Which city is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Where is Sri Lanka, what country is it? Journey to Lion Rock

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Practical information

For whom: for young people and middle-aged people
Duration: about 5 hours
Price for 1 person: 2200 Sri Lankan rupees (532 rub.)

Only fees for visiting attractions are taken into account. Expenses for food and transportation costs during this route in Kandy are not taken into account.

Description of the route in Kandy

The medieval capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by picturesque mountains and hills of the central part of the island, is a place where the most interesting cultural and architectural monuments of different eras are collected. The beauty and abundance of man-made attractions in Kandy are rivaled by the natural resources collected in the local parks, which are also worthy of the close attention of city guests.

Kandy National Museum

The museum, which houses one of the country's most extensive collections of ancient art and artifacts, introduces its visitors to the history of the royal capital of Sri Lanka.

Royal Court

The National Museum is adjacent to the main attraction of Kandy - the complex Royal Palace, which includes 2 main parts - the Royal Court and the Temple of the Tooth Relic. A tour of the palace of the last kings of Sri Lanka should begin with the audience hall, decorated with intricate carvings, where in ancient times the rulers of the island held court over their subjects.

Temple of the Tooth Relic

The central attraction of Kandy, as well as the most revered religious center on the entire island, is this temple, which houses one of the greatest Buddhist relics - the tooth of Buddha, which attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

Kandy Lake

The shore of an artificial lake surrounded by picturesque greenery adjacent to palace complex, will serve great place for a short rest after visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Royal Palace Park

You can continue to enjoy the delights of the tropical nature of Sri Lanka in the Royal Palace Park (or Wales Park), which can be reached by going around the lake on the western side. Among other things, there is a high-rise observation deck, from where it opens beautiful panorama historical center Kandy.

Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya

By catching a tuk-tuk near the palace or using the services at the nearby Kandy bus station, you can reach one of the most famous and beautiful botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, famous for its large collection of rare and exotic plants.

Sri Lanka

Amazingly beautiful island in Indian Ocean, which was once called Serendib, invites 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. and also untouched wild nature with its numerous animal inhabitants. We can say that Sri Lanka is an island miracle. This is the country with the richest 2500 thousand years 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 activities. 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. The official capital of South Asia island state Sri Lanka has been considered Sri Jayawardene ura Kotte since the early 80s. 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 existence of the independent Sri Lankan state, the hypertrophy of Colombo became alarmingly noticeable, so the government decided to at least partially relieve The largest city sky 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 continues to be considered the economic and actual capital - the former official capital and the largest city on the island (population of about 1 million inhabitants). The president and government of the country continue to work there.

Official language

The national languages ​​of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil and are widely spoken English language(10% of the population owns it as a native language).

Weather forecast

average temperature air temperatures throughout the year in Sri Lanka range 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 here 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 rainy seasons 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 amazing island Sri Lanka and you can’t bring anything 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 with them fragments of their culture.

Ceylon tea, this is a must-have after traveling to famous island. It’s just better to buy it either during excursions to tea plantations or in special stores major 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

Majority beach resorts Sri Lanka is located south of the country's capital, Colombo.

Negombo – 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 excursion holiday. 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. Hotels are equipped full complex 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 famous beaches, which gained their popularity back in the days of the English colony, mainly due to their 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 place for all types 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. 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 center water activities. 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 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, and from hotels it is already easy to reach shops, cafes, discos and even 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 and at the same time deserted beaches, which are considered one of the best in Sri Lanka for giving the skin a chocolate tone. 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.

Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, was bustling seaport back in 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 European medieval style. The sights of modern Colombo are impressive Hindu and Buddhist temples, National Museum, one of the best zoos in Asia, Dehiwela, as well as 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 objects here world heritage. 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 – mountain resort in the heart of the island favorite place rest of 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 Sinhala kings, Sinhala 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 the golden canopy rests ancient relic— Sacred Tooth of Buddha. The Perahera Festival is held here every year in late July and early 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 bright colors underwater world. Here you can also admire the fabulous undersea world while riding a boat with a transparent bottom.

