Where is Sri Lanka on the map? Where is Sri Lanka About Sri Lanka

is an island state in the Indian Ocean off the southern coast of India, from which it is separated by the Gulf of Manara and the Palk Strait.

The name of the country comes from the Sanskrit “shri” - “glorious” and “lanka” - “land”.

Official name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (part of the capital functions is performed by the city of Colombo)

The area of ​​the land: 65.6 thousand sq. km

Total Population: 20.3 million people

Administrative division: It is divided into 9 provinces and 25 districts.

Form of government: Republic.

Head of State: President, elected for 6 years.

Population composition: 73% are Sinhalese, 19% are Tamil.

Official language: Sinhala is also equal to the official languages ​​of English and Tamil.

Religion: 69% are Buddhists, 15% are Hindus.

Internet domain: .lk

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Country dialing code:

Country barcode: 479

Climate

Sri Lanka is located only a few degrees of latitude north of the equator. Therefore, average monthly air temperatures in the lowlands are high and vary little throughout the year. In winter they are somewhat lower: for example, in Colombo the average temperature of the coolest month, December, is 25 ° C, and the hottest month, May, is 28 ° C. The daily temperature amplitudes are small and rarely exceed 11 ° C. However, in the mountains, in one of the The highest located cities in the country are Nuwara Eliya (1881 m), the average air temperature in January is 14° C, and in May 17° C.

The climate of Sri Lanka is shaped not only by its proximity to the equator, but also by its proximity to the Indian subcontinent. As a result, seasonal changes in winds and contrast in precipitation are observed, which allows us to talk about a specific version of the Indian monsoon.

Like other mountainous islands in monsoon regions, Sri Lanka clearly shows geographic diversity in the intra-annual course of precipitation. Thus, the southwest monsoon, which blows from late May to late September - early October, is associated with rainfall in the southwest of the country, especially on the windward slopes of the Massif Central. It also determines dry weather in the northern and eastern lowlands, which find themselves in the rain shadow of the mountains.

From about November to January, Sri Lanka experiences the influence of the northeast monsoon, which causes rainfall throughout the island. During the inter-monsoon period, when atmospheric pressure is relatively stable, local convective air currents and daytime sea breezes bring sporadic precipitation.

This seasonal rhythm, combined with the influence of the orographic factor, determines the presence of sharp regional differences in the climate of Sri Lanka. Thus, the southwestern lowlands, located between the mountains and the sea, are part of a humid zone, where precipitation is confined to both monsoon periods, and in the intermediate time rain falls in smaller quantities. Therefore, high air humidity is constantly maintained, only February is relatively dry in most areas.

On the slopes of the western exposure of the Massif Central, within the humid zone, temperatures decrease with height, and the annual precipitation in some points exceeds 5100 m.

The lowlands of the dry zone, located in the north and east of the island, including the Jaffna Peninsula, have an obvious but unclear maximum rainfall between October and January, when the influence of the northeast monsoon manifests itself. The dry season lasts from June to September. Rare rainfall is recorded during the inter-monsoon period. In general, precipitation in the dry zone is less abundant than in the wet zone, and on average per year its amount does not exceed 1900 mm on the northwestern coast and 1300 mm on the southeastern coast. However, the very value of this indicator in the dry zone does not give grounds to classify it as an arid territory, and the dry climate is felt only in the summer.

In the eastern mountains and the intermountain basin of Uva, also classified as a dry zone, the seasonal cycle of precipitation is approximately the same as in the lowlands, but less pronounced. Moreover, the rainfall there reaches such an intensity that is rarely observed in the lowlands of this zone.

Geography

An island nation in the Indian Ocean, located north of the equator and off the southern coast of India, from which the island is separated by the Manara and Palk Straits.

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 medium-high stepped mountainous country of the Massif Central, with strongly articulated relief and leveled mountain peaks. 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). The total area of ​​the country is 65.6 thousand square meters. km.

