ALL ABOUT SRI LANKA
Rich in beauty , diversity and warm hospitality . Even seasoned travellers are surprised by the rich diversity of experiences found in Sri Lanka , an Indian Ocean island off the southern tip of India . On a land mass not much bigger than Ireland , you can find palm-fringed beaches , a spectacular rock fortress , soaring tea-clad hills , treasured Buddhist temples , hill-top plains and wonderful wildlife parks .
Best of all it is the warmth of the people that captures the imagination . Everywhere you will be greeted by the broadest of smiles and made to feel welcome . On the coast you will find classic Indian Ocean beaches of long stretches of sand , lapped by blue ocean . Inland the countryside offers tea and rubber plantations , streams and waterfalls near Nuwara Eliya ( known as ‘ Little England ’), and highland areas of rhododendron , tropical rainforest of teak and ebony , and National Parks of scrub and lagoons . All locations are home to abundant wildlife , from birds to leopards and , of course , elephants .
Sri Lanka has some outstanding Buddhist cultural and archaeological sites , of which the Dambulla cave temples and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy are world-famous . Pilgrimage centres and religious festivals are very important to the people , with several sites sacred to Buddhists , Hindus , and Muslims alike . It must not be forgotten that it was the spices of this island that attracted the Europeans , and today these are the spices prevalent in Sri Lankan cuisine . The influences of the Portuguese , Dutch , and , most recently , the British can be seen in the country . Sri Lanka is really a land waiting to be discovered by people who will appreciate not only the variety , the scenery , the wildlife , the culture and the history but also the inherent quality of this country and its people .
SRI LANKA FACTS Location : A tropical , pear-shaped island off the southern tip of the India , 650km north of the equator Time difference : GMT + 5 ½ hours . Language : Sinhala , Tamil and English ( English is widely spoken )
OUR HIGHLIGHTS OF SRI LANKA
. Cricket is the national sport and much loved by Sri Lankans . Sri Lankans play wherever and whenever they can , so it is quite often possible to join in an impromptu game on the beach or on a local pitch . Tickets are usually obtainable to watch the national Sri Lankan team play international matches in Colombo , Dambulla , Kandy or Galle .
. Experience local festivals such as Vesak full moon in May and Poson full moon in July and the famous Esala Perahera Festival in Kandy in July / August .
. Visit the national parks and see the wildlife such as elephants , leopards , bears , and many species of birds .
Population : 21 million Size of the island : 65,525 sq km ; 430km north to south , 225km east to west Currency : Sri Lankan Rupee ( about 180 to £ 1 ) Capital : Sri Jayawardenapura-Kotte ( adjacent to the commercial capital Colombo )
GETTING THERE Sri Lankan Airlines operates daily flights to Colombo from London Heathrow . The flight time is about 11 hours . Sri Lankan Airlines also operates flights to the Maldives via Colombo , making Sri Lanka and the Maldives an excellent two centre combination . Sri Lankan Airlines has economy and business class cabins . British Airways launched a new service in March 2013 from London Gatwick to Colombo via the Maldives three times per week .
All international flights land at Bandaranaike International airport , which is roughly one hour ’ s drive north of the city of Colombo . Emirates also flies from UK airports to Colombo via Dubai , with economy and business class from Dubai to Colombo and First class from London to Dubai .
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‘ MUST SEE ’ IN SRI LANKA
SIGIRIYA DAMBULLA KANDY AND THE HILLS TEA COUNTRY ELEPHANTS IN THE WILD
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GALLE DUTCH FORT BEACHES OF THE SOUTH WEST
. Ayurveda is widely used in Sri Lanka to treat a range of ailments ( many hotels offer Ayurveda treatments ).
. Sri Lankan cuisine : spices such as cinnamon and turmeric , ‘ Sri Lankan Rice and curry ’ traditional meals with four or five curry dishes ); specialities such as Kiribath ( rice boiled in milk ) which is served at all auspicious occasions and Kavun , a cake made from rice flour , treacle and deep-fried .
Tea tasting in the hill country .
. Masked drama and dance performances , in the hotels or during local festivals , and nightly in Kandy .
Amanwella , Tangalle
‘ Undoubtedly the finest island of its size in all the world - A land like no other ’
Marco Polo
Herd of elephants
Tea Country
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