Sri Lanka - Read about Sri Lanka before visiting the island. Where is Sri Lanka? Sri lanka what country

The island of Sri Lanka consistently attracts many tourists every year. This is not surprising: beautiful nature, rich history and culture, excellent beaches, wonderful climate... We will talk about all these features of the island in the article. We invite you to discover such an amazing place as the island of Sri Lanka.

Briefly about Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a very ancient country, which is also known as Ceylon. Boundless and vast are the pride of this island. The local population adheres to traditions, but at the same time, there is freedom of religion in Sri Lanka. Many sacred temples (mainly Buddhist) and relics attract pilgrims from all over the world to this country. The mysterious southern Sri Lanka attracts different categories of tourists. They come here to see a world full of exotic things, enjoy nature, and also swim in the waters of the Indian Ocean. The local beaches with golden sand are amazing.

In Sri Lanka you will find hidden bays and coves, underwater coral gardens, as well as the remains of sunken ships and much more... Relaxation on the ocean coast, familiarization with Buddhist shrines, national natural parks, the secrets of tea cultivation and production, communication with cheerful and open people Sri Lankans - all this guarantees you an unforgettable experience visiting this island.

Where is Sri Lanka on the map?

This one is located on a small island in the Indian Ocean. Seven objects located on this island are included in the list of UNESCO-protected historical values ​​(130 in total). Sri Lanka is an ancient state with deep traditions and a rich history. This is the center of Buddhism, where important monuments of this teaching are located. However, it is not only the historical heritage that shapes the exoticism of the country. Sri Lanka on the map is located only 800 kilometers from the equator. Here you will find all the riches of the tropical islands. Sri Lankans say that they know only three colors - the blue of the ocean and sky, the yellow tones of the beaches and the green of the vegetation.

Flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka

Currently there is only one direct flight Moscow - Sri Lanka (Colombo). However, it operates only in winter and does not have a strict schedule. The Moscow-Sri Lanka charter flight is operated by Aeroflot. The distance from Moscow to Colombo is about 6,700 km. Therefore, travel time is approximately 8.5 hours.

Sri Lanka: time and climate

Those who are going to the island will probably be interested in what the time difference is here. On the island, time is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow in the summer, and 2.5 in the winter. As for the climate, it is both subequatorial and equatorial monsoon. It is complicated by the terrain, as well as the orientation of the island, its location from north to south. The average annual temperature in the flat areas of the island of Sri Lanka is about 29-31° C. The season has virtually no effect on the temperature. In the mountainous part it varies from 16 to 24 °C. All year round, the sea water temperature remains above 25 °C on the island of Sri Lanka. In January, therefore, you can safely swim, just like in July.

As for humidity, it is high here and almost always exceeds 75%. The amount of precipitation is from 1000 (eastern and northern regions) to 5000 mm per year (southwest coast). The rainy season lasts from May to September, causing the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon determines inclement weather from October to April on the island of Sri Lanka. The rainy season, however, may shift somewhat in time. It depends on the area. In general, the island of Sri Lanka has a very favorable climate for tourism. In January, when it’s cold in our country and you really want summer, tours here are very popular.

Island population

The population of this island is about 18 million people. Of these, more than 500 thousand people live in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The ethnic composition of the population is rich. This is a multinational country. Its population consists of Tamils, Sinhalese, Burghers (descendants of the Dutch and Portuguese) and Moors.

Language and religion

Singali is the official language of Sri Lanka. Tamil and English are also considered state languages. As we already mentioned, Buddhism is very common on the island. Besides it, the main religions are Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The island of Sri Lanka does not have strict requirements for clothing, however, it is not recommended to visit temples in clothes with bare shoulders and back, or in shorts. Additionally, you must remove your shoes upon entry. About 70% of the population are Buddhists, 15% are Tamils ​​(Hindus), 8% are Christians, and 7% are Muslims. In this country, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, but Buddhism is given a dominant position here.

