The island of Sri Lanka consistently attracts many tourists every year. This is not surprising: beautiful nature, rich history and culture, excellent beaches, wonderful climate... We will talk about all these features of the island in the article. We invite you to discover such an amazing place as the island of Sri Lanka.
Briefly about Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a very ancient country, which is also known as Ceylon. Boundless and vast are the pride of this island. The local population adheres to traditions, but at the same time, there is freedom of religion in Sri Lanka. Many sacred temples (mainly Buddhist) and relics attract pilgrims from all over the world to this country. The mysterious southern Sri Lanka attracts different categories of tourists. They come here to see a world full of exotic things, enjoy nature, and also swim in the waters of the Indian Ocean. The local golden sand beaches are amazing.
In Sri Lanka you will find hidden bays and coves, underwater coral gardens, as well as the remains of sunken ships and much more... Relaxation on the ocean coast, familiarization with Buddhist shrines, national natural parks, the secrets of tea cultivation and production, communication with cheerful and open people Sri Lankans - all this guarantees you an unforgettable experience visiting this island.
Where is Sri Lanka on the map?
This one is located on a small island in the Indian Ocean. Seven objects located on this island are included in the list of UNESCO-protected historical values (130 in total). Sri Lanka is an ancient state with deep traditions and a rich history. This is the center of Buddhism, where important monuments of this teaching are located. However, it is not only the historical heritage that shapes the exoticism of the country. Sri Lanka on the map is located only 800 kilometers from the equator. Here you will find all the riches of the tropical islands. Sri Lankans say that they know only three colors - the blue of the ocean and sky, the yellow tones of the beaches and the green of the vegetation.
Flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka
Currently there is only one direct flight Moscow - Sri Lanka (Colombo). However, it operates only in winter and does not have a strict schedule. The Moscow-Sri Lanka charter flight is operated by Aeroflot. The distance from Moscow to Colombo is about 6700 km. Therefore, travel time is approximately 8.5 hours.
Sri Lanka: time and climate
Those who are going to the island will probably be interested in what the time difference is here. On the island, time is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow in the summer, and 2.5 in the winter. As for the climate, it is both subequatorial and equatorial monsoon. It is complicated by the terrain, as well as the orientation of the island, its location from north to south. The average annual temperature in the flat areas of the island of Sri Lanka is about 29-31° C. The season has virtually no effect on the temperature. In the mountainous part it varies from 16 to 24 °C. All year round, the sea water temperature remains above 25 °C on the island of Sri Lanka. In January, therefore, you can safely swim, just like in July.
As for humidity, it is high here and almost always exceeds 75%. The amount of precipitation is from 1000 (eastern and northern regions) to 5000 mm per year (southwest coast). The rainy season lasts from May to September, causing the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon determines inclement weather from October to April on the island of Sri Lanka. The rainy season, however, may shift somewhat in time. It depends on the area. In general, the island of Sri Lanka has a very favorable climate for tourism. In January, when it’s cold in our country and you really want summer, tours here are very popular.
Island population
The population of this island is about 18 million people. Of these, more than 500 thousand people live in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The ethnic composition of the population is rich. This is a multinational country. Its population consists of Tamils, Sinhalese, Burghers (descendants of the Dutch and Portuguese) and Moors.
Language and religion
Singali is the official language of Sri Lanka. Tamil and English are also considered state languages. As we already mentioned, Buddhism is very common on the island. Besides it, the main religions are Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The island of Sri Lanka does not have strict requirements for clothing, however, it is not recommended to visit temples in clothes with bare shoulders and back, or in shorts. Additionally, you must remove your shoes upon entry. About 70% of the population are Buddhists, 15% are Tamils (Hindus), 8% are Christians, and 7% are Muslims. In this country, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, but Buddhism is given a dominant position here.
Attractions
The island of Sri Lanka offers many attractions to suit every taste. Tours here will be of interest to various categories of tourists. "Sri Lanka Resort Triangle" is the most popular excursion program on the island. It includes an introduction to three cities - Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Let's talk about each of them.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is the first capital of the Sinhalese state. This city is unique; it was built back in the 2nd century. BC e. In his lifetime he saw 113 kings. The exact date of the founding of Anuradhapura is unknown. According to the astrological tradition of the Indo-Aryans, he was named after Anuradha, a star located in the constellation Scorpio. King Pandukabhaya in 380 BC e. established this city as the capital. To the west of it, the Basavak Kulam reservoir was built to supply water to the population. The city in its heyday occupied an area of about 52 square meters. km, and its population reached several tens of thousands. In the 1st century AD e. aqueducts, bridges and roads, palaces, temples, monasteries, cemeteries and hospitals were built.
