What island is Sri Lanka on? Where is Sri Lanka located? Briefly about Sri Lanka

Somewhere far away, in the heart of the Indian Ocean, there is a “paradise island” - Sri Lanka. Some people mistakenly believe that this is part of India. However, it is not. Sri Lanka is separated from the shores of sunny India by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. This is a place with its own culture, a special flavor of traditions. The whole atmosphere of the island is imbued with something enchantingly mystical and peaceful. No wonder Sri Lanka is called heaven on earth!

Stepping onto the island for the first time, it is difficult not to appreciate the scale of beauty and inspiration for which these places are famous. But is it only the incredibly bright sandy beaches with azure velvet water and tropical vegetation that will delight your soul? No! Sri Lanka is much more than an active tourism destination. There is something here that is difficult to find in the city smog of the usual everyday bustle. Let's look at what Sri Lanka is like.

Sri Lanka: attractions and features of the island

Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia near Hindustan. The official name of the state is the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. This status was assigned to the state in 1972.

The population of the island is 21.7 million people approximately at the end of 2018.

Languages ​​spoken are Sinhala and Tamil. The people inhabiting Sri Lanka are generally represented by these two nationalities.

The main religion is Buddhism. Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are also common on the island.

The country is divided into nine provinces.

The island is washed by the waters of the Laccadive Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Sri Lanka is connected to the southern part of India by a huge fifty-meter man-made bridge, built during the Ramayana. The island has a huge number of temples, parks and natural attractions. We will tell you about some corners of the island separately. But it’s better to see it once to understand that heaven on earth exists and it’s called “Sri Lanka”!

Sri Lanka: where is it located on the world map?

Sri Lanka on the map is indicated by a “pattern” that resembles a drop or tear falling from India’s cheek. This is all because one side of the island is longer than the other. The total area of ​​the area is 65 thousand kilometers. The small state is located near the southern part of India. Having found India, it is not difficult to find Lanka. By the way, the size of the island is 50 times smaller than India.

Capital of Sri Lanka

Jayawardenepura Kotte is translated from Sinhala as "blessed fortified city of approaching victory."

The official capital of the state in question is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. However, in fact, many consider Colombo to be the capital. And for good reason. The presidential residence is located in Colombo. But the Supreme Court and Parliament are located in Jayawardenepura Kotte. This is a relatively small town in which most of the government and administrative buildings are concentrated. There are many temples and cultural monuments in this town. The architecture is predominantly in the colonial European style. The area of ​​the capital of Sri Lanka is 17 square kilometers. The city's population is about 115 thousand people. The name Jayawardenepura Kotte is translated from Sinhalese as “blessed fortified city of approaching victory.”

Excursions are often taken to this city, since the place is interesting both from the point of view of architecture and in terms of its special cultural flavor. After all, ancient traditions are carefully preserved in the capital of Sri Lanka. At the same time, the city's infrastructure is developed. Convenient transport links, many hotels, restaurants and cultural centers are available in this corner of the island.

In terms of amenities, the official capital of Sri Lanka can only compete with Colombo. The city is located on the west coast of the island. This is the largest city in the state of Sri Lanka, with an area of ​​37.7 thousand kilometers. Population – 800 thousand people. The largest shopping centers, the most important administrative facilities, banks and luxury hotels are concentrated on this territory of the island. Many people go on excursions to Colombo. And some people prefer to relax there. This is a landscaped area where you can find both the noise of the bustle of the city and secluded corners with beautiful natural landscapes.

Colombo Airport – Sri Lanka

The main air gate, Bandaranaike International Airport, is also located near Colombo. This air harbor receives regular flights from around the world. You can get to the nearest cities from the airport by taxi. The journey will take no more than 1 hour.

How long is the flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka?

The remoteness of this wonderful corner of the world from our country leaves no doubt that the best means of transport to get to the shores of Sri Lanka relatively quickly and without problems is an airplane. The distance from Moscow to the island in a straight line is 6,700 kilometers. A direct flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka will take approximately 8 hours 40 minutes. In addition, those wishing to travel to Sri Lanka are offered connecting or connecting flights. Flight time with these options increases and can take 10 hours or more.

Visa

To travel to Sri Lanka, Russians need a visa. This does not depend on the length of stay in the state. Therefore, if you want to visit a paradise on earth, you should take care of obtaining a visa in advance. The duration of the visa varies depending on the intended purpose (tourist, residence, work). You can obtain this document online or upon personal request at the embassy.

