National, ethnic composition of the population of Sri Lanka, religions

The total population of the democratic republic of Sri Lanka is 22.5 million people as of 2017. The main official and national language used in Sri Lanka is Sinhala. The second official state language is Tamil, and English is also widely spoken. The national composition of the country's population is very diverse, but the predominant nation on the island is the Sinhalese, while other nations are present in the form of national minorities.

National minorities in Sri Lanka are represented by Tamils ​​and Moors (descendants of Arabs), as well as small ethno-cultural groups (Malays, burghers, Veddas). Sri Lanka's population has experienced steady growth in recent decades since the 1950s.

Sinhalese - 74.88%

The number of Sri Lankan Sinhalese is 15,173,820 people, living mainly in the Southern, Western, North-Central and Central parts of the country. The spoken language is Sinhala, the bulk professes Buddhism, the Theravada branch, a very small percentage belongs to Christians. The Sinhalese are considered to be the descendants of Prince Vijaya, according to the chronicle of Mahavamsa, who arrived in the company of 700 accompanying people from the city of Sinhapura in Eastern India to the island of Sri Lanka from India in 543 BC. However, in the same chronicle, as well as in the national Sinhala folklore, there are references to an earlier period - the four tribes Deva, Yaksha, Naga and Raksha. According to this version, the word “Sinhala” was formed from the words “Sioux” - four and “hela” - ancient.

Tamils ​​- 11.21%

The number of Tamils ​​in Sri Lanka is 2,270,924 people, 70% of them live in the Northern (the bulk of the population are Tamils) and Eastern provinces (the majority of the population of the region). The time of settlement on the island has not been established and therefore there are several versions, three of them: the first - they always lived on the island, because... were among the first inhabitants of the island, the second suggests that the Tamils ​​belonged to the inhabitants of the Chola empire and appeared in the 3rd century. BC. during the wars as emigrants, the third is that they came to the island after the South Indian attack on Sri Lanka in the 10th century, i.e. after a military clash between the states located at that time in the modern territories of these countries.

Of course, such uncertainty is still the subject of numerous political intrigues that support the long-standing conflict with the dominant Sinhalese nation on the island. And yet, despite the hostility, different languages ​​and cultures, genetically the Tamils ​​are close to the indigenous peoples of the island - the Sinhalese and Veddas. Sri Lankan Tamils ​​are predominantly Hindu in their religious beliefs, but a small number consider themselves Christians.

Indian Tamils ​​- 4.16%

The number of Indian Tamils ​​on the island is 842,323, they are descendants of Tamil workers from South India brought in the 19th century. to work on the rubber, coffee and tea plantations of the British colonialists of the island of Ceylon. They live mainly in the Northern and Central provinces. By religious affiliation - mostly Hindus, a small number - Muslims and Christians. During the military conflict of 1983-2009, more than 340,000 Tamils, who by that time were no longer in the first generation living in Sri Lanka, were deported to their historical homeland in India and deprived of citizenship.

Moors - 9.23%

The number of Moors in Sri Lanka is 1,869,820 people, the bulk of the population lives in the Central and Eastern provinces, as well as in cities in the south of the country. The Moors are descendants of Arab merchants who arrived in Sri Lanka in the 8th century. and greatly increased their numbers later thanks to the development of the country's trade in cinnamon and spices with other countries of the world.

The Moors suffered greatly during the period of colonial rule of the Portuguese and were forced to change their habitat from the coast to the interior of the mountainous central region of the country, where the bulk of their descendants live today. Modern Moors use corrupted Arabic (mixed with Tamil) or Tamil, as well as Sinhalese as the local language.

Burghers - 0.18%

The number of Sri Lankan burghers is 37,061 people, they are descendants of mixed marriages from the 16th to 19th centuries, mainly represented by pairs of European colonial men (Portuguese, Dutch, British and other immigrants from Western Europe) or voluntary European settlers and local Ceylonese women. With the arrival of the British in the 18th century. The life of the burghers became significantly more complicated: on the island of Ceylon, the British formed a clear ethnic division of society and, as a result, the burghers were identified as a separate category of the population.

