About Sri Lanka
(The Wonder Of Asia)
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern Coast of the Indian Subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean. It is a part of South Asia.
It is located in the path of major sea routes and in ancient times too it was an important stop on the ‘Silk Route’.
Sri Lanka has been the center of Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times. The Sinhalese community forms the majority of the population and Tamils the largest
ethnic minority. Other communities include Muslims, Burghers, Malays and the aboriginal “Adi Vaasi” (veddah)
people. Sri Lanka is a republic and a unitary state governed by a Presidential system.
The country is famous for tea, rubber and coconut. Sri Lanka tea is acclaimed the world’s best. Coffee, Cinnamon, Cardamoms and Cloves also are produced as export crops. Rich in mineral resources, Sri Lanka is a major exporter of precious and semi-precious stones.
The country has one of the longest and colorful histories of over 2500 years, in the world. The rich culture can be attributed to its ethnic diversity.Within the boundaries of this one small island you find more than 1000 miles of
sunny, palm fringed beaches, breathtaking scenery up in the hills covered with lush green tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, wonderful architecture of the ancient past,
brooding jungles and wild life and the fascinating art and culture.
Sri Lanka is a founding member of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and a member of the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, G77 and Non Alignment Movement.
Sri Lanka is one of the smallest Asian countries, (Wonder of Asia) (A Land like no other) but it has become one of
the leading tourist attractions, not only because of its amazing undiscovered beaches and hundreds of miles of
unspoiled golden sandy shores but also for its wonderful Sri Lankan history which includes historical heritage ruins
and culture packed in a really small space.
The Picturesque nature, wildlife & Bird watching of Sri Lanka are a major
highlight.
If you love your spice & curries then Sri Lanka is definitely a place to visit! Sri Lanka draws tourists from
all over the world to our small miracle island. Sri Lankan people have a much profiled back history and heritage,
including a high quality of hospitality. Learn more about Sri Lanka below and visit us soon!!!
THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
You might say Sri Lanka has been hiding in plain sight. Countless scores of travellers have passed overhead on their way to someplace else, but years of uncertainty kept Sri Lanka off many itineraries.
Now however all that has changed. The country is moving forward quickly as more and more people discover its myriad charms. Lying between the more trodden parts of Indian and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka’s history, culture and natural beauty are undeniably alluring. It’s the place you haven’t been to yet, that you should.
SO MUCH IN SO LITTLE
Few places have as many UNESCO World Heritage sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Sri Lanka’s 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent
peaks. More recent are evocative colonial fortresses, from Galle to Trincomalee. Across the island, that thing that goes bump in the night might be an elephant heading to a favorite waterhole. Safari tours of Sri Lanka’s pleasantly relaxed national parks encounter leopards, water buffaloes, all manner of birds and a passel of primates.
IT’S SO EASY
Distances are short: see the sacred home of the world’s oldest living human- planted tree in the morning (Anuradhapura) and stand awestruck by the sight of hundreds of elephants gathering in the afternoon (minneriya). Discover a favorite beach, medicate in a 2000 years old temple, exchange smiles while strolling a mellow village, marvel at birds and wild flowers, and try to keep count of the little dishes that come with your rice and curry. Wander past colonial gems in Colombo, and then hit some epic surf. Sri Lanka is spectacular, affordable and still often uncrowned. Now is the best time to discover it.
RAINFORESTS & BEACHES
When you’re ready to escape the tropical climate of the coast and lowlands, head for the hills, with their temperature, achingly green charms. Verdant tea plantations and rain forested peaks beckon walkers, trekkers and those who just want to see them from a spectacular train ride. And then there are the beaches. Dazzlingly white and often trodden less, they ring the island so that no matter where you go, you’ll be near a sandy gem. Should you beat the
inevitable languor, you can surf and dive world class sites without word class crowds. And you’re always just a short hop from something utterly new.
