Sri Lanka has been hailed by many names. "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" was just one of them for those who were struck by the beauty of this sun kissed, pearl shaped isle. Sri Lanka is located just off the South-East tip of India. Sir Arthur C. Clarke who adopted Sri Lanka as his home said, 'This Island is a small universe; it contains as many variations of culture, scenery and climate of some countries a dozen times its size.' Popular for its summer climate throughout the year, it's indeed a paradise isle with an immense variety of experiences to captivate each individual visitor.
With a land extent of 25,332 sq miles, there is a stunning diversity of climatic changes that can be encountered within a short span of time. The coastal stretch south of Colombo offers palm-lined, golden sandy expanses as far as the eye can see. There's good swimming at any number of beaches along the south-western coast. Be it scuba diving, snorkelling or surfing there are world famous sites at Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Bentota, Mirissa, Weligama and Tangalle. Head to the hills and get away from the heat of the plains. Mist enshrouded gorgeous rolling hills carpeted with tea plantations. You'd be amazed by the colourful, athleticism of the Kandyan dances, the procession of elephants or the masked devil dancers during the Annual Perehara. Or tip toe past centuries as you view inspiring architecture in the cities of Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to satisfy that inner archaeologist. The entire island is teeming with bird life. Animal life like elephants and leopards are not uncommon. Not to be outdone the vast ocean along the south west coast is a vast habitat for Whales and Dolphins which are a delight to watch.
For trekking, try climbing Adam's Peak or walking across the strange silent plateau of Horton Plains near Nuwara Eliya to see the 700m (2296ft) drop at World's End. Take Tea Trails in the Hills. Go to the Rain Forest Sinharaja or Knuckles Range. Sri Lanka is Your Kind of Place to Travel. To top it all off, the people are warm and genuinely friendly - the food is delicious! What more do you want?
Location: Indian Ocean, off the southeast coast of India.
Size: 65,525sq.km.
Capital: Sri Jayewardenepura
Commercial Capital: Colombo
Population: 20 million approx.
Local Time: GMT + 5.5 (winter) + 4.5 (summer)
Country code: +94
Electricity: 220/240 voltage
Sinhalese and Tamil are the two official languages of Sri Lanka. English is spoken too and understood by many, and is widely used for education, scientific and commercial purposes.
Sri Lanka is a small miracle in the Indian Ocean. We at Really Asia will let you experience this little Island at your pace and according to your purse! We have a list of carefully selected Hotels that we recommend to you. A series of lovingly crafted tours that will give you an idea of what this intriguing country has on offer. You can contact us and one of our expert Travel counsellors will be delighted to assist you with your holiday plans.
Really Asia has its Head Office in New Jersey, USA and experts who know Sri Lanka will guide you to a wonderful holiday depending on what aspect of the country you'd like to experience. On your return you are welcome to join our online Travel Blog and share your experiences in Sri Lanka with its warm and hospitable people.
