(
Asia
Sri Lanka
vital statistics
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo
- 20 million
- Sinhalese and Tamil
- Sri Lankan rupee
Plonked in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern tip of India, the tropical idyll of Sri Lanka is an island of surprises. Most of its terrain is covered in every shade of jungle green imaginable and a batch of mountains south of the centre rises to more than 2500 metres.
With a colonial history, the rustic and crumbling architecture lends an air of mystique to most towns – the capital Colombo and the town of Galle with its fortifications, in particular, are magnets for the international bohemian set attracted by the yesteryear atmosphere.
Away from the urban areas it’s all about jungle exploration, safaris and tranquil boating journeys. Go searching for elephants and leopards in Yala National Park on the south coast before heading to the southernmost part of the island and the town of Mirissa, famed for its excellent whale watching.
Throughout the country, festivals, from the huge Esala Perahera held in Kandy mid-year to Deepavali celebrations in October and November, are a highlight of colour and energy. And then there’s the cricket... You almost hope Sri Lanka wins just for the spectacle of the celebrations. Almost.
Explore Sri Lanka By
This national park isn’t like all the other national parks. ...
This national park isn’t like all the other national parks. ...
Aliya, a stay in central Sri Lanka, boasts what might just be the best...
Aliya, a stay in central Sri Lanka, boasts what might just be the best swimming pool...
There is a sense of ‘laidback chaos’ that courses through the veins of...
There is a sense of ‘laidback chaos’ that courses through the veins of Sri Lanka. ...
On a deserted beach in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park – the best place in...
On a deserted beach in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park – the best place in the country...
You can fly from Melbourne direct to Colombo, a huge, cosmopolitan...
You can fly from Melbourne direct to Colombo, a huge, cosmopolitan metropolis, on your way...
Perched on a cliff top on Sri Lanka’s south coast, Anantara Peace Haven...
Perched on a cliff top on Sri Lanka’s south coast, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle lives...
Moments from the white sands and blue barrels of Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka’s...
Moments from the white sands and blue barrels of Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka’s latest...
Hidden deep within the jungle of Sri Lanka's Yala National Park is probably...
Hidden deep within the jungle of Sri Lanka's Yala National Park is probably the last place...