Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is a country that offers great variety of attractive that unique to its own. Land filed with range of geographical features including variety of rivers and waterfalls making a magnificent atmosphere. Sri Lanka is blessed by its wonderful sandy coast line that runs all around the island.
And also this is a incredible island. It is an amazing diverse country with everything could want from a destination. Sri Lanka also known for the exotic beaches and the golden sun shining all around the year. In the middle of the country there are full of mountains, waterfalls, villages and many more scenic beauty places. Experience the different weather conditions in the same island at the same day within few hours. the country is filled with romantic landscapes, governed by rising mountains, lush forests, ocean like tanks and gushing waterfalls, that it was considered the lost paradise by many a globe trotters, who fell upon the country. The golden beaches of the country had been praised for their picture postcard views since eternity. The dusk and dawn and many human activities connected to these times of the day creates a vibrant picture along the coasts of Sri Lanka.
The central highlands of the island are filled with pictures of stirring mountains carpeted with lush green tea gardens, roaring waterfalls mingling with the clouds and landscapes shimmering in sunlight and disappearing under the rising mist. Travelling towards the top of the country to the North Central Valley of the Kings, mountains covered with lush tropical forests disappears under the glare of the sun giving way to acres of light green carpets of paddy dotted with towering ancient white stupas and fed with oceans like reservoirs locally known as wewa. Giant statues of Lord Buddha rises above the forest line while ancient palaces stand abandoned to the forest, waiting for a master, who long departed from life.
Yes. Under British rule the country was called Ceylon. The name was retained after independence in 1948 until 1972, when it changed to Sri Lanka – “Resplendent Land” in Sanskrit. The name Ceylon is sometimes applied – “Ceylon tea” for instance.
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with the beaches on the west coast being best between October and April, and on the east coast between May and September. Colombo and the interior enjoy a benign climate year-round. However, except in the arid northern part of the country, tropical showers can be expected at any time.
Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques may be changed at any hotel, although commercial banks offer better rates. Converting Sri Lankan rupees back to foreign currency could be done at the banks at the airport which are open 24/7 (keep exchange receipts in case required).
Sri Lanka is a very child-friendly country. People make a special effort to fuss and entertain children: when it comes to foreign children the effort is doubled. Hotels and guest houses often have family rooms. Children are well-catered for in restaurants. Baby food and nappies are available in supermarkets, though baby bottles are harder to find. Bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen. The main highlight for children is, inevitably, the beaches and all the delights that go with them. However, there are other attractions: A winding train journey into the hill country, the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela and the Dehiwela Zoo in Colombo. If you want your children to play safely while you eat or shop in Colombo, there are play areas in Odel, Urban Kitchen, and Cheers Pub, Cinnamon Grand.
In the low country, loose cotton skirts or trousers and tops, and a long sleeved blouse for visiting temples, are ideal for women. Men should wear cotton trousers or shorts and a T-shirt, or even the local sarong. Take a sunhat and sandals, slippers or open shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Being a conservative society, especially in rural areas, very short skirts and short should be avoided.
For hill country trips pack a light sweater, and if you intend to sample nature trails, bring a pair of walking shoes or trainers. If you are traveling with children, a sunhat, loose cotton shorts and tops, including long-sleeved tops to protect them from mosquito bites, will be needed.
Sri Lanka boasts a very ancient medicinal system that can be used by almost anyone, lots of spas offer treatments as well as Ayuruvedic hospitals, speacial Ayuruvedic packages, getaways are offered by hotels.
An international driving licence is required – obtainable from some main Post Offices in the UK. A local driving licence is also required which can be obtained from the AA in Colombo. Vehicles drive on the left as in the UK. Driving is not for the faint-hearted as there are so many pedestrians, bikes, motorbikes, cars, lorries, buses as well as cows and stray dogs, all doing the unexpected!
Men should wear T-shirt or shirt and shorts or trousers to cover their knees (or they might be lent a sarong if wearing short shorts). Ladies should wear respectable attire such as slacks or a skirt to cover the knees and a blouse or T-shirt. It is not be advisable for ladies to wear deep necked or sleeveless tops at cultural sites.