The Destination - Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is situated approximately 20 miles off the southeast tip of India. An independent serene tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean with a recorded history of over 2000 years. The island takes pride of its glittering tapestry of culture and rich abundance of nature. Where coastal beaches merge into dense jungles and hill with peaks reaching a height of 2400 meters. It is a place, where you will find terraced tea plantations, water falls and lakes, unspoiled palm lined beaches with coral reefs, rice paddies, wildlife parks filled with animals in their native and much more.
Language - The most commonly-spoken languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala, Tamil and English. Although, Sinhala and Tamil are languages from different source, both share some common characteristics and obviously have influence on each other's linguistic evolution as well.
Population - Sri Lanka’s population is estimated at 19 million with a density of 309 people per sq. km.
Currency - The island nation follows decimal currency system in Rupees (Rs.) and cents (Cts.) with 100 cents equal to a rupee. Currency notes are available in the denominations of Rs. 2,10,20,50,100,200, 500 and 1000. Coins are issued in values of Cts.1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 and Rs.1, 2, 5 and 10. The intervention currency continuously will be the US Dollar.
When to go - The period between December and March is when Sri Lanka is at its busiest with tourists fleeing the cold of their countries. Besides it is also the best and driest season to visit the west and south coast as well as the inland hills of the island country. Visiting Sri Lanka during Monsoon season (from May to July) is also pleasurable if you want to avoid the crowds, pay lower rates for accommodation and meals and don't mind a bit of rain.
How to get there - Sri Lanka is connected to the rest of the world both by Air and Sea. Bandaranaike International Airport is the only international airport in Sri Lanka that serves as gateway to the island nation for those traveling by air. The country has a total of four international ports that operate cruise liners running around India and Maldives. Others start at Colombo and head for Indonesia via Malaysia and Singapore. The cruising season is from October through May and cruises take about 12 to 16 days.
Must See -
1. Anuradhapura - One of Sri Lanka’s premier ancient cities and the first capital of the country. It houses some of the oldest buildings located in Sri Lanka, some dating back to 2000 years.
2. Colombo - It is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka with a fascinating blend of the past and the present, where the east meets west.
3. Batticoloa - Surrounded by a large lagoon, Batticoloa is the place where you can explore the centuries old well preserved Dutch Fort. It is also home of the famous “singing fish”.
4. Kandy - Situated at a distance of 115 km from Colombo, Kandy is a picturesque, naturally fortified town. The focal point of the town is the golden-roofed Dalada Maligawa, where the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha is enshrined.
5. Jaffna - Particularly, an island connected to the rest of Sri Lanka by a narrow spit of land which houses the Chundikkulam bird sanctuary and a causeway known as Elephant Pass. Here you will find many scenic beaches of which the best known is Casuarina Beach.
6. Dambulla - A vast isolated rock mass, which houses a rock temple (formerly caves).
7. Galle - This coastal town is known for its forts and old colonial buildings.
8. Sigiriya - A royal citadel for more than 18 years, this rock fortress is a great attraction for tourist.
9. Negombo - A great fishing town with fascinating and picturesque beachfronts.
10. Ratnapura - Sri Lanka’s city of gems and the center of its gemming Industry.
