See what "Sri Lanka (island)" is in other dictionaries. Sri Lanka: Ceylon tea and a sea of \u200b\u200bpleasure Sri Lanka's origins

Peace, it is worth starting with the search for India. This state is located in Asia, the peninsula, where it is located, has the shape of an isosceles triangle, one of the tops of which points strictly to the south. Sri Lanka is located in close proximity to India at a distance of about 100 km to the southeast. It is not difficult to find it; it is the only large island in the Indian Ocean. On a large scale, you can see that there is a sandbank between Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent - until the 15th century, these two geographical objects were connected, but after a series of earthquakes the isthmus was destroyed and went under water. The name of the state is formed from two words in Hindi: "sri" - glorious and "" - land. However, the older generation knows the island under the name Ceylon - that is how it was until 1972.

The sandbank in the Polk Strait, which used to connect Hindustan with the island of Sri Lanka, is called the Adam's Bridge.

State of Sri Lanka

Interestingly, the tea grown on the island is still called Ceylon tea, the name "Sri Lankan" did not catch on.

How to get to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a distant country on a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean. Of course, we know her better by her tea name Ceylon. But now this mysterious island has received its ancient and sacred name and invites you to visit. What to expect from Sri Lanka? It contains many different attractions. These are ancient cities and paradise beaches, tea plantations and picturesque mountains, lush vegetation, spicy food and unprecedented shopping! And all this is placed on one island, the impression of visiting which we will now tell you about.

Despite its tiny size, the island in the Indian Ocean of Sri Lanka has just a scattering of a wide variety of attractions - from cultural and historical sites to culinary and exotic wonders. In terms of the brightness of impressions and a mixture of different events and interesting places, Sri Lanka is somewhat reminiscent.

We flew to Ceylon in April and decided to devote two weeks to it. We had a small plan for our independent travel in Sri Lanka, drawn up in the form of an approximate route. We started our acquaintance with the country from the cultural triangle, and then assumed to go towards the famous beaches of Sri Lanka. Due to the fact that our plans were slightly adjusted during the trip, the original route also changed. But our impressions were very vivid.

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Top attractions in Sri Lanka

I decided to highlight five of the best, in my opinion, attractions of Sri Lanka.

1. - a town in Sri Lanka in the province of Uva. Tiny and small, but by its cuteness and serenity, it instantly won our hearts. And now, if we say that we should go to Sri Lanka again, we mostly mean to return to Ella. This city is the absolute champion in this rating, the main attraction, it is indisputable.

Mount Ella (Ella Rock)

Why is Ella so good? If you like to sit with a cup of tea, looking at the surrounding green hills and leisurely stroll from one restaurant to another along the only street, then this is the place for you. If you like walking along the hills for not the most outstanding, but somehow attractive sights, then the city of Ella is waiting for you too. And of course, if you not only love tea, but are interested in how it grows, then welcome to the nearby tea plantations!

A leisurely lifestyle is what attracts Ella. That is why you want to come back here, rent a house and live, working on projects and walking along the winding mountain paths. It turned out to be an idealistic image, but such Ella remained in our memories of Sri Lanka.

On the way to Adam's Peak in Ella, Sri Lanka

2. is the main sacred place for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It was here that the procession of Buddhism began across the island. Here are the first stupas and hidden sacred caves, which are arranged in such a magical way that fresh air always flows there. Huge boulders are cut in such a way that an analogy with Peru and Bolivia and their unknown technologies, which were used in the construction of megalithic masonry, immediately comes to mind. It is a sacred historical landmark of the island, a place of power and a witness to the times.

Mihitnale

In Mikhintal, you immediately understand the difference and see two time layers. Once upon a time there was an ancient civilization on the island, comparable in power to those that left their mark on South America. And then another came to her place, she built from simple bricks, but understood that she needed to imitate the first buildings. And of course, among other things, there is something light and pleasant here.

It happens that in places of ancient civilization there is a dark energy of those who no longer understood the meaning of buildings and sacrificed innocent people. This is not the case in Mihintala in Sri Lanka. Here lotuses are in fact blooming and their pure scent spreads. Perhaps this influence of Buddhism defeated the dark energy, or maybe it never was here. In any case, for us Mihintale has become the place where the state of peace comes to the fore.

Two construction methods in Mihintale, Sri Lanka. Sandstone foundation built by unknown person, brick dagoba created by Sinhalese

3. The mountain is one of the main attractions of Sri Lanka. And we, too, fell victim to its uniqueness and attractiveness. The most popular feature of Sigiriya is the frescoes depicting apsaras, heavenly dancers. But it seemed to us that even without the frescoes, Mount Sigiriya and the palace of Kasapa, the rebellious king, are so interesting that we still remember them. And his stone throne, carved directly from the rock, surprised us no less than anything else and remained in our memory forever.

