By darshana attanayaka

                                       Sri Lanka 

Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time.  It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.

Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location.  Within a mere area of65, 610 kilometres lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometres of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.

This is an island of magical proportions, once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon. Discover refreshingly Sri Lanka!

Land area: 24,996 sq mi (64,740 sq km); total area: 25,332 sq mi (65,610 sq km)

Population (2009 est.): 21,324,791 (growth rate: 1.0%); birth rate: 16.2/1000; infant mortality rate: 18.5/1000; life expectancy: 75.1; density per sq mi: 809

Capital and largest city (2003 est.): Colombo, 2,436,000 (metro. area), 656,100 (city proper). Legislative and judicial capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, 118,300

 Reason to visit in Sri Lanka

The New York Times ranked Sri Lanka as number one travel destination on its article on "The 31 Places to go in 2010". There is no other country in Asia that can offer what Sri Lanka has to offer. The country has long been known as a great holiday destination. With the culture, history and outstanding places to go sightseeing, Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for a holiday.

Weather & Climate in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is situated in the Indian Ocean and is a tropical climate country. It has two monsoons periods, from May-July and December-January. Countries upland part is cooler and more temperate, and the coastal part is cooled because of the sea breezes.This beautiful island lies between 06 to 10 of North Latitude and between 80 to 82 of East Longitude.

Transpotation in Sri lanka

There are many mode of transportation in Sri Lanka such as public busses, trains, taxies and three wheelers are the most common means of transport for the public. Public transportation is based mainly on the road network which is centered in the Colombo. These are linked to all major tourist locations and cities such as Anuradhapura, Kandy, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, etc,.

Sports & Entertainments

Sri Lankans are sports enthusiasts as it forms an integral part of the lives of them. Tourists who are fascinated for sports can embark on the numerous sport activities that are well popular among the local people. The national sport of Sri Lanka is Volleyball, but the most known is cricket.

Amazing- this you must visit this places

The wonder and beauty of

SIGIRIYA - The Lion Mountain

 

Sigiriya, in fact, should have been classed as one of the Wonders of the Ancient World, long ago, and there is now a proposal to name it as the Eighth Wonder of the world. Perhaps, it is better late than never!

Sri Lanka's ancient architectural tradition is well portrayed at Sigiriya, the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with its combination of buildings and gardens with their trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning. Sophisticated city planning was at the heart of Sigiriya, this royal citadel of ancient fame from the days of Sri Lanka's memorable past.

The majesty and splendor of Kandy 

Kandy - The Hill Capital  of Sri Lanka nestling among the misty hills in the central region of this paradise island  is undoubtedly one of the  most beautiful cities in the world. It was here once   the Sinhala kings  ruled majestically. Next to Colombo, it is also the most visited city in Sri Lanka .  As the shrine holding the sacred tooth relic of the lord Buddha is placed in the heart of the city, it's also the most venerated city in Sri Lanka. Because of the history, pageantry and veneration associated with this exquisite city, Kandy is classed as a World Heritage City by UNESCO. 

Among the most picturesque cities in the island, the importance of Kandy is mainly due to it being the home of the Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth - which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Here visitors can observe the ancient traditions of drumming and sacred chanting in honour of the Tooth Relic, being performed several times each day.

 

                                                      

The Kandyan areas are where the crafts of the Sinhalese have been kept alive. From the art of mat weaving at Dumbara, to the silver craftsmen of Nattaranpotha, and wood carvers of Embekke, the Kandyan craftsmen produce the exquisite material which makes up the most sought after souvenirs of Sri Lanka.

 

Nearby Kandy, at Peradeniya is the Royal Botanical Gardens, part of which was the pleasure garden of the last Queen of  Kandy. Later, the Botanic Garden was the operational headquarters of Lord Mountbatten, who was Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces of the South East Asia Command, during the Second world War.

 The Peradeniya Gardesn is easily one of the best of its kind in the world. The many beautiful avenues will lead one to sections which provide a burst of tropical color. The great lawns highlight huge tropical trees, while you will be surprised at the variety of bamboo that can be found in one place.

Nuwara Eliya, garden city of Asia

   

Adam’s Peak, the most popular pilgrime mountain

 

Adam’s Peak, Samantha Kuta or Sri Pada, Sri Lanka’s holy mountain as it is popularity known bears the foot print of the Gautama Budda placed on the summit during His third visit to the island. This is also adored and venerated by followers of other religions according to their own beliefs. Thousands of pilgrims of all faiths ascend this 2243 metre mountain during the pilgrim season starting from the Induwap full moon day in December to the Day of wesak in May. Thus symbolizing religious harmony among Sri Lankan.This is traditionally climbed annually by pilgrims of all faiths. The steep climb takes about 3 hours with the finest sunrise in Asia by the climbers could behold. The shadow of the mountain is cast over the land before you as the sun rises. Steep steps are cut into the mountainside studded with refreshment spots in between. From a far lights leading into the night sky resemble a path to the celestial world.

Sacred City of Anuradhapura, one of the very popular heritage sites in Sri Lanka

206 kms from Colombo, it was the first capital of Sri Lanka and one of the best world heritage sites in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura established on the banks of river Mahaweli during the 4th century B.C by king Pandukabhaya. This sacred city flourished for 1,300 years, until it was reduced into rubbles in an invasion in 993. The city, with its fascinating palaces, monasteries and monuments, lay hidden. Anuradhapura is acclaimed as the greatest Theravada monastic city of the world and has served as the royal capital of 113 kings.. The sacred Bo- tree, the 'tree of enlightenment'-was brought in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta was planted in Anuradhapura. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, was re-discovered in 19th century and is now accessible once again.