The infamous AC bus

Generally, the fastest way to get from A to B in Sri Lanka is by ac bus but of course there is a drawback - they are driven by mad men. The brick under the back wheel to stop us rolling down the gentle slope at Horana bus station and the utterly bald tyres spoke volumes about the service history of our vehicle, knackered buses ain’t unusual in Sri Lanka but the other ones travel quite slowly - ac buses are the quickest thing on the road (short of a ministerial convoy).People actually queue to board an AC bus and once on board you are guaranteed a seat because passengers are not supposed to stand. There is no room to stow your baggage other than on your knee but having your bag between you and the seat in front of you like some auxiliary airbag gives you some sense of security. AC bus drivers are all young (rather like fighter pilots) they don’t so much drive the bus as launch it into the traffic like some medieval knight riding into battle, the horn is applied continuously. So they’re dangerous but hey, it’s cool on board, it’s quick and I’m in a hurry.Tinted windows and curtains spoil the view and people tend to snooze rather than talk but they usually get you to where you want to be and it’s as quick as anything else on the road so if you have an important journey to make ac bus is your best option.Ac buses are popular so at busy times you should try and get one at the point of origin otherwise they may be full.

Inforgetable experience of a tuk-tuk

You cannot leave Sri Lanka without having a ride in tuk-tuk - the most common way of transport on this island. You will find those three-wheelers and its crazy drivers in every town and village! They are noisy, probably not extremely safe but... what a fun! Especially during the night and on busy streets of Colombo! Very often they are faster then taxis or buses!But don't forget - you have always discuss the price before the trip. And don't hesitate to bagrain - tuk-tuk drivers are known for multpling usual prices in view of foreigners! if the price seems to you excessive you can always ask another driver!Tuk-tuks are not only for short distances. Big majority of drivers are willing to go for the longer trips. Personally I made in tuk-tuk such long (several hours of jurney) trips as Dambulla-Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura-Vavunya. The advantage is that you can always ask the driver to stop if want to take a picture!