Having access to such Sri Lanka facts will prove vital for any holidaymaker. Popularly known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an exotic destination with a population of over 21 million. The diversity a traveller finds within an area of 65,525 sq.km is what makes Sri Lanka one of the most sought after destinations in the 21st century. The end to the ethnic conflict which lasted for ov
er two decades provides an opportunity for you to explore its rich culture and heritages, a history of over 2,500 years, the flora and fauna and the golden beaches. With a history boasting of over 2,500 years, the island offers you a rock fortress, the highest density of leopards, cocktails of beautiful gems, the best tea in the world to the most hospitable and friendly people in the planet. With over 1,340 km of golden coastline, Sri Lanka is “the place” to enjoy the sun, sea and the sand. Explore the golden beaches after a short trip of discovering its rich culture and heritage or, a nature and adventure tour toexperience its wildlife. Predominantly a Buddhist country, Sri Lanka is a place for travellers of all walks of life looking for that spark one looks forward to in a lifetime. The liberation of the North and the East provides a new opportunity for you to explore the unexplored and to experience the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches, one of the best natural harbours in the world, and many more. Sri Lanka Culture and Heritage
Sri Lanka was once a land of kingdoms of Sinhala royal dynasties, but it is also home to many communities of different races, religions and languages, who have migrated to this tiny island at various times throughout the centuries. The Sri Lankan cultural experience is one that is both ancient and diverse, and there are many culturally and historically important attractions in almost every part of the island to visit and enjoy. The island’s written history dates back as far as 2,550 years, and ancient kings are credited for building planned cities, stunning palaces and monasteries, breathtaking reservoirs, verdant gardens and charming ponds, and other intriguing monuments and works of art. The ruins of these ancient cities are mostly seen in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which are World Heritage Sites, but are also scattered across other parts of the island, which were once home to royals. Immigrants and colonists who settled in Sri Lanka over the centuries also contributed to the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka. Early invaders from South India settled in the North of the island and developed Hindu kovils, some of which are still seen in the North as well as other parts of the country. Arab traders and built magnificent mosques, and Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists built grand forts and churches as well as other monuments. There are several other UNESCO-declared World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Dalada Maligawa, which is home to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, the Cave Temple of Dambulla, and the city of Galle and its fort. Geography
An island of 65,610 square kilometres, Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, off the southern tip of India. It is between 5 55’ and 9 55’ north of the equator and between the eastern longitudes 79 42’ and 81 52’. Topography
Over countless millennia, Mother Nature has produced a breathtakingly majestic work of art by bestowing a wide range of exquisite topographic features on this ancient island, making Sri Lanka one of the most scenic wonders of the world. Three zones are distinguishable by elevation. These would be the central highlands, the plains and the coastal belt. Population
20 million people of various ethnicities inhabit Sri Lanka. The prominent ethnic groups are by percentage, 74% Sinhalese, 18% Tamils, 8% Moors, Malays and Burghers. Climate
Sunshine is in abundance all year round. The average temperature is around 27°C in Colombo. The temperature gradually drops as the land rises towards the hill country, with some parts of the highland as low as 10°C. The island has two wet monsoon seasons; briefly between May and July in the south-west region and between December and January in the north-east. However, Sri Lanka has no off season per se as clear blue skied bright sunny days are the general rule even during the wet season. Sri Lanka is 5 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Median Time), 2½ hours behind Singapore and 4½ hours behind Australia EST (Eastern Standard Time). Language
Communication is rarely a problem as English is widely spoken in most parts of the country. Place names and signboards are generally displayed in all three official languages of the country. Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English. Religion
Sri Lankans are predominantly Buddhist and the island is one of the last remaining Buddhist countries in the world. However, a large population of Christians, Hindus and Muslims give Sri Lanka its plural character.