Stairs to Sigiriya

Of course, it is much more interesting for us to look at the megalithic masonry, which is rich in the palace on the top of the mountain. And we are again convinced of the multi-layered historical cake of Sri Lanka.

And the ascent to Sigiriya will appeal to those who love outdoor activities and hiking tracks. Even if it is just one mountain, there are not everywhere convenient steps, but going up is good for your health and eyes, which open up the green views of the Sri Lankan fields and hills.

Good to know:

And this is another miracle - the throne of Kasapa. Carved from solid rock at the top of the mountain. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

4. - an ancient city on the shores of the artificial lake Minneriya in Sri Lanka. The city is very large and beautiful, rich in sights. Its buildings are amazing, especially the book in stone in the ancient Pali language. Closer to the lake there is a small temple with a stone lion. Of all the cities of the cultural triangle, Polonnaruwa seemed to us the cutest and most interesting to explore.

5. . It's strange to describe the waterfall. You can, of course, designate its height to give an idea of \u200b\u200bthe size of the waterfall. But is it worth it? A beautiful powerful stream in the morning sun - why not the attraction of the island of Sri Lanka? We really liked the trail to the waterfall, Dunhinda itself seemed charming, and he brightened up our impression of the city of Badulla, which we did not like at all and closes the rating of our impressions from wandering around Sri Lanka.

Dunhinda waterfall near Badulla city, Sri Lanka island

Delicious Sri Lanka theme and shopping

While we were driving the buses around Ceylon, we constantly ran into high-profile sellers of everything in the world. We noticed that wadis were most often offered. As we found out, wadis are spicy lentil pies. Taking the risk, we decided to try. How delicious it was! Since then, as soon as we heard the fun "wadi-wadi-wadi", we immediately bought ourselves a whole package and enjoyed!

I would also like to say a few words about shopping in Sri Lanka. Our trips to markets and shops were very successful. First, we visited the famous world brands market in Nuwara Eliya, where we bought an excellent Burton jacket - high quality, beautiful and comfortable. We also bought delicious tea there, which we still drink. We also visited several tea factories in Ella, where we also bought tea. Undoubtedly, the tea theme is the main one in Sri Lanka, and it can also be distinguished as an attraction of the island.

In a cafe in Sri Lanka

We bought sturdy trekking sandals from Kandy stores, which lasted a long time. And we love to walk! And in the capital, in Colombo, we visited the House of Fashion shopping center. And again, with surprise, we can say that the clothes bought in Sri Lanka lasted a very long time.

We are very happy with shopping in Sri Lanka!

Good to know:

In one of the restaurants for locals

Worst Sri Lanka Experience - What We Didn't Like

The center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the city is very popular and important for all religious people in the country. However, to me personally, he seemed very ordinary-looking. Of course, it makes no sense to assume that the cave can be a beautiful place (although in Thailand, Laos and in the USA we saw just beautiful caves, religious and not so). And since we ourselves did not appreciate the sacredness of the place, the impression was very average.

- turned out to be a mistake in the route. It is not at all clear for what reason I decided that this is a pretty town. But Badulla is not pretty. Absolutely. This is a typical Sri Lankan town - dirty and noisy. There is nothing special in the city itself, there are special sights too. But not far from the city there is Dunhinda waterfall, and after a trip to nature, I came to terms with the fact that we spent some time in Badulla. Although when we boarded the train towards Ella, I was very happy!

Apart from a good view of the sky, there is not much to do in Badulla

Negombo (Negombo) became our first city we visited in Sri Lanka. Immediately after arrival, we arrived in Negombo and began to look for a hotel in complete darkness. We were tired, it was dark, and we were brought to some obscenely dirty hotel (as usually happens to a friend of a tuker), but there was no strength to look for something else. And we stayed there, and, as it turned out later, overpaid. But to be honest - it was the worst hotel in my life! Probably, even in Bolivia, during the tour of the Uyuni salt flats, we stopped at a more decent place.

We thought that if we go to the ocean, the experience will improve, but no, Negombo did not get better. We don't even have any photos left! Although, of course, we ourselves were to blame for everything. It was necessary to better prepare for the trip.

There is one more reason to be dissatisfied with Sri Lanka. When we arrived in Anuradhapura, we immediately fell into the clutches of the driver Akila. He promised to take us two days along the cultural triangle for the agreed amount and leave us in Kandy. We agreed, deciding that it would be easier if we had our own, and we ourselves would manage the time.

However, Aquila reconsidered his commitments during our trip and tried to earn extra money from us. When we realized this, we decided to replay it. And they outplayed. I wrote about this in detail in. Aquila turned out to be a dishonest person, which even his compatriot admitted. Therefore, we want to warn other travelers about it. No matter how hard he tried, Aquila did not spoil our mood and mood, and now we remember him only with a smile. But he, of course, believes that the Russians are just terrible people, they did not fall into his traps! Oh no no no!

