Useful information for tourists about Sri Lanka, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Sri Lanka, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Sri Lanka.
Geography of Sri Lanka
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, known as Ceylon until 1972, is an island state in South Asia.
Most of the island is occupied by a low-lying plain, “broken” by outcrops of crystalline basement in the form of rocks and mesas. The entire southern part of the island is occupied by the low stepped mountainous country of the Massif Central. The slopes are abundantly overgrown with forests and dissected by short but stormy rivers. The highest point of the island is Mount Pidurutalagala (2524 m).
State
State structure
Democratic Socialist Republic. Member of the Commonwealth. The head of state and government is the president, who has broad powers. The legislative body is a unicameral parliament (National State Assembly).
Language
Official language: Sinhala
Almost the entire population speaks English.
Religion
Buddhists - 69%, Hindus - 15%, Christians - 8%, Muslims - 8%.
Currency
International name: LKR
1 Sri Lankan rupee equals 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1,2,5 rupees. Large hotels and shops accept international credit cards for payment. Foreign currency brought into the country must be declared.
It is recommended to exchange money at Colombo Airport. The receipt received during the official currency exchange should be kept until the end of the trip. In this case, when departing from Colombo, you have the opportunity to convert unspent money at the airport bank at the purchase rate. You can also exchange money at any hotel and bank.
History of Sri Lanka
The island of Sri Lanka was inhabited about 100 thousand years ago and constantly attracted more and more new settlers, thanks to which a significant number of representatives of the most dissimilar races, cultures and religions were concentrated on its small territory in ancient times. This enriched the island and led to constant conflicts and wars.
In the 5th century BC, Indo-Aryan conquerors created the first state here, which collapsed in the 5th century AD and was conquered by the Negroid South Indian Tamil tribes. In the 8th century, dominance again passed to the Aryan branch of the newcomers, and in the 15th century, there were three kingdoms of different ethnicities in Sri Lanka, constantly at war with each other. The Portuguese colonialists took advantage of this, establishing their dominance over the coast of the island in the 16th century; they were replaced by the Dutch in the 17th century. The British who came after them in 1796 declared the conquered region to be another royal colony - Ceylon. But they managed to conquer the island only in the first half of the 19th century.
The heavy foreign yoke, which turned the flourishing island into a raw materials appendage of the distant metropolis, forced the local population to rise to the liberation struggle more than once and suffer bitter defeats. Exploitation, which intensified in connection with the First and Second World Wars and the acute economic crisis of the 1920s and 1930s, made the national patriotic front more decisive, numerous and united.
In 1948, the British government had to grant Ceylon independence as a dominion. In 1972, under public pressure, the island was proclaimed the Republic of Sri Lanka. All forms of political dependence on England were eliminated. Now this distant piece of land in the Indian Ocean good-naturedly reveals its secrets to all lovers of ancient exoticism and shares the gentle sun and warm water.
The island of Sri Lanka was inhabited about 100 thousand years ago and constantly attracted more and more new settlers, thanks to which a significant number of representatives of the most dissimilar races, cultures and religions were concentrated on its small territory in ancient times. This enriched the island and led to constant conflicts and wars....
Popular attractions
Tourism in Sri Lanka
Popular hotels
Tips
Tipping is not necessary; service fees (up to 10%) are often included in the bill. However, hotel porters and porters expect a small tip (20-30 rupees). You are also supposed to thank the waiter with a small tip, but only for good service.
Visa
Office hours
Banks are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Shops are open from 10.00 to 22.00.
Souvenirs
Sri Lanka is famous all over the world for its precious stones: sapphires, rubies, amethysts, garnets, topaz and especially the famous “moonstone”, which is mined only here. It is recommended to purchase jewelry in specialized stores, requiring the issuance of an appropriate receipt or export certificate. The quality of the stones here is excellent, and the prices are relatively low. Also good souvenirs would be Ceylon tea, spices, aromatic oils, handicrafts, especially masks, batik, ceramics and leather goods. In cities you can buy inexpensive, high-quality textiles.
Medicine
There is a risk of contracting malaria, Japanese encephalitis B, hepatitis B, typhus, Bengal cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, Dengue fever, etc., but only if basic hygiene standards are not observed. Preventive vaccination against malaria (there is a risk of infection in the interior of the country) or the use of anti-malaria tablets, as well as vaccination against hepatitis A and B, is recommended.
Safety
It is not recommended to drink raw water and use ice sold on the street - it can be made from raw water. It is recommended to drink only mineral water in plastic bottles with a factory stopper, and to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap. Be sure to thoroughly wash (and preferably scald) vegetables and fruits, and do not allow the seller to cut the fruits with his knife.
