Sri Lanka
THE ISLE OF SERENDIDITY
This extraordinary island set in the Indian Ocean, off the south eastern tip of India, has thousands of years of diverse culture. Still a predominantly Buddhist country, it also has strong Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities as well. Incredibly fertile and a great producer of exotic fruits and it was for centuries the spice producer of the world famous for its Cinnamon & Pepper. It is now best known for its tea plantations established by the British in the cooler, misty and incredibly picturesque hill country. With a strong cultural past that now offers over 7 UN World Heritage sites, Sri Lanka was once one of the richest countries in Asia. In more recent times it has not developed at the dramatic pace of its neighbours' in the region adding to its charm and character. The relative lack of development and gentle island pace make Sri Lanka the perfect destination for those looking for a varied and stimulating holiday. From beautiful beaches, unbelievable flora and fauna (much endemic), amazing architecture as well as a vast amount of historical & religious sites, white water rafting, cycling and many other adventures for the more active and finally the friendliest of people who carry infectious smiles with them every day! Whatever you are looking for in Sri Lanka, it is an island of immense beauty, small enough to explore widely in 10 to 15 days yet large enough to offer infinite variety.
THE FACTS
- Population 21 million
- Three main languages - Sinhala, Tamil and English
- Buddhist majority (70%), with Hindu, Christian and Muslim minorities
- Gained independence from Britain in 1948
- Democratic Socialist Republic since 1978
- The top exports are: Tea, Textiles, Gems & Foreign Remittances.
THE TRIVIA
- Has the highest concentration of Leopard in the world.
- Seven of the world's UN World Heritage Sites.
- Is one of the world's 25 Biodiversity Hot Spots.
- World's 3rd largest tea producer.
- The Sinhalese name, Sri Lanka, means, "The Resplendent Land" or "Holy Ceylon."
- Is famous for its Ceylonese Sapphire.
- Has 1,340km of tropical coastline.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO:
- Join in a game of cricket - the cricket-mad locals are always happy for an extra pair of hands.
- Immerse yourself in the Esala Perahera in Kandy – a colourful festival involving huge processions of glittering elephants, dancers and drummers.
- River bathing – we encourage you to go local and join in on daily life; take a dip in a refreshing river, dry out on a sundrenched rock!
- Enjoy every single moment you spend on this paradise island.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO EAT:
- Eat the freshest chilli crab with your feet in the sand under the stars by the Indian Ocean.
- An egg hopper for breakfast with seeni sambol! Watch out of the 'kata sambol' - it's a definite challenge (spicy wise).
- Buffalo Curd & Treacle - start and you won't be able to stop!
- Cashew nut curry – so rich and creamy you will never forget it.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO BUY:
- Hand woven Sarongs from Barefoot - they have the most incredible selection in the brightest of colours and are reasonably priced. Great gifts if you can bear to give them away.
- A bottle of local brew called ARRACK …a daring drink for the adventurous.
- Cashew nuts from Kadjugama.
- Plenty of the best Ceylon tea to continually remind you of this amazing island and to give to those who missed the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka.
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