Yes, we really want to return to Sri Lanka. As I said, we all dream of living in Ella for a month or two. I would like to once again take a ride through the cultural triangle, either on the buses ourselves, or with a more sane driver. See other interesting places and sights that did not have time during our first trip to the island of Ceylon. And of course, relax on the best beaches in Sri Lanka!

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• We visited the Small Adam's Peak in Ella, but we never climbed the real Adam's Peak (Sri Pada). And I would like to climb the next visit to the emerald island.
• And instead of or together with Sigiriya, we want to visit the neighboring Pidurangala Temple, which, as they say, is also interesting from a historical point of view, although not as famous as Lion Mountain.
• We also skipped the port city of Galle and the beaches of Sri Lanka last time, opting instead for a vacation in the Maldives. The only thing left to do is to find a specific place on the island where you would like to lie in the sun and swim in the ocean.
• There is also a very vague desire to go to the Yala reserve. I have no opinion yet whether it is worth going on a safari in Sri Lanka, or leaving a safari for Africa - in Tanzania, Kenya or Namibia.

As you can see, despite its size, the island of Sri Lanka is a country of great beauty, diverse in sights and rich in impressions.

How to travel to Sri Lanka - tours, tickets and hotels

We always plan our trips in advance and try to find plane tickets at a favorable price. You can view the cheapest flights to Sri Lanka, find out the cost of hotels or choose a tour online yourself:

• Find cheap flights to Sri Lanka on the Aviasales website →
• Book hotels in Sri Lanka on Booking →
• Choose a ready-made tour to Sri Lanka on the website

Few of us living in northern latitudes wondered: what is the island of Sri Lanka, where is it, what country is it, how to find it on the world map, what is it washed by? Many are interested in the question - is Sri Lanka India or not? And which part of the world does Sri Lanka belong to.

In recent years, vacationing on this piece of land in the middle of the vast ocean expanses has become more and more popular. Tourists come here for the warm sea, sandy beaches, eternal summer, unique souvenirs, the opportunity to see whales.

In contact with

Geographic location

Geographically, Sri Lanka is located at the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, it can be easily found on the world map in the Indian Ocean, since the state is located in the south of Asia, then the part of the world to which it belongs is Asia. Sandy shores, with a total length of about 1300 km, are washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean.

The island has an elongated shape from south to north; it is separated from the mainland by the Polk Strait, more than five tens of kilometers wide. The southern part of the island is made up of mountain terraces, moving to the center in the highlands.

Geographic coordinates of Sri Lanka - 7 ° 45'00 ″ s. sh., 80 ° 46'00 in. etc.

Brief country information

When England, Portugal and Holland colonized Sri Lanka in the 16th century, it was called Ceylon. Now the island is called Sri Lanka, and about how the official name sounds in Russian, Wikipedia answers - "Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka".

The form of statehood is the Democratic Socialist Republic. The type of government is a presidential republic. The main nationality is Sinhalese. The first states appeared in the 5th century BC. The ancient inhabitants of the island traded with the Chinese, Arabs, and Romans.

From the 16th to the middle of the 20th century it was a colonial possession:

• portuguese;
• dutch;
• englishmen.

Capital

note: officially the main administrative center, the seat of the government, is the city of Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte, founded in the 13th century as the Kotte fortress. Located between the channels of Diyavanna Oya and Kolonnava Oya.

In fact, the economic and cultural center of the country is the city of Colombo, founded in the 7th century, presumably by Arab merchants. Initially, the city developed as a commercial port.

Languages

The country has two official state languages \u200b\u200b- Sinhalese and Tamil. In tourist areas, residents understand English.

Visa

For visits, residents of Russia must apply for a visa. The easiest way is to fill out in advance an electronic form posted on the embassy's website. Upon arrival, pay 35 dollars, present a valid passport, completed arrival card and get a visa.

Note: You can also apply for a visa directly upon arrival. However, it will cost more and take longer.

Population

More than 21.5 million people live in Ceylon. More than ¾ of the population is the titular nation - Sinhalese, 1/6 - Tamil. Descendants of Arabs and Austronesians, who are migrants from, do not exceed 1/12 of the country's population.

In addition, the descendants of the European colonialists live here: the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British. Their number is about 1/15 of the total number of citizens.

Religion

Take note: Four world religions are officially recognized: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity.

The Sinhalese, the bulk of the population, are Buddhist. Tamil are Hindu, Islam is traditionally preached by Arabs and Austronesians. The descendants of Europeans are Catholics.

Sea and ocean

In fact, Sri Lanka is washed by the waters of two seas in the Indian Ocean. The Polk Strait, separating Ceylon from the mainland, connects the Bay of Mannar in the west with the Bay of Bengal in the east.

The northwestern shores are washed by the waters of the Mannar Bay, which is part of the Laccadive Sea.