In fact, the capital is Colombo (the seat of government and the main institutions of the country are located here), while the official suburb of Colombo is Sri Jaya-Vardenapura (Jayawardenapura-Kotte), where the country's legislative bodies and a number of administrative organizations are located.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

The natural vegetation of the lowlands of the humid zone and the adjacent mountains has been largely reduced by human economic activity. These areas were once covered with dense tropical rainforests, which gave way to montane evergreen forests higher up the slopes; however, such communities have survived only in protected natural areas.

In the lowlands of the dry zone, forests have suffered damage as a result of human activity, but in some places they still survive in the form of mixed evergreen communities of the xerophytic type. The arid uplands in the Uva province are partly occupied by secondary grasslands. In the northwest and southeast lowlands of the dry zone, the surviving forests have degenerated into species-poor thickets of thorny bushes. Large areas of the southwest of the country are covered in dense jungle. Forests also occupy the mountain slopes.

Palm trees and mangroves grow in coastal areas. In the humid zone, mahogany grows in large numbers, as well as rubber and fruit trees. In drier areas, ebony and satinwood are found. Orchids, acacias, cypresses, and eucalyptus trees are common throughout the country.

Animal world

The fauna of Sri Lanka is very diverse. Of the 451 species of birds, 251 species are permanent inhabitants of the island, of which 24 are found only in Sri Lanka. Beginning in mid-August, the first flocks of migratory birds arrive for the winter from Siberia, Scandinavia and Western Europe. The reservoirs of the arid zone attract a large number of ducks, and larger waterfowl such as flamingos, pelicans, and storks prefer the reservoirs of national parks and reserves.

Bundala National Park is especially famous for its flamingo colonies. The variety of shapes and colors of 242 species of butterflies can be observed in March-April, when the seasonal migration begins. Among the 86 species of animals, elephants occupy the main place. At the beginning of the 19th century, when the British arrived, there were more than 30,000 elephants on the island. Now only 6,000 remain.

The destruction of habitat has led to a decline in the number of elephants, but large herds of elephants can still be found in national parks such as Yala, Gall Oya, and Udawalawe. The wild cat of Sri Lanka, the leopard, is also on the verge of extinction, although Vilpatu Park can rightfully be proud of the number of inhabitants.

Sri Lanka is home to such animals as wild boars, jackals, wild buffalos, several species of deer, bears, porcupines, foxes and of course monkeys. 54 species of freshwater fish, of which 17 were introduced by the British. Of the 38 amphibians, 16 are unique.

The island abounds in reptiles, 75 species, of which two species of crocodiles, a water monitor and a monitor lizard are the largest. The star turtle is the only land turtle on the island. 5 species of sea turtles are protected by law. Of the 83 species of snakes, only 5 are poisonous.

Attractions

Sri Lanka is one of the most ancient countries in the world. Somewhere in these parts, according to legend, Adam and Eve descended to Earth; many ancient authors even correlated the location of the Garden of Eden itself with Taprobane or Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was called until 1972). This amazing island is home to many historical treasures protected by UNESCO, as well as a large number of places associated with the name of Buddha. Hundreds of kilometers of beaches and a unique underwater world place Sri Lanka among the world's largest seaside resorts.

Banks and currency

Lankan Rupee (LKR), equal to 100 cents. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1, 2, 5 rupees.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00-15:00. Banks are usually closed on Saturday and Sunday, as well as most holidays.

It is recommended to exchange money only at official institutions and exchange offices, usually located in banks, airports and large international hotels. When exchanging currency at official institutions, a special check is issued, according to which, upon departure from Colombo, at the airport bank you can make a reverse exchange of rupees at the official purchase rate.

You can exchange money in markets or in private shops - currency will be accepted almost everywhere, but there is a high risk of encountering fraud, since prices in dollar terms are quite low and change may simply not be returned or converted at an unfavorable rate.