Attractions

The island of Sri Lanka offers many attractions to suit every taste. Tours here will be of interest to various categories of tourists. "Sri Lanka Resort Triangle" is the most popular excursion program on the island. It includes an introduction to three cities - Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Let's talk about each of them.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the first capital of the Sinhalese state. This city is unique; it was built back in the 2nd century. BC e. In his lifetime he saw 113 kings. The exact date of the founding of Anuradhapura is unknown. According to the astrological tradition of the Indo-Aryans, he was named after Anuradha, a star located in the constellation Scorpio. King Pandukabhaya in 380 BC e. established this city as the capital. To the west of it, the Basavak Kulam reservoir was built to supply water to the population. The city in its heyday occupied an area of ​​about 52 square meters. km, and its population reached several tens of thousands. In the 1st century AD e. aqueducts, bridges and roads, palaces, temples, monasteries, cemeteries and hospitals were built.

For 1.4 thousand years Anuradhapura was the capital. This is a true masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. And in our time, Anuradhapura is the capital of Buddhism. In order to visit it, many tourists come to the island of Sri Lanka every year. The city is located on the Aruvi River. Tourism is developed here, agricultural products are processed, as well as a number of things (wood carving, etc.).

Polonnaruwa

The next city, Polonnaruwa, was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries. This is one of the main cultural and historical centers of the country. The Hindu and Royal Palace ruins remain to this day. The main attraction of the city is Gal Vihara (12th century BC). These are 4 huge Buddha statues carved into granite rock.

Kandy

Kandy is the center of Buddhism and the religious capital of the island. An artificial lake has been created in the center of this city. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) is located on its banks (pictured below).

The city is rich in historical monuments. These include the courtyard and palace of the last king of Kandy. There is also an archaeological museum, near which there is a botanical garden and a university with a picturesque campus. Not far from these historical monuments there are rubber and tea plantations. Kandy is located 116 km from the island's capital, Colombo. It is famous as a center of crafts and arts, as well as bazaars, lapidaries, and a jewelry museum. This location is great for sightseeing and shopping. Nearby you will find views of the legendary mountains with beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Piradeniya

Piradeniya (Royal Botanical Garden) is located 4 km from Kandy. This is one of the largest gardens in Asia. There is a large collection of tropical plants and trees here. The island's gardeners have divided a large hilly area into park areas. These zones contain different types of tropical flora. Another interesting feature of the garden is the more than one hundred species of ornamental orchids growing here.

Dambula

Another local attraction is Dambula. This is a temple built in the 1st century BC. e., called the Sleeping Buddha. It is the largest cave temple in South Asia. Dambula consists of five caves. Not only the temple itself, but also its painting is the largest in South Asia. Dambula has a huge collection of Buddha statues. Moreover, many of them are more than two thousand years old.

Mount Sigiriya

We also recommend visiting the Lion Rock (Mount Sigiriya). This picturesque mountain is located in the center of the island of Sri Lanka and is one of its main attractions. Lion Rock is protected by UNESCO. On this mountain, at an altitude of about 180 meters, a picturesque city was built. It is surrounded by gardens with swimming pools, fountains and unusual staircases, the steps of which are carved between the jaws, throat and paws of a huge lion. One of the attractions of this place is a gallery of frescoes that depict a procession of half-naked palace ladies or princesses who seem to be floating in the air. These frescoes are covered with a special composition of egg white mixed with honey from wild bees. And to this day their bright colors have not faded. Today, unfortunately, only 17 of the 500 frescoes have survived.

Adam's Peak

Another interesting mountain is Adam's Peak. Since ancient times it has been a place of pilgrimage for believers. They climb this mountain in order to touch the sacred footprint located at the top with their lips. Muslims believe that this is where Adam, the first man, first set foot on earth.

