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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka lies between 5* 55* and 9* 55* north of the equator and between the eastern longitudes 79* 42* and 81* 52. It is situated at the southern tip of India in the Indian ocean. From north to south it has a maximum length of 435 kms (270 miles) and at its widest point it measures 225 kms (140 miles) giving it a total area of 65,600 sq.km (25,000 sq.miles) this entire stretch encompasses beautiful tropical beaches, verdant vegetation, ancient monuments and a thousand adventure delights to please all tastes.

History

The Island's contact with the outside world began early. Roman sailors called the island Taprobane. Arab traders knew it as "Serendip," the root of the word "serendipity." Beginning in 1505, Portuguese traders, in search of cinnamon and other spices, seized the island's coastal areas and spread Catholicism. The Dutch supplanted the Portuguese in 1658. Although the British ejected the Dutch in 1796, Dutch law remains an important part of Sri Lankan jurisprudence. In 1815, the British defeated the king of Kandy, last of the native rulers, and created the Crown Colony of Ceylon. They established a plantation economy based on tea, rubber, and coconuts. In 1931, the British granted Ceylon limited self-rule and a universal franchise. Ceylon became independent on February 4, 1948.

Population

Sinhala, Tamil and English are the national languages. English is spoken throughout the

The majority of Sri Lankans are Singhalese and Buddhists, but the total population is a mixture of Tamil, Moor, Burgher (people of European descent). Approximately 19 million.

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Climate

The climate of Sri Lanka is Typically Tropical with an average temp of 27*C in the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16*C at an altitude of nearly 2000 Meters. The south west monsoon brings rains mainly from May-July to the Western, Southern and central regions of the island, while the north east monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December & January.

From Sea level to 7000 foot high national parks, the country boasts of myriad geographical and climatic zones, a traveler to this country will never tire of the constantly changing patterns of the country side. It is easy to imagine, when traveling across Sri Lanka.

Visas

Nationals of most countries may obtain visas on arrival, at the airport. It is best to check with your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or consulate. The visa that is issued at the point of entry is only valid for 30 days. Extensions can be obtained, if required, from the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.

Currency

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee. The value fluctuates with world market rates. All commercial banks are authorized to exchange money and so are most tourist class hotels. American Express, Master Card and Visa Card are also widely accepted.

Economy

When attaining independence (in 1948) Ceylon was a pure agrarian country. Only during the last decade has industrial development grown at an accelerated pace. The majority of foreign exchange income results from textile exports, export of agricultural products (tea, copra, rubber), the revenue from tourism and the exports of jewellery and gems, and human resource placement for foreign employment.

Clothing

Lightweight clothing is recommended. It is a better idea to be conservatively dressed on the streets and shorts are not permitted in places of worship. Footwear off in temples. A light sweater is recommended in the hill country. Bring rain proofs, avoid synthetics.

Festivals

Festivals of Sri Lanka would leave most enchanting experiences on the minds of its travelers as the island enjoys the bright and colorful tradition festivals celebrated with full fun and enthusiasm. Mostly festivals in Sri Lanka are religion base and celebrated with same sprit among all sections of the society.

New Year
Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a traditional celebration that foretells the way of the sun from Pisces to Aries. The event is prominent throughout the island, following traditional customs with the emphasis on carnival celebration.

Wesak
If any single day in the Buddhist calender is of equal importance to the Christmas day in Christian calender, it has to be the day of Wesak. All over the country, temples in the villages and cities announce the dawn of Wesak, with peals of bells and drum beats. Shops selling large and small lanterns, candles, various electric lighting sets, and papers of any imaginable color abound. The devout, clad in pure white, with no make-up or jewelry, make their way to the temple to spend the next twenty four hours in quiet contemplation. No solid food is taken after mid-day meal on this day.

Deepavali (October/November)
Besides India, Diwali festival is equally celebrated with great devotion in Sri Lanka. Diwali the festival of lights, lamps, rituals and is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil, according to legend on this auspicious day Lord Rama return to Ayudhya, from 14 years of exile. Goddess Lakshmi, known as the goddess of wealth is also worshipped on the day and a grand puja celebration is organized in every Hindu house.

Muslim festivals
Muslim festivals are also closely associated to religion. The community follows a minority group that is the reason the celebrations are not much in notice. The main Muslim festivals are the Milad-un-Nabi or the birth of the Prophet Mohammed in December, Id-ul-Fitr marking the end of the holy fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the Haj festival when Muslims make their pilgrimages to the holy Muslim shrine at Mecca.