Sri Lanka or Ceylon? What is the correct name for an exotic island lost somewhere out there in the equatorial expanses of the Indian Ocean?
In those days, when the British ruled the emerald island, the country was called Ceylon. In 1948, Ceylon gained independence from the British crown, and in 1972, the proud islanders returned to their island the ancient name of Sri Lanka, which means “blessed land” in Sanskrit.
When is the best time to go on holiday to Sri Lanka?
Thank God, now you can fly to the blessed island at any time of the year. Moreover, Sri Lanka is a year-round tourist destination. The concept of “off season” does not exist on the island. There is a so-called rainy season. But this is not at all what they show in the movies about Robinson Crusoe - pouring rain day and night. As a rule, the rainy season is limited only to night showers and short rains during the day, and the rest of the time it is warm and sunny. The maximum that can darken your trip during the monsoon period is the lack of scorching sun. The sun is hidden behind a gentle haze, but don’t be upset: you will still tan, and the tan will be more gentle and even. Two monsoons occur in Sri Lanka at different times on different halves of the island. The western monsoon season lasts from May to July. At this time it rains mainly in the southwestern part of the island. The northeast monsoons last from November to January. Thus, if you are planning to relax on the western or southern coast, then the best time for this is from October to April.
Where to live in Sri Lanka?
The star rating of hotels in Ceylon is a very arbitrary concept, depending on the quality and quantity of services provided and, of course, importantly, on the location. On the emerald island there are accommodation options for every taste: hotels of different categories, resorts, guest houses, villas, private housing. The cost of accommodation can vary from $20 to $2000 per night, but for $2000 you will have an entire villa at your disposal - the latest in fashion. But in general, the price range of Sri Lankan hotels fluctuates, or, more correctly, “waves” between the prices for holidays in Egypt and Turkey. The largest number of decent hotels are located along the western and southern coasts, in the ancient capital of Kandy and in the central historical part of the island. In general, cheaper hotels are located north of Colombo, more expensive hotels are located to the south. The most respectable holiday destination can be considered the west coast south of Colombo, starting from Kalutara to Beruwela and Bentota. As a rule, our compatriots prefer to relax on the most famous southwestern coast. Back in Soviet times, employees of the Soviet embassy went to the Beruwela area on weekends. And our diplomats knew a lot about rest. After the modern highway was built along the west coast, local resorts became even more attractive. Only 30-60 km from Colombo! Here are the best sandy beaches, low ocean waves (not like the “thug waves” in the southeast in the area of Yala National Park!), and a large number of decent 4* and 5* hotels. There aren’t many “fives” here, but there are some! Just look at the Indian luxury hotel Taj Exotica and the unrivaled Helitance Ahungala hotel. Do not forget that we are not talking about the developed tourist infrastructure of Patong Beach on the island. Phuket (Thailand), where in the full sense of the word “the apple has nowhere to fall”! Sri Lanka has not yet been truly explored by tourists. And that's great! There are not many such oases left on our planet! And while Sri Lanka is still like this, don’t waste time. Let's go!
Well, where else in the tropics or on the equator is there such a concentration of ancient architectural and cultural values of world significance, dating back to the period BC and located at arm’s length from the ocean?! In what other country will you have such an opportunity to combine serene relaxation on the coast of the majestic ocean with a romantic fairy-tale journey into a perfectly preserved ancient world? Many tourists are happy to combine the varied excursion program of Colombo - Dambulla - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Yala National Park with a sea holiday. The duration of the excursion program is from 3 to 7 days. Along the entire route, unsurpassed hotels with gorgeous panoramic views and polished “colonial” service are at your service. What is it worth, for example, to relax in the mountains almost 2000 m above sea level in the Victorian-style Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, built by the English colonialists! Or check out the new hotel in Kandy, Earl’s Regency Hotel, with magnificent views of the mountain scenery and the Mahawelly River.
Of course, there are also fairly inexpensive quality 3* hotels on the island. For example, "Induruwa Beach". 3* in Sri Lanka is not the same as in London or Italy, it is rather similar to European 4*. And yet, if you covered a distance of 8 hours of flight, bought a far from cheap ticket, then pay an extra 10-15% and stay in a hotel of a higher category, so that later, upon returning to Russia, in the cold rainy autumn or frosty winter you can indulge in sweets memories of a wonderful “abandoned paradise”.
And more about hotels and reservations. There is no need to compare Sri Lanka with the popular large-scale resorts of Egypt, Turkey and even Thailand. There are traditionally few hotels here. If even during the conflict in the north of the island there were not enough hotel rooms during the high season, then what can we say about the present times, when everything is peaceful and quiet. Peace and grace! Sri Lanka is now more popular than ever all over the world. And Western Europe is “ahead of the rest of the planet” in terms of bookings, so our compatriots risk being left without a coveted vacation on the shores of the azure Indian Ocean with enchanting sunsets and amazing ancient cultural monuments during the New Year and holidays.
