Which city is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Cultural triangle of sri lanka
There are many heavenly places on earth; many tourists call an island located in the Indian Ocean one of the best. Firstly, guests are amazed at how many shades of green can be seen at once and in one place. Secondly, they are pleasantly surprised by the hospitality of the locals, especially if you break away from the coast and go into the depths. Thirdly, excursions to make up an important part of tourists' leisure.
There is a difficult moment - there are no fixed prices for certain excursions, you have to rely on the honesty of the guide. The average price of a hike around the island is in the range of $ 20-1000 for eight hours on the route. Do not be afraid of the last digit, since everything depends on the number of people, private tour- $ 20, group - $ 1,000, that is, 50 people x $ 20.
Excursions to cave temples in Sri Lanka
Many tourist routes around the island include a visit to such a unique object as. This name has both the mountain and the religious complex located on its slopes. The peculiarity of the place of worship for the indigenous people is that the monastery and temple premises are located in caves.
In addition to religious pilgrims, archaeologists and history lovers are frequent guests of this area, as here you can get acquainted with amazing monuments created by the former inhabitants of these lands. At the end of the ascent to Mount Dambulla, tourists find themselves in the "Golden Cave Temple", the construction of this unique architectural complex attributed to the 1st century BC. And the definition of "golden" in the name of the temple indicates that it is in this religious building the largest collection of statues of the main deity of the country - the Buddha.
The entrance to the caves is paid, the cost in local currency is about 1,500 LKR, all underground objects have names, they differ natural characteristics and existing religious buildings. One of the caves is called the god Vishnu, its main attractions are seven statues of Buddha, archaeologists have dated their creation to the 1st century AD.
The same statues, made of granite, stone or wood, can be found in the second, largest cave. In addition, here you can see unique frescoes on the walls and a dagoba, a repository of relics. The third cave is the “youngest”, its development began in the 18th century, the highlights are about a thousand images of Buddha painted on the ceiling, and, of course, statues of the same deity.
Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka
The city has received such an important title, it is the main point of many combined tourist routes around the island, including:
- Sigiriya - Kandy (two days, one night);
- Kandy - (two days, one night);
- Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - (three days, two nights).
The city occupies the territory in the center of the island, on the banks of the river, so the climate here is always more favorable than in other regions of Sri Lanka. Kandy is the last capital of the island's royal families; Buddhist shrines are reverently treated here and ancient traditions are preserved. The city has many historical monuments and cultural attractions dating back to previous centuries, so it is under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The goal of tourists is to see an artificial lake created at the request of the last Sri Lankan king. In the center of the reservoir, created by human hands, there is an island and summer palace. According to legend, in this interesting architectural structure the king arranged his harem.
Journey to Lion Rock
Beautiful name mountain top in the local dialect it sounds like this natural monument UNESCO experts also took under protection. Or rather, not a mountain, but a city located on it. It is surprisingly green and beautiful, comfortable and cozy, surrounded by fountains and gardens.
King Kasapa dreamed of an impregnable fortress, the result was a beautiful locality welcoming tourists. The tour costs about $ 170 per person (for two days). On the way to the city, guests will be shown an elephant nursery, a garden where spices are grown, a tea factory, the program includes a visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic.
The next day is reserved exclusively for Sigiriya, first of all, tourists go to ancient city. 30 $ per person is the entrance, according to many guests, a little expensive, but the money is spent on landscaping, maintaining the monuments in an appropriate condition. For this money, you can walk around the surrounding area, climb to the top of the cliff, visit the museum exposition.
The most difficult, perhaps, will be climbing the stairs - without an elevator, you need to overcome 750 steps, but along the way you will meet frescoes, "lion's paws", which gave the name, and observation platforms with magnificent views. In the memory of tourists, this journey into the ancient history of Sri Lanka will be stored for a long time.