Colombo

The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo. There are many temples, cathedrals and mosques located here. The most famous temple is Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. It is an excellent example of Sinhala art and architecture. The frescoes that decorate the walls of the building tell us about the many lives of Buddha. For example, about how he visited the temple, about the legends and myths associated with his name. Other attractions in Colombo include the Temple of St. Anthony and Peter, the Cathedral of St. Lucia, Jamul Alfar (the main mosque of Sri Lanka), as well as the Hindu temples of Old and New Kathiresan and Ganesan.

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka offers tourists many interesting places. The weather, however, may not allow you to explore all the sights of this country. On hot days, many people prefer the beach to exploring the island. However, weather-related inconveniences can be avoided if your choice is Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka). The weather here is rarely too hot for walking. Nuwara Eliya resort is located at an altitude of about 1900 m above sea level. It is located at the foot of Pidurutalagala. This mountain is the highest peak in Sri Lanka. Here you will enjoy a favorable mild climate (temperature averages 15-20 degrees), as well as mountain landscapes, picturesque valleys and meadows. All this makes this place a popular resort. Nuwara Eliya, a land of blessed climate, is also known as “little England”, as it is called on the island of Sri Lanka. Tours here have been in constant demand for many years.

Elephant nursery and Bo tree

The government-owned elephant nursery is located in the town of Pinnawala. It was created to save animals that were harmed by poachers or left without parents. Today it is home to more than 60 elephants.

Sri Lanka is the country where the Bo tree grows, which is considered the tallest in the world. It is already more than two thousand years old. We also recommend visiting the endless tea plantations. This is the pride of Sri Lanka, thanks to which the island has gained worldwide fame. Sri Lankan spices, gems, exotic fruits, and batik are also very popular.

Transport

Please note that in this country, traffic is on the left. Most of the roads are in mountainous areas. Neither pedestrians nor drivers follow traffic rules. In this regard, it is best to rent a car with a driver on the island of Sri Lanka. Prices for this type of service are reasonable - the estimated cost per 1 km is 20 cents. You can also rent a car for personal trips. Your hotel reception can provide you with information about transport in Sri Lanka. Car rental prices start at $20 per day.

National cuisine

The cuisine here, even close to the European version we are used to, is quite spicy. The most popular type of food in hotels is a buffet. Those who don't like spicy food should consult the waiter about what to get. Mineral water, like other drinks, is not included in the price of dinner or lunch in Sri Lanka. This island is especially favorable for vegetarians.

Curried rice is the most common food item in Sri Lanka. Also popular here are seafood dishes (try lobster and sea shrimp), fish, meat, vegetables and poultry.

It is not recommended to abuse local strong drinks. The main one is arak. This is coconut moonshine, which even the local population does not drink a lot, but for variety you can try a little.

On the island you will find inexpensive and excellent tropical fruits: avocados, bananas (more than two hundred varieties), papaya, mangoes, avocados, oranges, coconuts, etc. Pineapples are especially good here.

Tips

Typically, bar, restaurant and hotel bills already include a tip of 12.5%. You can decide for yourself whether to give more. It is customary to tip porters, drivers and guides. As a rule, they are expected from Russian tourists, but not from Germans.

One of the best places to relax is the island of Sri Lanka. The time spent here is never forgotten.

Useful information for tourists about Sri Lanka, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Sri Lanka, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Sri Lanka.

Geography of Sri Lanka

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, known as Ceylon until 1972, is an island state in South Asia.

Most of the island is occupied by a low-lying plain, “broken” by outcrops of crystalline basement in the form of rocks and mesas. The entire southern part of the island is occupied by the low stepped mountainous country of the Massif Central. The slopes are abundantly overgrown with forests and dissected by short but stormy rivers. The highest point of the island is Mount Pidurutalagala (2524 m).

State

State structure

Democratic Socialist Republic. Member of the Commonwealth. The head of state and government is the president, who has broad powers. The legislative body is a unicameral parliament (National State Assembly).

Language

Official language: Sinhala

Almost the entire population speaks English.

Religion

Buddhists - 69%, Hindus - 15%, Christians - 8%, Muslims - 8%.