Large hotels and shops accept international credit cards from leading payment systems. ATMs are also common in large cities. Large banks and hotels accept international travel checks for payment (often the exchange rate is even better than cash). Outside the resort areas, it is almost impossible to pay using non-cash means of payment.

Useful information for tourists

When going to Sri Lanka, take light cotton clothing and a hat with you. Be sure to stock up on sunscreen and sunburn lotion. There are no strict requirements for clothing in the country, but you should not visit temples in shorts or in clothes with open backs and shoulders, and you must take off your shoes when entering the temple.

Sri Lanka is famous all over the world for its precious stones: sapphires, rubies, topazes, etc. We recommend purchasing jewelry in specialized stores, requiring the appropriate receipt or certificate. Ceylon tea, spices, and handicrafts: masks, batik, leather goods are also known throughout the world. In cities you can buy inexpensive textile products. In markets, private stores, and shops, we advise you to bargain on the price. You can reduce the cost of goods by 30% relative to the original price.

Tipping is not required. However, a hotel receptionist or restaurant waiter will appreciate a few extra cents.

It would be useful to know that taxi drivers in the capital never give change.

Sri Lanka

An amazingly beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, which was once called Serendib, offers travelers to experience all the colors of life! Give in to the curiosity that lives within, and chance will reward you with majestic wonders of discovery... It could be a pristine beautiful beach, the wealth of historical heritage, the healing power of Ayurveda, the adrenaline of sports adventures, the exciting whirlwind of colorful festivals, the diversity of culture and culinary traditions, the picturesque beauty of the highlands. , as well as untouched wild nature with its numerous animal inhabitants. We can say that Sri Lanka is an island miracle. This is a country with a rich 2,500 thousand-year unique history. 11 UNESCO-protected sites are located on the island. This is where the oldest tree on the planet grows, which is more than 2500 years old. And finally, the kindness, hospitality and smiles of the friendly island residents successfully complement the enchanting beauty of this amazing country!

Capitals: Sri Jayewardene ura Kotte and Colombo

Geographical characteristics

Sri Lanka is a country in South Asia off the southeastern coast of Hindustan. Until 1972, the country was known as Ceylon. The area of ​​the island is 65.5 thousand square meters. km, and the shape of the island resembles a tea drop (very symbolic) or, as some believe, a pear. 80% of the island is an unchanging plain, dissected by rocks, 20% is a mountainous country, where the height of the peaks reaches two thousand meters above sea level, and the forested slopes are dissected by stormy rivers and waterfalls.

Population

Sri Lanka is a multinational state where people of different cultures and religions live together. In total, the country has just over 21 million inhabitants. 75% of them are Sinhalese who profess Buddhism, 16% are Tamils ​​(who profess Hinduism), 7% are Moors and Malays who are Muslims, and the so-called burghers (children from mixed marriages of Sri Lankans with immigrants from Europe), professing Christianity. The island has a clearly defined caste structure. Agricultural castes predominate, and other caste groups with traditional occupations are also distinguished. The lowest position in the hierarchy is occupied by the untouchable "rodis".

Interesting facts about the capital

The official capital of Sri Lanka is not Colombo, as many people think. Since the early 80s, the official capital of the South Asian island state of Sri Lanka has been Sri Jayewardene ura Kotte. This is the longest name of the capital currently existing (it exceeds the Brunei Bandar Seri Bega van by as much as 6 characters). Such a complex, oriental, sophisticated name is actually not that difficult to decipher: Sri in Sanskrit means magnificent, blessed (which gives Sri Lanka the meaning “blessed land”); Junius Richard Jayawardene (1906 -1996) - famous Sri Lankan politician, President of Sri Lanka from 1978 to 1989, pura or pur - in many Indo-Aryan languages ​​means city (example: Singapore - the lion city), Kotte - the old name of the city, which it had before the transfer of administrative institutions here. During the years of the independent Sri Lankan state, the hypertrophy of Colombo became alarmingly noticeable, so the government decided to at least partially relieve the largest urban center. In Sri Jayewardene ura Kotte there are residences of a number of the highest authorities of Sri Lanka (parliament, supreme court). At the same time, Colombo, the former official capital and the largest city on the island (population of about 1 million inhabitants), continues to be considered the economic and actual capital. The president and government of the country continue to work there.

