Welcome to Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka Holiday Buzz)!
Popularly known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an exotic destination
with a population of over 21 million. The diversity a traveller finds within an
area of 65,525 sq.km is what makes Sri Lanka one of the most sought after destinations
in the 21st century.
The end to the ethnic conflict which lasted for over two decades provides an opportunity
for you to explore its rich culture and heritages, a history of over 2,500 years,
the flora and fauna and the golden beaches. With a history boasting of over 2,500
years, the Island offers you a rock fortress, the highest density of leopards, cocktails
of beautiful gems, the best Tea in the world to the most hospitable and friendly
people in the planet.
With over 1,340 km of golden coastline, Sri Lanka is “the place” to enjoy the sun,
sea and the sand.Explore the golden beaches after a short trip of exploring its
rich culture and heritage or, a Nature and Adventure tour to experience its wildlife.
Predominantly a Buddhist country, Sri Lanka is a place for travellers of all walks
of life looking for that spark one looks forward to in a lifetime. The liberation
of the North and the East provides a new opportunity for you to explore the unexplored
and to experience the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches, one of the best natural
harbours in the world, and many more.
Geography
An island of 65,610 square kilometres, Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, off the
southern tip of India. It is between 5 55’ and 9 55’ north of the equator and between
the eastern longitudes 79 42’ and 81 52’.
Topography
Over countless millennia, Mother Nature has produced a breathtakingly majestic work
of art by bestowing a wide range of exquisite topographic features on this ancient
island, making Sri Lanka one of the most scenic wonders of the world. Three zones
are distinguishable by elevation the central highlands, the plains and the coastal
belt.
Population
20 million people of various ethnicities inhabit Sri Lanka. The prominent ethnic
groups are by percentage, 74% Sinhalese, 18% Tamils, 8% Moors, Malays and Burghers.
Climate
Sunshine is in abundance all year round. The average temperature is around 27°C
in Colombo. The temperature gradually drops as the land rises towards the hill country,
with some parts of the highland as low as 10°C.
The island has two wet monsoon seasons; briefly between May and July in the south-west
region and between December and January in the north-east. However, Sri Lanka has
no off season per se as clear blue skied bright sunny days are the general rule
even during the wet season.
Sri Lanka is 5 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Median Time), 2½ hours behind Singapore
and 4½ hours behind Australia EST (Eastern Standard Time).
Language
Communication is rarely a problem as English is wide spoken in most parts of the
country. Place names and signboards are generally displayed in all three official
languages.
Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Religion
Sri Lankans are predominantly Buddhist and the island is one of the last remaining
Buddhist countries in the world. However, a large population of Christians, Hindus
and Muslims give Sri Lanka its plural character.