The northeastern part is washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, which by its characteristics is a sea. The bay is famous for its coastal mangrove forests, rich in unique underwater world.

The rest of the island's coastline is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean itself. The lazy surf is perfect for a beach holiday. Fans of outdoor activities should choose the ocean beaches with their ever-roaring waves.

Currency

The national currency of the republic is the Sri Lankan rupee. 1 US dollar costs about 153 Sri Lankan rupees. 1 Russian ruble costs approximately 2.62 rupees, for the euro they ask for about 166 rupees.

Transport

Sri Lanka has a well-developed land transport infrastructure:

• tuk-tuki - the main form of transport, is a cross between a motorcycle and a cycle rickshaw. It is allowed to bargain on the price of the trip;
• city \u200b\u200bbuses;
• an extensive network of intercity buses, which is the most comfortable mode of transport;
• railway communication between settlements;
• taxi. Developed only in tourist areas and capitals.

It is also possible to rent cars and scooters. It should only be taken into account that:

• the authorities do not recognize any rights, except local ones;
• only persons over 21 years of age are allowed to drive.

Difference in time

Moscow time lags behind Sri Lankan time by 2.5 hours. Time ahead of Sri Lankan by 4.5 hours, Novosibirsk - 1.5 hours. It is located in almost the same time zone with Sri Lanka: the difference is only 30 minutes.

What to bring

The island has been famous since ancient times for its tea plantations, spices, pearls. The number of teas is so great that it is almost impossible to taste all of them.

For more than a dozen centuries, precious stones extracted from the depths of Sri Lanka have been highly valued in jewelry markets: sapphires, emeralds, almandines, opals, tourmalines, topazes.

Therefore, it is worth bringing from the trip:

• ceylon tea... You can buy it on plantations, in shops, in the market. The price is highly dependent on the proximity to the tourist areas;
• spices: vanilla pods, pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks;

• natural essential oils tropical plants: vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood, wild lemongrass, vetiver;
• jewelry with precious stones.

Advice: when buying, you should pay special attention to the metal: gold and silver are exported, so no one is responsible for the quality of metals.

The stones have a mineralogical passport, which must be presented when passing through customs;

• cotton clothes... For its manufacture, Indian cotton is used, characterized by long fibers, which give the fabrics softness.

Climate

The island is completely located in the humid equatorial zone with the transition to the subequatorial climate. On the coast, the climate is monsoon.

The high season is winter. The climate is mild. There is practically no change of seasons. Ceylon is the kingdom of eternal summer. Even in the mountains, snow never falls. There are practically no average daily temperature fluctuations.

Note: the pole of cold - Nuwara Eliya, where the average daily temperature ranges from + 11 ° to 13 ° C.

The temperatures of air and ocean water are always almost the same, 30 ° -32 ° С. The sea water temperature is 1–2 ° С lower. Nighttime temperatures rarely drop below + 25 ° C.

In the highlands, the climate is less hot, the temperature rarely rises above + 25 ° C. The climatic conditions are such that the local southern winter is much warmer than our northern summer.

How to fly

There are direct scheduled flights from Colombo International Airport to only one Russian city - Moscow. Flight period: June to August.

Direct charter flights are organized from other cities of Russia to Colombo, information on which can be obtained from the tour operator organizing the trip.

It is convenient for residents of the Asian part of the country to fly with transfers at the airports:

• Beijing;
• Seoul;

All-the-year-round direct direct flights have been established with these cities. Russian airlines have tariff agreements with Asian airlines operating flights to Ceylon.

For residents of the European part, it is convenient to fly the route via Dubai or Doha. In addition, you can fly from Russia to Ceylon via Mumbai, Delhi, Tashkent. These routes involve 2-3 transfers.

Resorts

Resort zones are located in almost all corners of the country:

Negombo

In the western part of the country, the most popular resort is the fishing village of Negombo, located on the shores of the lagoon of the same name. Historically, the area is notable for the Portuguese fort, which the Dutch turned into a prison. Of interest to fans of history, cultural studies, ethnography.

Advice: Negombo is perfect for lovers of lazy spending time on the beach.

Colombo

The popular youth resort Colombo is the cultural capital of the country, located on the shores of the bay of the same name in the west of the country. Like any eastern city, Colombo lives in contrasts: poverty borders on wealth, next to fashionable buildings are the shacks of the poor.

The cleanliness of the well-to-do neighborhoods is replaced by the garbage of the slums. Glitter and poverty, eternal holiday and eternal labor, past and future - all this is intertwined on the streets of Colombo. It is of interest to lovers of outdoor activities.

Bentota

This romantic seaside resort is perfect for pacification and lazy relaxation. It is a quiet place with a leisurely rhythm under the canopy of palm trees. The main type of recreation is beach. Located southwest of Colombo.