For 1.4 thousand years Anuradhapura was the capital. This is a true masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. And in our time, Anuradhapura is the capital of Buddhism. In order to visit it, many tourists come to the island of Sri Lanka every year. The city is located on the Aruvi River. Tourism is developed here, agricultural products are processed, as well as a number of things (wood carving, etc.).
Polonnaruwa
The next city, Polonnaruwa, was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries. This is one of the main cultural and historical centers of the country. The Hindu and Royal Palace ruins remain to this day. The main attraction of the city is Gal Vihara (12th century BC). These are 4 huge Buddha statues carved into granite rock.
Kandy
Kandy is the center of Buddhism and the religious capital of the island. An artificial lake has been created in the center of this city. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) is located on its banks (pictured below).
The city is rich in historical monuments. These include the courtyard and palace of the last king of Kandy. There is also an archaeological museum, near which there is a botanical garden and a university with a picturesque campus. Not far from these historical monuments there are rubber and tea plantations. Kandy is located 116 km from the island's capital, Colombo. It is famous as a center of crafts and arts, as well as bazaars, lapidaries, and a jewelry museum. This location is great for sightseeing and shopping. Nearby you will find views of the legendary mountains with beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples.
Piradeniya
Piradeniya (Royal Botanical Garden) is located 4 km from Kandy. This is one of the largest gardens in Asia. There is a large collection of tropical plants and trees here. The island's gardeners have divided a large hilly area into park areas. These zones contain different types of tropical flora. Another interesting feature of the garden is the more than one hundred species of ornamental orchids growing here.
Dambula
Another local attraction is Dambula. This is a temple built in the 1st century BC. e., called the Sleeping Buddha. It is the largest cave temple in South Asia. Dambula consists of five caves. Not only the temple itself, but also its painting is the largest in South Asia. Dambula has a huge collection of Buddha statues. Moreover, many of them are more than two thousand years old.
Mount Sigiriya
We also recommend visiting the Lion Rock (Mount Sigiriya). This picturesque mountain is located in the center of the island of Sri Lanka and is one of its main attractions. Lion Rock is protected by UNESCO. On this mountain, at an altitude of about 180 meters, a picturesque city was built. It is surrounded by gardens with swimming pools, fountains and unusual staircases, the steps of which are carved between the jaws, throat and paws of a huge lion. One of the attractions of this place is the gallery of frescoes, which depict a procession of half-naked palace ladies or princesses who seem to be floating in the air. These frescoes are covered with a special composition of egg white mixed with honey from wild bees. And to this day their bright colors have not faded. Today, unfortunately, only 17 of the 500 frescoes have survived.
Adam's Peak
Another interesting mountain is Adam's Peak. Since ancient times it has been a place of pilgrimage for believers. They climb this mountain in order to touch the sacred footprint located at the top with their lips. Muslims believe that this is where Adam, the first man, first set foot on earth.
Colombo
The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo. There are many temples, cathedrals and mosques located here. The most famous temple is Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. It is an excellent example of Sinhala art and architecture. The frescoes that decorate the walls of the building tell us about the many lives of Buddha. For example, about how he visited the temple, about the legends and myths associated with his name. Other attractions in Colombo include the Temple of St. Anthony and Peter, the Cathedral of St. Lucia, Jamul Alfar (the main mosque of Sri Lanka), as well as the Hindu temples of Old and New Kathiresan and Ganesan.
Nuwara Eliya
Sri Lanka offers tourists many interesting places. The weather, however, may not allow you to explore all the sights of this country. On hot days, many people prefer the beach to exploring the island. However, weather-related inconveniences can be avoided if your choice is Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka). The weather here is rarely too hot for walking. Nuwara Eliya resort is located at an altitude of about 1900 m above sea level. It is located at the foot of Pidurutalagala. This mountain is the highest peak in Sri Lanka. Here you will enjoy a favorable mild climate (temperature averages 15-20 degrees), as well as mountain landscapes, picturesque valleys and meadows. All this makes this place a popular resort. Nuwara Eliya, a land of blessed climate, is also known as “little England”, as it is called on the island of Sri Lanka. Tours here have been in constant demand for many years.
Elephant nursery and Bo tree
The government-owned elephant nursery is located in the town of Pinnawala. It was created to save animals that were harmed by poachers or left without parents. Today it is home to more than 60 elephants.