Sri Lanka
Marvelous beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, once called Serendib, invites travelers to experience all the colors of life! Surrender to the curiosity that lives within, and chance will reward you with majestic wonders of discovery ... It can be a pristine beautiful beach, a wealth of historical heritage, the healing power of Ayurveda, the adrenaline of sports adventures, an exciting whirlwind of colorful festivals, a variety of cultures and culinary traditions, the scenic beauty of the highlands , as well as untouched wildlife with its numerous animal inhabitants. We can say that Sri Lanka is a miracle island. This is a country with the richest 2500 thousand years of unique history. 11 UNESCO protected sites are located on the island. It is here that the oldest tree on the planet grows, which is already more than 2500 years old. And finally, the goodwill, hospitality and smiles of the friendly inhabitants of the island successfully complement the enchanting beauty of this amazing country!
Capitals: Sri Jayawardenep ura Kotte and Colombo
Geographic characteristics
Sri Lanka is a state in South Asia off the southeast coast of Hindustan. Until 1972, the country was known as Ceylon. The area of the island is 65.5 thousand square meters. km, and in shape 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% - Mountain country, where the height of the peaks reaches two thousand meters above sea level, and the slopes overgrown with forests are dissected 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 (profess Hinduism), 7% are Moors and Malays who are Muslims, and the so-called burghers live on the island (children from mixed marriages of Sri Lankans with immigrants from Europe), professing Christianity. The caste structure is clearly expressed on the island. Agricultural castes predominate, and other caste groups with traditional occupations also stand out. The lowest position in the hierarchy is occupied by the untouchable "Rodi".
Interesting facts about the capital
Official capital Sri Lanka is not Colombo at all, as many people think. The official capital of the South Asian island nation Sri Lanka has been considered Sri Jayawardenep ura-Kotte since the early 80s. This is the longest name of the capital of the existing ones (exceeds the Brunei Bandar Seri Bega van by as much as 6 characters). Such a complex, Orientally refined name is actually not so difficult to decipher: Sri in Sanskrit is magnificent, blessed (which gives Sri Lanka the meaning of “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 a city (example: Singapore - lion city), Kotte - the old name of the city, which it had before the transfer of administrative institutions here. During the years of existence of an independent Sri Lankan state, the hypertrophy of Colombo became defiantly noticeable, so the government decided to at least partially unload the largest urban center. In Sri Jayewardenep ura Kotte are the 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 about 1 million inhabitants), continues to be considered the economic and actual capital. The president and the government of the country continue to work there.
Official language
Sinhalese and Tamil are considered the national languages of Sri Lanka, and are also widely used English language(10% of the population owns it as a native).
Weather forecast
The average air temperature during 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 around 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 southwest coast of Sri Lanka, the dry season lasts from October to April, and for the northeast coast from March to November.
Time
Time on the island is 2.5 hours behind Belarusian time.
What to buy
It is simply impossible to go to the amazing island of Sri Lanka and not bring anything with you, because this country is simply full of special culture, breathtaking landscapes and very unusual people… Yes, the most memorable thing on 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, that's just a must-have after traveling to the famous island. Only it is better to buy it either during excursions to tea plantations or in special stores major cities. After all, I want to drink the best tea to my loved ones, and not a “trick” from bags.
Very attractive prices on the island for precious stones. Rubies, amethysts, garnets, topazes, moonstones… and, of course, blue sapphire is considered the king of Sri Lanka. But jewelry must also be bought in specialized stores, which must issue the appropriate checks and export certificates.
And the country is also famous for batik, i.e. silk painting. Bright, colorful and pleasant to the touch products made of silk will not leave anyone indifferent.
You can also bring spices and spices (this is still Asia), handicrafts, wooden masks, leather goods, bamboo, rattan, coconut and many other materials. In cities, you can buy inexpensive, but high-quality textile products of famous world brands of local production. The best places to shop in Colombo are Odel, House of Fashion, Magestic City stores.
In which corner of Sri Lanka to relax
Most of Sri Lanka's beach resorts are located south of the country's capital, Colombo.