In order for the burghers to be allowed to remain in Ceylon, they had to fulfill a condition - to sign some kind of surrender agreement drawn up by the British. The term “burghers” itself is a cultural concept rather than an ethnic one; the variety of their external features is too great. The main modern spoken language is English, but some use other European languages. They live in large cities on the sea coast - in Colombo, on the Jaffna Peninsula, Galle, Trincomalee, etc.

Malays - 0.20%

The number of Malays is 40,189 people. They are descendants of Malay soldiers who arrived from island Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore) during the period of Dutch colonialism. Over the past centuries, due to mixed marriages, the external characteristics of the local Malays have changed significantly and acquired Sinhala and Tamil features.

The settlements of the Malays are separate from the Buddhist population of the country, zones inhabited by Sunni Muslims, in the form of small areas, as a rule, with corresponding not quite Sinhala names. The Malays are settled along the entire coast of Sri Lanka: they live in small groups in Beruwela, Colombo, Galle, Mathara. A distinctive feature of belonging to this ethnic group is knowledge of the Malay language, religion and Muslim culture.

Veddas - 0.004%

The Veddas are the indigenous inhabitants of the island. The Veddas number only about 2,000 people. The name "Vedda" presumably comes from the Sanskrit or Tamil word for "hunter", which is quite consistent with the way of life of the tribes, since the main original activities are considered to be hunting and gathering wild honey and fruits. Over time, when the tribes began to lead a more sedentary lifestyle, they began to engage in agriculture and pottery. The traditional home of the Veddas is preserved in the isolated areas of the remaining tribes and is a hut made of twigs and leaves, covered with clay, food is cooked over an open fire. Throughout the history of Sri Lanka, the Veddas gained fame as excellent archers, and they fought many times on the side of the Sinhalese kingdoms in the struggle for independence against the European colonialists.

They established an excellent exchange of products for metal products with the local population, due to which they could improve in hunting. The origin is unknown, but at the time of the alleged founder of the Sinhalese nation, Prince Vijaya, the Veddas were already living there and, judging by the fact that representatives of the Vedda tribes have genetic similarities with some peoples of Central and Southern India, it can be assumed that they moved to the island by the previously existing, but destroyed by earthquake, Adam's Bridge.

Today, the Veddas live in two parts of the island of Sri Lanka: Eastern and Uva, although previously they were much more numerous and had larger territories of residence, allowing them to lead a nomadic lifestyle, but, over time, they were forced out by the Sinhalese, Tamils ​​and European colonizers inland countries. For communication, the Veddas use Sinhala and the modern Vedda language, which is a mixture of the same Sinhala and the ancient language that has not survived. Due to many years of assimilation by the local population, Buddhism and Hinduism were gradually added to the animistic cult traditional for the Veddas.

Others - 0.10%

The number of representatives of other nationalities living in Sri Lanka is 28,586 people.

Languages ​​of Sri Lanka

• 74% - Sinhala,
• 18% - Tamil,
• 8% - other languages.

English is often used as a second language and is very widespread, which is quite natural given the country's colonial past. English in Sri Lanka is used for official and business communication and is spoken by about 10% of the population.

Internet coverage

In Sri Lanka, 31.2% of the population uses the Internet (as of mid-2018), which is more than 7 million people. The country is 61st in the world in terms of Internet coverage.

The religious composition of the population of Sri Lanka, like the national one, is very multi-layered, however, there is a clearly defined Buddhist Sinhala majority, other religions are represented in smaller quantities:

• Buddhists - 70%,
• Muslims - 10%,
• Hindus - 12%,
• Catholic Christians - 6%,
• the rest - 2%

Literacy Rate

• men - 92.9%,
• women - 97.5%.

average life expectancy

The average life expectancy of Sri Lankans for 2018 is:

• men - 73.5 years,
• women - 80.6 years.

Military service in Sri Lanka

There is no compulsory military service in Sri Lanka; military service is carried out on a contract basis, between the ages of 18 and 22, the duration of the contract is 5 years.

Buddhist flag Sri Lanka

The Buddhist flag was first developed in Sri Lanka and raised on April 28, 1885 at the first official state celebration of Vesak (a holiday in honor of the birth, enlightenment and passing into nirvana of Gautama Buddha). Its development and implementation was carried out by the so-called “Colombo Committee,” which included more than a dozen Sri Lankan representatives of the laity and the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community), as well as the first European Buddhist, G. Olcott.

