Welcome To Sri Lanka

About Sri Lanka

The Paradise in the World

Sri Lanka is an island that is captivating both by its name - that means Land of Splendor - and by what it actually offers to the visitor.The attractions of Sri Lanka - known to the world by several names from ancient days - have been known through the centuries. While legend has it that this is the Lanka of the Ramayanaya,it is the name by which it has always been known its own people.

Sri Lanka has been called by many names by the earlier travelers to the Island and few to mention here are Sinhaladwipa , Lanka, Taprobane, Serendib and Ceylon.It was also referred as The Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the Tear drop of the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka has been as the peal of the Orient for its variety of attractions. It is not a mere tropical isle known for sun, sea and sanda, it has all this in plenty.It has over 1400 km sun kissed beach. one could do surfing, undersea diving, the fascination of coral reefs,and also for the more adventures in there.

Within four hours one could drive from the sunny coast to cool, cloud - kissed mountains, where the best tea in the world grows. For miles around one could see hills and valleys covered by unending carpet of tea, and enjoy the aroma of fresh tea leaves.

Sri Lanka is ranked among est the world's 25 biodiversity hot spots  A few hours driving we can enter the wildlife of Sri Lanka, given sanctuary in many national parks, and nature reserves.We can see the elephant,leopard like wise many kinds of fauna.There are many kinds of birds,like peacock,parrot,stork.There also have migratory birds.

Geography

Sri Lanka is an island situated at the southern tip of Indian Ocean. From North to South - 432km. From East to West - 224 km  Total area - 65,525 sq.km.

Population

The majority of Sri Lankans are Singhalese and Buddhists, but the total population is a mixture of Tamil,Moor,Burger (people of european desent). Sinhala, Tamil and English are the national languages.English is spoken through the island.

Climate

The south - west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north - eastern monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January.The weather is finest in the coastal regions and hill country of the south - west from October to March.The temperature in the lowlands averages 27 Celsius and hill country temperature on average 20 Celsius and in Nuwara Eliya it is often below 15 Celsius. 

Time

Sri Lanka is +5.5 Greenwich Mean Time.  

Clothing

Lightweight clothing is recommended.It is a good idea to be conservatively dressed on the streets and shorts are not permitted in places of worship. Footwear off in temples.A light sweater is recommended int the hill country.Bring rain proofs, avoid synthetics.

Telephones

Card operated telephone booths and cyber cafes can be found in most towns. Cards can be obtained at the nearest shop or kiosk. Mobile telephones rentals are also freely available.

Health

It is safer not to drink water from the tap though water in major towns are treated. Boiled water bottled water and ice at reputed hotels are safe. Government run hospitals and a number of private hospitals are available in the event of an emergency. Most hospitals are well equipped with medical specialists on call at any time of day. Reputed hotels have a Doctor on call.

Electricity

210-240 volts, 50Hz,Alternating Current / Plug socket take round pins. 

Currency

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee. The value fluctuates with world market rates. All commercial banks are authorized to exchange money and so are most tourist class hotels. American Express, Master Card and Visa Card are also widely accepted.

Visas

Nationals of most countries may obtain visas on arrival, at the airport. It is best to check with your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or consulate. The visa that is issued at the point of entry is only valid for 30 days. Extensions can be obtained, if required, from the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.

Shopping

Sri Lanka offers good bargains in ceramics, garments, leather goods,gems etc.

Communication

The general post office is situated in the city of Colombo. Other towns have post offices. Privately run agency post offices, cyber cafes, communication centers also function throughout most of the country.

Photography and Video

Photography and video filming often require permits at historical and scared sites. It is advise to check with the official at each place. Film rolls and videotape are freely available in all main cities.

See the beauty of Sri Lanka