Currency

International name: LKR

1 Sri Lankan rupee equals 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1,2,5 rupees. Large hotels and shops accept international credit cards for payment. Foreign currency brought into the country must be declared.

It is recommended to exchange money at Colombo Airport. The receipt received during the official currency exchange should be kept until the end of the trip. In this case, when departing from Colombo, you have the opportunity to convert unspent money at the airport bank at the purchase rate. You can also exchange money at any hotel and bank.

History of Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka was inhabited about 100 thousand years ago and constantly attracted more and more new settlers, thanks to which a significant number of representatives of the most dissimilar races, cultures and religions were concentrated on its small territory in ancient times. This enriched the island and led to constant conflicts and wars.

In the 5th century BC, Indo-Aryan conquerors created the first state here, which collapsed in the 5th century AD and was conquered by the Negroid South Indian Tamil tribes. In the 8th century, dominance again passed to the Aryan branch of the newcomers, and in the 15th century, there were three kingdoms of different ethnicities in Sri Lanka, constantly at war with each other. The Portuguese colonialists took advantage of this, establishing their dominance over the coast of the island in the 16th century; they were replaced by the Dutch in the 17th century. The British who came after them in 1796 declared the conquered region to be another royal colony - Ceylon. But they managed to conquer the island only in the first half of the 19th century.

The heavy foreign yoke, which turned the flourishing island into a raw materials appendage of the distant metropolis, forced the local population to rise to the liberation struggle more than once and suffer bitter defeats. Exploitation, which intensified in connection with the First and Second World Wars and the acute economic crisis of the 1920s and 1930s, made the national patriotic front more decisive, numerous and united.

In 1948, the British government had to grant Ceylon independence as a dominion. In 1972, under public pressure, the island was proclaimed the Republic of Sri Lanka. All forms of political dependence on England were eliminated. Now this distant piece of land in the Indian Ocean good-naturedly reveals its secrets to all lovers of ancient exoticism and shares the gentle sun and warm water.

The island of Sri Lanka was inhabited about 100 thousand years ago and constantly attracted more and more new settlers, thanks to which a significant number of representatives of the most dissimilar races, cultures and religions were concentrated on its small territory in ancient times. This enriched the island and led to constant conflicts and wars....

Popular attractions

Tourism in Sri Lanka

Popular hotels

Tips

It is not necessary to tip; service fees (up to 10%) are often included in the bill. However, hotel porters and porters expect a small tip (20-30 rupees). You are also supposed to thank the waiter with a small tip, but only for good service.

Visa

Office hours

Banks are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Shops are open from 10.00 to 22.00.

Souvenirs

Sri Lanka is famous all over the world for its precious stones: sapphires, rubies, amethysts, garnets, topaz and especially the famous “moonstone”, which is mined only here. It is recommended to purchase jewelry in specialized stores, requiring the issuance of an appropriate receipt or export certificate. The quality of the stones here is excellent, and the prices are relatively low. Also good souvenirs would be Ceylon tea, spices, aromatic oils, handicrafts, especially masks, batik, ceramics and leather goods. In cities you can buy inexpensive, high-quality textiles.

Medicine

There is a risk of contracting malaria, Japanese encephalitis B, hepatitis B, typhus, Bengal cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, Dengue fever, etc., but only if basic hygiene standards are not observed. Preventive vaccination against malaria (there is a risk of infection in the interior of the country) or the use of anti-malaria tablets, as well as vaccination against hepatitis A and B, is recommended.

Safety

It is not recommended to drink raw water and use ice sold on the street - it can be made from raw water. It is recommended to drink only mineral water in plastic bottles with a factory stopper, and to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap. Be sure to thoroughly wash (and preferably scald) vegetables and fruits, and do not allow the seller to cut the fruits with his knife.

