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Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka – The tear drop of India
Just around 30 kms off the South Indian shore is Sri Lanka, earlier known as Ceylon. It lies in the emerald-green waters of the Indian Ocean and is separated from India by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. The recent name Sri lanka is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘lanka’ meaning ‘resplendent land’. It is the 53rd most populated country in the world and the governing body is a blend of presidential and democratic system. The main languages spoken here are Tamil and Sinhalese. Since ancient days Sri Lanka has been following Buddhist principles but the country is home for many religions like Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. Even now, almost 70% of the population has their faith in Buddhism. "Srilanka Tourist Spot")
The primary population of the country is Sinhalese but it’s also home for many other ethnic population like the tamil, Malays, Muslim moors and burghers descendants of Dutch and Portuguese colonist) of which the Tamils form the largest minority population. The per capita income of the country is the highest in South Asia with the country having a very modern and progressive industrial economy. Coconuts, Coffee, Tea and Rubber are the major export items in the country. This island, often called the ‘teardrop of India’, was very badly smashed down in the recent tsunami. However they have recouped and are fast developing their infrastructure to meet the booming tourism industry in the country. Its very rich culture and heritage, dense natural forests, beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes makes this place one of the most favorite tourist destination.
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Being a country with a very dynamic history and breath-taking natural beauty, holiday -makers in Sri Lanka will never run short of places to visit. Whether you love beaches or forests or relics of historical value, you find it all in this island.
Hikkaduwa
Located on the famous Galle road which links Colombo and Galle, this is one of the most popular tourist spots of the island. The rich coral growth and other marine wealth is spread over a shallow bed which lies just a few meters below the water. In addition to the use of snorkels and flippers, there is also the option of using glass bottomed boats to investigate them. For those who are want to indulge in diving, several wrecks make this place a really interesting spot.
Galle
South of Colombo, located in a district by the same name is the town Galle, famous for its old word charm. To quote the Wikipedia encyclopedia, Galle is ‘the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.’ It is home to other attractions like the St Mary’s cathedral, a famous shiva temple, an international cricket ground and also is renowned for gem polishing, lace-making and ebony carving.
Arugam Bay
This is the best spot for surfing in Sri Lanka and is remotely located in the southern end of the east coast, south of Baticaloa. It has a beach which is ideal for swimming and also for surfing. A walk along this beach will take you to the crocodile rock from where one often gets a glimpse of herds of wild elephants.About 50 mts into the lagoon one can also find salt water crocs which has probably given the rock it’s name.
Kelaniya Temple
Blessed by the presence of the Holy Buddha in his third and last visit to Sri Lanka, this temple is one of the most sacred worshipping shrines of the followers of Buddhism.It is situated 7 miles from Colombo on the banks of river Kelaniya. The sandesa Kavyas describe Kleaniya as a beautiful city.It is famous for its stupa of about 90 feet height and 98 feet diameter and also its images of Buddha in the reclining posture. Another current attraction of the temple is the sculpture and paintings by Solias Mendis, depicting various incidents in the history of the Sri Lanka.
Dalada Maligawa
This is the main attraction of Kandy, being home to the ancient tooth relic of Buddha, is one the most sacred places of worship for the Buddhists. The relic is beautifully enshrined, decorated with moonstone and beautiful carvings in wood. With its golden roof, the exquisite wood work and the decorative walls, the magnificent shrine has an old world charm which is a must-experience in the country.
Dambulla Vihara
A UNESCO world heritage site, this is the centre point of Sri Lanka. A 50 ft high isolated rock mass forms the centre of this town. At about 350 ft height is a series of 5 caves which was further developed into splendid rock temples. The huge images of Buddha and other deities, frescoes which cover the walls and the ceilings depicting events in the life of Lord Buddha and landmarks in the history of Sri Lanka are other attractions of the place
Sigiriya Rock
One of the most attractive sites of Sri Lanka, this mount has the relics of an ancient palace, and has been declared as a world heritage site. A palace and fortress at the same time, it enchants us with its mastery of craftsmanship and creativity. The lion gate, the mirror wall with its verses inscribed by visitors dating back to almost the 8th century B.C., the garden stretching hundreds of meters from the base of the mount, the cisterns in the upper palace cut out on the rock etc makes this a must visit spots of the island.
Gal Viharaya
The four sculptured images of Buddha, is the highest testimony of the Sinhalese skill in rock carving. All four images are carved out of a single long granite slab. It is said to have been built by King Parakramabahu.
Wewurukannala Vihara
Famous for its 17th century image of seated Buddha which is as high as an eight- storied building, some of the parts of this ancient temple are as old as 250 years. This extra ordinary temple is situated about 15 miles from the east of Matara, in the town of Dikwella. Unlike other temples, here, the depictions of Buddha’s life are done in comic strip representations.
