Sri Lanka at glance
• Called the Jewel of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is
blessed with stunning scenery and well preserved
cultural and historical sites. The coast is fringed by
golden sand beaches and the teardrop-shaped country
is home to a compact and diverse population of
Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim locals.
• From the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the artificial
reservoirs built by the first Sinhalese rulers in the
sacred city of Anuradhapura to the Dambulla Cave
Temple and Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, it’s obvious
that the island has more than its fair share of top-notch
sightseeing spots.
Pristine beaches
Sri Lanka is a paradise island offering visitors
incomparable beach holidays. With the aquamarine
waters of the Indian Ocean gently lapping its
pristine shores, Sri Lanka’s beaches are covered
with soft warm sand. Home to tropical fish and
living corals the waters surrounding Sri Lanka are
warm thanks to the tropical climate the island
enjoys. With over 1300 km of beach to offer, all you
have to do is come to Sri Lanka and spend hours of
fun in the sun.
Heritage
With a history that dates back over 2000 years, Sri
Lanka has a culture that is seeped with heritage
that helped mould the country into the place of
wonder. Sri Lanka holidays showcase this ancient
influence as visitors are embraced by the warmth of
her people. This tiny island can lay claim to 8
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are well
preserved and proudly display the achievement of
ancient Sri Lanka. From amazing structures such as
temples and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress visitors will
be awed the moment they come to Sri Lanka.
Thrills
• Though not always recognized, Sri Lanka is in fact
a thrill seekers paradise. There are so many
activities on offer that visitors might find it hard
to pack it all into just one holiday. All the more
reason to return to this beautiful island that has
camping, trekking, kayaking and canoeing, while
you can also enjoy the exhilarating experience of
a hot air balloon ride. For an adrenaline rush with
a difference try wave riding or paragliding.
Wild
Sri Lanka maybe small in size but she is big in the
wildlife she has to offer. Packed into this tiny island
is an abundance of natural wildlife starting from the
famous Asian Elephant to the mysterious leopard.
The country has nine national parks and seven bird
sanctuaries. In fact 43 of the endangered species
listed by the World Conservation Union can be
found in Sri Lanka’s national parks. Sri Lanka is
home to Minneriya which is famous for having the
largest gathering of wild elephants. The country has
recently also grown in fame as being a hotspot for
whale and dolphin watching.
Bliss
Sri Lanka still lives up to the name serendib by being
a cost effective paradise island. Visitors are instantly
embraced by the warmth of the country and swept
away by the tranquillity Sri Lanka holidays provide.
There are so many who return to the island’s warm
shores to find rest and relaxation as they are
pampered by the locals. Laze around on the beach
sampling the freshest seafood or feast your eyes
upon incomparable scenic beauty as you sip a
freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea in the hill country.
Scenic
• For such a tiny island, Sri Lanka have very different
landscapes and scenery to experience, depending on which
part of the island you visit. From the very green misty hilly
area, to the soft, warm beaches that are perfect for lazing
on; your senses will be definitely treated with beauty. Sit on
the beach and watch the sun rise in all its glory and then be
cooled by the gentle evening breeze as the sun sets in a
medley of russet hues. Walk past green paddy fields or sit
by a murmuring stream and just enjoy the moment, the
sense of being alive.
Culture
Sri Lanka has managed to strike the perfect balance
between the old and the modern so that you never
feel as though you are stuck in a time warp. Instead
you can enjoy tradition cuisine, influenced by our
colonial past and served with a modern twist. You
will find buildings with colonial architecture that
have withstood the test of time yet now housing
modern institutions; you can listen to music that
speaks of our history yet appeals to our modern
tastes.
Festive
In the ancient past, Sri Lanka, has been greatly influenced by
the different visitors to the country. These visitors brought
with them their diverse cultures and customs and with time
these got absorbed into the Sri Lankan way of life. Visit in April
for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated to give thanks
for bountiful harvests and you can try some mouth watering
traditional sweetmeats. In May be astonished by the beautiful
and creative lanterns that adorn homes, buildings and roads,
lit to pay respect to the birth, enlightenment and death of
Lord Buddha. Ramadan too is celebrated in style while in
December out comes the colourful Christmas decorations.
References
• http://www.srilankahotels.ws/attractions/top10-attractions.htm
• http://www.srilanka.travel/index.php?route=c
ommon/home#googtrans(en)