Sri Lanka is the country where the Bo tree grows, which is considered the tallest in the world. It is already more than two thousand years old. We also recommend visiting the endless tea plantations. This is the pride of Sri Lanka, thanks to which the island has gained worldwide fame. Sri Lankan spices, gems, exotic fruits, and batik are also very popular.
Transport
Please note that in this country, traffic is on the left. Most of the roads are in mountainous areas. Neither pedestrians nor drivers follow traffic rules. In this regard, it is best to rent a car with a driver on the island of Sri Lanka. Prices for this type of service are reasonable - the estimated cost per 1 km is 20 cents. You can also rent a car for personal trips. Your hotel reception can provide you with information about transport in Sri Lanka. Car rental prices start at $20 per day.
National cuisine
The cuisine here, even close to the European version we are used to, is quite spicy. The most popular type of food in hotels is a buffet. Those who don't like spicy food should consult the waiter about what to get. Mineral water, like other drinks, is not included in the price of dinner or lunch in Sri Lanka. This island is especially favorable for vegetarians.
Curried rice is the most common food item in Sri Lanka. Also popular here are seafood dishes (try lobster and sea shrimp), fish, meat, vegetables and poultry.
It is not recommended to abuse local strong drinks. The main one is arak. This is coconut moonshine, which even the local population does not drink a lot, but for variety you can try a little.
On the island you will find inexpensive and excellent tropical fruits: avocados, bananas (more than two hundred varieties), papaya, mangoes, avocados, oranges, coconuts, etc. Pineapples are especially good here.
Tips
Typically, bar, restaurant and hotel bills already include a tip of 12.5%. You can decide for yourself whether to give more. It is customary to tip porters, drivers and guides. As a rule, they are expected from Russian tourists, but not from Germans.
One of the best places to relax is the island of Sri Lanka. The time spent here is never forgotten.
National flag of Sri Lanka.
Bentota's beaches are famous for their fine sand and shady palm trees.
Sri Lanka is a country in South Asia, a popular tourist country. Tourists are attracted by the palette of colors of the island's flora, beautiful waterfalls, picturesque mountains, the 180-meter Sigiriya rock 150 km northeast of Colombo with ancient rock paintings and the ruins of a 5th century palace, numerous Buddhist shrines - dagobas, searching and processing of precious stones, pearl mining.
Sri Lanka. The picturesque Mount Sigiriya is a giant monolith with a fortress on top.
Colombo. Hindu temple. Detail of sculptural decoration.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is an island in the Indian Ocean, located south of the Hindustan Peninsula. According to the current constitution, the head of state of Sri Lanka is the president, who is also the head of the executive branch and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Legislative power in the country belongs to the parliament - the National State Assembly. Administratively, Sri Lanka consists of 9 provinces headed by government officials. The capital of the country is Colombo. As a former British colony, Sri Lanka is part of the Commonwealth.
Sri Lanka. Panorama of Colombo.
In terms of ethnic composition, Sri Lanka is a multinational country. The total population is 20.9 million people. 74% of the population are Sinhalese, over 18% are Tamils. Small nations and ethnic groups of mixed origin include the Moors - descendants of Arab and Persian traders, the burghers are descended from mixed marriages between the Portuguese and Dutch, on the one hand, and the Sinhalese and Tamils, on the other. In the mountainous forest region of the island's interior, near the city of Nuwara Eliya, small groups of Veddas - descendants of the island's oldest population - have been preserved.
The official language of the country is Sinhala, which is spoken by more than 70% of the island's inhabitants. English is widely used (especially among the burghers). In the north and east of the country, Tamil is spoken. The bulk of the inhabitants (70%) profess Buddhism - mostly Sinhalese. Most of the Tamil population is Hindu. The Malays and Moors adhere to the Muslim religion. Catholic Christians are burghers and part of the Sinhala population. The Veddas are adherents of a primitive religion. Among the population of Sri Lanka, religious beliefs and superstitions are strong, and there is a division into castes. There are about 20 castes in total.
Geography
"Lanka" in ancient Indian Sanskrit language means "country, land." The prefix "Sri", widely used in South Asia when addressing highly respected people, reflects the great love that the Sri Lankan people feel for their homeland. He calls her “blessed, venerable Lanka.” The island of Sri Lanka is located in South Asia. Occupying an area of about 60 thousand sq. km, it is approximately equal to such large islands as Ireland or Tasmania. Its maximum length from north to south is 430 km, from west to east - 225 km.
