Sri Lanka - an island with character
General information
Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, south-east of the Indian subcontinent. Although relatively small, it brings together tropical beaches, ancient cities, Buddhist temples, tea plantations, mountains, national parks and colonial architecture. This diversity lets a single trip combine a holiday by the ocean with cultural tours and adventures in nature.
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the official administrative capital, while Colombo is the largest city and the country's main economic centre. Sri Lanka's only neighbour is India across the sea, separated from it by the Palk Strait.
The island has also been known by different names throughout history. The ancient Greeks knew it as Taprobane, and in European history the name Ceylon was used for a long time. In 1972 the country officially adopted the name Sri Lanka.
Climate
The climate is tropical, but because of the influence of two monsoons, different parts of the island have different periods of good weather. Temperatures on the coast are high for most of the year, while the central highlands are considerably cooler.
For the west and south coasts, including Colombo, Bentota and Galle, the best months are usually December to March. For the east coast, with popular resorts such as Trincomalee and Pasikudah, the drier period is roughly May to September.
This makes Sri Lanka an interesting destination almost all year round - it is only important to match the route to the season.
Culture and history
Sri Lanka has a history spanning more than two thousand years. Buddhism arrived on the island in the 3rd century BC and gradually became a central part of local culture. Today Buddhist temples, stupas and monasteries are among the country's most important sights.
One of the most interesting historic areas is the so-called Cultural Triangle, which includes the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya.
Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals and an important centre of Buddhism. Its sights include the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which according to tradition grew from the tree in India under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Polonnaruwa also impresses with the remains of its ancient capital. Among its best-known monuments are the huge Buddha statues of Gal Vihara, carved directly into the rock.
The most photogenic sight in the area is Sigiriya - an ancient fortress built on a huge rock column rising about 180 metres above the surrounding landscape. Stairs lead to the top, and along the way you can see the remains of the palace complex and the famous frescoes of the "heavenly maidens". The view from the summit over the green plain is one of the most impressive on the island.
In the centre of the country lies Kandy - the last capital of the independent Kingdom of Kandy and one of the most important religious centres. The city is best known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - a Buddhist shrine believed to hold a relic of the Buddha.
Kandy is set among hills and lakes and is an important stop on the way to the highlands. That is where the tea plantations for which Sri Lanka is known around the world are found.
Tea is not just an important product for the country but part of its history. The British developed large-scale production in the 19th century, and after a disease destroyed much of the coffee crop, tea gradually became the main plantation crop. Today the area around Nuwara Eliya is covered with deep green tea plantations and factories that can be visited.
The train journey through the island's hill country has also become one of its signature experiences. The route between Kandy and Ella passes tea fields, waterfalls, forests and mountain slopes. The journey is slow compared with modern transport, but that is exactly what lets you see the landscape up close.
In the south lies Galle - a historic town best known for Galle Fort. Originally built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, the fort is an example of European colonial architecture in South Asia. Today it is home to small hotels, cafés, restaurants, galleries and shops, and a walk along the walls is one of the most pleasant ways to explore the town.
But Sri Lanka is not only about history. The island has rich nature and some of the most interesting wildlife-watching opportunities in the region. Yala National Park is known for its leopard population, and on safari you can also see elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and many species of birds.
Elephants are an especially important part of local culture and history. In some areas they can be seen in their natural habitat, not only in zoos or special centres.
After the cultural and nature routes comes the sea. Sri Lanka has a varied coastline with long sandy beaches and small bays.
Bentota is one of the popular resorts on the west coast and offers a combination of beach, water sports and hotel complexes. In the south, Mirissa is known for its beach and whale-watching opportunities. Unawatuna is a popular resort near Galle, and Tangalle offers a calmer atmosphere and beautiful beaches.
The east coast has a different season and character. Trincomalee is known for its wide beaches and natural harbour, and the area is good for a beach holiday during the period when the south-west coast is more strongly affected by the monsoon.
Sri Lanka also has its own culinary identity. Rice and curry are the basis of many dishes, and coconut, local spices, fish and seafood are widely used. The cuisine is aromatic and often spicy, with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and other spices part of traditional recipes.
Why and when to visit?
Sri Lanka is especially well suited to a combined trip. In a relatively short time you can bring together the ancient cities and temples of the Cultural Triangle, the mountains and tea plantations around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, a safari in a national park and a few days on the beach.
If the route focuses on Colombo, Galle and the south and west coasts, December to March is usually best. For the east coast, roughly May to September is more favourable.
For nature lovers, Sri Lanka offers much more than a classic beach holiday. Safaris, whale watching, walks among the tea plantations and the train journey through the mountains can all be highlights in their own right.
And for those looking for the sea, the island offers plenty of choice - from more developed resorts to small beaches with a quieter atmosphere. It is the chance to combine culture, nature and relaxation in one destination that is one of the strongest reasons Sri Lanka stays interesting after a first visit.
Sri Lanka is not a place to rush through. Part of its charm lies precisely in its variety - a morning can start among ancient ruins, the afternoon pass through tea plantations and the evening end by the ocean. For an island the size of Sri Lanka, that is an impressive number of experiences.