Negombo is a popular tourist resort located about 12 km from Sri Lanka Airport, north of Colombo. Negombo is a fishing village, but it is sure to be remembered by any traveler. Negombo is very popular among fish and seafood lovers. Fishermen catch an incredible amount of shrimp, lobster and crabs here. All these seafood are skillfully cooked on an open fire in numerous taverns located right on the beach. Well, lovers of romance can leave the beach, against which the foamy waves of the sea beat, and go in search of beautiful lagoons.
The city of Polonnaruwa is an ideal non-beach resort for lovers sightseeing holiday. It is located in the central part of the country, so all the main sightseeing 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 needed for a comfortable and unforgettable stay.
Mount Lavinia 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 the proximity to the capital. Those wishing to spend a quiet day on the beach in relative seclusion (compared to Colombo) will definitely like it here. Here, dry clean sand, crystal water and calm sea.
Kalutara is a place ideal for all kinds of activities. 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 luxury 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. Wadduwa got its name from the famous local doctors or veda doova. It is Hikkaduwa that is considered the best dive resort in all of Sri Lanka, so the standard picture of these places is a 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 honeymoon trip. Rivers and seas flow together here, and at the place of their intersection there is the most famous local beach, sheltering its vacationers from the heat with branches of coconut palms. The beach is conveniently located also because there are several good hotels, and from hotels it is already easy to get to shops, and to cafes, discos and even railway- everything is nearby!
Weligama or "Sand Village" has found its place under the sun in a large picturesque bay, the beauty of which can be enjoyed for hours, is better at sunset and in its eastern part. There is also the headquarters of surfers who really appreciate the local waves. IN opposite side, in the west, the opposite is true - the water is quiet, calm and azure-clear, like a royal sapphire.
Tangalle is famous for its magnificent yet deserted beaches, which are considered among the best in Sri Lanka for giving the skin a chocolate shade. On the southwestern coast of the island it is difficult to find a place like this. Here you can not meet a single person, walking along the picturesque coast, stretching 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 bathing and felting. This is the knowledge of such a distant, mysterious and sometimes completely incomprehensible culture. Of course, the numerous sights of the country will help in this.
Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, was busy seaport back in the Middle Ages. Merchants from China, Persia and Morocco sold and bought pearls, precious stones, spices, elephants here. Later, Colombo was captured by the Dutch, the Portuguese, the British, and all of them left their mark on the appearance of this almost 1 million city. Many churches and monuments are built in the European medieval style. The sights of modern Colombo are 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 bow to 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 2250 years ago from the shoot of the same tree, under which Prince Siddhartha was enlightened. The second is the famous bronze palace built 2000 years ago by King Duthugamunu.
The majestic Mount Sigiriya (protected by UNESCO) is one of the main attractions of Ceylon. A stone fortress built on it in the 5th century was a safe haven 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 the giant lion's paws carved into the rock, your eyes will open 11 amazing frescoes of that time - half-naked dancers. The images are applied with vegetable paints, which still - for 15 centuries - retain their brightness.
In Pollonaruwa, the ruins of the ancient capital of the Sinhalese state have been preserved. Here you can see the remains of a palace that once shone with splendor. The Watadage Temple is the best preserved. Four statues of the seated Buddha face the entrance to 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 in width and 6 m in height, 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, favorite place rest of British officials. A winding road leads into the city, surrounded by waterfalls, and the air is clean and cool. Everything here is built in the English style - houses, buildings, golf courts, so Nuwara Eliya has earned the name "little England". On the nearby mountain slopes (2000 m above sea level) the best black tea in the world is grown.
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 traditions and art of the Sinhalese reached their fullest 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, lies an ancient relic - the Sacred Tooth of Buddha. Every year in late July - early August, the Perahera festival is held here. At night, a festive dance procession begins with torches, drums, eighty decorated elephants, fire-eaters are especially impressive.
Galle South Fort is one of the most amazing and original cities of the island, where all the religions represented in Sri Lanka coexist peacefully. Along the way, you can visit the mask factory at Amnalamgoda, where you can get acquainted with the traditions and beliefs of the Sri Lankan people through the art of woodcarving and painting masks. Here you can also buy souvenirs.
