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Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea. The island is geographically separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.

Sri Lanka’s documented history spans 3,000 years, with evidence of pre-historic human settlements dating back to at least 125,000 years. It has a rich cultural heritage, and the first known Buddhist writings of Sri Lanka, the Pāli Canon, date back to the Fourth Buddhist council in 29 BC. Its geographic location and deep harbours made it of great strategic importance from the time of the ancient Silk Road through to the modern Maritime Silk Road

Sri Lanka was known in the west and from the beginning of British colonial rule as Ceylon. A nationalist political movement arose in the country in the early 20th century to obtain political independence, which was granted in 1948; the country became a republic and adopted its current name in 1972. Sri Lanka’s recent history has been marred by a 26-year civil war, which ended decisively when the Sri Lanka Armed Forces defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

The population is made up of three major ethnic groups; Sinhalese are about 75% or of the population and are principally Buddhist, Tamils are about 11% of the population and are mainly Hindus and the Sri Lankan moors are about 9% and are Muslim. There are quite a number of people who identify as Christians (of mainly Sinhalese ethnicity).

The official languages are Sinhalese and Tamil – although English is widely spoken and most road signs and shops have English translations.

Capital: Colombo
Population: 21,44 million

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$1USD = 323.51 Rupee
Climate
Before you go
Health & Safety
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Regions
Western ProvinceSouthern ProvinceNorth Western Province
Uva ProvinceCentral ProvinceNorthern Province
North Central ProvinceEastern ProvinceSabaragamuwa Province
Major Cities
ColomboGalleKandy
Nuwara EliyaAnuradhapuraJaffna

Blog Posts

Sri Lanka: Highlands – Horton Plains

Sri Lanka: Highlands – Horton Plains

Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is …
Sri Lanka: The Highlands – Tea Plantations and Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka: The Highlands – Tea Plantations and Nuwara Eliya

Ceylon Tea is known throughout the World and is grown extensively in the Highlands of Sri Lanka. …
Sri Lanka: Galle old town

Sri Lanka: Galle old town

We spent the day travelling along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, stopping to snap some photos …
Sri Lanka: 8 Great Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s Capital City

Sri Lanka: 8 Great Things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s Capital City

For most people visiting Sri Lanka the country\’s capital, Colombo is not high on their list of …
Sri Lanka: South-West Coast

Sri Lanka: South-West Coast

We had the chance to spend a day exploring the beach towns and attractions north of Galle along …
Sri Lanka: Mirissa – Whale Watching Tour

Sri Lanka: Mirissa – Whale Watching Tour

We have had the opportunity to go on several whale tours over the years and have loved every. …
Sri Lanka:  Yala National Park

Sri Lanka: Yala National Park

Yala National Park is a large wildlife conservation area found in the south-east of Sri Lanka …
Sri Lanka: Udawalawe National Park & The Elephant Transit Home

Sri Lanka: Udawalawe National Park & The Elephant Transit Home

Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka and …
Sri Lanka: Taking a scenic train ride to Ella

Sri Lanka: Taking a scenic train ride to Ella

The train ride from the highlands of Sri Lanka to Ella is one of the most spectacular train …
Sri Lanka: Ambuluwawa Tower

Sri Lanka: Ambuluwawa Tower

Ambuluwawa is a biodiversity complex and Sri Lanka’s first multi-religious sanctuary situated in …
Sri Lanka: Kandy – The cultural capital

Sri Lanka: Kandy – The cultural capital

Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka., set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are …
Sri Lanka: Dambulla Cave Temple

Sri Lanka: Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site close to Sigiriya and about 50 miles north of …
Sri Lanka: Sigiriya – Traditional Village Tour

Sri Lanka: Sigiriya – Traditional Village Tour

One of the joys of travelling is to see cultures very different from the ones we experience from …
Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa

Some 800 years ago Polonnaruwa was a bustling commercial and religious centre for the Chola, …
Sri Lanka: Pidurangala – an alternative to climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sri Lanka: Pidurangala – an alternative to climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Pidurangala Rock, formerly a Buddhist Temple is located just a few kilometres from its more famous …
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