Is it worth going to Sri Lanka with children?
Sri Lanka has all the conditions for recreation and living with children. Restaurants on the island offer a special children's menu; in supermarkets you can buy baby food, diapers, and anything else you want. Hotels offer accommodation in a two-room family room, but the number of two-room rooms is usually limited and must be booked in advance. Animation in Sri Lanka is not always the best. The hotels have a more intimate, secluded atmosphere. It is clear that the best place for a child will be the beach. It is necessary to use sunburn protection and follow safety rules when swimming in the ocean. Also remember that only bottled water is suitable for drinking, brushing your teeth and washing fruit. Always remember the rules of hygiene, do not buy food and fruit from random street vendors, feed your children only in trusted restaurants and cafes (check with your guide first). And then the rest for you and your children will not be overshadowed by anything. Children will enjoy seeing elephants in their natural habitat at the nursery in Pinnawala, or take an impressive train journey to the center of the island and visit the zoos in Colombo and Dehiwala. If you want to go on an excursion that is too tiring for children or go shopping, you can leave your child in a safe place. A number of hotels have special play areas and experienced animators. Children will not be bored, they will be supervised. Of course, do not forget about acclimatization and take older children with you and for a longer period. It is better to go during the mid-season, so that there is less contrast between the “home” and “colonial” climate.
How long should you go to Sri Lanka?
“Two weeks in Sri Lanka - a year’s worth of impressions. Until next trip. Same way". 14 days is enough to stay on the island. In 1 week you are unlikely to have time to visit all the sights of the blessed land. Usually they choose a tour for 10-11 nights, including a holiday on the coast and an excursion tour lasting 3-4 nights, for example, the “Golden Triangle” Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy. Of course, 10-11 nights is a standard rest period for our eternally busy citizens. At the same time, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that in the cost of the tour, the “ticket part” is usually at least 80%, i.e., every additional day of your stay on the “island”, where, clearly, there is “no calendar”, not too much will affect your budget. Well, for example, the cost of accommodation in a 4* hotel is $30-50 per day per person (“a modest dinner for a Moscow worker”). If possible, then 3 or 4 weeks in Ceylon, taking into account acclimatization, is just right! By the way, in Sri Lanka, at every step you can meet “new European Sri Lankans” - Western Europeans waiting out the long slushy winter in a paradise on the planet.
What is a must-see in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, the UNESCO list includes 8 ancient sites of world cultural and historical heritage. Among them is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This place is sacred to Sri Lankans. Legend has it that when the Buddha was cremated, his disciples removed four teeth from the funeral pyre. One of them is still preserved in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. When visiting the temple, women must completely cover their arms and legs, and men must wear long trousers; You can only walk around the temple barefoot, so you must be prepared to be asked to take off your shoes and leave them in a special wardrobe. Another site is the ancient city of Galle, located almost at the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, with a fortress and buildings from the times of the Portuguese colonialists (XVI-XVII centuries). This seaport has been known since ancient times. There is a legend that King Solomon himself exported precious stones from the port of Galle. We list further: the Sinharaja Nature Reserve (pristine jungle, many endemic trees, birds, mammals, insects, amphibians), the Golden Temple of Dambulla (a cave temple complex with 157 Buddha statues and wall paintings, a place of pilgrimage for 22 centuries), the ancient city of Sigiriya (V century AD; famous wall paintings); the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (the second capital of Sri Lanka since 993), the holy city of Anuradhapura (the first capital of the country, where you can see Buddhist shrines, including a ficus tree grown from the shoot of the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment), the sacred mountain Adam's Peak (Sripada), which is climbed by pilgrims from December to May. Which national parks are worth visiting in Sri Lanka?
The island has 14 national parks, a rich fauna (of the 91 species of mammals living in this region, 16 can be found only in Sri Lanka), including Indian elephants, wild Asian buffalo, water buffalo, Indian sambar, sika deer, mouse deer , Sri Lankan sloths, Ceylon leopards, Asian fish cats, red spotted Sri Lankan cats, Sri Lankan gray mongooses, black-necked Ceylon hares, porcupines, giant squirrels, water and Bengal monitor lizards, crocodiles, turtles, dozens of species of monkeys and many other animals, birds and insects , which will not leave anyone indifferent. The largest and most famous national park in Sri Lanka is Yala National Park. A jeep safari through the national park will allow you to see elephants (and possibly leopards) in all their glory in their natural habitat. Uda Walawe Park is home to the largest population of elephants.