Official language

The national languages ​​of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, and English is also widely used (10% of the population speaks it as a native language).

Weather forecast

The average air temperature throughout the year in Sri Lanka ranges from 26 to 30 degrees. In the highlands in winter it can drop to 15 degrees during the day and 5 at night. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean averages about 26 degrees all year round. There is no rainy season as such, but there are periods in autumn and spring when rain can start at any time and in any part of the island. Almost 95% of all precipitation falls during the rainy summer season, from May to the end of October, mainly in the afternoon and at night. For the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, the dry season lasts from October to April, and for the northeastern coast - from March to November.

Time

Time on the island is 2.5 hours behind Belarusian time.

What to buy

It’s simply impossible to go to the amazing island of Sri Lanka and not bring something with you, because this country is simply replete with a special culture, breathtaking landscapes and very unusual people... Yes, the most memorable thing about the island is the people, but you can’t bring them all with you , so it’s better to enjoy their company on the spot, and bring fragments of their culture with you.

Ceylon tea is a must-have after traveling to the famous island. It’s just better to buy it either during excursions to tea plantations or in special stores in large cities. After all, you want to give your loved ones the best tea, and not “cheat” tea bags.

Very attractive prices on the island for precious stones. Rubies, amethysts, garnets, topazes, moonstones... and, of course, the blue sapphire is considered the king of Sri Lanka. But jewelry must also be purchased in specialized stores, which must issue appropriate receipts and export certificates.

The country is also famous for batik, i.e. silk painting. Bright, colorful and pleasant to the touch silk products will not leave anyone indifferent.

You can also bring herbs and spices (this is Asia, after all), handicrafts, wooden masks, goods made from leather, bamboo, rattan palm, coconut and many other materials. In cities you can buy inexpensive but high-quality textile products from famous world brands, locally produced. The best places to shop in Colombo are Odel, House of Fashion, Magestic City.

Where to relax in Sri Lanka

Most of Sri Lanka's beach resorts are located south of the country's capital, Colombo.

Negombo is a popular tourist resort located approximately 12 km from the Sri Lanka airport, north of Colombo. Negombo is a fishing village, but it is sure to be memorable for any traveler. Negombo is very popular among fish and seafood lovers. Fishermen catch incredible quantities of shrimp, lobsters and crabs here. All these seafood are expertly prepared over open fires in the numerous taverns located right on the beach. Well, lovers of romance can leave the beach, where the foamy waves of the sea crash, and go in search of beautiful lagoons.

The city of Polonnaruwa is an ideal non-beach resort for lovers of excursion holidays. It is located in the central part of the country, so all the main excursion trails are accessible from here.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, located on the southwest coast of the island. It is famous for its five-star hotels, which are good for both comfortable living and business. The hotels are equipped with a full range of services - restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers, conference rooms, business centers, nightclubs and much more necessary for a comfortable and unforgettable vacation.

Mount Lavinia Resort is located 12 km south of Colombo. The highlight of the resort are the famous beaches, which gained their popularity back in the days of the English colony, mainly due to its proximity to the capital. Those looking to spend a quiet day on the beach in relative privacy (compared to Colombo) will definitely enjoy this place. There is dry clean sand, crystal water and a calm sea.

Kalutara is an ideal location for all types of water sports. Windsurfing, water skiing, spearfishing and even sailing are especially common. The city stands on the “Black River” Kalu Ganga, one of the largest on the island. To the north of the bridge that connects the two banks of the Kalu Ganga, there is a very nice beach with several fashionable hotels and a water entertainment center. Kalutara is not a cheap resort; budget tourists have nothing to catch here.

