Getting there

Kirinda/Yala is the ground base for excursions to the Great Basses/Little Basses Reef. Kirinda is about 268 KM from the Capital City Colombo (See map on right). The drive is rather long and is generally a 6 to 7 hour affair. Public Transport is available.

Flying to Sri Lanka: The only International Airport in Sri Lanka is the Bandaranaike International Airport situated about 30 KM north of Colombo.

Dive Operators

There are no Dive Centers in Kirinda so dive trips are by special arrangement. Some southern based dive operators specially setup during the Basses Dive Season during mid March to Mid April (a short window between monsoons).

For information other dive centers in Sri Lanka and directions and contact information, click here.

Accommodation

Despite its distance to Colombo; the environs of Kirinda has some good options for accommodation strictly on the basis of prior reservation. The world famous Yala National Reservation is also close to Kirinda.

See the our resources on Accommodation for more choices.

Where to eat

Not many options available. We advice you arrange for meals at the hotel or guest house you stay at.

Transport within Kirinda

Public transport is cheap but may not be readily available. You could however use the omnipresent Three Wheelers (Tuk-Tuks). Always agree on the price before you get in. Prices vary and it is best you get advice from your hotel about prices before you hail one. The hotel you stay at will also be happy to organize transport