From vivid memories. Breakfast on the veranda of the Yala Beach Hotel restaurant, located on the territory of a national reserve, to the sound of the powerful ocean surf. The ocean is hysterical. And what do you want? After all, this is the southern, overly “exciting” coast! The waiter, all in white, brings bright red aromatic tea in a snow-white cup of the finest English bone china. The tea, of course, is elite Ceylon tea, indescribably delicious. The gentle morning sun, not at all “burning”, everything around is fragrant, the birds are chirping. But the most impressive thing is that literally 200-300 meters from the restaurant terrace, before our eyes, a mother elephant with her trunk takes water from a river sparkling in the sun, flowing into the ocean, and washes her two elephant cubs with such an impromptu shower. Impressive! Everyone is delighted! It is for the sake of such impressions that it is worth visiting the island of breathtaking beauty!
Lankan traditional festival. Is it worth visiting?
At the end of July - beginning of August, for 10 days, Sri Lanka is immersed in a festive atmosphere. This is Kandy Esala Perahera, the most famous Buddhist festival. Peralesa ("procession") takes place in Kandy. For 10 days, every night on the streets of the city you can see a procession of drummers, dancers, dressed up elephants and acrobats, mahouts with whips that drive away evil spirits. The “obligatory” caparisoned elephant carries the symbol of the festival - the sacred tooth of Buddha; all believers have the opportunity to honor the relic. The Buddhist festival Posong Poya is also held every full moon. Vesak Poya is a major festival that takes place in May. On this day, Buddhists celebrate the birthday, enlightenment and immersion in nirvana of Gautama Buddha. On this day, it is customary to decorate local temples and light lanterns at nightfall, which symbolizes enlightenment. People send postcards to their friends: they usually depict some memorable events from the life of Gautama Buddha. The Hindu festival Vel (July-August) takes place in Colombo, the main event of this festival is the passage of the sacred chariot of the god of war Skanda. Hindus also celebrate the harvest festival (Tai Pongal), the Great Night of Shiva (Maha Shivaratri) - the most important festival of the year for followers of the god Shiva, the festival of lights (Deepavali). Lankan New Year falls in mid-April. This holiday is celebrated by everyone, without exception, regardless of religion and religious beliefs.
If you want to get acquainted with the centuries-old traditions and history of Sri Lanka, then visiting the festival on the Island is what you need. Sri Lankans are always smiling, kind and, of course, will only be happy if you want to share their festivities.
Tell us about ways to prevent diseases? How to avoid getting sick in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka the sea is not knee-deep. Firstly, it is necessary to observe basic hygiene standards. Never drink tap water, and avoid iced drinks and juices in places where bottled water is not used. Therefore, choose only proven catering places (check with your guide first). Of course, it is necessary to maintain the body's water balance. It is important to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and overwork, as this, coupled with acclimatization, can lead to stomach upset. Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. In the evening and when going into the jungle, repellent must be used. You should not play with stray dogs. Don't forget about your headdress! After drinking alcohol (even in small quantities), it is contraindicated to approach the sea or ocean; jump into the pool and splash around in it, come out of the shadows into the sun.
If you do get sick, you should not self-medicate; it is better to consult a doctor immediately. There are doctors in the resort area and in all settlements who can provide the necessary medical care. The best clinics where conventional methods of treatment and surgery are used are located in Colombo. It is important to note that although Sri Lanka traditionally belongs to a third world country, the level of medicine in the country is traditionally high, and there are good prospects for the development of medical tourism.
Is Ayurveda practiced in Sri Lanka?
Ayurveda translated from Sanskrit means “science of life.” Medicine was first mentioned in the original Vedas. This science has been described as a traditional healing system that respects human individuality. According to Ayurveda, the health of every person depends on the harmonious interaction of body, spirit and living environment. When inconsistencies occur in any of these areas, a person feels unhealthy. Ayurveda allows you to restore human harmony, balance between body, spirit and the outside world. With the help of Ayurveda, one can not only prevent and treat diseases, but also control behavior and psychological state. The whole body is treated, not just specific organs. In Sri Lanka, there are Ayurveda centers in most hotels. Here, ancient healing traditions are combined with modern treatment methods. Sri Lanka has about 6,500 graduates, many of whom completed a seven-year training course followed by two years of practice in traditional hospitals. A qualified doctor can determine the individual problem of each organism and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Ayurvedic medicinal preparations are based only on natural plants, herbs, resins, and oils from them.