Henry Steel Olcott - American journalist, founder of the Theosophical Society, made a significant contribution to the dissemination of the Teachings, initiated the creation of the Youth Buddhist Association (YMBA), as well as about 400 Buddhist schools and colleges: Ananda, Nalanda , Mahinda and Dharmaraja - they are still a monument to his grandiose efforts.

In 1950, the first congress of the World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB) was held, which brought together representatives of the Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana traditions from sixty countries. A number of international resolutions were adopted at the Congress: the term Hinayana (Hiinayaana - “Small Vehicle”) was replaced with Theravada (Theravaada - “Teaching of the Elders”), the day of Vesak celebration was established, and the Wheel of Dharma and the six-lane flag were adopted as international symbols.

National clothes

The national clothes of Sri Lankans are:

• men have a sarong and a shirt,
• for women and girls - a sari and salwar kameez.

Natural fabrics with bright national patterns are used to produce sarongs. A sarong is a sheet/piece of cloth wrapped around the hips in a specific manner.

Sarees can be made from various materials, both natural and synthetic. The classic sari is a single dyed fabric about 10 meters long, first folds of the fabric are created in the front, and then the rest of the fabric is wrapped in a certain way around the hips in several layers, and the rest is thrown over the shoulder. In the original, saris consist of a short top that ends below the bust line, as well as a skirt with a scarf made of a single fabric. However, at the moment, a more modern option is popular, when the top is accompanied by a ready-made sewn skirt and a scarf hemmed to it.

The second common women's costume in Sri Lanka is the salwar kameez, which came from Muslim countries. The salwar kameez consists of two pieces which includes pants/leggings and a dress over it to cover the buttocks. Salwar kameez is a much more covering option compared to a sari.

The Blessed Land or Sri Lanka is located in the southeastern part of the Hindustan Peninsula. This is the land of elephants, Hinduism and, more recently, active tourism.

Previously, a significant number of Portuguese traveled to Lanka, since the island of Ceylon (previous name) belonged to them and was a colony. Now representatives of most developed countries are actively expanding. We are, of course, talking about tourist expansion, because this island really seems to be blessed by nature.

Where is?

Noted the location is clear to few, but if you say Sri Lanka - it’s there near India, then most people will understand where the island is located.

At the same time, many consider the island to be part of India, but in reality Sri Lanka is a separate social democratic republic, headed by a president who is not Indian, but his own Sri Lankan.

Certainly, Lanka and India have a lot in common in terms of culture and social structure. For example, on the island money is called rupees in the Indian style, only there they use their own Sri Lankan rupees.

The most popular languages are those (Sinhala and Tamil) which have linguistic connections with Indian linguistic culture.

These countries have a lot in common in terms of religious beliefs and cults. Indeed, in addition to the religions left over from the colonialists, the most widespread here are the eastern religions, in particular Hinduism and Buddhism.

Flight to Sri Lanka: travel time, convenient routes and much more - in the next article.

Weather on the island

As well as in many tropical countries on the island of Sri Lanka monsoons dominate, that is, stable winds that shape the weather and change their direction with the changing of the main (winter and summer) seasons.

In Lanka, the southwest monsoon lasts from June to October, and the northeast monsoon during the rest of the year. In general, the weather is characterized high humidity and temperature. Actually, it’s not surprising, because the equator is not far away.

Throughout the year, the temperature is in the range of 25-30 degrees, in the mountains it is about 10 degrees less. Therefore, the periods are divided into dry season and rainy season.

The territory of the island is not much larger than the Moscow region, but, oddly enough, on different parts of the coast rainy seasons fall on different periods of the year, like this:

• on the northeast coast from October to the end of December It's the rainy season;
• on the southwest coast from May to July It's rainy season.

Thus, finding a resort with optimal conditions is not difficult. Somewhere it is always dry (during the dry season there is practically no rain) and warm.

Best resorts

Capital of the island is the city of Kotte, and the largest city is, which, by the way, is located very close to Kotte. However, this information has no significant practical use, because it is much more interesting to learn about the best Sri Lankan resorts.

Weligama

The resort is about 150 kilometers from Colombo, which replete with small hotels with exquisite service. Weligama is located in a beautiful bay and attracts with its natural beauty.