Kalutara

Located on the shores of the Laccadive Sea, where the Kalu River flows into it.

Focused on lovers of outdoor activities, water sports.

Halle

The city is located in the southwest and is notable for its architecture. This resort is suitable for a relaxing, secluded getaway.

Induruwa

Located in the west of the country. Recently acquired the status of a resort, so the flow of tourists is still small. Fans of a leisurely, measured rest will appreciate the sandy beaches in the vicinity of the town.

Unawatuna

A small town in the south of Sri Lanka on the coast of a bay protected from ocean waves by a coral reef. Popular among lovers of individual travel.

Take note: Unawatuna is ideal for a relaxing holiday with children.

Resort on the southern tip of the island. Quiet place away from civilization. The unique underwater world attracts diving fans.

Kogalla is famous for its boat trips, during which you can see wild whales and dolphins.

Mirissa is the best beach

Experienced surfers go to Mirissa for the sake of the high waves. Untouched wondrous nature, lack of economic activity create a feeling of paradise. The place is secluded, conducive to romantic relaxation. There are no usual resort entertainment.

Surf paradise

The open ocean coastline of the southern tip of the island is popular with surfers. Surf waves allow surfing all year round. Sandy beaches are good for initial surfing. Experienced surfers catch the waves among rocks and reefs.

Interesting to know: Hikkaduwa is the most popular beach among surfers. Beginners can take private lessons from professional instructors or sign up for classes at surf schools.

Surf schools also operate in Kogalla, Unawatuna, Weligama.

Shopping

Shopping is striking in its variety and will bring real pleasure to those who like to shop.

Note: as everywhere in the east, it is customary to bargain here. Local merchants dislike those who buy without haggling. For them, this is one of the types of communication, a centuries-old tradition that is still observed today. Besides, by bargaining it is quite possible to bring down prices by several orders of magnitude.

While resting on the island, you should visit the numerous jewelry factories with shopping centers. The assortment of jewelry shopping centers amazes with the variety and beauty of the products presented. Local jewelers can customize jewelery with stones they like.

After making a trip to tea plantations, strolling through the spice gardens, it is worth visiting the shops. True, prices are much higher there than in small shops and markets.

In local markets, you can buy exotic fruits, spices, herbs, essential oils. Besides, here you can buy cotton clothes or order their individual tailoring.

This is especially true for the countries of Southeast Asia. Even if tourists bring any plants, seeds, they can simply be confiscated at customs. To prevent this, it is recommended to abandon the purchase or issue a phyto-passport. It is better to carry fruits in packed luggage, as they will definitely not be confiscated.

Tip

Leaving a tip is voluntary. The hotel staff, guides, porters, drivers are advised to leave a dollar tip.

In cafes and restaurants, tips are already included in the bill. In other cases, tourists determine the size of the tip themselves, the maximum amount can reach 10% of the value of the check.

Kitchen

Sri Lankan national cuisine is predominantly vegetarian with a lot of spices and herbs. The main food product is rice. Local cuisine originates from the Indian, the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arabs, and Chinese contributed to it.

Therefore, modern dishes are a mixture of the culinary traditions of these peoples. Curry is considered a spice for all occasions, with boiled rice as a side dish.

The hotels for tourists are offered the usual Europeanized menu. National dishes are served in an adapted form. You can try real Sri Lankan dishes in restaurants visited by locals. For most Europeans, national dishes seem very spicy, this must be borne in mind when ordering dishes.

Flora and fauna

The fauna of this corner of the planet is one of the most diverse. The island is home to many endemic species of animals, amphibians, birds, insects, which are found only here - 16% of the total.

More than half of the species are endangered:

• indian deer sambar;
• sri Lankan leopard;
• sri Lankan elephant;
• sloth bear.

Also, the island is home to more than 200 species of birds, a quarter of which are also endangered. More than half of the amphibians can also disappear forever, and more than a hundred species live here, 90% of them are endemics.

Scammers on the island

You can come across scammers everywhere: on the street, in restaurants, shops, in transport. Traders and drivers usually quote a price many times higher than the actual price. There is only one advice: find out the cost in advance, desperately bargain.

It is also possible to become a victim of fraudsters when exchanging currency, often tourists are lured by a tempting rate. Therefore, it is necessary to be vigilant, not to be led on a seductive offer, while maintaining critical perception. As the saying goes: free cheese only comes in a mousetrap.

sights

Sri Lanka is a country with a thousand-year history and unique nature.

Traveling around the island, you can see architectural monuments that are cultural heritage under the protection of UNESCO:

• the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, built three thousand years ago by the Indians;
• ancient man-made lakes;
• the Sigiriya palace complex, located on mountain terraces;
• national Parks Horton Place, Yala;
• royal Botanic Gardens;
• the legacy of the period of colonization;
• numerous ancient temples.