What water sports are there in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a great variety of rivers, lagoons and reservoirs. You can kayak and canoe here year-round, combining these activities with hiking and camping. The fast currents and rapids of Kelani Ganga near Kitulgala are ideal for rafting between November and April. The coast of the island, which is almost one and a half thousand kilometers long and with a water temperature of 28? C, is a kind of mecca for water tourism all year round. Windsurfing, water skiing, surfing, kitesurfing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, yachting, swimming, sea and river fishing, spearfishing - it's all there. Sri Lanka attracts divers from all over the world with a variety of corals and marine life of unusual appearance and with unusual names (angel fish, Moorish idols, parrot fish). From March to April you can watch dolphins and whale sharks. But the main feature of diving in Sri Lanka is visiting underwater rocks, grottoes and sunken ships. About 20 ships of the 19th and 20th centuries, lying at a depth of 8 to 30 m, are open for inspection. These are tankers, steamships, bulk carriers, merchant ships and even a modern cargo ship. Many of them are well preserved, you can even examine them inside. On the southwest coast of the island, diving centers operate from November to April, and on the northeast - from March to May and from August to December. The best dive sites are on the east coast around Trincomalee and Batticaloa. In the west, you can dive off the coasts of Negombo, Beruwela and Bentota, while in the south, divers prefer the areas of Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna. Here in the south, in the region of unabated winds, there is a haven for windsurfing lovers. Among athletes who already have training, the waters of the lagoon in Negombo and the ocean coast of the northeast near Nilaveli Beach are popular. Currently, windsurfers are exploring new places in Kalpitiya (opportunities for practicing this sport have appeared at the Alankuda Beach Hotel). The best conditions for experienced surfers are on the east coast of the island in the Arugam Bay area. This place is most popular among fans of regular surfing. The best time for windsurfing is when there is minimal ocean swell and a constant breeze (on the southwest coast - from November to April, and on the northeast and east coasts - from May to October).
What opportunities for active tourism exist in Sri Lanka?
Extreme lovers in Sri Lanka can engage in caving (descent into caves), mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding. Those who are interested in ecotourism can visit the cloud forests of Horton Plains, the Sinharaja rain forest, the Hakgala National Park and Knakles mountain range. If you love playing golf, there are golf clubs at your service in Colombo, near Kandy (Victoria Club) and in Nuwara Eliya.
Is it possible to combine a trip to Sri Lanka with a holiday in the Maldives?
And how! This is a fairly popular way among tourists to combine relaxation and diving in the Maldives with a more active educational pastime in Ceylon. There are regular flights between Colombo and Male. The flight from the Maldives to Sri Lanka lasts an hour. Transaero regularly flies to Male (the capital of the Maldives), and Aeroflot flies to Colombo (in season). A combination of flights is possible: arrival in Colombo - departure from Male and vice versa. "Moscow Tour" specializes in such tours to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
How to dress in Sri Lanka?
Cotton and linen clothes are what you need in the hot sun! Don't forget your hat! For footwear, flip-flops or sandals are suitable. When traveling to the mountains, take a sweater, trousers and comfortable shoes with you. Put mosquito repellent in your purse. If you are going to the provinces, dress more conservatively. When visiting temples, men should cover their knees and shoulders, women should completely cover their arms and legs.
What is worth trying in Sri Lanka?
The resorts of the coast of Sri Lanka are a haven for lovers of fish and seafood. Lobsters, king prawns, crabs and other shellfish are waiting in the wings in restaurant aquariums. Ceylonese cuisine is largely reminiscent of South Indian cuisine. A huge amount of spices, hot pepper and a minimum of meat. Many cafes and restaurants generally serve only vegetarian food (look for the “Pure Veg” mark on the sign next to the name). To truly get a feel for what Sri Lanka is and “what it’s eaten with,” choose local dishes with sonorous names: dal, tandoori, roti, devil tuna, curry. Focus on vegetable dishes, here on the island they know how to cook them well. Fruits in Sri Lanka are not too expensive, and the range of tropical fruits amazes even experienced gourmets: pineapples, bananas, mangoes, jackfruit, mangosteen, papaya and much more. It is easier to list fruits that do not grow in Sri Lanka.
I remember a banana smoothie (the islanders make it great!) on the terrace of the hotel restaurant in Beruwela with an amazing view of the ocean! With a breathtakingly beautiful sunset of the solar disk! With a caressing ocean breeze! Breathtaking! It seemed as if time had stopped! I just can’t believe that this could be real! Fantastic!
What can you bring from Sri Lanka? What to buy in Sri Lanka?
Figurines of lions, elephants, swans, lotuses, various copper boxes, vases, trays, lanterns, silver items, jewelry, jewelry, batik, tea sets, Sinhalese masks, textiles, lace, finely carved wooden crafts, lacquered ceramic items - all this, upon returning home, will remind you of the unforgettable and beautiful blessed land - the island of Sri Lanka. A hand-carved round table for 3-4 persons made of precious wood can be bought for $1000-2000 in a large tourist store on the road from the ancient capital of Anuradhapura to the ancient capital of Kandy. Make a purchase and a table will be sent to you. Don't worry and don't doubt! Sri Lankans are honest and obliging. In Moscow, such a table costs at least $10,000. If not with impressions, then with souvenirs you can definitely “pay off” a trip to an exotic “equatorial” island.
