Sri Lanka, the island officially known as Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and also well known as “the Pearl of Indian Ocean”, Taprobane of the Greeks, Serendib of the Arabs, and Ceylon of the Europeans, It is a small tropical island located in the middle of the Indian Ocean just a hair’s breadth away from India’s west Coast. it is an Island which is blessed with some beautiful white sandy beaches that encircle it and since it is a tropical island the weather always remains favorable for you to enjoy the beaches as well. With over 2 millennia of history, you can witness a grand scale cultural content and heritage within the country. The country is such a unique place not just because of its history or culture, but because of the amount of diverse landscapes and things to do that comes with it, which is packed into such a small land area.
Sri Lanka was named as the Top Travel Destination in the world in 2019 by Lonely Planet travel guide and there is a reason why so many travelers flock to this island nation. Because, Few places in the world can offer the traveler such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location.
Within an area of 65,610 sq.km. there are 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 1,330 km of coastline – much of it pristine, 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, and a culture that extends back in time over 2,500 years
Sri Lanka may be a small country but the amount of things & experiences that you can find in this small piece of land will overwhelm you. The physical diversity itself is mind-boggling. From amazing sandy beaches to amazing wildlife parks, from cold mountain tops to arid salt lake flats, from green tea plantations to amazing marine wildlife; you can find all of these within a couple of hours journey.
There are quite a few places in Sri Lanka to enjoy some amazing wildlife. You can find many wildlife sanctuaries that you can see Sri Lankan animals such as Elephants, Leopards & Sloth bears. There are bird sanctuaries that are home to Sri Lankan as well as migratory bird species. The seas around the island are home to some amazing marine life such as blue whales and dolphins as well.
Sri Lanka’s culture is a vibrant blend of religion, art, and tradition. Buddhism, followed by a majority of the population, is central to daily life and is reflected in the country’s numerous temples and stupas. The harmonious coexistence of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity contributes to the nation’s cultural diversity.
Sri Lanka’s climate is as diverse as its landscapes. With distinct wet and dry zones, the island offers year-round travel opportunities. The southwestern and central regions experience their monsoon season from May to September, while the northeastern coast is drenched from October to January. The rest of the year provides pleasant weather for exploring the island.
Sri Lankan traditions are deeply rooted in history, with festivals and rituals celebrating the country’s heritage. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak, and the Kandy Esala Perahera are just a few of the vibrant celebrations that take place throughout the year. Traditional dance forms like Kandyan and Bharatanatyam are captivating displays of the country’s artistic prowess.
Sri Lanka is not just a destination; it’s an invitation to explore, learn, and immerse oneself in a culture that resonates with history and welcomes travelers with open arms. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone. So, embark on this captivating journey and unveil the enchantment of the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”
| Official Name: | Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka |
| Government Type: | Republic |
| Location: | Latitude 5° 55. to 9° 50. north, Longitude 79° 42. to 81° 52., 650km north of the equator |
| Dimensions: | 430km North to South, 225km East to West |
| Coastline: | 1,340km |
| Climate | Tropical in lowlands with average temperatures of 27°C. Cooler in hills with average of 16°C. Monsoon in southwest May–July; in northeast, December–January |
| Area: | 65,525km |
| Currency (code): | Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) |
| Independence: | 4 February 1948 |
| Administrative Capital: | Sri Jayewardenepura |
| Commercial Capital: | Colombo |
| Administrative Divisions: | Provinces-9, Provincial secreterial Divisions-331,Provincial Councils-271,Districts-25,Municipal Councils-23,Grama Niladhari divisions- 14,021,Villages-36822 |
| Terrain: | Mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior |
| Highest Mountain: | Pidurutalagala, 2,524m |
| Highest Waterfall: | Bambarakanda, 263m |
| National Flower | The Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata). |
| National Parks and Nature Reserves Area: | 8,000sq.km |
| Population: | 20,359,439 [Urban 21.5%, rural 72.2%, estate 6.3%] |
| Population Growth Rate: | 0.75% |
| Population Density: | 325 people per sq Km |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 78.6-Female,72-Male |
| Literacy Rate : | 92.6% |
| Ethnic Groups: | Sinhala (74.9%), Sri Lanka Tamil (11.2%) , Moor (9.3%) , Indian Tamil (4.1%) |
| Languages: | Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8% Note: English (a link language commonly) is used in government and spoken competently by about 10% of the population |
| Religion: | 70.1% of Sri Lankans are Theravada Buddhists, 12.6% Hindus, 9.7% Muslims (mainly Sunni), 6.2% Roman Catholic, 1.4 other Christians and 0.05% others. |
| Time Zone: | Sri Lanka Standard Time is five and a half hours ahead of GMT. (Allowance should be made for summer-time changes in Europe.) |
| International Dialing: | +94 |
| Electricity: | 230 . 240 volts, 50 cycles AC. If you travel with a laptop computer bring a stabilizer |
