Travel Asia

Sri Lanka is an island country just south of India that boasts of a colorful history and an ancient civilization. Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is a remarkable destination that is rich in culture and boasts of a lush natural environment.

The Tamil Threat

Since the 1980s, Sri Lanka has been besieged by violence as the Sri Lanka government has tried to contain the threat of the LTTE or Tamil Tiger separatist faction. A ceasefire was called in 2001 and the government has opened up parts of the island for travel. However, fighting continues unabated in some parts of the island.

The Attraction

Sri Lanka is a large natural habitat that is populated by countless colorful species of birds and a generous sprinkling of elephants and leopards are not uncommon. Known for its friendly people and delicious food.

Great Tourist Destinations

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital, is the most important of all of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities. Starting in 380 BC, Sinhalese kings made Anuradhapura the country’s seat of power where they ruled for over a thousand years. It is the site of the oldest of Anuradhapura’s many temples, Thuparama Dagoba, where the right collar-bone of Buddha is believed to be stored.

Sacred Bo-Tree

Known as the city’s holiest site, the Sacred Bo-Tree is believed to have grown from the tree under which enlightenment dawned upon Buddha. The Aukana Buddha is a 30 ft (12m) monument that historians trace back to the 5th century during the reigh of Dhatusena. It is best viewed at dawned when the first rays of the sun illuminate the huge statue’s finely-carveed features. In the native language, Aukana translates as “sun-eating.”

Colombo

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city a colorful destination that is flanked by the Fort district (Sri Lanka’s business center) to the north, the Galle Face Green (a seafront expanse) to the south and the Cinnamon Gardens (the island’s most fashionable neighborhood) further down south. Traffic can sometimes be unbearable, same with the occasional power outages, but it’s still worth a visit.

Kandy

Built around a serene lake and surrounded by picturesque hills, Kandy is known as the capital of the hill country. It’s architectural character is unique and best represented by old shops, hotels and markets. The main attraction is the Dalada Maligawa, an octagon-shaped temple that contains the sacred tooth of Buddha, the country’s most revered religious relic. Daily ceremonies pay homage to the relic.

How to Get There

Sri Lankan Airlines provides regular flights to Sri Lanka from the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, the Middle East, India and Pakistan. Emirates Airlines provides connecting flights from other destinations in North America. Other airlines include Cathay Pacific, LTU (Germany), Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Thai. Sri Lankan Airlines also has flights to nearby resort destinations in Goa, Indian and the Maldives.

Traveling Around

There are small Sri Lankan Airlines seaplanes that travel to Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Galle and other locations. These places are renowned for photo opportunities to capture a bird’s eye-view of the island and its picturesque lakes and landscape.

A three-wheeled automobile (a “three-wheeler”) is the local equivalent of a taxi and is the most common means of transportation. The other option is renting a car which comes with its own chauffeur who often doubles as a tourist guide. There are also buses everywhere, both with air-conditioning and without, but they tend to be overcrowded. Sri Lanka also has a limited train system which nonetheless provides a picturesque view of the countryside.

Shopping

The most popular tourist shopping items are the local handicrafts — exquisite, hand-made batiks, toys, jewelry and other curios made of cane, cotton, leather, paper, reed, leather, wood, clay, metal and gemstones.

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