Full name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Area: 65,610 sq. km.
Population: 21,675,648 people.
Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Official currency: Sri Lankan rupee.
In the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, not far from the coast of India, there is a small island shaped like a drop.
Everyone has heard about it at least once, and every day they probably enjoy its gifts - delicious black or green tea. His real name is rarely spoken, but his “nickname” Ceylon is heard by many. This is Sri Lanka!
Sri Lanka is separated from the Hindustan Peninsula by the narrow Palk Strait.
The people of Sri Lanka are called Sri Lankans.
At the beginning of the 19th century. the island was a colony (dependent territory) of Great Britain and was called Ceylon, and in 1972 it became independent and received a new name - Sri Lanka, which means “blessed land” in Sinhala.
Due to former British rule, almost everyone speaks English in Sri Lanka today. Only he is not quite familiar. Often, a resident of the British Isles or the USA will not fully understand a Sri Lankan, although both will communicate in the same language. This is because local residents add a lot of “their” words to their speech.
The flag of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest. It features a Sinhalese lion and two multi-colored stripes. The lion is the symbol of the ancestors of modern Sri Lankans, the green and orange stripes mean the few Muslims and Hindus, and the red part of the flag symbolizes the predominant Buddhists on the island. In the corners of the flag there are 4 leaves of paipula, a tree sacred to Buddhists.
Sri Lanka is an island of precious stones. In its depths are rubies, garnets, moonstone, and amethysts. But the “king” of stones is sapphire - blue, pink, yellow, white and very rare star. A Lankan sapphire even adorns the English crown!
As in other Asian countries, motorized pedicabs are popular in Sri Lanka. Here they are called "knock-knock". This is the only safe means of transportation, since it can easily go around any obstacle. Chaos is happening on the streets of Sri Lankan cities! Local residents do not follow traffic rules. They can stop their vehicle whenever and wherever they want just to let a cow pass or go out to say hello to an acquaintance whom they suddenly saw on the street...
This is interesting!
Taking Sri Lankan rupees abroad, even as a souvenir, is prohibited by law.
An umbrella in Sri Lanka is not a means of keeping out the rain, but the main protection from the sun. It won’t save you from the downpours that happen here, but it won’t save you from the hot sun without an umbrella. That's why umbrellas are sold even in grocery stores.
In a cafe, before putting a dish on a plate, they put a plastic bag on it. In this way, Sri Lankans maintain hygiene, and there is no need to wash dishes after eating.
One state - two capitals
The small state of Sri Lanka can boast that it has not one capital, but two! This is the large metropolis of Colombo and the little-known town with the complex name of Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte. The first houses the residence of the President of Sri Lanka, and the second houses the country's parliament and the Supreme Court.
Colombo means “mangrove harbour” in Sinhala. The city is indeed located in an area with many mangroves. But there is another version of the name. It is believed that the Portuguese, who conquered Sri Lanka in the past, could have named the city this way in honor of the navigator Christopher Columbus.
Colombo is the largest city on the island and the largest port in Sri Lanka. It's noisy and crowded here all the time, the streets are filled with cars and tuk-tuks. Colombo is the only city in Sri Lanka where there are high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. And only here temples belonging to representatives of three religions at once coexist safely - churches (Christianity), mosques (Islam) and Buddhist temples.
Colombo is home to one of the best botanical gardens in Asia. Its highlights are the Orchid House and the Spice Garden. The world's rarest species of these plants grow in the Orchid House. And in the Spice Garden all the aromatic plants and herbs of the island of Sri Lanka are collected. The king of the garden is pepper, and the queen is cinnamon. It is thanks to the huge amount of spices that the island was interesting for many European countries. Their rulers always dreamed of capturing plantations of allspice, vanilla, cloves, and ginger, which had no equal in the world.
Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte is a town in the suburbs of Colombo. When at the beginning of the 16th century. Envoys of the Portuguese king arrived on the island, the guides managed to stretch the five-kilometer route between Colombo and Kotte into a three-day hike around the entire island! This was done to confuse uninvited guests and hide the exact location of the capital from them. The expression “to go to Kotte” for modern Sri Lankans means “to take a roundabout route.”
The city of Colombo was the capital during the domination of Ceylon by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. When the state became independent, the city of Kotte received the capital function.
Today Kotte is a beautiful, quiet town with many universities and colleges. The Sri Lankan Parliament sits here. A luxurious building was specially built for him in the center of the city lake. Various festivals and fun carnivals are often held on the streets, in which brightly and beautifully dressed elephants - the symbol and pride of Sri Lanka - always take part.