Virtually all of Ceylon is one big attraction... Nearby are the eras of Ancient India and colonization, modern buildings and ancient palaces, botanical gardens and millennial plantations.

tour cost

The cost of a weekly package tour for two with a flight from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk starts from 60 thousand rubles.

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia, better known as Ceylon, located off the southeastern coast of the Indian subcontinent. The capital is the city of Colombo.

Location and parameters of the island

Where Sri Lanka is located on the world map, perhaps not everyone knows. The country is located in the Indian Ocean on the island of Ceylon with coordinates: 79 degrees east longitude and 6 degrees north latitude. Discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1506.

Like some other states in South Asia, the country was a colony. The island was owned by Portugal, Holland and England. The state received its independence in 1948 under the name Ceylon, and in 1972 the country became known as Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is separated from the Asian continent by the Gulf of Manara, about 50 kilometers wide.

The island has the following parameters:

• the area is 65,600 square kilometers;
• length from south to north 445 kilometers;
• length from east to west 220 kilometers;
• the length of the coastline is 1,350 kilometers.

The northernmost point of Sri Lanka is Cape Pedro, the southernmost is the lighthouse in the village of Dondra.

In ancient times, the island of Ceylon was connected to Hindustan by a land bridge, but at the end of the 15th century, as a result of an earthquake, it lost land connections with the Asian mainland. The very same egg-shaped island was called a pearl, a tear, “Sapphire Island”.

Flora and fauna

The island of Sri Lanka has a diverse flora and fauna. More than 250 bird species are permanent inhabitants of the island, about 200 bird species - migratory from Europe, Siberia, Scandinavian countries, wintering here. In spring about 250 species of butterflies migrate here.

The fauna of Ceylon is also diverse, the representatives of which are:

• buffalo;
• wild boars;
• deer;
• jackals;
• the Bears;
• foxes;
• porcupines;
• elephants;
• monkey.

More than 70 species of reptiles thrive on the island, including crocodiles, snakes and turtles.

Diverse world and flora in Sri Lanka. More than 3000 species of all kinds of plants grow here, including ferns, orchids, and medicinal herbs.

There are nature reserves, national parks and reservations on the island that preserve the unique nature.

A country's economy

Sri Lanka is a multinational country. The population reaches 20 million. The main nationalities living on the island are Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and burgers. All of them create the country's economy by their labor.

The island of Ceylon, where Sri Lanka is located, accounts for 10% of all tea produced in the world. The country ranks third in the world for this indicator after India and China. The production of precious stones, cinnamon, and rubber is also very developed here. And although the main industry of the island is textiles, due to the abolition of import quotas for clothing, local products have been replaced by Chinese ones.

The main economic center is the port of Colombo.

Sri Lanka's main exports are:

• clothes;
• precious stones: sapphires, emeralds, rubies;
• rubber;
• coconuts;
• fish;
• textile.

The country imports food, oil, transport, industrial equipment.

Leisure and tourism

Recreation and tourism play an increasing role in the country's economy. The whole world knows the place where Sri Lanka is located, because the island is known as a seaside resort resort. There are also religious and historical Buddhist monuments. Vacationers can visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the ancient capital of Sri Lanka - the city of Kandy.

Where Sri Lanka is located, there is no bustle and city noise. There is only nature and the sea. The main entertainment of tourists are:

• underwater diving;
• picnic in nature;
• fishing;
• cricket.

Sri Lanka Resorts

People who are going to spend their current vacation on the island of Sri Lanka should know the positive aspects of choosing resorts in the country. These include:

• convenient and acceptable location of resorts to the airport;
• exotic nature;
• the compactness of the location of resorts along the coastline, which makes it possible to visit them by public transport;
• climatic favorable.

The list of resorts in Sri Lanka is quite large. Let's list those that are in the greatest demand among tourists:

• Beruwela;
• Mount Lavigna;
• Tangale;
• Kalutara;
• Bentota;
• Hikaduwa;
• Kosgoda;
• Mirissa;
• Unavantuna;
• Hambantota;
• Dikwella.

Resorts Sri Lanka. How to get there? Each of the above island resorts can be reached from the airport by regular public transport in two to three hours. When choosing, be sure to take into account: the presence of underwater currents and the height of the waves. The place where Sri Lanka is located is the subequatorial monsoon, with the most intense rains from May to October. Therefore, it is important to decide on a temporary rest period. It is also recommended to have both a map of the country of Sri Lanka itself and a tourist map of the island, which indicates the main attractions.

The island state of Sri Lanka is located on the map southeast of the Indian subcontinent. It attracts tourists who are tired of the bustle of big cities. A leisurely course of life reigns here. The resort offers a relaxing holiday: magnificent beaches, fishing, diving, picnics in nature, visits to ancient sites.