Hikkaduwa is a popular resort that was the first in Sri Lanka to receive foreign tourists. The town of Wadduwa got its name thanks to the famous local doctors or veda doova. It is Hikkaduwa that is considered the best diving resort in all of Sri Lanka, so the standard picture of these places is the breathtaking view of numerous surfers conquering the waves with might and main...

Bentota is a resort for romantics. Very often this place is chosen by newlyweds for their honeymoon. Here rivers and seas flow together, and at the place of their intersection is the most famous local beach, sheltering its vacationers from the heat with branches of coconut palms. The beach is also conveniently located because there are several good hotels very close by, and from the hotels it is already easy to get to shops, cafes, discos and even the railway - everything is nearby!

Weligama or “Sand Village” has found its place in the sun in a large picturesque bay, the beauty of which can be enjoyed for hours, preferably at sunset and in its eastern part. There is also the headquarters of surfers who really appreciate the local waves. In the opposite direction, in the west, everything is the other way around - the water is quiet, calm and azure-clear, like a royal sapphire.

Tangalle is famous for its magnificent yet deserted beaches, which are considered one of the best in Sri Lanka for giving your skin a chocolate shade. It's hard to find a place like this on the southwest coast of the island. Here you may not meet a single person while walking along the picturesque coastline, which stretches for several kilometers. In addition, this resort offers all types of accommodation - from budget apartments to exclusive hotels.

What to see

Holidays in Sri Lanka are not about swimming and wallowing. This is the knowledge of such a distant, mysterious and sometimes completely incomprehensible culture. The country's numerous attractions will certainly help with this.

The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, has been a busy seaport since the Middle Ages. Traders from China, Persia and Morocco bought and sold pearls, precious stones, spices, and elephants here. Later, Colombo was captured by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British, and they all left their mark on the appearance of this city of almost 1 million people. Many churches and monuments were built in the European medieval style. The sights of modern Colombo include impressive Hindu and Buddhist temples, a national museum, one of the best zoos in Asia, Dehiwela, and large shopping centers. Tourists visiting Colombo in February can attend the traditional Navam parade. On this day, believers come to worship the shrines of the main Buddhist temple of Colombo, and the largest elephant carries the holy relics on its back.

Anuradhapura is the largest city of ancient Ceylon and its first capital. There are 2 World Heritage Sites here. The first is the sacred Bo tree, which, according to legend, was grown more than 2,250 years ago from a shoot of the same tree under which inspiration descended on Prince Siddhartha. The second is the famous bronze palace, built 2000 years ago by King Dutugamunu.

The majestic Mount Sigiriya (protected by UNESCO) is one of the main attractions of Ceylon. The stone fortress built on it in the 5th century was a reliable shelter for the king. The remains of a mirror wall, gardens, fountains, and pools are still preserved here. After a short climb to the top between giant lion paws carved into the rock, your gaze will reveal 11 amazing frescoes of that time - half-naked dancers. The images are painted with vegetable paints, which to this day - already 15 centuries - retain their brightness.

In Pollonaruwa, the ruins of the ancient capital of the Sinhala state have been preserved. Here you can see the remains of a palace that once shone with splendor. The best preserved temple is Vatadage. Four statues of a seated Buddha face those entering the temple.

The majestic mountains of Dambulla (protected by UNESCO) evoke a sense of closeness to the past. This monastery was built in the 1st century BC and is still in operation. Here, in amazing cave temples, the largest of which reaches 50 m wide and 6 m high, there are more than 200 Buddha statues. The walls and ceiling are decorated with frescoes, which are masterpieces of temple wall painting.

Nuwara Eliya is a mountain resort in the heart of the island, a favorite vacation spot for British officials. The town is reached by a winding road surrounded by waterfalls, and the air is clean and cool. Everything here is built in the English style - houses, buildings, golf courses, so Nuwara Eliya has earned the name “little England”. The world's best black tea is grown on the nearby mountain slopes (2000 m above sea level).