The main part of the island (up to 4/5 of the entire area) is occupied by a low-lying plain (100 m above sea level). In some places, large rocks (up to 700 m) rise above the loose sedimentary rocks - protrusions of the crystalline foundation. They often have bizarre shapes, reminiscent of a huge animal, a giant book, or the ruins of an ancient temple. In the southern, most extended part of the island, the crystalline basement reaches the surface over a large area. Huge blocks of stone, raised to great heights, form the so-called Central Massif. The average height of the mountains is 1000–2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise higher. The highest point of the island is Mount Pidurutalagala (2524 m). However, the most famous is the majestic Adam's Peak (2243 m), reminiscent of a huge pyramid. The peaks of most mountains are leveled, which is why they are called table tops.
Kandy is one of the oldest cities in Sri Lanka. A unique necklace of Kandy is the Mahaweli River with its shady banks.
In ancient times, deposits of precious stones were discovered in the mountains of Sri Lanka: rubies, sapphires, topazes, and amethysts. As the ancient chronicle “Mahavansa” testifies, many kings and sultans in other countries decorated their crowns with these stones. The abundance of rainfall led to the development of a dense network of rivers on the island. The rivers are short in length. The largest of them is the Mahaweli Ganga (meaning “river with sandy banks”), 330 km long. The length of the remaining rivers is 100–150 km. Most of them originate in the Massif Central mountains.
Climate
Sri Lanka is located near the equator. Its northern and central parts are located in the subequatorial, and the southern part - in the equatorial climatic zones. Therefore, the temperature here remains uniformly high all year round. Thus, in Colombo the average monthly temperature ranges from 26 °C (January) to 28 °C (May). Due to the proximity of the mainland, the north of the country is somewhat hotter than the south. The average annual temperature in mountainous areas is much lower, so mountainous areas are very popular among residents of the country and tourists. One of the coldest places on the island is the mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya (2000 m above sea level). This city is called “a piece of the north” on the island. The average annual temperature here is around 15 °C.
The seasons in Sri Lanka are determined not by changes in temperature conditions, but by differences in precipitation patterns. Their greatest number occurs in the summer - when moisture-rich southwestern monsoon winds dominate. The summer monsoon begins in May and subsides in September. At the height of the monsoon period, from June to August, it rains daily, often in torrential downpours. The southwestern part of the island is the most humid, being the first to meet the summer monsoon. In one summer month, 400–500 mm of precipitation falls. The Central Mountain Range stands on the path of the monsoon to the northern and eastern regions, creating a “rain shadow” for these parts of the island. In this regard, the amount of precipitation there is low - on average only 10–40 mm per month. In winter, from December to February, the northeast monsoon dominates the island, bringing much less rainfall and irrigating mainly the northern and eastern parts of the island. Autumn and spring in Sri Lanka are inter-monsoon periods. There are no monsoon rains, but they are replaced by so-called zenithal rains, characteristic of equatorial regions.
Over 70% of the country's territory is covered with trees and shrubs. The most lush vegetation remains in the most humid southwestern region. There are still areas of evergreen tropical rainforest with a greenhouse atmosphere, where twilight and silence reign. In the forests of Sri Lanka you can see more than 40 types of palm trees: talipot, royal, coconut and others. Widespread woods are mango, bread, melon (papaya), ebony, satin, and sandalwood. Colossal tree ferns also grow on the island. Occasionally there are cinnamon trees, from the bark of which cinnamon is obtained. Some plants are distinguished by their amazing beauty during flowering, among them orchids and lotus - a sacred flower of followers of Buddhism and Hinduism.
The island's fauna is diverse. Wild elephants remain in the mountain forest wilds of the southwest. In Sri Lanka there are predators: panthers, leopards, wild cats, lynxes, jackals, bears. There are many monkeys in the forests, and often in the trees surrounding village huts. In large rivers, far from villages, there are crocodiles up to 8 m long, so swimming there is prohibited. The world of insects is rich. Large butterflies amaze with their unusually bright colors. The world of birds is diverse. Pink flamingos, white storks, colorful parrots, bright peacocks, and tiny sunbirds resembling butterflies are often found.
Story
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.