Kylie Minogue wrote a song about this resort, or more precisely about the island of Taprobane, which is located in Weligama.

Besides this Weligama is a base for surfers, in particular the eastern part of the resort, where there are magnificent waves and picturesque sunsets, which we advise you to admire if possible. The western part is calmer with no waves and clear azure water.

There are many on the city streets interesting buildings colonial era, Buddhist and Catholic temples.

Tangalle

Perfect option for a secluded holiday on the south coast. There are relatively few tourists here, but at the same time magnificent beaches known, if not throughout the world, then throughout Asia:

• Pallikaduva;
• Medaketia;
• Goyambokka;
• Medilla.

The most popular beach is Medaketiya, as it is the safest swimming area and most hotels are based near this beach.

Perhaps the most beautiful is Medilla, which pleases with clean sand and charming corals near the shore. The resort is interesting for its variety; it is quite easy to find budget apartments here; in Sri Lanka, such an option is rare.

Bentota

It is worth noting this resort, which has its own airport and is considered one of the most romantic. There are magnificent beaches, palm wine and great diving at the largest diving center on the island.

Beaches and coast

Overall a beach holiday is one of the most common directions. Partying in Lanka is not so common, but relaxing on the beach is possible almost along the entire coast.

Wherever you point on the map of the island on the coast, most likely there is a good beach, and possibly resorts with hotels.

It will take a lot of time to describe each resort, although for a tourist you just need to know about the suitability of almost every Sri Lankan beach for recreation. Although, of course, it is often better to look for resorts on south coast.

Attractions and entertainment by the ocean

Sri Lanka has a long history. Travelers are attracted by the most beautiful places on the ocean coast and numerous historical and cultural monuments.

Sri Lanka excels in the presence of temples dedicated to Buddha and other places of worship. Thus, near Dambula on the Mihintale hills, the remains of ancient temples were found. These ruins are considered the beginning of the emergence of the Buddhist religion in the country.

Mount Adams known for the imprinted traces of Gautama discovered here, which even today leads to contradictions between representatives of the leading religions of the world.

Kandy area famous for the largest Botanical Garden in the East, it houses a rich collection of plants representing the tropics and the equator of the Earth. The garden is named romantically - Paradeniya.

In the state nursery of the city of Pinawalla breed elephants.

Early written monument of the Buddhist religion located in Aluvihara on the territory of a complex consisting of cave temples.

Biological reserve in Sinharaja gives tourists the opportunity to see virgin forests with a variety of amazing flora. Some of the trees are 50 meters high.

Sandbanks and picturesque lagoons combine under the shadow of Bundala National Park. About 20 thousand species of birds nest on its territory, and different species of sea turtles live and breed.

The oldest and largest Yalla Nature Reserve, which has the status of a national park. It contains representatives of different populations of the rich animal world. Tourists will see flying squirrels flashing overhead and monitor lizards basking in the sun. On the territory of the reserve you can use the services of hotels.

Kozgoda town will attract the attention of vacationers with the presence of farms where sea turtles are bred.

The city of Hikkaduwa is known as "Coral Reserve", attracting numerous lovers of the underwater world. They are attracted by the beauty of the local reefs and the huge number of ocean inhabitants.

Ratnapura town famous for the processing of precious stones. For little money, travelers have the opportunity to buy stones and have custom-made frames made.

Features of the holiday

Spending a holiday in Sri Lanka means: quiet, relaxing holiday, proximity to the warm sea and nature. There are very few such “leisurely” countries in the world, where you don’t see constant rush and bustle, where people know how to enjoy life. Slowness also applies to hotel staff other than top establishments.

Holidays on the island will appeal to both beginners and experienced tourists.

You just need to take care of safety first, in particular in terms of food and water that you can consume on the island.

Additionally, you need to consider lack of tourist infrastructure, if you want to island hop and explore Sri Lanka yourself.

If you start to wonder why Sri Lankans rest on weekdays, then the lunar calendar can give you a hint. In Sri Lanka weekends are full moons, which are intended for meditation. This is an amazing country in which the rulers care about the spiritual development of their subjects.