Kandy is located 100 km northeast of Colombo. There is an artificial lake in the middle of the city. In this ancient capital of the Sinhalese kings, the Sinhalese traditions and art reached their full flowering and have survived to this day. The main attraction of Kandy is the Dalada Maligava temple, built on the shore of the lake. Here, under a golden canopy, rests an ancient relic - the Sacred Tooth of Buddha. The Perahera Festival is held here every year at the end of July - beginning of August. At night, a festive dance procession begins with torches, drums, eighty decorated elephants, the fire swallowers are especially impressive.

Galle South Fort is one of the most amazing and unique cities on the island, where all the religions represented in Sri Lanka peacefully coexist. Along the way, you can visit the mask factory at Amnalamgoda, where you can learn about the traditions and beliefs of the Sri Lankan people through the art of wood carving and mask painting. Here you can also buy souvenirs.

Not far from the Bentota resort, in Kozgod, there are 5 species of sea turtles. Nearby there are special farms where the eggs laid by turtles are collected, and after hatching, the little turtles are fed and released into the sea. You can watch this process. On the farm you can see both newborn turtles and adult turtles.

The city of Hikkaduwa on the southern coast is also called the “coral reserve”. Coral reefs attract diving enthusiasts with a variety of fish and turtles. In the crystal clear water, all you need is a snorkel and a mask to see the amazing vibrant colors of the underwater world. Here you can also admire the fabulous underwater world while riding on a boat with a transparent bottom.

The most famous of the national parks is Yala. The park's territory is a savannah with small lakes. Interesting scenes of encounters between deer, wild boars and water birds usually develop here. A characteristic feature of the park is the large mountain ranges scattered throughout its territory - a favorite refuge of leopards and bears. Wild elephants can also be easily spotted in this park (especially from January to May).

I have been and continue to visit the countries of South Asia very often, although most often for work, but I come back to the most interesting places again, this time for the sake of relaxation. In order to get impressions not on the run, but wisely and carefully. This time, I visited Sri Lanka or, as it is also called, the island of Ceylon.

How to get to the island of Ceylon

I bought tickets, which from Moscow cost about 20,000 rubles. A few hours of flight and I’m there. The airport on the island is located in the town of Bandaranaike. From here you need to get to Colombo, which is thirty-five kilometers away. Transport links in Sri Lanka are quite well developed, so you can safely choose a bus, a local train, or a taxi.

I decided not to take risks with bus routes, so I took a taxi, which cost only 300 rupees. While still in Moscow, I booked a room in one of the hotels located on Negombo beach.

The trip took no more than twenty minutes, but this is not surprising, the distance is short. I really liked the guest house, and from its windows you can clearly see the sea and even have your own piece of the beach. It is very comfortable. By the way, there are not many tourists here, so no one disturbed my peace. The price of the house was quite affordable - approximately 3,000 rubles per night.

A little about the history of Ceylon

The capital of the island is Sri Jayawardanapura, although there is also an unofficial one - this is Colombo, recognized by the international community. For many years the island was attacked by various conquerors. There were Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and even British here.

Due to the fact that in Ceylon the leadership changed with enviable regularity, there is a huge mixture of architectural styles here. At the moment, many modern high-rise buildings and houses have been built here.

Climate

You can relax on the island all year round, thanks to the subequatorial climate. The average air temperature remains at 26 degrees. Ceylon is always warm, but very humid. True, tsunamis occur here in the summer, so a winter holiday would be safer. By the way, there is no rain here during the winter months.

Transport

Transport links here are quite well developed. You can get to any point on the island equally comfortably by bus, taxi, or even by rail.

True, the fastest way is to travel by Tuk-Tuk. These are such funny things that vaguely resemble a three-wheeled motorcycle. Behind the driver there is a passenger booth. The drivers of these cars drive their vehicles so professionally that they are able to bypass almost any traffic jam or congestion on the road.