The most famous of national parks– Yala. The park's territory is a savannah with small lakes. Interesting scenes of encounters 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. Wild elephants can also be easily spotted in this park (especially from January to May).

Sri Lanka is the island of Sun and Sand. More than one thousand kilometers sandy beaches with palm trees surround Sri Lanka. Until 1972, this country was called Ceylon. And although its name has changed, the best black tea in the world, Ceylon, is still grown there. Besides beautiful beaches and there is tea in Sri Lanka a large number of historical sites ranging from Buddhist and Hindu monasteries and temples to orchid gardens and colorful festivals.

Geography of Sri Lanka

The island nation of Sri Lanka is located in the northern Indian Ocean near south coast Hindustan Peninsula in South Asia. Sri Lanka is washed on all sides Pacific Ocean. In the northwest it has a maritime border with India, and in the southwest with the Maldives. total area this country – 65,610 sq. km

In the center and south of Sri Lanka there are foothills and mountains, and the rest of the territory is plains and coastal lowlands. The largest local peak is Mount Pidurutalagala, whose height reaches 2,524 meters.

The most long river in Sri Lanka - Mahaweli, its length is 335 km. The Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Capital

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the capital of Sri Lanka. More than 120 thousand people now live in this city.

Official language of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two official language- Sinhala and Tamil.

Religion

More than 70% of the population professes Buddhism (specifically Theravada Buddhism), more than 12% Hinduism, almost 10% Islam, and about 7% Christianity.

State structure

According to the current Constitution, Sri Lanka is a presidential-parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 6 years by universal suffrage. The President is the Supreme Commander and appoints ministers.

Sri Lanka's unicameral parliament has 225 members elected by popular vote every six years. The President of the country has the right to dissolve Parliament.

Administratively, Sri Lanka is divided into 9 provinces and 25 districts.

Climate and weather

Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and warm. The average annual air temperature is +28-31C. In hilly areas and foothills - +20C, and in flat and coastal areas - +27C.

The monsoon (rainy) season continues from May to July in the central, western and southern regions of the island. In the northern and eastern regions, the rainy season occurs in December and January.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from November to April (southwest coast and mountains) and from May to September ( East Coast). Thus, you can visit Sri Lanka all year round, because... there is always a dry season on some part of this island.

Sea in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is washed on all sides by the Pacific Ocean. The length of the coast is 1,585 kilometers. Local beaches surrounded by palm groves. The average sea temperature in January is +28C, and in July - +27C.

Rivers and lakes

There are more than 100 rivers in Sri Lanka. The longest of them is Mahaveli, its length is 335 km. The Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Story

The history of civilization in Sri Lanka goes back more than 2.5 thousand years. In former times this country was called Ceylon. The first settlers were the Veddas. Around the 6th century BC. The Sinhalese arrived on this island and founded their kingdoms there. From the 3rd century BC. Buddhism begins to spread there. Until the 11th century, the capital of the most powerful Sinhala kingdom was Anuradhapura, and then it was moved to Polonnaruwe.

In 1505, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka and monopolized the spice trade. By 1658, the Sinhala kings, with the help of the Dutch, were able to expel the Portuguese from the island.

The Dutch were more interested in trade and profit than in governing this country. Therefore, they did not resist the British very much when the British sailed to Sri Lanka in 1796. In 1815, Britain defeated the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy, thereby establishing control over the entire island.

It was not until 1948 that Sri Lanka achieved independence. In 1972, this country received its modern name- Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan culture

Sri Lanka has a multi-cultural society consisting of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Therefore, the culture there is very interesting and diverse. Travelers will be able to experience colorful and unique festivals and celebrations in Sri Lanka.