Christmas festivals
Christmas is also very much part of the island's festivities, and is celebrated with same fun and folic through out the island among all communities, especially Christians.

Interesting places

In Sri Lanka, there are so many attractive, beautiful and interesting places to visit. In fact, the whole country is a down to earth heaven on the hand of beauty. Some of the most interesting places and'must visit' destinations are Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, etc...

Adventure

Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone; it has the potential to become one of the great adventure destinations in the world. A rocky mountainous core rises in three pen plains, or steps, from the centre of the island with the many run able rivers there is plenty of scope for canoeing and White Water Rafting from fun going grade of waters to exciting grade 05 waters. Scuba Diving and snorkeling is available around certain locations in the coastal area, if you are a wreck diver, then this is the place for you. The adventure season now covers almost the entire year. The wide choice of adventure sports range from daring to exotic tours that mix various activities.

This is for those who want to see man and nature surviving in each others arms is rediscovering ones own self.

MOUNTAIN BIKING / MOUNTAIN CLIMBING / TREKKING / CAMPING WHITE WATER RAFTING / CANOEING / KAYAKING

Sri Lanka welcome's its visitors to experience the nations glittering tapestry of culture, and the abundance of nature, so handsomely bestowed, and to give credence to the old adage "That good things comes in small packages"

The country is 5 Hours ahead of GMT...

Main Cities / Attractions

COLOMBO (31Kms from the Airport)

Colombo is the largest city and the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Most visitors begin their stay in here, as it is a mere 45 minutes drive from the Bandaranayake International Airport.

Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, Old parliament building, the zoo, Museums and art galleries.

ANURADHAPURA (206 Kms from Colombo)

Sri Lanka's first capital, situated in the dry zone. It is one of the country's premier ancient cities, Sacred bo tree, temples, brazen place, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna an Mihintale - which is a rock dotted with shrines and dwellings-stairway of 1840 steps made of granite slabs that lead to the summit with a splendid view of the country side.

DAMBULLA (148 kms from Colombo)

Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass, which houses a rock temple, the frescoes date back to 2000 years old.

GALLE (116 Kms from Colombo)

In this coastal town Dutch Legacy is still visible, Galle was an ancient port, and our first international commerce and trade centre, it is famous for its popular Unawatuna beach, Old Dutch star fort, world heritage site, the well preserved Dutch church, Dutch government house, the new oriental hotel built in 1684.

HAMBANTOTA (237 kms from Colombo)

Situated in the coastal belt in the Dry zone, popular for it's bay and it's salt pans, and bundala park where many water birds reside

HIKKADUWA (99 kms from Colombo)

One of the most popular beaches of Sri Lanka, as it was the first place to be developed for tourism, its famous for diving, snorkeling, Glass bottom boat rides, and a little further down there's good surf for board or body surfing. Scuba diving equipment and services of licensed instructors are available at our padi diving school

KANDY (116 kms from Colombo)

Lying at 488 meters above sea level it is the countries hill capital. The focal point in Kandy is the Golden Roofed Dalada Maligawa where the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha is enshrined. The highlight of the year in august is the "Esala Perehera", a must to see is the Umbrella Tree at the Peradeniya Gardens.

PINNAWELA (85 kms from Colombo)

Pinnawela is a small town a short distance from Kegalle. It is not particularly fascinating except for one unique orphanage situated in the town, the Pinnawela elephant orphanage Established in 1975 as a place to house young elephants who found themselves separated and lost from their herds or orphaned by poachers, Pinnawela has now become a popular tourist site.

NEGOMBO (37 Kms from Colombo)

A characteristic fishing village and a super beach front.The lagoon is famous for its harvest of lobsters, crabs and prawns.

NUWARA ELIYA (180 kms from Colombo)

Known as "Little England" set in the heart of tea country, where British succeeded in creating an English country side, golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated at 1'890 feet above sea level, close is Horton plains, Sri Lankas highest and most isolated plateau, Bridle paths will take you to the precipice known as Worlds-End, a sheer breath taking drop of 1'050 Meters.

POLONNARUWA (216 kms from Colombo)

The islands medievial capital rose to fame after Anuradhapura's decline, the Parakrama Samudra is larger than the Colombo harbour.

RATNAPURA (101 kms from Colombo)

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