National food of Sri Lanka

Local food is very different from all European dishes. The fact is that spices and seasonings predominate here. The locals' favorite is curry. By the way, they eat very little meat on the island, preferring vegetables and fruits.

Local chefs are excellent at preparing seafood delicacies, so it is better to choose fish and seafood.

I can give advice right away. Under no circumstances try to eat in roadside cafes or shops. Very high risk of food poisoning. I didn’t go to just one cafe, I went around a dozen establishments. And she made disappointing conclusions.

But, in addition to local restaurants, there are also European ones. So there is plenty to choose from.

Sights of Ceylon

There are a lot of religious sites on the island. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is considered one of the most important.

True, it was completed not so long ago - in the first half of the twentieth century, but the first mentions of it date back to the third century BC. I was especially impressed by the colorful frescoes on the walls. This temple is a true example of Sinhala architecture.

The Sri Ponnambala Vaneswaram Temple is curious because a harvest festival is held on its premises every year. Its walls are made of light gray granite. The surprising thing is that there is no riot of colors here, as is usually the case in local temples.

I also visited the Dutch Museum. There are many exhibits on display here dedicated to the times of the Dutch rule over Sri Lanka. There are coins, weapons, and household items here. Previously, this building housed an institute and a post office. Entry costs 500 rupees. To be honest, not a particularly interesting place. A museum is like a museum. I have seen exhibitions much more interesting than this one.

You can visit the Yami Ul Alfar Mosque for free, which is attractive with its red and white colors.

I didn’t go inside, I just took a few photos.

Sri Bala Selva Vinayagar Murti is a temple dedicated to the famous Hindu gods Shiva and Ganesha. By the way, the most beloved god among Hindus is Ganesha with the head of an elephant. He is believed to be the god of all that is good in the world. And that it was he who accomplished all the wonders of the world.

Island of Ceylon. Tea plantations

It was the tea plantations that glorified the island of Ceylon for many years. Many people probably remember that same tea in a yellow packet with an elephant drawn on it. This tea was brought exactly from this island. The quality of the tea is excellent. Ceylon offers excellent excursions to tea plantations.

Here you can see how tea grows and how it is harvested. There is also a factory for sorting and packaging tea leaves. There is also a restaurant on site where you can taste all types of tea growing on the island. There are so many of these types that I couldn’t try them all, I was afraid of bursting))). You can also buy aromatic tea here as a souvenir for your family. I picked up ten packs, probably out of greed.

Seafood market

It is better to come here very early, preferably around 6 am. Just at this time, fishermen return with a fresh catch. There is absolutely everything your little one wants: crabs, lobsters, shrimp, lobsters and much more. They also cook fish here.

Amazing smells emanate from everywhere. By the way, women cook here and adequate conditions have been created for cooking. I wasn't afraid to eat. The shrimp and mussels were absolutely delicious. And prices are significantly lower than in city restaurants.

Beach holiday

The cleanest and most well-groomed beaches of the coast are located along Lewis Place. This is where expensive hotels are located that monitor the cleanliness of the area. There are also a large number of restaurants and cafes for tourists. There are even a couple of shopping centers. So, while on the island, be sure to take a walk along this street.

There is also Negombo beach on the island, but it’s better not to go here. He is somehow unkempt and uncomfortable. Although there are tourists who relax here like savages. The beach may not be particularly clean, but the water is crystal clear.

How to entertain yourself in Ceylon

There are a lot of entertainments for tourists here, albeit related to water. Diving is considered the most popular. Diving can be done in Hikkaduwa Bay or Trincomalee Bay. Equipment can be rented for a nominal fee.

My favorite thing was swimming with the sea turtles.

To do this, you need to go to the South Coast, since this is where the most of them are found. Probably the locals feed them. If there are no turtles nearby, you can rent a boat and go further from the shore. The guides know almost all the places where their flocks can be found.

You can go surfing at Hikkaduwa Beach. This is where huge waves arise, the height of which reaches four meters. On the beach itself there are themed clubs for surfers. Personally, I don’t like standing on the board, or rather, I can’t. And constantly falling and catching the board makes me very nervous.

