kirby harold harold
The island of Sri Lanka is indeed the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', home to treasures, traditions and cultures of its multi-ethnic population to stunningly beautiful environs and gorgeous coasts.
For a small island Sri Lanka is indeed blessed with the best of nature, the transcendent beaches are the main lures offering sun worshippers gorgeous stretches of golden sand beaches on which to relax. Diverse demographics have endowed the island with a variety of beaches from rocky enclaves to the serene coves located along the lush rivers of the land. Nature in all its variety is seen within the verdant rain forests, wetlands and dry zone jungles. The wildlife that's scattered throughout the distinct jungles are fascinating and quite a treat while travelling to the central regions yield beautiful mountains dotted with lush tea plantations and magnificent waterfalls. It is indeed wise to gather Sri Lanka facts with an experienced tour operator before setting out to the island.
The indigenous Veddha Tribes of Sri Lanka are still found in certain parts of the country stoically preserving their proud heritage and natural survival skills while foreign influences throughout the ages, has left Sri Lanka with a fascinating blend of multi ethnic races, cultures and religions. The Portuguese era, Dutch era and British era are reflected in the various customs, traditions and dress of the Burgher race while the islands popularity in the olden days as a trading post amidst Arabic merchants has resulted in a thriving Muslim community who bring in loads of colour and festivals to the island. Indian influence if reflected in Tamils and Colombo Chitty community while the Sinhalese dominate the land with traditional customs and cuisine that are synonymous with Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a land of verdant national parks preserving the country's most precious possessions – the wildlife. King Devanampiyatissa saw the importance of this by initiating the country's first wildlife sanctuary in the 3rd century. At present 13% of Sri Lanka's environs are dedicated to parks, reserves and jungle corridors. Sri Lanka is recognised as one of the 34 hot-spots for bio-diversity in fact the country's remaining rain forest the Sinharajah is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A safari in Sri Lanka will leave you spoilt for choice with over 14 national parks to explore, hook up with the best of Sri Lanka's tour operators and no doubt you will be treated to sights of elephant, leopard, sloth bear, barking deer and an unimaginable number of bird species. For an excellent journey you may want to consider Walkers Tours Sri Lanka. Remember Sri Lanka is home to 91 species of mammals, 83 reptile species and a staggering 488 bird species (including migratory varieties).
The golden beaches of Sri Lanka are undoubtedly the country's top attraction with the regions of Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Trincomalee and Passikudah being the main tourist resorts. Enjoy speed boating, wind surfing, diving, snorkelling, sailing, scuba diving and banana boating at the beach while the gorgeous rivers of sunny Sri Lanka have given birth to excellent adventure sport opportunities, with many companies providing facilities for white water rafting, canoeing and river treks. The Kelani Ganga at the Kitulgala stretch boasts captivating points such as Killer Falls, Virgins Breast, Rib Cage and Head Chopper. Head into the hills and places such as Knuckles Range, Horton Plains and Hakgala Nature reserve offering fantastic trekking, camping, paragliding and archaeological discovery trails.
Last but not least the diverse culinary delights of this multi ethnic country are a treat to savour. Spicy, savoury, sour, sweet every dish is a treat to relish. Typical Sri Lanka dishes consists of hoppers, string hoppers, pittu, buriyani, kiribath and the most freshest and succulent seafood. Foreign influence is reflected in delightful dishes such as Lamprais, coconut ice, cutlets and murukku while festive sweetmeats are sure to satisfy the sweet tooth in any connoisseur. The tropical fresh fruits found in abundance compliment any meal; choose from woodapple, mangosteen, papaya, pineapple, bananas, rambutan, avocado, belli and mango.