Elephant City
In the past, elephants were the main transport in Sri Lanka. They transported people and cargo in the mountains and jungles. Today this is done by tractors and trucks, but the elephant is still the main animal and symbol of the island. 
The Sri Lankan elephant is different from its African brother. The inhabitants of the hot continent are larger, their ears are of a different shape and they always have powerful tusks. Among Sri Lankan elephants, tusks can be seen on about one in 20 animals.
An elephant lives as long as a person - 70-80 years. An adult animal weighs about 5 tons. He needs 250 kg of reed or coconut palm leaves and 200 liters of water per day.
For us, elephants are a symbol of wisdom and tranquility. But Sri Lankans think differently. They consider giants a natural disaster and fight them. Most animals are not killed by poachers. They are shot... by farmers. Elephants wander into fields, destroy crops and even destroy houses. A herd of angry elephants can destroy an entire village! The giants are not stopped by either fences or traps, and it is useless to try to “negotiate” with them. Lankan elephants are considered more aggressive and “clueless” than their African relatives.
There are fewer and fewer elephants in Sri Lanka every year. To protect the animals from extinction, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was built on the island. This is a huge nursery where elephants left without parents, disabled elephants and retired elephants live. By the way, the oldest animal here is more than 60 years old, and the youngest is only two months old. He is given warm milk from the nipple to make him stronger and feel good.
Elephants are the main participants in all holidays and festivals in Sri Lanka. They are dressed in special mask costumes and decorated with jewelry.
Elephants have been trained for performances for many years. When elephants grow up, they “work off” their care and maintenance by giving tourists rides on their backs. This is the most popular attraction among visitors and the main business of local residents. Before riding, the elephant is saddled. This is done only for the sake of tourists. Sri Lankans ride bareback. Maintaining balance while riding is very difficult, but an excellent view opens from the back of the animal. Traveling on horseback, you become convinced that the elephant seems clumsy only from the outside. Despite its impressive weight, it moves almost silently. Usually an elephant walks at walking speed, but if necessary, giants can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h.
An elephant that has worked up an appetite during the trip must be thanked. The best way to do this is to feed him bananas, the elephant's favorite dessert.
The fauna of Sri Lanka is very diverse. Animals and birds on the island feel free, they are not afraid of humans and live next to him.
Based on materials
Sri Lanka is the island of Sun and Sand. More than one thousand kilometers of sandy beaches with palm trees surround Sri Lanka. Until 1972, this country was called Ceylon. And although its name has changed, the best black tea in the world, Ceylon, is still grown there. In addition to beautiful beaches and tea, Sri Lanka has a large number of historical attractions, ranging from Buddhist and Hindu monasteries and temples to orchid gardens and colorful festivals.
Geography of Sri Lanka
The island nation of Sri Lanka is located in the northern Indian Ocean off the southern coast of the Hindustan Peninsula in South Asia. Sri Lanka is washed on all sides by the Pacific Ocean. In the northwest it has a maritime border with India, and in the southwest with the Maldives. The total area of this country is 65,610 square meters. km
In the center and south of Sri Lanka there are foothills and mountains, and the rest of the territory is plains and coastal lowlands. The largest local peak is Mount Pidurutalagala, whose height reaches 2,524 meters.
The longest river in Sri Lanka is the Mahaweli, its length is 335 km. The Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.
Capital
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the capital of Sri Lanka. More than 120 thousand people now live in this city.
Official language of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two official languages - Sinhala and Tamil.
Religion
More than 70% of the population professes Buddhism (specifically Theravada Buddhism), more than 12% Hinduism, almost 10% Islam, and about 7% Christianity.
State structure
According to the current Constitution, Sri Lanka is a presidential-parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 6 years by universal suffrage. The President is the Supreme Commander and appoints ministers.
Sri Lanka's unicameral parliament has 225 members elected by popular vote every six years. The President of the country has the right to dissolve Parliament.
Administratively, Sri Lanka is divided into 9 provinces and 25 districts.
Climate and weather
Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and warm. The average annual air temperature is +28-31C. In hilly areas and foothills - +20C, and in flat and coastal areas - +27C.
The monsoon (rainy) season continues from May to July in the central, western and southern regions of the island. In the northern and eastern regions, the rainy season occurs in December and January.
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from November to April (southwest coast and mountains) and from May to September (east coast). Thus, you can visit Sri Lanka all year round, because... there is always a dry season on some part of this island.
Sea in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is washed on all sides by the Pacific Ocean. The length of the coast is 1,585 kilometers. Local beaches are surrounded by palm groves. The average sea temperature in January is +28C, and in July - +27C.
Rivers and lakes
There are more than 100 rivers in Sri Lanka. The longest of them is Mahaveli, its length is 335 km. The Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.