Climate of Sri Lanka

Many see the island as an exotic resort. It's all about the climate of this corner of the world. Sri Lanka is famous for its distinct tropical climate. The division into summer and winter periods is quite formal here. After all, the air temperature during the daytime always remains stably around 28-30 degrees. The water temperature is also pleasantly high. There are always comfortable conditions for swimming and beach relaxation. However, there is a seasonal period of rainfall in Sri Lanka. At this time, it is better to stay home and not visit the island if you are not a prepared traveler, but a completely ordinary tourist. From May to October there are heavy rains on the island, which often turn into storms. Therefore, during this period, rest is difficult and the flow of tourists to the island is significantly reduced.

Sri Lankan cuisine

Traditional Sri Lankan spices (vanilla, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon), aromatic tea, exotic fruits are what this small state is famous for. Many of you have drank Ceylon tea and didn’t even think that it was grown in the vastness of Sri Lanka. After all, the island used to be called Ceylon.

Local cuisine is distinguished by spicy, colorful dishes, but still not as spicy as in neighboring India. Once you try something prepared according to local culinary traditions, you will definitely remember it, and perhaps you will want to repeat it! It’s also worth saying that most of the residents are vegetarians. After all, the main religion here is Buddhism.

Sights of Sri Lanka

You can literally fall in love with this island at first sight. Every corner is imbued with a special flavor. There are resort areas everywhere. No matter where you go in Sri Lanka, there is something to see. Detailed description of attractions in the article about

Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy

This is the most famous Buddhist temple on the island. The building is part of the architectural ensemble of the royal palace. Another name is Sri Dalada Maligawa. The temple was founded in the 16th century. However, the previous temple building was destroyed and re-erected in the 17th century.

This is a permanent place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Incredibly beautiful architecture and the true spirit of culture are combined in this place.

Ancient city of Anuradhapura

The ancient city - the capital of the Sinhala kingdom is located in the north-central part of the state. The place was founded back in the 10th century BC. In the ancient city of Anuradhapura you will find the giant dagobas of Jevatanarama and Ruvanveli. The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree is located here.

Ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Another ancient city in Sri Lanka deserves the attention of travelers. For some period Polonnaruwa was lost in the jungle. Today it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you will find the ruins of the garden city, a man-made lake, as well as other architectural monuments.

Nine Arch Bridge Demodare

There is a “bridge to the sky” in Sri Lanka - the famous nine-arch bridge located between the small mountain towns of Ella and Demodara. The railway (operational) still runs across this bridge. Not only is the architecture of the bridge remarkable, but also the fact that it was built without a single steel part. The bridge was erected during the First World War.

Adam's Peak

A cone-shaped rock with a height of 2,243 meters is Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada. Many people visit this attraction as part of a trip around the island. At the top of this hill is a temple that houses the footprint of Buddha. An interesting fact is that this place is attractive not only for Buddhist pilgrims, but also for Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.

These and other beautiful places on the island will leave an indelible impression of the small state called paradise! Visiting this corner of the world is like plunging into a fairy tale! Here you can touch another culture, feel a completely different rhythm of life, measured, leisurely, imbued with age-old wisdom and special traditions.

This is useful and interesting to know!

When going to Sri Lanka, it is worth knowing a few small features of life in this country. For example:

• If you want to say “yes” with a gesture, then you need to shake your head, but a nod means “no”.
• You should point somewhere or at something only with your right hand. The left hand is considered “unclean” and offering this hand for a handshake, handing it to someone or pointing somewhere is a sign of disrespect.
• When visiting Buddhist temples and other shrines of the island, you should dress modestly, covering your body as much as possible.

Other features of walking around the island relate more to household tricks. The climate in Sri Lanka is very hot and humid. If you can't stand the heat well, you should walk for a short time, giving yourself plenty of rest. Be sure to drink plenty of water and have a hat with you to avoid overheating in the sun.

There are a lot of souvenir shops, markets and shops on the island. You shouldn't rush to buy everything at once. It’s better to bring something back from your trip that truly reflects the local flavor. In Sri Lanka, it is worth purchasing spices, aromatic tea or aromatic oils. Agree, this is more interesting than magnets and trinkets.

This is such a wonderful island of Sri Lanka, washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and the sea! When you get here, you begin to understand everything differently. Here you appreciate every moment of exhalation and inhalation and truly enjoy every minute of your life. Some everyday difficulties and concerns fade into the background during such a journey. Understanding comes, heaven on earth exists! This means that life is beautiful, this and every subsequent life...

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Sri Lanka is the island of Sun and Sand. More than one thousand kilometers of sandy beaches with palm trees surround Sri Lanka. Until 1972, this country was called Ceylon. And although its name has changed, the best black tea in the world, Ceylon, is still grown there. In addition to beautiful beaches and tea, Sri Lanka has a large number of historical attractions, ranging from Buddhist and Hindu monasteries and temples to orchid gardens and colorful festivals.