Mira, it’s worth starting with the search for India. This state is located in Asia, the peninsula where it is located has the outline of an isosceles triangle, one of the vertices of which points strictly to the south. Sri Lanka is located in close proximity to India at a distance of approximately 100 km to the southeast. It is not difficult to find; it is the only large island in the Indian Ocean. On a larger scale, you can see that there is a sandbank between Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula - 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 derived from two words in Hindi: “shri” - glorious and “” - earth. However, the older generation knows the island as Ceylon - that’s how it was until 1972.

The sandbar in the Palk Strait, which previously connected Hindustan with the island of Sri Lanka, is called Adam's Bridge.

State of Sri Lanka

It is interesting that tea grown on the island is still called Ceylon; the name “Sri Lankan” has not taken root.

How to get to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka.

The disappeared state of Ceylon.
Years of existence: from 1505 to 1972.
In ancient times, the land where the Vedda tribes lived had the historical name of Sri Lanka.
In the 6th century BC, the Sinhalese invaded the island.
In the 3rd century, the Tamils ​​invaded.
At different times, Sinhala and Tamil states existed here.
By the beginning of the 16th century, there were at least thirty principalities in Sri Lanka, the rulers of which were at enmity with each other.
In the 16th century, the island became Portuguese, and a fortress was built here. The Portuguese exported cinnamon, precious stones and elephants.
In the middle of the 17th century, Portuguese power was replaced by Dutch power,
By the end of the 18th century, the British gained a foothold on the island. Sri Lanka became Ceylon and was declared a British colony in 1802. The British managed to subjugate the entire territory of the island.
On February 4, 1848, Ceylon became an independent dominion state within the British Commonwealth of Nations.
In 1972, the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka was proclaimed. The ancient name was returned to the independent state.
The capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

Geographical coordinates

Latitude
7°38′30″N (7.641643)
Longitude
80°41′31″E (80.691979)

Directions from Moscow

By plane - 12 hours. to Bandaranaike Airport.

Travel from St. Petersburg

By plane - 13 hours. to Bandaranaike Airport.

Distance from Moscow

Distance from St. Petersburg

Description in the encyclopedic dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron (published at the border of the 19th-20th centuries)

Ceylon (Ceylon), ancient. Ta probane, native. Singhala - Bol. island in the Indian Ocean, crown colony of Great Britain, in the southeast. from the Hindustan Peninsula, between 5°53′-9°51′ N. w. and 76°42′-81°55′ E. d.

Space about 64000 sq. km, the greatest length from north to south is 450 km, width - 230 km.

Residents 3,576,000 (1901); the main element of the population is the Sinhalese; some of them are descendants of colonists from the Ganges Valley who first settled here in 543 BC. In 1901, there were 2,334,570 Sinhalese, 950,844 Tamils ​​(a race of South India), 249,572 Moors (Moormen), 23,253 Euphrasians and others, 9,583 Europeans. There are also Veddas (see), Afghans and Malays.

Orographically, Ceylon is divided into two extremely different regions.

The northern half of the island is low-lying plains, mostly covered with extensive tropical forests; the south is a country of mountains and valleys; central part of the south The region is occupied by a mountain range stretching between 6°40′-7°40′ N. w. and reaching an average height of 2000-2500 m; the most significant peak, Pedrotallagalla, rising in the center of the ridge, at 2524 m; the most famous of these mountains is Adam's Peak (2262 m high), according to the native Samanella, in Buddhist books called Kripada (Saripada, Cripada), which means “Imprint of the sacred foot” of the Buddha, as well as Sumanakuta, Devakuta.

Others most lofty peaks of the main ridge: Kirigalpolla (2380 m) east of Peak Adam and Totapolla (2353 m). This whole mountainous region, rightly called Sinhalese Switzerland, abounds in picturesque views and beautiful and fertile valleys; well watered and intersected with forests and cultivated fields, and enjoys one of the best climates in the world. Geologically, the ridge of the mountains consists of gneiss, intersected by veins of quartz, and in places granite; near the coast, basalt looms large in many places. Individual spurs of mountains and hills dot the vast undulating plains that encircle the mountain range and gradually slope toward the shores. To the N. and NW. The coast islands are flat, monotonous, dotted with lagoons; in the south and east they are elevated and rocky. Despite the fact that Ceylon, in its general circumference, is rich in small bays, it has only one real roadstead, extensive, deep, well defended and combining all the conditions of an excellent military and commercial port - Trincomalee, on the eastern coast of the island; the other two, Pointe de Galle and Colombo, are insignificant.