Must See
Cave Temples of Dambulla
A series of about 5 caves which houses more than 150 statues, mostly of Buddha, is the largest cave temple complex of the island. More than 2100 square meter are covered by murals depicting various incidents in the life of Buddha.
The first capital of Sri Lanka – Anuradhapura.
This city was the capital of Sri Lanka for more than 1000 years. It was later discovered in the early 19th century and since then is being restored. Home to the holy Bodhi tree, the oldest temple here, Thuparama Dagoba is said to contain the right collar bone of Buddha embedded on a stupa which was originally built during the lifetime of Buddha enshrining a lock of his hair. This ancient capital is a quite laid-back town located in one corner of the ‘cultural triangle’ and the best way to get around the place is to hire a bicycle.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Home to the greatest herd of elephants in captivity in the world this is a must see in Sri Lanka. Countless numbers of elephants taking a vbath together or roaming around, one with the nature is a site that you can find only in this 24 acres large abode exclusively for the elephants.
The Adam’s peak – Sripada
A major religious site of Srilanka, Buddha is supposed to have left his footprints in these sacred mounts sripada for the Buddhists and the adams peak for the Christians, devotees climb to the peak of this fourth largest mountain of the country to pay their respects to the divine. A climb to the top on full moon nights with accompanying a huge singing crowd, an overnight stay in the temple and a waking up to the glorious sun-set is supposed to be an exciting experience that one should never miss.
Little England - Nuwara Eliya
This highest town in the country with lots of rain and stunningly beautiful tea estates is a blend of South Asia and Europe. With remnants of colonial English legacies including vcictorian lamp posts and pink country village post office, this is rightly known as ‘Little England’ among the Sri Lankans
Must Do
Apart from visiting the countless numbers of historical spots and places of breath-taking natural beauty, some of the other must dos in Sri Lanka include
Shopping
With its variety of products and attractive price range, shopping is definitely on eof the most enjoyable activity for holiday makers in the island.
Visit to a tea plantation
Home for one of the world’s finest tea, it would be an enlightening experience to visit a tea plantation and have a first hand experience of the processing, sorting and packing of this export quality tea.
Safari in the Yala National Park
This is the best place to catch the animals in their natural habitat. Hire a wagon and driver to go around the park, preferably towards the early evenings when the animals are more active
Elephant Ride at Habarana
A stop at Habarana can buy you a not so expensive but a very exciting ride into the jungle, that too on an elephant.
Shopping in Sri Lanka
Lovers of shopping have much to indulge in Sri Lanka. Some of the most favourites are the gems, the handicrafts, ready made garments, Tea, lacquer ware furniture, hand-made silver and brass objects and much more. Make sure you bargain and that your purchases are from a certified shop.
For many centuries, Ratnapura has been the central point for gem industry with most of the gem traders located in this town. Kandy is the best place for handicrafts. You get a live demonstration of the artisans at work and get to buy any of the products on site. Colombo is the shopper’s stop for all ready-made garments, be it beach wear, casual wear for men and women or children’s wear. The fast growing handloom industry offers exquisite works in saris, shirting and a variety of upholstery material, all at very attractive prices. Being one of the world’s best producers and exporters of finest quality Tea, this is one of the must buy’s of the island. Another popular shopping item are the imitations of Dutch and British era furniture.
Cuisine
Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is highly influenced by that of India. Rice forms a major part of their diet coupled with other spicy curries. Coconut and coconut milk is a major ingredient in most dishes. Modern day styles of Sri lankan cuisine has adopted much from the Portuguese, Dutch and even a bit from the British. Toddy is the most popular alcoholic drink, often locally made from the sap of palm trees. No need to get disheartened with news of local drinks and the ‘hot and spicy’ curries, you always have the choice of McDonalds, KFCs, pizza huts and a variety of other local restaurants serving Chinese, Continental and European food and other drinks of your choice.
Festivals
New Year is celebrated every year on April 13th. A secular country, all festivals are celebrated but the most colourful of the lot is Esala Perahera. Celebrated every year in July or August in the city of Kandy, the festival is a blend of elegant costumes, decorated elephants, different dances and lots of other excitements. Another annual festival is held in the Kelaniya temple called the Duruthu Perahera. A major hindu festival celebrated here is the Kataragama festival held in July or August. These are just to name a few and the fact is that the island is blessed with a full- calendar of colourful festivals.
Sri Lankan Climate
Through out the year, the island flaunts a moderate climate, making it a very attractive destination for holiday makers any time of the year. With a tropical climate, almost always it has is hot and humid with an average temperature of about 81ºF (27ºC).May is the hottest and January the coolest month. The south-west monsoon is from the months of May to July and the North-east in December and January.