Geography of Sri Lanka

The island nation of Sri Lanka is located in the northern Indian Ocean off the southern coast of the Hindustan Peninsula in South Asia. Sri Lanka is washed on all sides by the Pacific Ocean. In the northwest it has a maritime border with India, and in the southwest with the Maldives. The total area of ​​this country is 65,610 square meters. km

In the center and south of Sri Lanka there are foothills and mountains, and the rest of the territory is plains and coastal lowlands. The largest local peak is Mount Pidurutalagala, whose height reaches 2,524 meters.

The longest river in Sri Lanka is the Mahaweli, its length is 335 km. The Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Capital

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the capital of Sri Lanka. More than 120 thousand people now live in this city.

Official language of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two official languages ​​- Sinhala and Tamil.

Religion

More than 70% of the population professes Buddhism (specifically Theravada Buddhism), more than 12% Hinduism, almost 10% Islam, and about 7% Christianity.

State structure

According to the current Constitution, Sri Lanka is a presidential-parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 6 years by universal suffrage. The President is the Supreme Commander and appoints ministers.

Sri Lanka's unicameral parliament has 225 members elected by popular vote every six years. The President of the country has the right to dissolve Parliament.

Administratively, Sri Lanka is divided into 9 provinces and 25 districts.

Climate and weather

Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and warm. The average annual air temperature is +28-31C. In hilly areas and foothills - +20C, and in flat and coastal areas - +27C.

The monsoon (rainy) season continues from May to July in the central, western and southern regions of the island. In the northern and eastern regions, the rainy season occurs in December and January.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from November to April (southwest coast and mountains) and from May to September (east coast). Thus, you can visit Sri Lanka all year round, because... there is always a dry season on some part of this island.

Sea in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is washed on all sides by the Pacific Ocean. The length of the coast is 1,585 kilometers. Local beaches are surrounded by palm groves. The average sea temperature in January is +28C, and in July - +27C.

Rivers and lakes

There are more than 100 rivers in Sri Lanka. The longest of them is Mahaveli, its length is 335 km. The Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Story

The history of civilization in Sri Lanka goes back more than 2.5 thousand years. In former times this country was called Ceylon. The first settlers were the Veddas. Around the 6th century BC. The Sinhalese arrived on this island and founded their kingdoms there. From the 3rd century BC. Buddhism begins to spread there. Until the 11th century, the capital of the most powerful Sinhala kingdom was Anuradhapura, and then it was moved to Polonnaruwe.

In 1505, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka and monopolized the spice trade. By 1658, the Sinhala kings, with the help of the Dutch, were able to expel the Portuguese from the island.

The Dutch were more interested in trade and profit than in governing this country. Therefore, they did not resist the British very much when the British sailed to Sri Lanka in 1796. In 1815, Britain defeated the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy, thereby establishing control over the entire island.

It was not until 1948 that Sri Lanka achieved independence. In 1972, this country received its modern name - Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan culture

Sri Lanka has a multi-cultural society consisting of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Therefore, the culture there is very interesting and diverse. Travelers will be able to experience colorful and unique festivals and celebrations in Sri Lanka.

In January, Sri Lankans celebrate the New Year, Durutha Perahera (held in memory of Buddha's visit to this island), Pongal (Hindu harvest festival); in February/March - the Buddhist holiday Navam Perehera and Maha Shivarathri Day; in April/May - Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Eid ul-Adha; July/August - Kandy Perahera and Vel Festival; September – kite festival, Hindu festival Navarathri; October/November – Ramadan, Lilavali (“Festival of Lights”); December - Sangamittha Perehera.

All these festivals are colorful processions, they are always accompanied by elephant parades, music and dance performances, fireworks and theatrical performances.

Kitchen

Sri Lanka's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic composition of the island's population. The main food of the locals is rice and curry made from a mixture of spices, herbs and coconut milk. In general, almost all local dishes are prepared using coconut milk and spices.

Samba is pearl rice and is eaten on special occasions. During festivals, yellow rice is made, cooked in coconut milk and lightly seasoned with spices. Another popular rice dish is Kiribath (milk rice).

In addition, the people of Sri Lanka are real experts in preparing fish and seafood dishes. Fried fish is served with chips and salad, while curry fish is served with rice.

Popular dishes - Mallung Curry (finely chopped dried vegetables, prawns with grated coconut and spices), Sambol (spicy hot dish), Pol Symbol (grated coconut, onion, red pepper, lime and salt), Seeni Sambol (fish with spicy onions ), Lamprais (curry, cutlet, shrimp paste, eggplant curry, rice wrapped in banana leaf and baked), Buriyani (rice in meat broth), and Thalaguli and Wattalapam sweets.