Natural attractions
The most picturesque interior regions of the country with its mountain rivers, waterfalls, and impenetrable jungles. Situated in the Central Highlands, Adam's Peak is a sacred place for people of various faiths. Numerous pilgrims and tourists flock here every year to worship the notch in the mountain, which resembles the footprint of a huge human foot (Buddhists consider it the footprint of Buddha, Christians - Adam, and Hindus believe that the god Shiva was at the top). The nearby gemstone mining sites are very popular. Jewelry collections can be seen in the National Museum and private museums in the nearby town of Ratnapura.
Sri Lanka. The majestic Adam's Peak (2243 m), reminiscent of a huge pyramid, is the sacred mountain of the Sri Lankans. The footprints of Buddha are preserved here.
In the central part of the island is the majestic Mount Pidurutalagala. This rocky peak is located near Nuwara Eliya. The nearby city of Kandy, lying between the hills, is surrounded by the wide Mahaweli Ganga. On the banks of this river, in Peradeniya, lies the largest botanical garden in Asia. Palm alleys and a huge number of different types of tropical vegetation (about a thousand species of orchids alone) attract not only tourists, but also scientists from around the world. 10 km southeast of Nuwara Eliya (at an altitude of 1680 m) is located the equally famous Hakgala Park - a wonderful collection of the world's subtropical flora. The Henarasgoda Botanical Garden, 32 km from Colombo, houses an extensive collection of exotic palms, trees and shrubs.
Colombo. Hindu temple.
Wildlife can be seen and photographed in numerous national parks - Yaala, Wilpattu, Gal Oya, Uda Walawe, Maduru Oya, Wasgamuwa, Horton Plains and Bundala. Each park has its own specifics. The amazing underwater world of the tropical seas will open in Galle, where the famous underwater coral gardens are located. In the lagoon near the city of Batticaloa there is a very rare “singing fish”: on moonlit nights, thin, light sounds are heard from the water, reminiscent of the sound of a crystal glass, along the edge of which you run your finger. In the north of Sri Lanka there is a magnificent palmyra landscape of the Jaffna Peninsula. Not far from Jaffna there is a coral archipelago. The most famous island of this archipelago is Nainativu. Sinhalese Buddhists believe that it was this island that Buddha first entered on his way to Ceylon while walking across Adam’s Bridge.
All over the country you can find spice gardens - farms for growing spices. Ceylon has long been famous for its spices and medicinal herbs. They are used in the food industry, medical and cosmetic purposes. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, several varieties of pepper, ginger, vanilla - this is not a complete list of Ceylon spices.
Yala National Park is located in the southeast of the island, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. When these deputies were part of the state of Ruhuna. All that remained of his might were the ruins of ancient fortresses and monasteries. The nature of the park is a dry savannah, overgrown with bushes and umbrella plants. Occasionally there are small lakes overgrown with lush vegetation. The flat landscape is broken up by numerous hills and mounds. The park's territory covers more than 100 thousand hectares.
Yala is considered one of the best places to observe the life of leopards. Here you can often find bears, deer, and wild boars; many small animals - gray langurs, monitor lizards, sea and land turtles. The pride of Yalu is its feathered inhabitants: black-necked stork, ibises, herons, jacanas. The park offers excursions in jeeps and tent camps where you can stay for several days.
Uda-Walawe National Park is located on the banks of a reservoir south of the mountain ranges in the center of the country. Part of the park is occupied by tropical forest, where you can meet sika deer, sambar, wild boar, leopards, and bears. Uda Walawe is the best place to observe the life of elephants in natural conditions. In total, up to five hundred elephants live here, and there are herds of up to fifty of these animals. Bundala Park is located on the southern coast of Ceylon, in the middle of a savannah with many lagoons and lakes. The park is famous for its abundance of water birds.
The Sindharaja Tropical Rain Forest is one of the few places where primary rain forests have not yet been destroyed by humans. Sindharaja can be translated into Russian as “The Lion King”. This forest is a paradise for bird watchers. In an area of 22 thousand hectares, 22 of Ceylon's 26 endemic birds are found. The rare black panther, many spotted deer, wild boars, langurs, mongooses, and chameleons also live here.
Sri Lanka. Elephant nursery.
Culture
Sri Lanka. The picturesque Mount Sigiriya is a giant monolith rock.
One of the most striking attractions of the island is the Sigiriya fortress, located 162 km from Colombo. The citadel with the palace ensemble rose on the 180-meter red Lion Rock fifteen centuries ago. Its builder was King Kassala. Here, on the inner walls of the caves, you can see rock paintings made with natural paints. The Sigiriya murals, famous throughout the world, are outstanding examples of ancient Sinhalese painting.
