Location : Located off the south-eastern cost shores of India, 880 km north of the equator, in the Indian Ocean. 5° 55' and 9° 55' north of the equator and between the eastern longitudes 79° 42' and 81° 52'.
Area : 65,525 Sq.kms
Capital : Sri Jayawardenepura Commercial Capital: Colombo
Language : Sinhala & Tamil English is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of remote villages.
Religion : Buddhism- 70 per cent; Hinduism- 16 per cent; Christianity- 7 per cent; Islam-7 per cent.
Time Zone : GMT/UTC +6
Currency : Sri Lanka follows decimal currency system in Rupees (Rs.) and cents (Cts.) with 100 cents equal to a rupee.
Climate : Low Lands – tropical, average 27o C,
Central Hills – cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14oC. The south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. Sri Lanka has a good climate for holiday-makers throughout the year.
Clothing : Cotton garments are the ideal as Sri Lanka is a tropical island. However, viscose/cotton mixed garments are commonly worn. Light clothing is recommended in the lowland areas and light woolen clothing is suitable in the hill country. A sun hat and sun glasses may help to escape the heat during day time.
Sri Lanka is a fascinating travel destination that is very close to India. There are many Sri Lanka tour packages to choose from. Even though it is a tiny nation, Sri Lanka tourism has a lot going for itself. The fact that it is a beautiful island is just the beginning of the list of attractions in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s heritage, culture and cuisine also play a major role in drawing people to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan culture has influences of Buddhism and Hinduism. There are several Buddhist sites and temples to explore. Be prepared to be swayed by their stunning architecture and craftsmanship. In addition Sri Lanka also has great beaches offer a host of water sports and beach activities. Sri Lanka is also home to an impressive and colorful array of aquatic life. Without a doubt, Sri Lanka tours are a treat for those who love to explore wildlife and ecosystems.
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Beaches of Sri Lanka:
The beaches occupy a leading place among the various places to visit in Sri Lanka. You will encounter a number of fascinating palm-fringed beaches.. The combination of sun and sand with the pristine ambiance lets you spend some memorable moments away from cacophony of your life in the cities. Some of the well-known beaches of Sri Lanka are Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Beruwela, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle and Arugam Bay.
Nature Spots in Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka is also home to a large number of nature spots that are among its prime highlights. The splendid waterfalls of Sri Lanka are among the most sought-after attractions found in the dense woods on the mountain slopes and valleys. They fall from amazing heights and are feast to the eyes. Bambarakande Falls, Diyaluma Falls, Kirindi Oya Falls, St. Claire Falls, Bopath Falls, Laxapana Falls, Devon Falls, Rawana Falls, Elgin Falls and Nawarathna Falls are some of the many waterfalls of Sri Lanka. |
The fairs and festivals hold a key place apart from the tourist attractions in Sri Lanka thus featuring a wide range of Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Muslim events. Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August) is the most spectacular event. This festival is marked by torch-bearers, whip-crackers, dancers and drummers and climaxes in a great procession honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic of Kandy. Duruthu Perahera (January), held in Colombo is also an important one and celebrates the arrival of Buddha to Sri Lanka.
The other major events you should not miss out are National Day (February), New Year (March/April), Vesak (May) and Kataragama festival (July/August). Find useful information regarding Sri Lanka tourist attractions on the site touristplacesinindia.com that also offers valuable inputs on the hotels and tour packages offered on Sri Lanka. |