Rec there are many and quite large, especially 10 on the west coast, between the bays of Pointe de Galle and Manard. There are even more rivers on the eastern bank, but they are less significant; in low-lying areas, where there are terrible heat and where evaporation is very significant, the sources are insufficient to constantly feed the rivers. The most significant rivers of Ceylon: the Mahavelliganga in the North, forming a vast delta, the main branch of which flows into Trincomalee Bay; Kalaniganga, flowing to the West near Colombo; Malwatta Oya - to the NW; very few of pp. Ceylon is navigable; there are no lakes, but the ancient rulers of Ceylon dug reservoirs and irrigation canals, the size of which is still a source of amazement.

Climate Ceylon is more level and pleasant than the Indian subcontinent, from which it is separated by the Gulf of Manaar; generally hot and humid, with very slight fluctuations throughout the year: the averages of the warmest and coldest months differ by only 2°-3°, the average year in Colombo is 27°, in the east. bank ½° higher. It's colder in the mountains, for example. in the famous sanatorium Nevera Elia (1890 m) 15.0. Ceylon is located in the monsoon region, from May to October southwest, bringing rain to the western part of Ceylon. From November to April north-east. monsoon and rains in the east. The division of the year into rainy and dry periods is sharp only in the north and east, where less rain falls; in the south and west there is little rain in all months, and even more even rain in the mountainous center. The average amount on the coast is 1800 mm per year, in the north and east 1000-1200, in the mountains much more, up to 4000. The climate of Ceylon in populated and cultivated areas is quite healthy; Fevers are rampant in the dense forests in the north and east. Here in ancient times there was the densest population and huge structures for artificial irrigation. Some dams were hundreds of square meters. km area. Now it is all in disrepair, the water has stagnated and the area has become unhealthy.

The population is now concentrated mainly in the West, where there are huge coconut groves and rice fields, and in the mountainous center, where the British established huge coffee plantations and, since the 1870s, when coffee was affected by disease, plantations of the Assam variety of the tea bush. A significant portion of the workers are Tamils ​​from India.

The vegetation of Ceylon is luxurious, as on the islands of the Malay Archipelago, with which it has great similarities, second only to the north and east. The main product of the soil is rice, cultivated for local consumption; under its crop in 1900 there were 672,584 acres, under other crops - 109,095 acres; tea occupied 405,405 acres, coffee - 7,086 acres, coconuts - 846,115 acres, cinnamon - 39,619 acres. The forests are vast and their species are varied.

Ceylon is rich in minerals, especially precious stones (rubies, sapphires and, in great abundance, garnets); There is an abundance of pearl fishing in the Gulf of Manaar. Gold, silver, iron (excellent quality), lead, coal (anthracite), kaolin. Almost all the animals of Hindustan are found in the forests of Ceylon, with the exception of the tiger and horse; the most important representative of mammals is the elephant; Herds of elephants roam in the southwest. areas of the island. Ivory mining; turtle and pottery products, mat weaving, fan making, wood carving. The salt industry is a government monopoly. 298 railway miles roads (1900), 367 post. and telegraph offices and 2,451 miles of telegraph wire.

Administration of Ceylon in the hands of the governor, an executive council of 5 members and a legislative council of 18 members (including the governor and members of the executive council). Representatives of the main races of the island sit on the legislative council. For administrative purposes, Ceylon is divided into 9 provinces, headed by government agents. Large cities have their own city government; in the districts the natives retain their village councils and courts for matters of lesser importance.