Kandy. Temple of Dalada Magilawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic).
In the city of Kandy, attention is drawn to the ancient palace of the Sinhalese sovereigns, as well as the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, where the corresponding shrine is kept. According to legend, the Tooth was found in India on a lotus flower. Some rituals associated with the Tooth Relic have developed into lavish festivals. This is the Esala Perahera temple procession, which is held annually in August, on the full moon days. Just north of Kandy is the town of Aluvihara, where the words of Buddha were first written down on palm leaves.
Kandy. At the temple.
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Anuradhapura. Temple wall in the ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura is a city of monasteries and stupas, an open-air museum, a sacred place for Buddhists not only in Sri Lanka, but also in other countries. Many ancient monuments have been preserved in Anuradhapura. In the center of the city stands the majestic Ruvanavelli Dagoba. Built in the 2nd century BC, it is a masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. Even in a whole day it is difficult to get around this entire open-air monument. Ruvanavelli is rivaled by the majestic dagobas of Jetavana and Thuparama. Under King Pandukabhai, a grandiose irrigation system with giant reservoirs and numerous canals was built in Anuradhapura. This chain of reservoirs was called Anuradha, and the city on its banks was called Anuradhapura. The city became the center for the spread of Buddhism on the island. In 380 BC, Pandukabkaya proclaimed Anuradhapura as the capital of the first Sinhalese state and the city remained in this capacity for 1,400 years. Thousands of pilgrims visit the city's holy places - the Bo tree and the seven dagobas. The sacred Bo (Buddha) tree is located in the courtyard of one of the temples, behind a golden fence. It supposedly grew from a branch, the same tree under which enlightenment descended on Buddha. According to legend, this branch was brought to Ceylon from India in the 3rd century BC.
Abhayagiri Monastery is the largest of the monastic complexes of Anuradhapura, built in the 1st century BC. Dagoba Abhayagiri was the second largest stupa (115 m) in the world. It is built over the footprint of Buddha. The Et Pokuna pool, which once supplied water to most of the monastery complex, has been restored here.
Sri Lanka. Ruins of Polonnaruwa - the capital of the second Sinhalese state.
Not far from Anuradhapura, in Polonnaruwa lie the ruins of the medieval capital of the Sinhalese state. Here you can see the remains of a palace that once shone with splendor. The best preserved temple is the beautiful Vatadage Temple. In the northern part of Polonnaruwa there is the largest sculptural ensemble of the area - three huge statues of Buddha carved into the rocks in various poses. The Parakrama Samudraya reservoir, created nearby, is larger in area than the port of Colombo.
Mihintale is a rock that became the site of the beginning of the spread of Buddhism on the island of Ceylon. At the foot there are the remains of ancient Buddhist buildings. is considered. At the top of Mihintale there is a stupa and a statue of Buddha. 150 km from Colombo and 20 km from Sigiriya is the Dambulla cave temple - the largest in Ceylon. For many centuries, this temple has been a stronghold of Buddhism and Sri Lankan identity. Its foundation dates back to the 1st century BC. The temple was built at an altitude of 350 meters and consists of five caves. In 1938, the temple was supplemented with columns and arched entrances. There is a huge collection of Buddha statues here, many of which are more than two thousand years old.
Another place closely associated with Buddhism is Adam's Peak or Mount Sri Pada (2224 m). Tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees climb the mountain to touch the sacred footprint of Buddha with their lips. This mountain is associated with the name of the forefather Adam and it is considered sacred by followers of all world religions.
Polonnaruwa. Seated Buddha from the Gal Vihara cave temple.
Polonnaruwa. In front of the four entrances of the Watadage Temple lie semicircular slabs with intricate designs, the so-called “moon stones”.
Polonnaruwa. Rankot Dagoba.
Cities
Sri Lanka. Halle. Old city.
Sri Lanka. Halle. Lighthouse.
The name of the city Galle is related to the Sinhala word for "inn". During the heyday of sailing, Galle was the main port of the island. At the entrance to the port, the Dutch built a military fortress, which has survived to this day. Above the gate, a shield is carved in stone with the monogram of the East India Company - images of two lions and a rooster. Galle is famous for many ancient crafts, in particular the weaving of fine lace. The city, distinguished by its unique combination of vibrant tropical nature and ancient architecture, attracts many tourists.
Sri Lanka. Halle. Coast.
Sri Lanka. Halle. Dutch Church.