Not far from the resort of Bentota, in Kozgod, there are 5 species of sea turtles. Nearby are special farms where eggs laid by turtles are collected, and after hatching, they feed small turtles and release them into the sea. You can watch this process. On the farm, you can see both newborn turtles and adults.
The city of Hikkaduwa on the south coast is also called the "coral sanctuary". Coral reefs attract divers with a variety of fish and turtles. In crystal clean water a snorkel and a mask are enough to see the delightful bright colors of the underwater world. Here you can also admire the fabulous underwater world, riding a boat with a transparent bottom.
The most famous of national parks- Yala. The territory of the park is a savannah with small lakes. Interesting scenes of meetings of deer, wild boars and water birds usually develop here. A characteristic feature of the park are large, scattered throughout its territory mountain ranges- a favorite refuge of leopards and bears. In this park, you can also easily observe wild elephants (especially from January to May).
The island of Sri Lanka consistently attracts many tourists every year. This is not surprising: beautiful nature, rich history and culture, great beaches, wonderful climate... We will talk about all these features of the island in the article. We invite you to discover this amazing place like 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. Mysterious southern Sri Lanka attracts different categories of tourists. They come here to see the world full of exotics, enjoy nature, and also swim in the waters. indian ocean. The local beaches with golden sand are amazing.
In Sri Lanka you will find hidden bays and bays, underwater coral gardens, as well as the remains of sunken ships and much more ... Rest on the ocean coast, familiarization with Buddhist shrines, national natural parks, the secrets of growing tea and its production, communication with cheerful and open Sri Lankans - all this guarantees you unforgettable experience from visiting this island.
Where is Sri Lanka on the map?
This one is located on a small island in the Indian Ocean. The list of historical values protected by UNESCO (total 130) includes seven objects located on this island. Sri Lanka - ancient state with deep traditions and rich history. This is the center of Buddhism, where important monuments of this teaching are located. However, not only historical heritage forms the country's exoticism. Sri Lanka on the map is only 800 kilometers from the equator. Here you will find all the riches of the tropical islands. The Sri Lankans say that they know only three colors - the blue of the ocean and the 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 only works in winter time and has no strict timetable. Chartered flight Moscow - Sri Lanka is carried out by Aeroflot air carrier. The distance from Moscow to Colombo is about 6700 km. Therefore, the travel time is approximately 8.5 hours.
Sri Lanka: time and climate
Those who are going to the island will probably be interested in the difference in time here. On the island, time is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow in summer period, and in winter - by 2.5. As for the climate, it is both subequatorial and equatorial monsoon here. It is complicated by the relief, as well as the orientation of the island, its location from north to south. About 29-31 ° C is the average annual temperature in the flat terrain of the island of Sri Lanka. The season practically does not affect the temperature. In the mountainous part, it varies from 16 to 24 °C. All year round, the sea temperature is above 25 ° C on the island of Sri Lanka. In January, therefore, you can safely swim, as 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). From May to September, the rainy season lasts, which causes the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon determines inclement weather from October to April on the island of Sri Lanka. The rainy season, however, can shift somewhat in time. It depends on the area. In general, Sri Lanka has a very favorable climate for tourism. In January, when it is 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 state language in Sri Lanka. Also, Tamil and English are equated to the state. As we have already mentioned, Buddhism is very common on the island. In addition to him, the main religions are Christianity, Islam, Judaism. The island of Sri Lanka does not impose strict requirements on clothing, however, it is not recommended to visit temples in clothes with bare shoulders and back, in shorts. Also, you must take off your shoes at the entrance. Buddhists are approximately 70% of the population, Tamils (Hindu) - 15%, Christians - 8%, Muslims - 7%. In this country, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, but the dominant position here is given to Buddhism.
Attractions
Many attractions for every taste offers the island of Sri Lanka. 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 acquaintance with 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 in the 2nd century. BC e. In his lifetime, he has seen 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. approved this city as the capital. To the west of it, the Basawak Kulam reservoir was built to supply the population with water. 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 A.D. e. water pipes, bridges and roads, palaces, temples, monasteries, cemeteries and hospitals were built.