In January, Sri Lankans celebrate New Year, Duruthu Perahera (held in memory of Buddha's visit to this island), Pongal (Hindu harvest festival); in February/March - the Buddhist holiday Navam Perehera and Maha Shivarathri Day; in April/May - Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Eid ul-Adha; July/August - Kandy Perahera and Vel Festival; September – kite festival, Hindu festival Navarathri; October/November – Ramadan, Lilavali (“Festival of Lights”); December - Sangamittha Perehera.

All these festivals are colorful processions, they are always accompanied by elephant parades, music and dance performances, fireworks and theatrical performances.

Kitchen

Sri Lanka's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic composition of the island's population. Home food local residents– rice and curry made from a mixture of spices, herbs and coconut milk. In general, almost all local dishes are prepared using coconut milk and spices.

Samba is pearl rice and is eaten on special occasions. During festivals, yellow rice is made, cooked in coconut milk and lightly seasoned with spices. Another popular rice dish is Kiribath (milk rice).

In addition, the people of Sri Lanka are real experts in preparing fish and seafood dishes. Fried fish is served with chips and salad, while curry fish is served with rice.

Popular dishes - Mallung Curry (finely chopped dried vegetables, prawns with grated coconut and spices), Sambol (spicy hot dish), Pol Symbol (grated coconut, onion, red pepper, lime and salt), Seeni Sambol (fish with spicy onions ), Lamprais (curry, cutlet, shrimp paste, eggplant curry, rice wrapped in banana leaf and baked), Buriyani (rice in meat broth), and Thalaguli and Wattalapam sweets.

The traditional soft drink in Sri Lanka is black tea, which is most often drunk with sugar and milk. Sometimes crushed ginger is added to tea. In addition, the inhabitants of this island love coffee, fruit juices and coconut milk.

They make it in Sri Lanka alcoholic drinks– low-alcohol “toddy” (from coconut palm sap) and “arrack” (30-40%, from coconut palm sap).

Sights of Sri Lanka

According to official data, there are several hundred Buddhist and Hindu monasteries in Sri Lanka. And if we add to this temples, palaces, mosques, cave complexes, then the number of local attractions will reach several thousand. In our opinion, the top ten best attractions in Sri Lanka may include the following:

1. Dalada Maligawa Buddhist Temple (Housing Buddha's Tooth)
2. Fort in Colombo
3. Sigiriya Fortress
4. Dawatagaha Mosque in Colombo
5. Cave Buddhist temple in Aluvihara
6. Kochchikade Hindu Monastery in Colombo
7. Ruins of the city of Anuradhapura
8. Palace of King Kassiapa on Lion Mountain
9. Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla
10. Buddha's footprints on Sri Pada mountain

Cities and resorts

The most big cities Sri Lanka - Kandy, Tricomalee, Kurunegala, Galle, Ratnapura, Kurunegala and Colombo.

Sri Lanka has many kilometers of beautiful beaches. Many of these beaches are located in picturesque bays surrounded by palm groves.

The best beach areas are Colombo, Trincomalee, Bentota, Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Kogalla, Negombo and Kalutara. Many tourists believe that the most best beach in Sri Lanka it is Mount Lavinia near Colombo. All local beach resorts have good recreational infrastructure. There are also excellent opportunities for surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, swimming, diving, fishing, spearfishing and scuba diving.

Near some beach resorts (for example, Trincomalee) there are hot springs, and therefore tourists can take medicinal baths there.

Souvenirs/shopping

From Sri Lanka, tourists usually bring handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, masks, leather goods (for example, bags), batik fabric, souvenirs made from coconut shells, spices, and, of course, local (“Ceylonese” ) Black tea.

Office hours

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 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 a world full of exotic things, enjoy nature, and also swim in the waters of the Indian Ocean. The local golden sand beaches are amazing.

In Sri Lanka you will find hidden bays and coves, underwater coral gardens, as well as the remains of sunken ships and much more... Relaxation on the ocean coast, visiting 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. Seven objects located on this island are included in the list of UNESCO-protected historical values ​​(130 in total). Sri Lanka is an 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 shapes the exoticism of the country. Sri Lanka on the map is located only 800 kilometers from the equator. Here you will find all the riches tropical islands. Sri Lankans say that they know only three colors - the blue of the ocean and 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 does not have a strict schedule. Chartered flight Moscow - Sri Lanka is carried out by the air carrier Aeroflot. The distance from Moscow to Colombo is about 6700 km. Therefore, travel time is approximately 8.5 hours.

