Getting Here
We are on the southern tip of Sri Lanka about 190 kilometers from Colombo.
We can arrange transport for you by private van (holds up to 5 people and luggage) for 15,000 Sri Lankan Rupees each way. The van will pick you up at the airport and bring you directly to the center. The drive is about 4 hours from the airport depending on the time of day.
Public transportation is also available. From the airport take the free shuttle to the nearby bus station. Then catch a bus to the main Colombo bus terminal, which is near the train station and Pettah(Fort) area. You can also take a tuk-tuk or cab directly to Colombo from the airport.
From Colombo you have several options: Bus or Train.
Make your way south to Matara, a large town 1 hour before Tangalle. The small, air-conditioned buses are quite comfortable, and cost about $3.00. Be sure that you get on a direct bus. From Matara take a local bus to Tangalle, via the Mahawella road (A2 coastal route), or a tuk-tuk directly here for about 1200 rupees.
In Colombo it is also possible to catch an air-conditioned Express bus to Galle. This bus leaves from the Maragama bus station and travels on the "new highway." It costs 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.
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, just 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:
*Until March 31st, 2012 a free one month VISA is issued upon arrival. After March 31st , however, you need to apply for a VISA before arriving. Please visit the Sri Lankan consulate for details. If you plan to stay for more than 30 days at any time during 2012 a formal VISA is required.
*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 a very easy, inexpensive, 1 hour flight, from Bangalore to Colombo. Prices are approx. $150-200 one way