Sri Lanka on the world map - next video:

“Sri Lanka is a unique world where, in a small area, there is such a diversity of cultures, landscapes and climatic zones that you cannot find even in countries whose territory is ten times larger.”

Sir Arthur Clarke

Autumn has come. The rays of the last autumn sun are flickering outside the windows, and everyone begins to think about how to extend their summer. Many of you will soon be chasing the warm rays. However, here the question arises: “Where?”
The answer is obvious. We are all going to Sri Lanka, the land of eternal summer, located near the equator. You will ask why"? There are many reasons, because in Sri Lanka everyone can find something to their liking.

Ceylon Island: 10 reasons to holiday in Sri Lanka

1. Meet the amazing, unique, diverse climate.

In 3 – 4 days of travel you can feel tropics on the coast Indian Ocean, enjoying the sun on endless sandy beaches, see ancient shrines of Buddhism and the oldest Bodhi tree, which is more than 2250 years old, to perform south african safari by jeep in a national reserve, enjoy the temperate climate of the central part of the island, admire the waterfalls and feel the coolness of the highlands, where the best famous Ceylon tea grows on fog-shrouded plantations.
Sri Lanka has the largest number of waterfalls relative to its land area than any country in the world.

2. Meet smiling faces and feel Sri Lankan hospitality, about which there are legends.

Sri Lankan hospitality is renowned throughout the world. People are friendly and ready to help those who are not familiar with local customs. Sri Lankans are very hospitable and are happy to invite people into their homes, no matter how humble they are. At first, it will seem unusual that everyone around you is smiling. However, after you return from your trip, the smiles of the island's residents, coming from the heart, will warm you in cold times.
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic society, the result of several waves of immigration. The main ethnic groups are Tamils ​​and Sinhalese. Muslims, Malays and Chinese also live here. The Portuguese and British brought with them Kaffirs from Africa, and the Dutch brought a special type of European traders - burghers.

3. Admire the rich cultural heritage civilization with a 2000-year history.

The richness of Sri Lanka's culture has been recognized by UNESCO, which has declared 6 of the country's archaeological sites as World Heritage Sites:

• Holy City Anuradhapura(4th century BC) - the first ancient capital
• Ancient city Polonnaruwa(10th century AD) – second ancient capital
• Golden Cave temple in Dambulla(1st century BC)
• Lion fortress on the rock Sigiriya(5th century AD)
• Holy City Kandy(17th century AD) – last royal capital
• Old City Halle and him fortress(17th century AD)

The seventh World Heritage Site is an ecological reserve - Sinharaja tropical rainforest, the jungle of which is officially one of the 34 most unique places on the planet in terms of its biodiversity.
Visiting the area called the “Cultural Triangle” , travelers can see huge dagobas(domed structures or stupas) and the remains of ancient buildings in the ruins of the cities of Anuradhapurai Polonnaruwa, climb the amazing stairs to the Dambulla Temple , behold sensual frescoes with the image of girls of divine beauty on the Sigiriya rock.
In the central part of the country is the last royal capital, the city of Kandy, considered the cultural center of the island and where it is located Dalada Maligawa Temple or the Temple of the Tooth, where it is kept sacred tooth of Buddha.
Galle Fort, with its 14 massive fortifications, regular streets and original Dutch-style single-storey houses, is as bustling with life as it was in the Middle Ages.

4. Feel the pulsating energy national holidays and festivals.

The diverse civilization of Sri Lanka has endowed the island with a stunning cultural heritage of colorful festivals related to Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.
For every full moon there is a holiday Singing. The most important of holidays, Vesak, Full moon day in May, which celebrates the birth of Buddha, his enlightenment and death.
The festival that attracts the most attention from tourists visiting Sri Lanka is Kandy Esala Perahera held in Kandy for 10 days in late July or early August . Among the Hindu festivals, it is worth noting Vel, held in Colombo in July, and festival in Kataragama on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, during which a torchlight procession is held. Hindus also celebrate Thai Pongal("harvest festival") Maha Shivaratri(“Great Night of Shiva”), the most important festival of the year for followers of the god Shiva, who are in the majority among Hindus in Sri Lanka, and Deepavali(“Festival of Lights”).
Lankan New Year, usually falling in mid-April, is a non-religious holiday that is celebrated by the entire population of the island, regardless of their religion.