For 1.4 thousand years, Anuradhapura was the capital. This is a real 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 (woodcarving, etc.).
Polonnaruwa
The next city, Polonnaruwa, was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century. This is one of the main cultural and historical centers of the country. To this day, Hindu and ruins have survived Royal Palace. The main attraction of the city is Gal Vihara (12th century BC). These are 4 huge Buddha statues carved into a 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 shore (pictured below).
The city is rich in historical monuments. These include the courtyard and the palace of the last king of Kandy. There is also an archaeological museum, near which are Botanical Garden and a university with a picturesque campus. Not far from these historical monuments are rubber and tea plantations. Kandy is located 116 km from the capital of the island, Colombo. It is famous as a center of crafts and arts, as well as bazaars, lapidaries, and a museum of jewels. This place is great for sightseeing and shopping. Nearby you will find views of the legendary mountains with beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples.
Piradenia
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. The gardeners of the island have divided into park areas a large hilly area. In these zones, various types of tropical flora are represented. Another interesting feature garden is over a hundred species of ornamental orchids growing here.
Dambula
Another local attraction is Dambula. This temple was built in the 1st century BC. e., bearing the name of 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. Dambul has a huge collection of Buddha statues. Many of them are over 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, built picturesque city. It is surrounded by gardens with pools, fountains and unusual stairs, 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, which 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 one interesting mountain- Adam's Peak. Since ancient times it has been a place of pilgrimage for believers. They climb this mountain in order to touch with their lips the sacred footprint located at the top. 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 here. The most famous temple is Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. It is an excellent example of Sinhalese art and architecture. The frescoes that adorn the walls of the building tell us about the numerous lives of the Buddha. For example, about how he visited the temple, about the legends and myths associated with his name. Other sights of Colombo include the temple of St. Anthony and Peter, the Cathedral of St. Lucy, Jamul Alfar (the main mosque of Sri Lanka), as well as the Hindu temples Old and New Katiresan and Ganeshan.
Nuwara Eliya
A bunch of interesting places offers tourists Sri Lanka. The weather, however, may not allow you to see all the sights of this country. On hot days, many prefer the beach to trips around the island. However, weather inconvenience can be avoided if Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka) is your choice. The weather here is rarely too hot for walking. The 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 popular resort. Nuwara Eliya, the land of a 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 Orphanage and Bo Tree
The elephant orphanage, owned by the state, is located in the city of Pinnawala. It was created to save animals that suffered from poachers or were left without parents. Today it is home to over 60 elephants.
Sri Lanka is the country where the Bo tree grows, which is considered the tallest in the world. He is over 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, batik are also very popular.
Transport
You should pay attention to the fact that in this country the left-hand traffic. Most of the roads are located in the mountains. Traffic rules are almost not observed by either pedestrians or drivers. In this regard, it is best to rent a car with a driver in Sri Lanka. Prices for this type of service are reasonable - the estimated cost for 1 km is 20 cents. You can also rent a car for personal trips. At the front desk at your hotel, you can get the necessary 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 familiar to us, is quite spicy. The most popular type of food in hotels is a buffet. Those who do not like spicy food should consult with the waiter about what to take. Mineral water, like other drinks, in Sri Lanka is not included in the price of dinner or lunch. This island is especially beneficial for vegetarians.
Curried rice is the most common food item in Sri Lanka. Seafood dishes (try lobster and prawns), fish, meat, vegetables and poultry are also popular here.
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 much, but for a change, you can try a little.
On the island you will find inexpensive and wonderful tropical fruits: avocados, bananas (more than two hundred varieties), papaya, mangoes, avocados, oranges, coconuts, etc. Pineapples are especially good here.
Tips
Usually bills of bars, restaurants and hotels already include a tip, which is 12.5%. You can decide for yourself whether to give more. It is customary to give tips to porters, drivers and guides. They, as a rule, are expected from Russian tourists, but not from the Germans.
One of the best places for recreation is the island of Sri Lanka. The time spent here is never forgotten.