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| Sri Lanka In A Nutshell |
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Few places on earth can offer such great variety
in as compact an area as the island of Sri Lanka. Marco Polo
considered
Sri Lanka the finest island of its size in the entire world,
and you are likely to agree after exploring the country's fabled
delights. What takes your fancy? Beaches? Extremes
of terrain from arid desert and jungle wilderness to frosty
mountain peaks... The coastal stretch south of Colombo
offers palm-lined sandy expanses as far as the eye can see.
Culture?
Try the Kandyan dances, a procession of elephants or the masked
devil dances. Ruins? You'll find enough ancient
and inspiring architecture in the cities of Anuradhapura and
Polonnaruwa to satisfy your inner archaeologist.
And then there's the natural wealth for which Sri Lanka is rightly
renowned. Head for the hill country to escape the
heat of the plains, where the coast fades away to reveal gorgeous
rolling hills often carpeted with tea plantations.
The entire island is teeming with bird life and exotics like
elephants and leopards are not uncommon.
In a single day the visitor can travel from the ruins of millennia-old
civilizations to luxury beach resorts. Experience
both the chaotic frenzy of swarming festivals and the serenity
of traditional rural villages. To top it all off, take a
refreshing Ayurveda health cure, or unwind and relax at one
of the beach resorts located close to the endless palm
fringed sunny coasts that stretch around Sri Lanka. The people
are friendly and the food delicious.
Country Name
* Conventional long form: Democratic Socialist
Republic of Sri Lanka
* Conventional short form: Sri Lanka
* Former: Serendib, Ceylon
Location: Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean,
South of India
Geographic coordinates: 7 00 N, 81 00 E
Map references: Asia
Area: total: 65,610 sq km
Water: 870 sq
km
Land: 64,740 sq km
Population: 19 million (annual growth 1.04%)
Coastline: 1,340 km
Maritime
claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM
Territorial sea: 12 NM
Exclusive economic zone: 200 NM
Continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental
margin
Historic background: Has a long recorded history of over
2500 years
Modern history: Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th
century and the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was
ceded to the British in 1802.
As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was
changed in 1972 to Sri Lanka.
Capital: Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte is the legislative
capital,
where the parliamentary complex is located. The modern commercial
capital, Colombo (pop 1.2 million) contains
both shopping in the historic fort and the Pettah bazaar.
Sri Lanka’s second city is Kandy in the foothills of the Hill
Country. It is the home of traditional arts, music and culture.
Climate: tropical
Monsoon: North-east monsoon (December to March); south-west
monsoon (June to October)
Terrain: mostly low, flat to rolling plains. Gradually
the incline increases towards the mountains in south-central
interior
which rise up to just over 2500 m (8000 feet).
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m, highest
point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m
Government type: republic
Flag description: yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side
panel has two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side)
and orange; the other panel is a large dark red rectangle with
a yellow lion holding a sword, and there is a yellow Bo
leaf in each corner; the yellow field appears as a border around
the entire flag and extends between the two panels
People
Ethnic groups: Singhalese 72%, Tamil 19%, Moor 8%, Burgher,
Malay, and Vedda 1%
Religions: Buddhist 69%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 7%
(1999)
Languages: Sinhala and Tamil are official national languages. English
is widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, except in
remote villages.
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Total population: 90.2%
Male: 93.4%
Female: 87.2% (1995 est.)
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
Currency code: LKR
Exchange rates (1 US$=): (2001), LKR 77.005 (2000), LKR 70.635
(1999), LKR 64.450 (1998), LKR 58.995 (1997)
Transportation
Getting Around
Sri Lanka has a standard road and rail network. Public and private
bus services (semi-luxury intercity buses) operate
from most towns. Nagarjuna Travels does not recommend its valued
customers to use these services. Many visitors
find that the best option is to join an organized tour operated
by a professional travel company. Or hire a driver and
vehicle. Self-drive is not recommended unless familiar with
Sri Lanka’s complex and sometimes chaotic road practices.
ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. (Cars are right-hand drive). Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit
in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns.
AIR: Major domestic airports on the Island are Ratmalana at
Colombo, Batticaloa,
Gal Oya, Trincomalee, Jaffna and Wirawila
Departure tax - International: SLR 1000.00 ( US$ 12)
Domestic Air
Charters
Helicopter tours: Available on charter to major tourist areas.