Sri Lanka: time and climate

Those who are going to the island will probably be interested in what the time difference is here. On the island, time is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow in the summer, and 2.5 in the winter. As for the climate, it is both subequatorial and equatorial monsoon. It is complicated by the terrain, as well as the orientation of the island, its location from north to south. The average annual temperature in the flat areas of the island of Sri Lanka is about 29-31° C. The season has virtually no effect on the temperature. In the mountainous part it varies from 16 to 24 °C. All year round The sea water temperature remains above 25 °C on the island of Sri Lanka. In January, therefore, you can safely swim, just like in July.

As for humidity, it is high here and almost always exceeds 75%. Precipitation amount - from 1000 (eastern and northern regions) up to 5000 mm per year (southwest coast). The rainy season lasts from May to September, causing the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon determines inclement weather from October to April on the island of Sri Lanka. The rainy season, however, may shift somewhat in time. It depends on the area. In general, the island of Sri Lanka has a very favorable climate for tourism. In January, when it’s 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

Sinhala is state language in Sri Lanka. Tamil and English are also considered state languages. As we already mentioned, Buddhism is very common on the island. Besides it, the main religions are Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The island of Sri Lanka does not have strict requirements for clothing, however, it is not recommended to visit temples in clothes with bare shoulders and back, or in shorts. Additionally, you must remove your shoes upon entry. About 70% of the population are Buddhists, 15% are Tamils ​​(Hindus), 8% are Christians, and 7% are Muslims. In this country, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, but Buddhism is given a dominant position here.

Attractions

The island of Sri Lanka offers many attractions to suit every taste. Tours here will be of interest to various categories of tourists. "Sri Lanka's Resort Triangle" is the most popular excursion program on the island. It includes an introduction to 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 back in the 2nd century. BC e. In his lifetime he saw 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. established this city as the capital. To the west of it, the Basavak Kulam reservoir was built to supply water to the population. 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 AD e. aqueducts, bridges and roads, palaces, temples, monasteries, cemeteries and hospitals were built.

For 1.4 thousand years Anuradhapura was the capital. This is a true 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 of things (wood carving, etc.).

Polonnaruwa

The next city, Polonnaruwa, was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries. This is one of the main cultural and historical centers of the country. The Hindu and Royal Palace ruins remain to this day. The main attraction of the city is Gal Vihara (12th century BC). These are 4 huge Buddha statues carved into 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 banks (pictured below).

The city is rich historical monuments. These include the courtyard and palace of the last king of Kandy. There is also Archaeological Museum, near which there is a botanical garden and a university with a picturesque campus. Not far from these historical monuments there are rubber and tea plantations. Kandy is located 116 km from the island's capital, Colombo. It is famous as a center of crafts and arts, as well as bazaars, lapidaries, and a jewelry museum. This location is great for sightseeing and shopping. Nearby you will find views of the legendary mountains with beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Piradeniya

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 here. The island's gardeners have divided a large hilly area into park areas. These zones contain different types of tropical flora. Another interesting feature The garden has more than a hundred species of decorative orchids growing here.

Dambula

Another local attraction is Dambula. This is a temple built in the 1st century BC. e., called 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. Dambula has a huge collection of Buddha statues. Moreover, many of them are more than two thousand years old.