Ratnapura is the center of jewelry production and trade in precious stones. The name of the city translated from Sinhala means “city of gems”. Ratnapura sapphires, rubies, and aquamarines are highly valued by jewelers all over the world. The Blue Beauty of Asia sapphire (400 carats) and the Star of India sapphire (536 carats) were found here. There is a museum of jewelry art in the city.
Sri Lanka. Ratnapura. Buddha statue.
Jaffna is the historical center of the northern Tamil region and the administrative center of the province, one of the largest cities in the country (over 100 thousand inhabitants) is located in its northernmost part, which is connected to the main territory of the island by a narrow strip of land, as well as an artificial dam. Perhaps this is the hottest city in Sri Lanka. In the recent past, the city was one of the trading bases of the Dutch East India Company. From those times, the ruins of the fort have been preserved here. From a distance you can see the Catholic Church, built in the early 18th century. Jaffna is an important trade and transport center and a major center of Tamil culture. The city's artisans are famous for their filigree jewelry, weaving mats, baskets and other products.
Resorts
For tourists from Western Europe, North America and other regions, Sri Lanka serves as a winter resort. In coastal areas, water sports tourism predominates; the ancient Sinhalese capitals are the base of historical and cultural tourism. Mountain resorts and national parks attract many lovers of wildlife, safaris, and scuba diving. But no matter how attractive the golden seaside beaches are, in Sri Lanka it is not customary to swim in any place you like: powerful ocean currents, some fish, and sea animals are dangerous. For swimming they usually go to the southern suburbs, to Colombo-Mount Lavinia, Hikkaduwa or Rassekudahu.
The mountain rivers of Sri Lanka, with the exception of periods of drought, are suitable for rafting and kayaking. The Kelani River in the Kitulgala region is most suitable for rafting. The ocean wave, in favorable weather conditions, allows surfing and windsurfing. The island is also interesting for diving enthusiasts. There are about 138 species of corals in the waters of Sri Lanka, including black coral. There are coral heads, soft corals, and many gorgonians - green, orange, red, blue. But the main wealth of the underwater world of Sri Lanka is its fauna - angel fish, moray eels, barracudas, moray eels, Moorish idols, parrot fish, clown fish, lion fish, marlin, flounder, sweetlips, silver and brown snappers, soldier fish , bristletooths, damselfishes, stingrays, surgeonfish, eels. Divers can also explore sunken ships, which are especially numerous in the Hikkaduwa area. About twenty wrecks from the 19th and 20th centuries are open to divers.
Not far from the city of Kandy is the resort of Nuwara Eliya. It is located at an altitude of 1880 m above sea level, at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala, the highest in Ceylon. The resort is built with hotel buildings in the British colonial style. The buildings are framed by lush greenery and bright flowers. The resort attracts the top of the local society and numerous tourists. Victoria Park is located in the center of Navara Elia. To the south of the park there is a hippodrome. Lake Gregory is one of the resort's attractions.
Bentota Resort is located 64 km south of Colombo, on the west coast of the island. Here, in a picturesque place where the river flows into the sea, several hotels have been built, surrounded by a palm forest. There is a train station, a post office, a shopping arcade, cafeterias and an open-air theater where folk dance groups perform. Beruwela resort is located near Bentota.
Kalkudah resort is located on the east coast, 32 km from Batticaloa. This is an ideal place for swimming, as the beach on the sea side is protected by a reef. Nearby Passekudah has a beautiful bay with absolutely clear water. It is also a popular tourist destination with modern hotels and a variety of amenities. Five species of sea turtles are found in the Kozgod area. To maintain their population, turtle farms have been organized.
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ශ්රී ලංකා ප්රජාතාන්ත්රික සමාජවාදී ජනරජය
Capital- city of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Square- 65,610 sq. km.
Population— 21.6 million people
Language- Sinhala and Tamil
Form of government- mixed republic
Independence date (from Great Britain)— February 4, 1948
The largest city —
Currency— Sri Lankan rupee
Timezone — +5:30
Telephone code — +94
At the official level the country is called Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The state is located in southern Asia on the territory of the island of Sri Lanka in the southwestern part of the coast of Hindustan. Until the country gained independence, it was called Ceylon. The official capital of the state is the city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, where the supreme court and parliament are located. However, the actual capital is the city. The residence of the country's president is located here and the government meets. Dondra is the southern cape of the island, Dutch Bay is the western.