Rail: Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns,
but first-class carriages, air-conditioning and dining cars
are
available on only a few. New fast services operate on the principal
routes, including an inter-city express service,
between Colombo and Kandy. Otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely.
The total network covers 1500km (900 miles).
Bus:
An extensive network of services, of reasonable quality, is
provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board
and privately owned buses.
Every major town/city is connected via Intercity Bus
Services (a/c and non a/c) leaving
at frequent intervals.
Taxi: These are available in most
towns. It is advisable to agree on a rate before setting off.
Car hire: This is available from several international agencies.
Air-conditioned minibuses are also available.
Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended. Avoid
remote areas and traveling at night.
Three Wheelers: In
all the cities, towns and rural areas thousands of three
wheelers are available for hire.
Rates to be agreed in advance before hiring. Can be dangerous
as it
has only three wheels.
Documentation:
In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an
International Driving Permit should
be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary
license to drive is obtainable
on presentation of a valid national
driving license. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo.
The minimum age for driving a car is 18.
Urban Bus: The Central
Transport Board provides intensive urban bus operations in Colombo,
where there are
private buses and minibuses also. Fares
are generally collected by the Bus Conductors. Services are
often crowded.
Not recommended.
Taxi: These are metered with yellow tops,
and red and white plates. Drivers expect a ten per cent tip.
Travel Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours
and minutes) from Colombo
to other major
cities/towns in Sri Lanka. |
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Air
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Road
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Rail
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Kandy
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-
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3.00
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3.00
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Galle
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-
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3.00
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3.00
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Bentota
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-
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1.45
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1.45
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Matara
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-
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4.00
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4.30
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Badulla
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-
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9.30
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9.00
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Negombo
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-
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0.45
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0.45
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Nuwara
Eliya
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-
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3.30
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5.00
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Anuradhapura
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0.45
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5.30
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6.00
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Polonnaruwa
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1.00
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6.00
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7.00
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Trincomalee
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1.00
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6.00
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7.00
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Kataragama
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-
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6.30
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-
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Natural
resources: limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems,
phosphates, clay, and hydropower
Natural hazards: occasional cyclones and tornadoes
Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil
erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching and
urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and
increased pollution; freshwater resources being
polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal;
air pollution in Colombo
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered
Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of
the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection,
Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Signed, but not ratified: Marine Life
Conservation
Geography - note: strategic location near major Indian
Ocean sea-lanes
Age structure: 0-14 years: 25.6% (male 2,559,246;
female 2,446,393)
15-64 years: 67.7% (male 6,446,320; female 6,802,515)
65 years and over: 6.7% (male 628,398; female 693,911) (2002
est.)
Population growth rate:
0.85% (2002 est.)
Electricity – 220 V.
Production source:
Fossil fuel: 31.86%
Hydro: 68.14%
Other: 0% (2000)
Nuclear: 0%
Agriculture - products: rice, sugarcane, grains,
pulses, oilseed, spices, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs,
hides, beef
Major industries: rubber, tea,
coconuts, and other agricultural commodities; gems, clothing,
cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobacco, rice, sugarcane,
grains, pulses, oilseed, spices; milk, eggs, hides, beef
Exports
- commodities:
textiles and apparel 15%, tea, diamonds/gems, coconut products,
petroleum products
Exports - Partners: US, UK, Germany, Japan, Singapore,
India, Iran, Taiwan, Belgium, Hong Kong, China, South Korea,
Saudi Arabia
Administrative divisions: 8 provinces; Central, North
Central, North Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern,
Uva, Western; note – North-Eastern province comprising of the
temporarily merged Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Economy - overview: In 1977, Colombo abandoned statistic
economic policies and its import substitution trade policy
for market-oriented policies and export-oriented trade. Sri
Lanka's most dynamic sectors now are food processing, textiles
and apparel, food and beverages, telecommunications, and insurance
and banking. By 1996 plantation crops made up only 20% of exports
(compared with 93% in 1970), while textiles and garments accounted
for 63%. GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5.5% throughout
the 1990s until a drought and a deteriorating security situation
lowered growth to 3.8%
in 1996. The economy rebounded in 1997-2000 with average growth
of 5.3%. But 2001 saw the first contraction in the country's
history, due to a combination of power shortages, severe budgetary
problems, the global slowdown, and
continuing civil strife.