Mount Sigiriya

We also recommend visiting Lion Rock(Mount Sigiriya). This most 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, was built picturesque city. It is surrounded by gardens with swimming pools, fountains and unusual stairs, the steps of which are carved between the jaws, throat and paws of a lion of enormous size. One of the attractions of this place is a gallery of frescoes that 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 the sacred footprint located at the top with their lips. 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 located here. The most famous temple is Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. It is an excellent example of Sinhala art and architecture. The frescoes that decorate the walls of the building tell us about the many lives of Buddha. For example, about how he visited the temple, about the legends and myths associated with his name. Other attractions in Colombo include the Church of St. Anthony and Peter, the Cathedral of St. Lucia, Jamul Alfar (the main mosque of Sri Lanka), and Hindu temples Old and New Kathiresan and Ganesan.

Nuwara Eliya

A bunch of interesting places Sri Lanka offers tourists. The weather, however, may not allow you to explore all the sights of this country. On hot days, many people prefer the beach to exploring the island. However, weather-related inconveniences can be avoided if your choice is Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka). The weather here is rarely too hot for walking. 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 most high peak 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 a popular resort. Nuwara Eliya, a land of 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 nursery and Bo tree

The government-owned elephant nursery is located in the town of Pinnawala. It was created to save animals that were harmed by poachers or left without parents. Today it is home to more than 60 elephants.

Sri Lanka is the country where the Bo tree grows, which is considered the tallest in the world. It is already more than 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, and batik are also very popular.

Transport

Please note that in this country, traffic is on the left. Most of the roads are in mountainous areas. Neither pedestrians nor drivers follow traffic rules. In this regard, it is best to rent a car with a driver on the island of Sri Lanka. Prices for this type of service are reasonable - the estimated cost per 1 km is 20 cents. You can also rent a car for personal trips. Your hotel reception can provide you with 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 we are used to, is quite spicy. The most popular type of food in hotels is Buffet. Those who don't like spicy food should consult the waiter about what to get. Mineral water, like other drinks, in Sri Lanka is not included in the price of dinner or lunch. This island is especially favorable for vegetarians.

Curried rice is the most common food item in Sri Lanka. Also popular here are seafood dishes (try lobster and sea shrimp), fish, meat, vegetables and poultry.

It is not recommended to abuse local strong drinks. The main one is arak. This is coconut moonshine, which even local population I don’t drink a lot, but for a change you can try a little.

On the island you will find inexpensive and excellent tropical fruits: avocados, bananas (more than two hundred varieties), papaya, mangoes, avocados, oranges, coconuts, etc. Pineapples are especially good here.

Tips

Typically, bar, restaurant and hotel bills already include a tip of 12.5%. You can decide for yourself whether to give more. It is customary to tip porters, drivers and guides. As a rule, they are expected from Russian tourists, but not from Germans.

One of best places for holidays is the island of Sri Lanka. The time spent here is never forgotten.

Many people know about the beautiful resorts on the island in the Indian Ocean. Where is Sri Lanka?

The state is located on an island with the same name. Let's see where Sri Lanka is on the world map. Surely everyone knows how to find India on the map. The island is located near the Hindustan Peninsula, off its southeastern shores. The location of Sri Lanka, its proximity to the equator, determines the climate of the island. The climate of Sri Lanka is monsoonal, with wet and dry seasons.

History of Sri Lanka

This state has ancient history. The first inhabitants appeared on the island in the 6th century BC (the official opinion, the results of archaeological excavations do not confirm it). Three centuries later The Buddhist religion appears in the state.

Since the 3rd century AD, the kingdom of the Sinhalese appeared on the island of Sri Lanka (in Russian translation - “blessed land”). In the 13th century, the decline of the monarchy began. In the 16th century, the island was captured by the Portuguese.

In the 17th century, the newly formed Holland (Kingdom of the Netherlands) displaces the Portuguese colonists. At the beginning of the 19th century, the British Empire declared Ceylon (this name appeared after the Portuguese invasion) as its colony. There were on the island tea plantations created, and Ceylon became one of the main suppliers of tea.

After the Second World War, almost all of Great Britain's colonies became independent (however, the vast majority independence was relative, because the USA, the stronghold of imperialism, has become the metropolis). In 1948, Ceylon changed its status from “colony” to “dominion”. In 1972, the state returned to its former name - Sri Lanka.

