The wider world remains largely unenlightened as to the true extent of Sri Lanka’s beguiling charm. Offering a stunning blend of history, culture and wildlife, with spectacular landscapes, lush jungles and cool hill stations, the jewel in the crown is its sheer diversity. Where else can you visit a 300BC city in the morning and take a leopard safari in the afternoon?
This small island with its big personality is almost unfairly blessed with emerald tea plantations, ancient capitals, seductive beaches and wilderness areas. These wilderness areas are considered to be of such global importance, that the country is home to an astonishing 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tear yourself away from the idyllic palm fringed beaches and you will be rewarded with impossibly scenic train rides, cascading waterfalls, mouth-watering food and incredibly warm and friendly people.
Ancient Civilisation in the Cultural Triangle
Steeped in a 3000 year-old history and with several UNESCO Heritage Sites here, Anuradhapura, Dambulla & Polonaruwa form the Cultural Triangle. Traverse ancient civilisations to explore the beginnings of Buddhism and the great Sinhalese kingdoms.
Jaffna
Perched on the northern tip of Sri Lanka and a bastion of Hindu tradition, art and culture. This intriguing city is slightly off the beaten path with old school charm it is a thoroughly rewarding place to discover Sri Lankan Tamil Culture.
Kandy
The Royal City of Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and is home to the magnificent Sacred Temple of Tooth. A bustling town cradled between majestic hills and acres of tea plantations in the central highlands. Kandy affords a combination of nostalgic elegance and untouched beauty of Singhalese culture and architecture.
Trincomalee
One of the oldest cities in Asia with one of the world’s best natural harbours. Expect long beaches as far as the eye can see, sweeping with white sands. The sightseeing opportunities provide a glimpse into an ancient civilization with well documented mythological tales.
Hill Country
Mist-shrouded mountains, rolling tea plantations and cascading waterfalls are just some of the island’s central heart-land’s offerings, that rises to over 2500 metres.
Yala
The world famous Yala National Park is a wild and unspoilt area whose varied terrain supports a diverse array of wildlife including the highest density of the iconic leopard. Embark on scenic safaris for the ultimate wildlife immersion.
Galle
With its legendary 17th century Dutch Fort and surrounded by charming narrow streets that are lined with colonial villas from a bygone era. Discover the ancient ramparts in this old and culturally harmonious town that is often described as the French Riviera of Asia.
South Coast
Renowned for being the island’s premier whale watching destination, the South coast offers stunning blue waters and untouched palm fringed beaches. Discover turtle farms and excellent surfing and snorkelling spots.
DEMOGRAPHY, LANGUAGE, RELIGION, & EDUCATION
Sri Lanka’s population is 21 million and comprises a spectrum of different people, namely Sinhalese (74%), Indigenous (12.6%), Tamils (5%), Moors and Malays (9%) and Burghers (0.4%). The main languages are Sinhala and Tamil.
Sri Lanka is a multi religious country with high tolerance of all faiths. It’s not unusual to see a Buddhist Temple, Hindu Kovil, Muslim Mosque and Christian Church all within close proximity of each other. Buddhists make up the largest majority with Hindus, Muslims and Christians comprising the rest.
Education is highly prized in Sri Lanka and standards are high with over 90% national literacy levels.
USEFUL VISITOR INFORMATION
Capital:
Time Zone:
Currency:
Flight Duration:
Colombo
GMT + 5.5 hours
Sri Lankan Rupee
10.5 hours direct from UK
INTERESTING FACTS