Main religion Buddhist - 1,877,043 people; Hindus 615932, Mohammedans 211995, Christians 302127.

Public education has made significant progress since it was organized under a separate department of education; in 1899, 193,468 students attended school. The only higher government school is the Royal College, but many private English higher schools receive subsidies. Technical College with 125 students; agricultural and forestry schools; 32 professional schools.

Finance of Ceylon in 1900: income (in rupees) 27325930, expenses - 28948925. Imports amounting to 122339758 rupees, exports - 94962277.

Main city Colombo; other wonderful cities are Jaffna, Kandu and Gall. Ceylon was conquered by the Portuguese in 1505 in the west and south; about half of the 17th century. he was taken from them by the Dutch. In 1795-96. The British took possession of the foreign colonies of the island, which was annexed to the Madras Presidency. In 1798, Ceylon was recognized as a separate colony. In 1815, after a successful fight against the native tribes of the central regions, the entire island was subject to British rule. Wed. Emerson Tennent. "Ceylon" Schmidt, "Ceylon" (1897); Geiger, "Ceylon" (1898); Van der Aa, “Ile de Ceylon. Croquis, mœurs et coutumes" (Leuven, 1899); Minaev, “Essays on Ceylon and India”; Klingen, “Among the Patriarchs of Agriculture. T. II. Ceylon and India."

Video

If you ask an inexperienced person: “What do you associate Sri Lanka with?”, the answer will probably be only bewildered silence. If we add that the island was previously called Ceylon, then the name will be local tea.

But not everyone knows that this tropical island is real paradise with a wonderful tropical climate, golden beaches, clear ocean water and exotic nature.

Resorts of Sri Lanka on the map

Since it is an island, almost all resorts are located here on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Cities in the center of the country are interesting primarily for their cultural and historical heritage.

Where are the most popular ones?

The most popular resort places among tourists are located on the west coast islands in close proximity to the two main cities of Sri Lanka: the official capital with the unpronounceable name of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and the actual capital Colombo. The reason for this is its proximity to Bandaranaike International Airport, which receives international flights.

The main resorts in this direction, and throughout Sri Lanka, are Hikkaduwa and Bentona.

In addition, of interest:

1. Negombo;
2. Beruwella;
3. Ambalangoda.

South of the island

The southern part of the island is continuous tourist area, in which numerous resorts are located. As in the metropolitan region on the west coast, the holiday season here lasts from to, and in the summer the rainy season begins, during which the ocean is very stormy.

The tourism infrastructure in this area is less developed than in the west. At the same time, the southern coast of Sri Lanka is the best place for a budget holiday and surf lovers. The main resorts in the south are:

• Tangalle;
• Dickwella;
• Weligama;
• Khabaraduwa;
• Mirissa.

Read also in what souvenirs you can bring from Sri Lanka as a gift.

East Coast

The East Coast cannot boast of such a large number and variety of resorts. But it has one big advantage. Despite the modest size of the island, the southwestern and northeastern coasts are located in different climatic zones. And if in the south and west the high season lasts from October to May, then in the northeast the opposite is true. From May to October comes dry season, most suitable for swimming and beach holidays. There are two important resort towns here:

1. Trincomalee;
2. Batticaloa.

Best resorts

It is difficult to say for sure which resort in Sri Lanka is the best. But it’s quite possible to try to visit several of them in one trip, especially since the short distances allow this. An independent tourist can move around both using roads and trains- railways are laid through all resorts in the southwestern direction.

You can fly to the northeast using local airlines, especially since ticket prices are not bad at all.