GDP: US$48.1 billion
GDP per head: US$2,500
Annual growth: 1.7%
Inflation: 9.3%
Overview
Historic Sites
In the arid North Central Province, Sri Lanka’s fabled “Ancient
Cities” have survived the ravages of time. Annuradhapura, displays
its dagobas and other ruins. Polonnaruwa, its successor, is
equally impressive and the citadel of Sigiriya, a
5th century palace atop an isolated rock, still awes
visitors.
CUSTOMS and CULTURE: Sri Lanka has a long history and is
home to four of the world’s main religions – Buddhism, Hinduism,
Christianity and Islam. In many instances superstition, religion
and tradition have merged to create important customs.
NIGHTLIFE: Sri Lanka is not famous for its nightlife.
Outside of Colombo, the activities are centered around the hotels,
which organize special programs for its guests.
SHOPPING: Bargaining is an art long practiced, and expected.
Most shops are open 10.00 to 18.00 hrs, Monday to Saturday.
Local crafts and souvenirs include batik, woodcarving, puppets/masks,
leather goods, tea, spices, ceramics. Gems
and jewellery too can be obtained.
Alternatively, there are the department stores and
stylish boutiques in Colombo.
SPORTS: Sri Lankans are very sports conscious people. The
most popular games are cricket and rugby.
HOLIDAYS: Every full moon day is “Poya
day”. On these days no alcohol is sold. However some hotels
make special exceptions for hotel guests.
Features
FESTIVALS: The people of Sri Lanka have always been inclined
towards ritual and ceremony. Almost everything,
domestic or professional, demands some ritual. But most occasions
demanding ceremony are religious. If one looks at a festival
calendar of Sri Lanka, it is obvious that a festival of one
type or another is taking place nearly all the time. They
mainly include, The Kandy Perahera, the most spectacular
festival in Sri Lanka and the climax of ten days and nights
of increasingly frenetic activity. Usually held in July/August,
this Buddhist festival includes a huge parade of dancers, drummers,
temple chieftains and decorated elephants.
Wesak (Full moon in May); Poson (the advent of Buddhism); The
Kataragama Festival; fire walking, body skewering and
other masochistic rituals of the Hindu festival at Katagarama
are not for the
faint-hearted.
Sinhala New Year, Other Hindu, Muslim and Christian ceremonies/festivals.
National Parks and Reserves
Sri Lanka’s extensive network of National Parks and Forest Reserves
- especially Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Uda Walawe, Yala,
(Ruhana), Wilpattu, Wasgamuwa, Lahugala and many more National
parks offer abundant wildlife including wild elephants,
buffalo, boar, crocodiles, monitor lizards, leopards, sambur
and jackals along with a remarkable diversity of birds. Both
are within easy driving of miles of sunny, golden sandy beaches.
FOLK DANCES: Lavishly costumed
performers leap and swirl in frenzies of acrobatic movement.
Sri Lanka’s Kandyan
dance and kolam (masked dance-drama) have their origins in South
India, but have developed a uniquely local character.
The devil dancing of the low country almost certainly predates
Buddhism, although Buddhism does accept the magical rites have
a healing power. In all its verve and color, the dances dazzle
the eye and excite the senses.
CRAFTSMANSHIP: Woodcarving is one of the oldest crafts still
actively practiced. Mask making was common, however
today most masks are produced for the tourist trade using enamel
paints. Tortoise shell work is another craft still practiced.
Sri Lanka has a history of metalwork utilizing gold, silver,
copper, tin, lead, iron and their various alloys. Pottery is
a living
craft that permeates life in Sri Lanka. It has come to
represent the fundamentals of rural life. Sri Lanka also has
a variety of handicrafts that fall under the category of textiles
– batik, weaving, embroidery and lace. Basketry and mat weaving
also
have a long history.
SAPPHIRES AND RUBIES: Throughout history, Sri Lanka has
been known as a land of gems. Today the ruby is quite rare,
but its royal brother the blue sapphire, is the king of Sri
Lankan gems. Besides rubies and sapphires, the country also
producers cat’s eye, alexandrites, aquamarines, tourmalines,
spinals, topaz, garnets, amethyst, zircons and a variety
of other stones.
