Sri Lanka launches domestic flights
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Sri Lanka launches domestic flights Date 4/11/03
by Gemma Bowes The Observer 30th November 2003
The first domestic flights in Sri Lanka are due to start in the new year, with Sri Lankan Airlines serving five destinations from the capital, Colombo.
From January, the airline is launching Sri Lanka Air Taxi, which will offer flights to Kandy, Kandalama, Bentota, Galle and Nuwara Eliya.
Although distances are not great in the teardrop- shaped island, to do the full tourism trail, taking in tea plantations, ancient cities and rock fortresses as well as the beach, you can clock up hours driving along poor roads amid hectic traffic.
A spokeswoman for the Sri Lankan tourist board said the flights reflected a growth in tourism which got a major boost with the Norwegian-brokered peace agreement between the Tamil Tigers and the Gov ernment in February 2002. 'Most people want to visit many places in Sri Lanka, but it takes a long time by bus or train,' she said.
Kuoni (01306 743000) the largest tour operator to the island, said it would be offering at least some of the domestic flights next year. Currently, most Kuoni customers take a two-week holiday and try to see a variety of locations. Those wishing to tour usually arrange to hire a car with driver or use a mini-bus service that can be booked through the company.
'The flights will really cut down transfer times,' said a spokeswoman. 'It will be a lot easier for people who want to visit a lot of places.'
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Kalutara.. Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.
Holidays in Kalutara offer laid back relaxation and a generous helping of authentic Sri Lankan culture, not to mention a dash of old colonial charm. (05/07/2012)
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