The traditional soft drink in Sri Lanka is black tea, which is most often drunk with sugar and milk. Sometimes crushed ginger is added to tea. In addition, the inhabitants of this island love coffee, fruit juices and coconut milk.

Alcoholic drinks are also made in Sri Lanka - low-alcohol toddy (from coconut palm sap) and arrack (30-40%, from coconut palm sap).

Sights of Sri Lanka

According to official data, there are several hundred Buddhist and Hindu monasteries in Sri Lanka. And if we add to this temples, palaces, mosques, cave complexes, then the number of local attractions will reach several thousand. In our opinion, the top ten best attractions in Sri Lanka may include the following:

1. Dalada Maligawa Buddhist Temple (Housing Buddha's Tooth)
2. Fort in Colombo
3. Sigiriya Fortress
4. Dawatagaha Mosque in Colombo
5. Cave Buddhist temple in Aluvihara
6. Kochchikade Hindu Monastery in Colombo
7. Ruins of the city of Anuradhapura
8. Palace of King Kassiapa on Lion Mountain
9. Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla
10. Buddha's footprints on Sri Pada mountain

Cities and resorts

The largest cities in Sri Lanka are Kandy, Tricomalee, Kurunegala, Galle, Ratnapura, Kurunegala and Colombo.

Sri Lanka has many kilometers of beautiful beaches. Many of these beaches are located in picturesque bays surrounded by palm groves.

The best beach areas are Colombo, Trincomalee, Bentota, Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Kogalla, Negombo and Kalutara. Many tourists believe that the best beach in Sri Lanka is Mount Lavinia near Colombo. All local beach resorts have good recreational infrastructure. There are also excellent opportunities for surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, swimming, diving, fishing, spearfishing and scuba diving.

Near some beach resorts (for example, Trincomalee) there are hot springs, and therefore tourists can take medicinal baths there.

Souvenirs/shopping

From Sri Lanka, tourists usually bring handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, masks, leather goods (for example, bags), batik fabric, souvenirs made from coconut shells, spices, and, of course, local (“Ceylonese” ) Black tea.

Office hours

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.

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, located south of the Hindustan Peninsula. The total area is 65,610 sq. km, the length from north to south is 445 km, and from west to east 225 km. In the center of the island is the Central Mountain Range.

The average height of the mountains is 1000-2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise higher.

The highest point of the island, Mount Pidurutalagala, has a height of 2524 m. However, the most famous is the majestic Adam's Peak (2243 m).

Typically, on weekdays stores are open from 9:30 to 17:00, and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 13:00. The addresses of stores recommended by the Ministry of Tourism of Sri Lanka can be found in many guides to the island.

In addition to tea, which, by the way, is allowed to be exported as a souvenir in quantities of more than three kilograms, items made of silver and copper are considered traditional souvenirs. These products are manufactured in the Kandy region. The Kandy region also produces beautiful pottery. They are painted mainly in red tones, decorated with various patterns. In the south of the island, various demon masks are made.

The most ancient folk crafts include wood carving and the production of various fabrics. Sri Lanka is famous for its rich selection of precious and semi-precious stones and silk.

Tipping is not required. However, a hotel receptionist or a restaurant waiter will be happy with a few extra rupees.

It is recommended to wear light cotton clothing and a hat. Be sure to stock up on sunscreen and sunburn lotion. There are no strict requirements for clothing in the country, but you should not visit temples in shorts, in clothes with open backs and shoulders, and you must take off your shoes when entering the temple.

Climate

Equatorial, with monsoon seasons.

Almost 95% of all precipitation falls during the summer rainy season. The rest of the months are quite dry. Only in the northeast of the island does it rain in the fall, when the northeast monsoon passes over Ceylon.

The air temperature on the island practically does not change and is 26-28 C all year round. In the mountains of the central part of the island it is cooler, and at the coldest point, the mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya, located at an altitude of 1880 meters above sea level, it is approximately 15 C.

There is high air humidity in Sri Lanka, and you can feel it when you get off the plane, when you get the feeling that you are being hit with a warm, “bath” stream of air.

Language

The official languages ​​are Tamil, Sinhala and English. The total population is 15 million people. The country is ethnically multinational, the population consists of Sinhalese, Tamils, burghers (descendants of the Portuguese and Dutch) and Moors (descendants of Arab traders).

Currency

From Monday to Friday, banks are usually open from 9.00 to 13.00-15.00. During holidays, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, they are closed. The exchange of money is allowed only in banks and organizations that have received permission to do so. The list of these organizations includes most hotels.

Transport

Driving is on the left.