CLASSICAL CREATION: Over the centuries Sri Lanka’s historic
preoccupation with artistic pursuits has transformed the
island into a wonderland of temples, palaces and shrines. Fanciful
sculptures and paintings further enhance this fantastic landscape.
Even a visitor whose main interest lies in the pleasures of
beaches or wildlife parks can’t help but stumble into a veritable
museum of classical art. The treasures range from the great
dagobas and moonstones at Anuradhapura to the colossal Buddha
sculptures of Buduruvagala, Aukana and Polonnaruwa. Some works
startle the viewer with their size
and immensity. Others soothe the senses with the subtle simplicity
of their execution. All exemplify this complex culture’s
quest for perfection.
TASTE OF RICE AND CURRY: Sri Lankan’s main diet is the rice
and curry. Although western influence has crept into the
palate of the people in Colombo and the island’s other large
towns, villagers in the more remote areas still continue to
eat the traditional three plates of rice a day. Deserts in Sri
Lanka usually comprise of fresh fruits and the most refreshing
of local drinks is the thambili, or King coconut.
REEFS & WRECKS: The waters of Sri Lanka – saltwater,
brackish and fresh are as rich and varied in undersea life as
any in the world. Coral reefs and offshore ship-wrecks
harbor a new world of breathtaking clarity. There are sensational
fish and sandstone formation in the Great Little Basses reefs.
And a foray into Negombo will bring about close encounters
with sizeable and exciting game fishes.
Why choose Sri Lanka for your next holiday?
Sri Lanka's lush jungles, abundant wildlife, cool mountains,
glorious beaches, culture, and its ancient cities make it an
ideal island. Remnants of the spice trade, tea plantations,
and elegant colonial hill stations add history.
Sri Lanka is a developing country. For a developing
country the infrastructure is quite good. Sri
Lanka has a long history of developing a wide network of roads
and rails. English
is widely understood while there are many Sri Lankans who have
mastered many of the major languages of the world.
International and local banks operate over a 1000 branches
island wide and are well connected to the international
banking network. ATM’s
are also located in many important places. There
are several Money Changers approved by the Central Bank of Sri
Lanka.
Communication within the island as well as with the rest of
the world is instant. Mobile
phones are widely used and available on hire from the airport,
hotels and at other service centers. Hotels
provide Cable TV services.
220 V. electricity is fairly reliable while potable as well
as mineral water is freely available. Medical Services, from
the government as well as the private sector is of a high standard. With
the recent establishment of the internationally
well-known Apollo Hospital, Sri Lanka is becoming an Asian regional
center for Medical Services
When to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has no off-season, as it’s a tropical heaven right
though the year. There are two monsoons (the South-West from
May to July affecting South/West/Central areas and the North-East
from Sept to Nov affecting North/East areas). Sunny and warm
days are the rule even during the height of the monsoons.
VISAS AND DOCUMENTS
Nationals of more than 25 countries don’t need visas to enter
Sri Lanka. These include tourists from the USA, Canada,
U.K. and other Commonwealth countries, SAARC countries and most
European nations.
Visa is issued on arrival at the airport valid for one month. You
may be refused entry if your passport expires within
less than three months.
How to get to Sri Lanka and Around By Air
Sri Lanka is well connected by air with regular connections
and charter flights from Europe, Middle Eastern and the Far
East countries. Australia and USA via Southeast Asian hubs like
Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bombay
and New Delhi. There are over 15 Airlines operating in and out
of Sri Lanka and these operations are facilitated by GSA’s
and Travel Agents who provide instant information/services on
your needs.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Sri Lanka is a healthy country and there is no reason why you
should become unwell during your visit. It is essential,
however, that your take out adequate health insurance for the
duration of your stay and you seek proper medical advice
in advance. Carry your required and anticipated medical stocks
to avoid inconveniences on your holiday. You may also
wish to consider anti-malaria pills.
Recommended Tours
Sri Lankan Holidays Hyderabad
"Southern beaches, jungle adventures and hill retreats"
package could offer a
15-day small group tour that takes in primeval rainforest, unspoilt
beaches, stunning National Parks and spectacular tea country
scenery with an optional extension to snorkel on a remote and
unspoilt coral reef.
Or try a tailor-made itinerary for one or two with a driver
and guide. |
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