Sri Lanka

This miracle Island is Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It was a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where natures beauty remains abundant and unspoiled.

This island of magical proportions, once known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and Ceylon. Discover refreshingly Sri Lanka.

Few places in the world can offer the traveler such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area of 65.610Sq.Kilometers lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 1330 Kilometers of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 National parks showing an abundance of wild life, nearly 500.000 acres of lush Tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 Waterfalls, 25000 Water bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2500 years

Sri Lanka has more than 2,500 years of continuous written history by means of the Mahawansha,
Buddhism was introduced beginning in about the mid-3rd century BC, and a great civilization developed at such cities as Anuradhapura (kingdom from c.200 BC to c.1000 AD) and Polonnaruwa (c.1070 to 1200) also they have two more kingdoms Kandian Kingdom and Jaffna Kingdom .

Sri Lanka was Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1796, and became a crown colony in 1802. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; the name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. With end of the 30 year prolonged bitter separatist war in the May 2009 it seems this island nation is on a new chapter of its history.

Climate

Since Sri Lanka is a tropical country, you can expect the rain anytime of the year in most parts. However, the two major rainy seasons are North-East monsoon (October to January) and South-West monsoon (May to July). Being an island, the climate of Sri Lanka changes dramatically from one part of the country to another. For example at Nuwara Eliya, in the hills of Central Province, has a temperature around 13-20 C throughout the year, whereas Hambanthota, located in the dry zone, has a temperature consistently around 29-35 C. Terrain

Mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south - central interior. Highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m