Discover Sri Lanka, a tropical island paradise blending ancient heritage with vibrant modern life. This guide uncovers its essentials for first-time visitors eager to plan an unforgettable trip.
Geography and Climate
Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, just off India’s southeast coast, spanning 65,610 square kilometers with diverse landscapes from sandy beaches to misty highlands. The central hills rise to 2,524 meters at Pidurutalagala, while the Yala region hosts arid plains teeming with wildlife. Climate varies: southwest monsoons bring rain May-October, while northeast gets wet October-January; visit December-March for the driest, sunniest weather across most areas.
Rich History
Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, just off India’s southeast coast, spanning 65,610 square kilometers with diverse landscapes from sandy beaches to misty highlands. The central hills rise to 2,524 meters at Pidurutalagala, while the Yala region hosts arid plains teeming with wildlife. Climate varies: southwest monsoons bring rain May-October, while northeast gets wet October-January; visit December-March for the driest, sunniest weather across most areas.
Vibrant Culture
Buddhism shapes 70% of the population, evident in festivals like Vesak (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, death) with lanterns and processions. Sinhala New Year in April features games and sweets, while Tamil Hindus celebrate Thai Pongal with cattle races. Daily life mixes Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim traditions expect spicy rice-and-curry meals, Kandyan dance with drumming, and batik fabrics in markets.
Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
|
Population |
~22 million (Sinhala 75%, Tamil 11%) |
|
Capital |
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Colombo administrative hub) |
|
Currency |
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR); 1 USD ≈ 300 LKR |
|
Languages |
Sinhala, Tamil, English |
|
Time Zone |
UTC+5:30 |
Economy and Tourism Boom
Tourism drives 12% of GDP, drawing 2 million visitors yearly with beaches, safaris, and ruins; tea exports from hill country add billions. Post-2022 economic recovery boosted infrastructure like new highways and airports. For travelers from Kandy, highlight local gems like the Temple of the Tooth nearby.