Story
The history of civilization in Sri Lanka goes back more than 2.5 thousand years. In former times this country was called Ceylon. The first settlers were the Veddas. Around the 6th century BC. The Sinhalese arrived on this island and founded their kingdoms there. From the 3rd century BC. Buddhism begins to spread there. Until the 11th century, the capital of the most powerful Sinhala kingdom was Anuradhapura, and then it was moved to Polonnaruwe.
In 1505, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka and monopolized the spice trade. By 1658, the Sinhalese kings, with the help of the Dutch, were able to expel the Portuguese from the island.
The Dutch were more interested in trade and profit than in governing this country. Therefore, they did not resist the British very much when the British sailed to Sri Lanka in 1796. In 1815, Britain defeated the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy, thereby establishing control over the entire island.
It was not until 1948 that Sri Lanka achieved independence. In 1972, this country received its modern name - Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan culture
Sri Lanka has a multi-cultural society consisting of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Therefore, the culture there is very interesting and diverse. Travelers will be able to experience colorful and unique festivals and celebrations in Sri Lanka.
In January, Sri Lankans celebrate the New Year, Durutha Perahera (held in memory of Buddha's visit to this island), Pongal (Hindu harvest festival); in February/March - the Buddhist holiday Navam Perehera and Maha Shivarathri Day; in April/May - Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Eid ul-Adha; July/August - Kandy Perahera and Vel Festival; September – kite festival, Hindu festival Navarathri; October/November – Ramadan, Lilavali (“Festival of Lights”); December - Sangamittha Perehera.
All these festivals are colorful processions, they are always accompanied by elephant parades, music and dance performances, fireworks and theatrical performances.
Kitchen
Sri Lanka's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic composition of the island's population. The main food of the locals is rice and curry made from a mixture of spices, herbs and coconut milk. In general, almost all local dishes are prepared using coconut milk and spices.
Samba is pearl rice and is eaten on special occasions. During festivals, yellow rice is made, cooked in coconut milk and lightly seasoned with spices. Another popular rice dish is Kiribath (milk rice).
In addition, the people of Sri Lanka are real experts in preparing fish and seafood dishes. Fried fish is served with chips and salad, while curry fish is served with rice.
Popular dishes - Mallung Curry (finely chopped dried vegetables, prawns with grated coconut and spices), Sambol (spicy hot dish), Pol Symbol (grated coconut, onion, red pepper, lime and salt), Seeni Sambol (fish with spicy onions ), Lamprais (curry, cutlet, shrimp paste, eggplant curry, rice wrapped in banana leaf and baked), Buriyani (rice in meat broth), and Thalaguli and Wattalapam sweets.
The traditional soft drink in Sri Lanka is black tea, which is most often drunk with sugar and milk. Sometimes crushed ginger is added to tea. In addition, the inhabitants of this island love coffee, fruit juices and coconut milk.
Alcoholic drinks are also made in Sri Lanka - low-alcohol toddy (from coconut palm sap) and arrack (30-40%, from coconut palm sap).
Sights of Sri Lanka
According to official data, there are several hundred Buddhist and Hindu monasteries in Sri Lanka. And if we add to this temples, palaces, mosques, cave complexes, then the number of local attractions will reach several thousand. In our opinion, the top ten best attractions in Sri Lanka may include the following:
- Dalada Maligawa Buddhist Temple (Housing Buddha's Tooth)
- Fort in Colombo
- Sigiriya Fortress
- Dawatagaha Mosque in Colombo
- Cave Buddhist temple in Aluvihara
- Kochchikade Hindu Monastery in Colombo
- Ruins of the city of Anuradhapura
- Palace of King Kassiapa on Lion Mountain
- Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla
- Buddha's footprints on Sri Pada mountain
Cities and resorts
The largest cities in Sri Lanka are Kandy, Tricomalee, Kurunegala, Galle, Ratnapura, Kurunegala and Colombo.
Sri Lanka has many kilometers of beautiful beaches. Many of these beaches are located in picturesque bays surrounded by palm groves.
The best beach areas are Colombo, Trincomalee, Bentota, Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Kogalla, Negombo and Kalutara. Many tourists believe that the best beach in Sri Lanka is Mount Lavinia near Colombo. All local beach resorts have good recreational infrastructure. There are also excellent opportunities for surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, swimming, diving, fishing, spearfishing and scuba diving.
Near some beach resorts (for example, Trincomalee) there are hot springs, and therefore tourists can take medicinal baths there.
Souvenirs/shopping
From Sri Lanka, tourists usually bring handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, masks, leather goods (for example, bags), batik fabric, souvenirs made from coconut shells, spices, and, of course, local (“Ceylonese” ) Black tea.