Sri Lanka is washed by the Laccadive Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. The island is separated from India by the Mannar Bay and the Pork Strait. The coast is lowland, including beaches, mountains rise closer to the center of the island.

Brief information about the country

History

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has a population of over 21 million. The capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, a suburb of Colombo.

In the 16th century, the Portuguese who conquered these lands called them Ceilão, which the English read as Ceylon. Sri Lanka has long been known under this name throughout the world. The name of tea, which the state supplies to the whole world, comes from the Portuguese word.

Later the country was occupied by Great Britain, making it its colony. Sri Lanka gained independence only in 1948. At the end of the 20th century, a civil war broke out on its territory, restoration continues to this day.

Capital

In 1982, the capital of Sri Lanka became the city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte or simply Kotte, founded around the fortress of the same name. On an island in the middle of the lake, a parliamentary building was erected, where the government of the country moved.

But the true heart of the state remains Colombo, the center of trade and business.

This is a typical Asian city, which combines ancient temples with modern skyscrapers, bustling avenues and regularity of Buddhist life. The city still retains zoning according to the occupation of the population: the area of \u200b\u200bartisans, the area of \u200b\u200bmerchants, the poor and others, but today it is not so relevant.

Colombo is spread over a large area; one-, two-story houses prevail on its territory. It will take a couple of hours to get from one suburb to another. Tourists mostly prefer beach holidays and treat the capital as a transit point, but there is still something to see.

These are mainly architectural sights, including many temples. Also museums, a theater and even a casino, open especially for guests of the city. In the tourist area, life is in full swing at night. Here you can have a delicious dinner, go shopping in a mall and even visit a nightclub.

Languages

Most of the population of Sri Lanka is Sinhalese. Their language, along with Tamil, is considered official. The proximity of India, Maldives and Malaysia had a significant impact on language change, as did the colonization of lands by Britain, Holland and Portugal.

English has an inter-ethnic status, but it is spoken mostly in cities and tourist areas. It also hosts business negotiations and business documentation.

Visa

Having a visa for Russians is a prerequisite for entering the country, but getting it is quite simple. It is enough to create an application in electronic form on the website eta.gov.lk (Russian language is supported), and then obtain permission from ETA in electronic form.

In order to approve the application, you need to follow several rules:

• until the end of the validity of the passport must remain at least six months;
• availability of round-trip air tickets;
• confirmation of financial solvency in the form of a bank statement;
• children under 16 years old must be included in the passport of an adult with a photo; if the child is traveling with one parent, the permission of the other is required to leave;
• for children over 16 years old, their own complete set of documents is collected.

Some airlines allow you to get a visa on arrival. On board the aircraft, you must fill out a migration card, present it at the customs office along with return tickets and a check, and affix a permit stamp. A number of companies may refuse this opportunity.

Currency

The official currency of the state is the Sri Lankan rupee. Its course is constant, it changes infrequently and smoothly.

You can also take dollars and euros on the trip and exchange them on the spot. There won't be much difference. The exchange at the airport is a little less profitable. Outside of it, there are many opportunities to buy rupees: in banks, official exchangers, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, tourist centers and other places. Individuals offer a slightly more profitable exchange, but there is a risk of fraud in transactions with them.

What you shouldn't do is pay with dollars and euros in markets and small shops. Change will be given in local currency and at an extremely unfavorable rate.

The island of Sri Lanka on the map has many small settlements; before going there it is worth stocking up on local money.

Difference in time

The time zone in Sri Lanka is UTC +5.5, the difference with Moscow is 2.5 hours.

Climate

The climate in Sri Lanka is tropical, but influenced by the dominance of the monsoons.

Due to the winds in different parts of the island at the same time, the weather can be completely different:

Resorts in Sri Lanka. Tour prices

The island of Sri Lanka, on the map of which there are many beautiful beaches and interesting sights, can be attributed to the not the most expensive segment. The level of infrastructure is different in different parts of the island. The Russians fell in love with the southwest coast, here you can most often meet compatriots.

Based on their reviews, the best resorts can be identified:

Tour prices

The figures given show the general order of prices. The cost of vouchers depends on the time of the year, the specific resort and hotel, airline, food and other factors.

Negombo. Hotels, prices

Bentota. Hotels, prices

Kalutara. Hotels, prices

Colombo. Hotels, prices

Galle. Hotels, prices

Induruwa. Hotels, prices

Unawatuna. Hotels, prices

Mirissa. Hotels, prices

Entertainment on the island

Sri Lanka island on the map is a popular destination for tourists.

The entertainment industry is developing at a rapid pace here, offering guests a wide variety of leisure activities:

• Diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by reefs - an ideal place to observe underwater life, admire the wrecks and caves.

Beaches

The main purpose for which tourists come to Sri Lanka is a beach holiday. There are really beautiful sandy beaches, wide, clean, golden-white.

