Sri Lanka

Famous country

Reviews

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern tip of the Indian subcontinent.

Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Area: Sri Lanka covers an area of approximately 65,610 square kilometers.

Population: As of 2023, the population of Sri Lanka was around 22,037,000.

Language: The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil.

Currency: The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

Religion: Sri Lanka is officially a Buddhist country, with Buddhism being the dominant religion (70.2% as of the 2012 census). Other religions practiced include Hinduism (12.6%), Islam (9.7%), and Christianity (7.4%).

Capital: Sri Lanka has two capitals:

  • Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative capital)
  • Colombo (commercial capital)

Major Cities: Besides the capitals, other major cities include:

Attractions: Sri Lanka boasts a diverse range of attractions, from ancient historical sites to stunning natural landscapes:

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of ancient architecture.
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy (Sri Dalada Maligawa): A sacred Buddhist site.
  • Ella: A picturesque town known for its hiking trails (Ella Rock), the Nine Arches Bridge, and cool climate.
  • Yala National Park: Famous for wildlife safaris, home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species.
  • Galle Fort: A well-preserved colonial fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Dambulla Cave Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site with a series of five caves featuring beautiful murals and Buddha statues.
  • Mirissa: Known for whale and dolphin watching.
  • Nuwara Eliya: “Little England,” famous for tea plantations and colonial-era architecture.
  • Bentota: Offers a variety of water sports and beautiful beaches.
  • Horton Plains National Park: Features stunning landscapes and the famous World’s End escarpment.
  • Udawalawe National Park: Another excellent spot for elephant sightings.
  • Sinharaja Forest Reserve: A rich rainforest with diverse wildlife.

Natural Wonders:

Architecture: Sri Lankan architecture is a blend of ancient traditions and colonial influences. Notable examples include:

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: An ancient palace and fortress complex.
  • Anuradhapura’s stupas: Massive ancient dome-shaped structures.
  • Galle Fort: Colonial Dutch architecture.
  • Geoffrey Bawa’s designs: Modern Sri Lankan architecture, such as the Kandalama Hotel and the Sri Lankan Parliament.

Roads: Sri Lanka has a relatively high road density in South Asia. The road network includes Class A and Class B roads, as well as expressways, connecting major cities and tourist destinations.

Hotels: Sri Lanka offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences:

  • Star-rated hotels: From 3-star to 5-star establishments offering various levels of service and amenities.
  • Boutique hotels and villas: Small, exclusive properties with high-end service.
  • Bungalows: Single-story homes, often found in picturesque settings.
  • Guest houses: Ranging from budget-friendly rooms to more luxurious apartments.
  • Homestays: Opportunities to stay with local families for an immersive cultural experience.
  • Rented apartments and homes: Ideal for longer stays.
  • Eco lodges and camping sites: For those seeking a closer connection with nature.

Restaurants: Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is diverse, with restaurants catering to various tastes:

  • Local eateries: Serving traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
  • Fast food restaurants: For quick and inexpensive meals.
  • Cafeterias: Offering a variety of food items.
  • Family restaurants: Casual dining with a broad menu.
  • Fine dining restaurants: For an elegant experience with high-quality food and wine.
  • Ethnic restaurants: Specializing in specific cuisines (e.g., Indian, Chinese, Western).
  • Vegetarian and vegan restaurants: Catering to plant-based diets.
  • Food trucks: A growing trend in urban areas.

Cuisine: Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, often featuring coconut milk, spices, and chilies. The central feature is rice and curry, which consists of boiled or steamed rice served with a variety of curries, typically including:

  • Fish or meat curry
  • Vegetable curries
  • Lentil curries (dhal)
  • Fruit curries
    Dishes are commonly accompanied by pickled fruits or vegetables, chutneys, and sambols (spicy condiments). Kiribath (milk rice) is another staple.

Annual Travel: Sri Lanka has seen a significant recovery in tourism. In 2024, the country welcomed 2.05 million international visitors, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Leisure tourism remains the dominant reason for visits, with travelers seeking beaches, cultural heritage, wildlife, and natural beauty. The average stay for international tourists in 2023 was around 8.4 nights.