SUNSHINE ALL THROUGH THE YEAR
About Sri Lanka climate, it is one of the most sought after trains of Sri Lanka. As western travellers often try to seek for sunshine during the colder months, Sri Lanka is always ready with sun-soaked beaches and warm breezes all throughout the year. Although the island is small, the inner parts do portray quite varies weather patterns in comparison. For instance, the misty mountains in the middle of the island are well known to locals and travellers as ‘little England’ for a very good reason.
LIFESTYLE, CULTURE AND HERITAGE
In a country where nature plays a major part in the tourism industry, it is no wonder that the locals live a laid back lifestyle that is very much in tune with nature. Most noted in the rural areas, the truly Sri Lankan lifestyle and culture are tightly woven with nature and all of its generous gifts to mankind. From
food preparation all the way to medicine, the country has made remarkable use of its natural resources to create a lifestyle unlike any other in the world.
Sri Lankans are proud of their rich and colorful history. Ask any Sri Lankan and they will have many tales of brave patriots, powerful kings and mysterious deities who have watched over the land like a precious gem.
The many heritage sites found in the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya areas speak for the creativity and power of those who have lived thousands of years before us.
The marvels that involve the rock fortress of Sigiriya, exquisite stone carvings and many, many other architectural wonders never fail to impress travellers who flock to the country.
BLESSED BY MOTHER NATURE
Sri Lanka is one country that has been particularly favored by Mother Nature. While sun-seeking surfers stick to the coastal regions of the island, others venture inwards to indulge in the beauty of lush rainforests and to hike up the mountain trails. The small island allows many of its admirers to enjoy a vast collection of natural delights all at once. With different weather patterns come different plant and animal life that are as unique and as astounding making travelling in Sri Lanka prefect.
Sri Lanka has declared several areas as nature parks, elephant sanctuaries and wildlife reserves. From the colorful diversity of reptiles that dwell in the rainforests and proud predators that prowl the grasslands all the way to vibrant tropical sea life, the wildlife of Sri Lanka is quite a visual marvel as the scenery itself.
Sri Lanka is the only country of the world you can see the biggest mammal of the land & biggest mammal of the sea (Elephant & Whale) within minimum time frame. As well as you can get several climate conditions within minimum time frame.
SRI LANKAN CUISINES
Sri Lankan cuisine can be described as an infusion of fresh natural ingredients and spices that tingle your taste buds. With rice being the Centre of the average meal, the accompanying curries are often made of fresh vegetables, seafood and crunchy additions that create a
wholesome, balanced meal. Let’s not forget about the massive collection of traditional sweets that are often made for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year as well as any special celebration.
SRI LANKAN HISTORY
Situated in the Indian Ocean and known as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka has a very rich back story with great kings ruling the country and great architectural quality. Sri Lanka has many attractions and the different cultures in very small geographical make the country perfect. One of the main attractions of Sri Lanka is “SriPada” or known around the Globe “Adam’s Peak”. Most of the locals (Buddhists) believe that the footprint on the rock represents the footprint of Lord Buddha. Another historic place is the stepping bridge that joins India and Sri Lanka which were laid by the Monkey God Hanuman during the rescue mission of Sita.
SRI LANKAN PEOPLE
One of the most interesting things about Sri Lanka, it’s the people. As mentioned before, Sri Lankan people have an enriched back history and have different types of ethnic groups and different languages which are spoken on the island.
The largest ethnic groups in the country are the Sinhalese group. Claimed to be the decedent of king Vijay, Sinhalese speak most of the time Sinhalese and have a wide variety of casts. Another ethnic group in the island is the Tamils. The common tongue between them is Tamil and this is broken down into two main categories. One of the categories is the Sinhala Tamil and the Indian Tamil. The difference is that the Indian Tamil is pure than the Sinhala Tamil and sometimes a little difficult to understand. Muslims are the other category and have wholly different ways of worshipping. There are 3 main groups for Muslims which are categorized as Sri Lankan moors, Indian moors and Malays. Each group has a different history.
The last available ethnic group is the Burgers. The term Burgher was created on the Dutch period in Island
was Europeans living in Sri Lanka where country are the Sinhalese group. There are two main types Burghers in the Island which are Dutch Burghers and Portuguese Burghers.