A list of the best ones is presented below:

• Negombo Beach. It is located closer than others to the international airport, so many people come here to soak up the warm water before going on further excursions. Waves are here almost always, and if it is better to look for a quieter place with children, then there will be real expanse for surfers.
• Arugam Bay... Surfing fans have chosen this beach with a wide strip of golden sand: there are big waves here. You can get to it from Colombo, having driven first to the village of Pottuville. You can use a rickshaw or hire a private car.
• Bentota. One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. There are many hotels of different price categories, restaurants, bars, shops. For lovers of active recreation there is a water sports center.

Surfing

The island of Sri Lanka on the map is surrounded by the waters of the Laccadive Sea and the Indian Ocean. A real paradise for surfers. Due to the peculiarities, the water sports season does not stop here. Surfers travel southwest in winter and east in summer. There are enough specialized schools and instructors in Sri Lanka, the prices for their services are relatively low, which attracts tourists from all over the world.

The southwest coast is more suitable for beginners due to the abundance of harbors and bays. They should consider the following resorts:

• Welligama;
• Hikkaduwa;
• Mirissa;
• Tangalle;
• Matara.

The east coast is for professionals, amateurs come here to compete with the sea.

Professionals will appreciate:

• Arugam Bay;
• Pottuvil;
• Okandawara Bay;
• Koggala;
• Mirissa.

If you have skill in this sport, you can rent equipment and improve your skills on your own. The rental price is from $ 2-4 per hour to $ 11-15 per day. You can immediately rent equipment for several days, it will be cheaper than paying separately every day.

Learning through trial and error can be detrimental to your health. For a start, it is better to learn from the professionals, to take at least a couple of lessons, since Sri Lanka provides a lot of opportunities.

The most economical option is the locals, who have mastered the board so much that they began to teach the skill to others. A local instructor asks for $ 10 or more, but no one guarantees his qualifications. It's like a lottery: you can find a professional, or you can hit a self-confident amateur who will quit at the first danger.

A much more reliable option is surf schools. Athletes with international certificates are trained there. The cost of their services is in the range of $ 15-40. This also includes equipment rental.

Surfing centers with Russian-speaking instructors are worth a separate mention. This is a narrower segment, so the prices are much higher here and start at $ 120. You can save a little and go to a group lesson, the cost of participation in which will be from $ 50.

There is a more interesting option in Sri Lanka, which will allow you not to worry about everyday issues. it surf camps, special camps formed by surfers for their like-minded people.

Everything for a comfortable stay is organized here: accommodation, meals, training, equipment, various simulators. Some surf camps also offer transfers and entertainment. But what is much more valuable is the company of the same fans of water sports.

Shopping

Shopping for many is an integral part of their vacation.

What is worth taking from the island as a reminder of the sunny country:

• Traditional crafts. In Sri Lanka, batik is made, wooden masks and toys are made.
• Gems are mined and sold on the island, and custom-made jewelry is made for several days.
• Tea. It is impossible to leave Ceylon without the famous tea. There are both classic black tea and various blends on sale.
• Spices, including curry, saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and others.

You can shop at the market, local shops, souvenir shops. Aggressive trading is not accepted here, but if you try to agree kindly, you can bring down to a quarter of the price.

Those wishing to purchase unique and high-quality local goods are advised to visit large shopping centers. The best ones are in Colombo, although there are a few in Galle as well.

Kitchen

Sri Lanka's national cuisine has been greatly influenced by India. Their traditions are similar: fish, seafood, rice and a lot of spices, especially curry. But Sri Lankans prefer to subject food to as little heat treatment as possible.

Dishes with meat are also prepared on the island. Basically, it's chicken... The cow is revered as a sacred animal, and beef is not eaten. But Sri Lanka is a paradise for seafood lovers! Their greatest variety is in the coastal areas, where you can taste delicacies for very little money.

The main food is rice, which is cooked with a variety of seasonings.

There is also a lot of greenery on the menu, including bamboo leaves unusual for Europeans. Coconut is sold here in all possible forms: milk, pulp, butter and even palm nectar. Fruit lovers will appreciate the rich variety in local markets.

sights

Sri Lanka is a state with a rich and long history; there are many attractions on the map of the island, both natural and man-made.

Some of them definitely deserve attention:

• Adam's Peak. The most visited mountain on the island, which has become sacred to four religions at once. When the sun rises, a trace is visible on its slope as if from a foot. Each of the confessions ranks this among the merits of its saints. There is a Buddhist temple at the top.
• Sigiriya Is a city located on a cliff top among a sea of \u200b\u200bgreenery. It is decorated with fountains, gardens and water cascades. Unique frescoes have been preserved on the walls of the ancient fortress.

There are many interesting things to tell about the country:

The island of Sri Lanka is a unique place on the world map that has absorbed the traditions of several cultures.

Article design: Svetlana Ovsyanikova

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