Overall Score
Southwest of Sri Lanka is Halaise, the port city and capital center of the Southern Province. Its economy is based on the food, textile and textile industries. The tourism industry generates a significant share of the revenue. One of the significant historical monuments is the Granite Fort (listed on UNESCOs List of World Heritage Sites). In addition to the many Buddhist and Judaic churches, the city is dominated by the Cathedral of Saint Mary, built by the Jesuits. Before the arrival of the Portuguese overlords in the area, the name of the village was Guimhátifa. In 1640 they were forced out by the Dutch, who later built a fort, the largest defensive installation in Asia, which survived to this day.
In the late 18th century Gaulle was overrun by British armies. During their rule, the citys importance as a port declined as a result of the development by the new authorities of the port city of Colombe. During the 2004 natural disaster (zunami), several thousand people died and many buildings were destroyed. Now the city has been completely rebuilt.
Overall Score
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 99,000 people
- GDP: $3,910 / year
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 9 Mbps
- Best wireless: Dialog
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners
- Tipping: Rs. 200 tip is enough at most upscale restaurants. Small change less than Rs. 100 is fine for smaller cafes and restaurants. Most locals do not tip at restaurants and a 10% (or an amount relative to the total bill) is not expected as such.
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee 24/7: Nomad Trails Thalpe Station
- Best coffee: Lemongrass Cafe
- Best taxi: Pickme
- Best hospital: Teaching Hospital Mahamodara
- Best short-haul air carrier: Sri Lankan Airlines
- Best intl air carrier: Sri Lankan Airlines
- Monthly costs for expat: $850
- Monthly costs for family: $1350
- Monthly costs for local: $390
- Meal: $3.5
- Small Cola: $0.6
- Beer 1 Pint: $1.7
- Coffee: $1.4
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