also get the best possible rates.

RENTAL CAR BOOKINGS
Rent Cars Colombo reminds the traveler from overseas that unlike booking a hotel room, when it comes to renting a vehicle, it is easier if prior arrangements are made before your arrival in Colombo. This is of course not to say that it will be impossible to find a car but to find one of your choice of make and model with the options you require, may not be immediately available.
The information gathering process of Rent Cars Colombo indicates that the most reputed rental firms in Sri-Lanka will give you a competitive pricing and also help with an airport pick up and drop off at your hotel. Upon request, most of these Companies will offer advise on scenic routes in Sri-Lanka, expected road and weather conditions, approximate travel times etc, etc.
Self drive options are offered by all of these firms and as mentioned elsewhere, the rates will be far more competitive and offer you much better flexibility such as being able to go where you want without any restrictive schedules. Rent Cars Colombo assumes that you have made a conscious decision and weighed the pros and cons of a self drive option.
For those jittery about self driving with the inherent problems of breakdowns, accidents etc, Rent Cars Colombo assures such customers that the firms that have been analyzed offer replacement vehicles in case of breakdowns, accidents and a host of other problems usually within the day. These same firms have large fleets of vehicles, offer 24 hour breakdown service, comprehensive insurance for their motor vehicles and above all courteous staff to help out in any difficult situation. If you have small children accompanying you, please remember to request child seats that are available.
Is your International Driver’s license up to date? If this is not so, check with your selected rental car provider whether help can be obtained to get a temporary license from the Department of Motor Traffic for the duration of your stay in Sri-Lanka.