Description of cities

Based on a combination of factors, the following cities can be distinguished among the numerous resorts in Sri Lanka:

• Hikkaduwa located 100 kilometers south of Colombo. The most popular resort in Sri Lanka offers hotels for every taste and budget, clean beaches and interesting leisure activities. The tourism infrastructure is quite developed. The city beach is famous for the sea turtles that come to it, which you can feed from your hands. The local coral reef and sunken ships are of great interest to divers;
• Bentota- the second most popular resort on the island. Located 65 kilometers from Colombo. It has a reputation as the most romantic resort in Sri Lanka - the city is often visited by newlyweds during their honeymoon;
• Unawatuna attracts with low prices and proximity to the large city of Galle, which can be visited for sightseeing. Unawatuna is the best place for swimming in Sri Lanka;
• Mirissa- a very quiet place with empty bounty style beaches. This is a small, purely tourist town with practically no local residents. The tourist infrastructure is rather poorly developed. One of the resort's attractions is a boat trip to blue whales;
• Tangalle- another calm resort without crowds of tourists. The ocean here is quite stormy, but the beaches are very beautiful and deserted. You can walk along them for several kilometers and not meet a single vacationer;
• Trincomalee on the northeast coast attracts with a drier climate, calm ocean, quiet beaches and an interesting symbiosis of cultures.

Trincomalee combines Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim traditions, which have left their mark on the local architecture.

Which to choose?

All resorts in Sri Lanka offer approximately similar natural conditions. All beaches in the country are sandy, and the ocean is approximately the same along the entire coast. True, the farther from the capital, the cleaner the water. So the choice of resort depends on other factors.

If you are going on holiday to Sri Lanka in summer- then welcome to Trincomalee or Batticaloa. in winter the southwest direction is preferable. Those looking for a quiet, secluded holiday will find Tangalle, where there are not many tourists. Divers will prefer Hikkaduwa, which is considered the unofficial diving capital of the island, while Weligama or Mirissa are best for surfing.

Youth resorts

Sri Lanka is hard to name "party" place. Most tourists come here for the peace and tranquility generously provided by local resorts. For lovers of nightlife, the following cities will be of interest:

1. Hikkaduwa, perhaps the most youthful resort in Sri Lanka. In addition to numerous active entertainments such as diving and surfing, there is also nightlife in the form of discos, which is so unusual for Sri Lanka;
2. Unawatuna- a small town on the south coast, popular among young people due to its low prices. Nightlife, unlike most Sri Lankan resorts, is also present here;
3. Arugam Bay or Pottuvil- excellent resorts for surf lovers.

Where to go with children?

Resorts in Sri Lanka are quiet, peaceful places and absolutely safe in terms of crime. You just need to take into account that for children, swimming in the open ocean is more dangerous than in the sea.

For children, pools at local hotels are preferable, although there are several places in Sri Lanka with calm waters.

Jungle Beach And city ​​beach in Unawatuna are located on the edge of the bay and due to this there are no strong waves in the ocean here.

IN Batticola on the east coast the ocean is calmer and the beaches are in coves.
If you don’t plan to bathe your children, then almost any resort will do.

When visiting Sri Lanka there are some secrets and little tricks. There is nothing difficult in their implementation, so it is recommended to perform them.

• In summer we go to the northeast, in winter we go to the southwest. Well, or vice versa, if you want save money on your vacation.
• Visit cultural attractions. Sri Lanka is not only about golden beaches and the ocean, but also an ancient country with a rich culture. An excursion to the former capital of Ceylon Kandy, a walk through the old city of Colombo or a trip to Sigiriya to the palace of King Kasyapa will pleasantly diversify your vacation.
• Thoroughly wash any fruit And drink only purchased water. Sri Lanka is a tropical country with hot temperatures; any infection can ruin your vacation for a long time.

Very often, lovers fly to Sri Lanka to hold a mysterious wedding ceremony on the ocean shore. Read how much a wedding abroad costs.

• Try local cuisine, which will especially appeal to vegetarians and sweet tooths. It is advisable to taste culinary delights in establishments aimed at local residents. But be careful - the food can be very spicy!
• As in any other developing countries, the tourist must master the art of bargaining, which is especially useful when visiting markets and private shops. Often there are simply no price tags on goods in such places.
• Should be careful while relaxing under coconut trees. A falling nut weighing 2-3 kilograms is a fairly common cause of accidents.