Lying at the southern tip of India and being separated by the Palk Strait in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is indeed one of the most scenic destinations, which surely must be seen to be believed! From shopaholics to foodies, adventure enthusiasts to nature admirers, from pilgrimage to wildlife, Sri Lanka has it all. The lush green landscapes, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food – all make Sri Lanka a completely irresistible destination. So, on your next extended holiday, head to Sri Lanka and come back with a bag full of memories!
Sri Lanka is a landmark destination in the ancient Spice Trail that is bursting with wonder. This tropical island is famous for its diverse landscape – from the blue seaside belt to green mountains, and the island’s lavish greenery ranging from coconut palm groves to paddy fields and tea plantations, adorn by over 200 natural waterfalls. One must explore Sri Lanka’s pristine beaches and visit the ‘Ramayana trail’ sites, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya and fascinating history of Dambulla. Leisure, adventure and rejuvenation, Sri Lanka has it all. It is a top notch tourist destination and popularly known as the Wonder of Asia for its long preserved culture and heritage. It is the home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned in “Sigiriya Rock Fortress” the succession of ancient civilisations of the island, showcasing in addition some other attraction that are interesting colonial legacy of the country.
Scenic Sri Lanka
When you’re ready to escape the tropical climate of the coast and lowlands, Sri Lanka has pleasure galore to satisfy you solely. Romantic landscapes, governed by rising mountains, lush forests, ocean like tanks and gushing waterfalls, that it was considered the lost paradise by many a globe trotters, who fell upon the country. The golden beaches of the country had been praised for their picture postcard views since eternity. The dusk and dawn and many human activities connected to these times of the day creates a vibrant picture along the coasts of Sri Lanka. Verdant tea plantations and rainforested peaks beckon walkers, trekkers and those who just want to see them from a spectacular train ride. And then there are the beaches. Dazzlingly white and often untrodden, they ring the island so that no matter where you go, you’ll be near a sandy gem. Should you beat the inevitable languor, you can surf and dive world-class sites without world-class crowds. And you’re always just a short hop from something utterly new.
Discover Sri Lanka as biodiversity hotspot
Sri Lanka is home to abundant biological endemism in the world whether in plants or animals and is included among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. The island’s isolation from the mainland, the heavy rainfall of the two diagonally-blowing monsoons, and the country’s wide range of altitudes, have given Sri Lanka a variation in climate and biodiversity normally found only across an entire continent. On top of that, the island has become known as the easiest place in the world to see the hitherto elusive blue whale, the largest animal to have ever lived in the planet. Of the ninety-one species of mammals found in Sri Lanka Asian elephants, sloth bear, leopards, sambar and wild buffaloes engages the majority of the attention of wildlife enthusiast. Yet the rarest mammals of Sri Lanka are the red slender Loris, Toque Macaque, and Purple-faced Langur, who according to IUCN clarifications are endangered due to habitat loss. The country has long claimed to have the highest amphibian species density in the world with a high concentration in the Sinharaja rainforest. Some of the known reserves from the pick of the bunch-
- Yala National Park
- Udawalawe National Park
- Wasgamuwa National Park
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks
- Mannar Island
Feel the festive side of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is never short of festivals and celebrations. Every month brings a celebration either religious or cultural importance, making Sri Lanka one of the countries with highest number of celebrations and holidays. The Sinhala-Tamil New year festival in April is the most important cultural festival in the country. The festival marks the beginning of the New Year and the end of harvesting season. The May full moon poya day or Vesak is the most important religious celebration in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists celebrate the nativity, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha with many celebrations. In August are the Esala festivals in Kandy and Kataragama. The Kataragama Esala Festival is a multi-religious festival where devotes use fire walking and extreme self-penance to shows their piety to Lord Kataragama. The Kandy Esala Perahera or the Dalanda Perahera is the largest cultural parade in the world and showcases the best of Sri Lankan dancing and music and the best of the domesticated tuskers in the country.
Ancient Ayurvdea from Sri Lanka is an absolute bliss
Sri Lanka continues to inspire and heal many who travelled to its shores ever since its existence was known to the world. Many who set foot on the island had considered it a part of a divine existence, it wraps its charm around its visitors, capturing their imagination with sights, sounds and flavours. Ayurveda and meditation continue to heal the bodies and minds worn out with the cares of life. The country’s native healing system, Ayurveda has been perfected over more than five thousand years. Based on herbs and diet, it was region’s only treatment method until the introduction of Western Medication in the 19th Century. Meditation plays a large role in maintaining a perfect mental health. Buddhist meditation mainly deals with right mindfulness, right concentration and right view, three of the Noble eightfold path.
Scrumptious Ceylonese cuisines
Foods in Sri Lanka can be hot or very mild or can be combination being very much a question of individual preference. Sri Lankan food is unique for their culture. Many Sinhala food items are derived from Chena cultivation. Sri Lankan cuisine plays a vital role in the islanders’ life from the most auspicious Sinhala/ Hindu New Year to normal day-to-day practices. They make milk rice and special sweets with coconut milk, floor and Honey at cultural festivals. It is recognised as one of the 64 types of art, “Siu Seta kalawa”. The curries come in many verities of colours and flavours blended well with Sri Lankan Hot Spices that has a great Ayurvedic value when used in curries.