Sri Lanka - video
The island of Sri Lanka is washed by the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. The Palk Strait and the Gulf of Manara separate Sri Lanka from Hindustan. In the past, the island was connected to the mainland by the so-called Adam's Bridge (a sandbar in the Palk Strait), but according to legend, the bridge was destroyed during one of the earthquakes. In the center of the country there are mountain ranges, the rest of the territory is predominantly lowland. The highest mountain peak is located at an altitude of 2,524 meters above sea level and is called Pidurutalagala. The island's subequatorial monsoon climate is determined by the northeast and southwest monsoons that blow throughout the year.
The largest rivers Sri Lanka are Kalu, Aruvi-Aru, Kelani, Mahaweli-Ganga.
According to the government census conducted in the summer of 2013, the country has a population of about 21.6 million people. By nationality we can distinguish Sinhalese (about 75%), Tamils (about 18%), Sri Lankan Moors (about 7%), burghers (about 0.3%), Veddas (about 1 thousand people). Religiously, the country's population is divided into followers of Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam - 70%, 15%, 8% and 7%, respectively.
The country's calling card is tea. In terms of its production volumes, Sri Lanka is third in the world, second only to China and. The country has achieved the greatest success in the extraction of precious stones, rubber and cinnamon. The textile industry occupies a leading position in terms of export volumes (about 63%), agriculture - about 20%. The country has a fairly extensive network of bus routes, which are served by both the state bus company and private enterprises. You can get to any corner of the island by bus, but traveling there will be little fun due to dirt, dust, crowding and low speed (no more than 45 km/h). There are also more comfortable buses, but getting on them is quite difficult - tickets must be booked in advance at bus stations or at transport agencies.
It is worth mentioning the island's railway transport. The railway connection connects large cities with each other. The trains have carriages of different classes with and without air conditioning. A world-famous restored train, which was built back in 1928, runs along one of the routes. Sri Lanka has Bandaranaike International Airport, located approximately 35 kilometers from. The airport was built by the British in 1940 and was initially used as a military airport.
Sights of Sri Lanka
Bambarakanda waterfall
Waterfall "Bridal Veil"
On the territory of the state there are famous Ceylon tea plantations, which was first brought here from China in 1824. In the second half of the 19th century, tea was first grown here on an industrial scale - James Taylor, a planter from Scotland, did this, planting about 80 hectares of land with tea.
1. In Sri Lanka, internal national conflicts occur quite often, so do not be surprised by the large number of military personnel on the streets and roadblocks. Train and bus stations in the country are usually surrounded by fences, and all passengers must show identification upon entry. In the southern part of the country the situation is somewhat calmer, so there are usually fewer checks here.
2. When visiting restaurants or cafes, pay attention to what the food you ordered is prepared from, since all the dishes here are spicy. To avoid misunderstandings, ask the waiter serving your table about the composition of a particular dish. You should choose sauces especially carefully. If you have eaten very spicy food, then you do not need to wash it down with water - it is better to eat bread or unleavened flatbread.
3. If you want to order tea in a cafe, take the trouble to explain how you need to brew it, since here they do it a little differently than in Europe.
4. The main dish in Sri Lanka is rice, which is served on a separate large plate, along with small saucers with various spices and seasonings.
5. Do not be alarmed if you are offered to buy soft drugs on the street - this is considered a common occurrence here, despite the fact that the laws of the country provide for the highest penalty for distribution and possession of drugs - the death penalty.
6. Be sure to wash your hands very thoroughly before eating. It is better to scald vegetables with boiling water. Water should be drunk exclusively from plastic bottles with factory caps.
7. Residents of the country are very friendly with tourists, although this attitude is not always pleasant, as sometimes it develops into intrusiveness (this mainly applies to local street vendors and tour guides).
8. In Sri Lanka, entry to many beaches is free, however, the beaches at some hotels are closed. Hunting animals and collecting corals is strictly prohibited here.
9. It is best to dress in the country in light clothes made of natural fabric in light shades. If you are going to climb the mountains, be sure to take warm clothes with you.
10. When visiting temples, you must take off your shoes and hats. It is prohibited to enter such places wearing short skirts and shorts, as well as bare shoulders and backs. Do not turn your back on Buddha statues, do not show your feet or the soles of shoes to others, do not take photographs of the local population without permission, and do not offend cows, as they are sacred animals here.
11. It is not at all necessary to leave a tip in restaurants or hotels. Sometimes they are included in the total bill for a service or meal.
12. The voltage in the local power supply is 230-240V, and the sockets are three-pin, so to use them you need to purchase a special adapter.
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 textile products.
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.