Shopping in Ceylon

Many tourists, coming to the island of Ceylon, prefer to buy pearls and precious stones such as rubies, sapphires and topazes. The extraction of these jewels is well established here. Even tourists are allowed to participate in the mining. True, for a fee. True, you need to purchase pebbles only in large stores, this way you can protect yourself from counterfeiting.

Conclusion

I was on the island for only 5 days, but I had enough time to enjoy the local beauty and attractions. I think that I will not visit the island of Ceylon again very soon. It is beautiful and interesting, but personally I prefer places where the infrastructure is more developed.

The island state of Sri Lanka (the emphasis is correct on the last letter “A”) is located in the Indian Ocean, 650 kilometers from the equator. The state of Sri Lanka is located on the island of Ceylon, and does not have a land border with any of the countries close to it. Occupying the territory between 5° 55" and 9° 55" north latitude, and 79° 42" and 81° 52" east longitude. The coastline of the island of Ceylon is 1330 kilometers long. Of these, about 130 kilometers fall on the beaches. Sri Lanka gained independence relatively recently. For quite a long period of its history, the island was under colonial dependence from the Portuguese, then the Dutch and, subsequently, from the British. The length of the island of Sri Lanka from north to south is 445 millimeters. The width of the island at its widest part is 225 kilometers.

Designations on the map:

1. The most server point in Sri Lanka is located in the vicinity of the city of Jaffna and is called “Cape Pedro”.
2. The southernmost point of the “Dondra Lighthouse” is located in Sri Lanka in the village of Dondra, which is 12 kilometers from Matara. It is about 650 kilometers from the equator.

Where is Sri Lanka on the world map?

On the world map, Sri Lanka is located south of the Hindustan Peninsula, on which the state of India is located. If you look at the world map, you can see that the island itself is an almost perfect egg-shaped shape. Many European poets, who often visited Sri Lanka, admired its beauty, comparing the shape of the island to a teardrop, to a pearl. The most popular name for Sri Lanka in business circles is the expression “Sapphire Island”. This name is not accidental, because it is here that, to this day, one of the rarest stones on Earth, sapphire, is mined. The largest sapphires known to society were once mined in Sri Lanka.

Where are the resorts in Sri Lanka?

The question about the location of resorts in Sri Lanka is usually asked by people who are still at the very beginning of the search and selection of a country for their upcoming vacation. A positive thing about choosing Sri Lankan resorts for a holiday is that they all:

• Very conveniently located and close to the airport, where all foreign tourists arrive.
• The nature of these resorts is exotic and beautiful. From photographs taken at these resorts, no one will ever distinguish the beach shores with coconut palms overgrown along them from similar beaches in the Maldives and Seychelles.
• The compactness of their location allows you to tour almost all of them during your vacation, traveling only by public transport.
• Favorable climate for relaxation. In the places where the resorts of Sri Lanka are located, the most favorable period for relaxation is considered to be from November to April, before November there is monsoon rain, after April the intense heat begins.

The list of locations of resorts in Sri Lanka is sorted in order of their distance from the Capital and, accordingly, from Colombo International Airport.

• Mount Lavigna
• Kalutara
• Beruwela
• Bentota
• Kosgoda
• Hikaduwa
• Unawantuna
• Mirissa
• Dikwela
• Tangale
• Hambantota

Each resort in Sri Lanka on the list can be reached from the airport in 3-4 hours, with the exception of the last 4 hours. Tangale and Hambontota are very quiet beaches where there are no large hotels and are more recommended for a relaxing holiday.

If you are traveling with small children, it is better to avoid traveling to Hikaduwa and Tangale - after all, the waves and undercurrents at these resorts are quite large. For your trip, we highly recommend printing out a map of Sri Lanka on a piece of A3 paper. It will help you a lot during this exotic vacation. It will be no less useful for you