In 1983, the country began Civil War. The main participants in the war were the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam guerrilla movement. The fighting went on with varying degrees of success, and the government sought a truce several times. In 2009, partisanship was eliminated and the civil war ended.

The name of the country changed several times: at first it was called Sri Lanka, later Ceylon, and since 1972 the previous name has returned. Today the state is called the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The capital and largest city of the country is Colombo.

Sights of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country ancient culture, interesting for tourists. There are located popular resorts, where many thousands of tourists come. In addition, there is sacred places for people who profess Buddhism, and many pilgrims come here from all over the world. On the map of the island there is There are many interesting sites that tourists visit. Popular excursion tours:

• Colombo;
• Halle;
• Anuradhapura;
• Dambulla;
• Sigiriya;
• Polonnaruwa.

Temple of the Tooth Relic

To see this attraction, need to go to Kandy city(one of the tea varieties is named after him). In the temple you can see a golden stupa, inside of which lies a relic - the tooth of Buddha.

There is an interesting story associated with this relic. After the deceased Buddha was sent to the funeral pyre (540 BC), four teeth were removed from the ashes. One of them ended up on the island of Sri Lanka and became a talisman for the royal dynasty. At the beginning of the 18th century, the talisman came to the city of Kandy. For storage a temple was built for the legendary tooth. The relic itself was hidden in seven caskets, each of them was hidden inside another (analogous to a Russian nesting doll).

Botanical Garden in Peradeniya

After seeing the sights of the city of Kandy, it is worth visiting the suburb of Peradeniya, where a large botanical garden is located. Lovers of tropical exotics will visit the greenhouse of orchids - the queens of tropical forests.

In the palm alleys can be found different types palm trees - date, coconut and so on. One of the varieties of palm trees, talip, is notable for the fact that in the 50th year of its life it blooms and immediately dies. The leaves of the thalip palm “have a history”: Buddhist texts were once written on them, and today the horoscope is written down.

IN botanical garden there is a Memorial Garden - trees planted here grow famous people(among them the Russian Emperor Nicholas II and the first cosmonaut Yu. Gagarin).

Ancient city of Anuradhapura

This oldest city in Sri Lanka and the first capital of this state. As a result of archaeological research, it was possible to find out that the first buildings appeared not in the 6th, but at least in the 10th century BC.

Since the 1950s, the residents of Anuradhapura have been moved to the so-called " new town" This was done for the purpose of protection archaeological sites. IN " Old city» lovers of ancient history drop by.

Plateau "End of the World"

This outlandish name was given to two observation platforms, one of them being called the “Little End of the World”, and the other – the “Big End of the World”. The only difference is the depth of the cliff. Co observation platforms there are views of the mountains and valley.

Interesting fact: at both observation platforms there are no fences or railings. Just beyond the edge there is a sheer cliff. The price of carelessness is very high: an awkward step can result in a fall from a great height and death.

Adam's Peak

This is the second highest mountain in Sri Lanka. The name of the mountain is translated from Sinhala as “mountain of butterflies”. On the flat top you can see a depression similar to a human footprint. According to legend, this is the footprint of the legendary saint - Buddha. Another legend says that the water collected in this depression-trace has healing properties.

A small open temple was erected at the top of Adam's Peak. Buddhist pilgrims and tourists come here.

Beach resorts in Sri Lanka

The wonderful climate and warm sea attract lovers of surfing, diving and just the lazy beach holiday. There are many beach resorts on the map of Sri Lanka, where excellent conditions are created for vacationers. Here are some of the resorts:

• Beruwela;
• Koggala;
• Mirissa;
• Negombo;
• Colombo.

Tea kingdom

Impossible to leave this beautiful island without packaging with the famous tea. It was from here that tea came to England, and then to Europe. Fine varieties of tea are grown on numerous tea plantations. Here you can buy real high-quality elite tea at very affordable prices.

Video

The video will introduce you in more detail to the history of this remarkable country.