Getting Here

We are on the southern tip of Sri Lanka about 190 kilometers from Colombo. 

Sri Lanka now has two international airports.  Colombo International airport (CMB) is about 30 km north of the capital city.  In the spring of 2013 a second airport, only 60 km away, opened in Hambantota (HRI).  We can arrange transport for you by private van (holds up to 5 people and luggage) from either airport.  The van will pick you up at the airport and bring you directly to the center. The drive is about 4-5 hours from the Colombo airport depending on the time of day, or one hour from Hambantota.

If you would like to use public transportation from either airport that is also possible.   From Hambantota take a public bus to Tangalla. (one hour)  In Tangalla take a three wheeler, tuk-tuk, and ask for Rocky Point, on Palm Paradise road.

From the Colombo airport there are several public transportation options: Bus or Train.

To get the bus or train you must first make your way to the Colombo city center Fort area.  This is about 1 hour from the airport depending on traffic.  We suggest that you hire a taxi for this short distance.  A public bus is available but can take a long time.

Getting to us by Train:

Catch a train going to Matara.  Trains to Matara depart several times a day.    See below:

From Matara it is a one hour taxi or tuk-tuk ride to Ashtanga Lanka. 

Getting to us by Bus:

Express buses leave from the Maharagama bus station in Colombo and travel to Galle on the "new highway."  These buses cost about 400 rupees and you may need to pay for an extra seat for luggage.  From Galle make you way to Matara and then Ashtanga Lanka.

From the Colombo Fort area main bus terminal you can also get direct buses to Matara or Galle.  These buses use the regular coastal road and may take up to 5 hours or more to reach Matara.  The small, air-conditioned buses are quite comfortable and can take you directly to Matara.  Be sure that you get on a direct bus.   Local buses are extremely slow. 

From Matara hire a taxi, tuk-tuk, or take a local bus to Tangalle, via the Mahawella road (A2 coastal route).

We are at Rocky Point Beach Bungalows, in Goyambokka village between kilometer stone 193-194.  With a tuk-tuk turn off of the coast road (A2) onto Palm Paradise road, three kilometers before the town of Tangalle. If you're arriving by bus, tell the driver to let you off at Palm Paradise Road. It is a short 10 minute walk to Rocky Point, just past Palm Paradise Resort.   If you end up in Tangalle, take a tuk tuk back to Rocky Point, a 10 minute drive. If you have any problems, please call us at 047-22-40834.

VISA information:

**As of January 1st, 2012, visitors to Sri Lanka are required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for issuance of visa.  Before leaving for Sri Lanka you must apply for an ETA online.  Please visit your local Sri Lankan embassy website for details. 

If you plan to stay for more than 30 days you can extend your VISA for up to 90 days at the VISA office in Colombo for a fee. (maximum $100) 

*Please make sure that you have at least six months remaining on your passport after your scheduled departure date from Sri Lanka.

*Americans can apply for a longer visa at www.srilankaconsulatela.com

*check the link below to see what is your country’s visa requirement
http://www.slembassyusa.org/consular/visas.html

If you are planning to spend more than 1 month you have two visa options:

   1. Get visa a few months prior according to country of origin (6 months/1yr/5yrs) from the Sri Lankan embassy

   2. Upon arrival, go immediately to the immigration office and apply for an extension. The whole process will take about an hour and is defined very clearly and accurately in the most current Sri Lanka Lonely Planet Guide, under visa information.

*If you are coming from Mysore, India it is easy and inexpensive.  1 hour flights from Bangalore to Colombo are approximately $150-200 one way.