5. Meet someone unique diversity of wildlife.

Thanks to the influence of Buddhism, which calls for honoring all living things, Sri Lanka pays great attention to environmental protection. In total, on the island there is 12 national parks and 52 nature reserves, occupying 14% of the total area of ​​Sri Lanka.
A safari in the national park gives you the opportunity to see 91 species of mammals (including 16 that live only in this region) - elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, sika deer, wild pigs, mouse and barking deer, wild boars, porcupines, anteaters, civet cats (a genus of wild cats), lemurs, giant squirrels, monkeys(including macaques, langurs gray and with pimples on the face).
National Park Yala considered the place of greatest concentration leopards in the world. National Park Uda Walawe famous for its huge population elephants.
Sri Lanka is one of the best places on earth to observe blue whales And. Sperm whales, killer whales, pilot whales and dolphins also regularly encountered during trips along the coast of Mirissa (southern coast of the island). On the beaches of the island you can often see turtles seven varieties.
The island is a paradise for those who love to watch birds. 233 species live here (33 endemic) - the number of bird species, taking into account migration, increases to 482. There are 171 species on the island reptiles(101 of them, including two species of crocodiles, are found only here), 244 species butterflies and 120 species dragonflies.

6. Replenish the lack of adrenaline adventures and active sports.

An island with a coastline of 1,340 km. is the ideal place for windsurfing, water skiing, jet skis, surfing, sailing, scuba diving(including diving on sunken ships), snorkeling, speed boats, and banana boat rides. The best places for water sports are located on the west coast - in the Negombo region ; on the southwest coast - in Wadduwa, Kalutara and Beruwella; and also in Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Tangalle and Hambantota on the south and southeast coast. Aquatics centers are supervised by certified PADI instructors.
Sri Lanka has more than 100 thousand rivers, lagoons and reservoirs. You can ride here all year round kayaking And canoe, combining these activities with hiking and camping stops. The fast current and rapids of the Kelani Ganges next to Kitulgala ideal for rafting between November and April.
Alternative activities include activities paragliding, rock climbing, caving (caving) and mountain biking.

7. Relax in the best hotels Asia, combining the highest service and design.

There are various hotel options in Sri Lanka. In Colombo you will find modern five star hotels, and colonial era hotels, in which you can feel the charm and romance of past centuries.
The island has stunning hotels in amazingly beautiful places. On the coast, especially in the west and south, there are a huge number of resort hotels. Several of them were designed by one of Asia's most famous 20th-century architects, Geoffrey Bawa. Bawa's designs are in a style called "tropical modernism", which is characterized by blurring the boundaries between external and internal space, so that the architecture and landscape of the surrounding area interact with each other. Also on the western and southern shores the number of boutique hotels.
In the cities of the mountainous region of the country such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela , concentrated hotels of the colonial era. For those who are going to fairly remote regions of the island, perhaps for the purpose of sporting adventures, there are wonderful colonial-style houses, factory buildings on tea and rubber plantations, jungle huts, tree houses And eco-shelters, and campings.

8. Enjoy exotic national cuisine.

The variety of types of rice, spices, vegetables and fruits, coupled with the customs brought to the island by foreigners, formed the varied and interesting cuisine of Sri Lanka. Rice used with curry(any dish made from eggplant, potatoes, green bananas, chicken, fish, etc. with the addition of spices) of varying degrees of spiciness: from spicy-spicy to dynamite-like spiciness. Just as traditional hoppers(a snack similar to pancakes) thong hoppers(steamed rice noodles) and pita(a mixture of coconut and flour). Dish lamprais, rice and additional meat or vegetable ingredients baked in banana leaves, was inherited from the Dutch. Always available in large quantities fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, squid and lobsters. Desserts include fermented milk buffalo milk curd, watered palm honey, and similar to caramel, vatallapam.
In Sri Lanka there are various cutlets, pies, malu pang(fish bun), and Kimbula Banis(crocodile shaped bun).
Fruits mango, pineapple, banana, papaya, and lesser known but wonderful sapodilla, mangosteen, rambutan, woodapple(a fruit with a very hard skin, called wood apple), durian, passion fruit, avocado, etc.

9. Try it Ayurvedic procedures and relax in spa center.

Sri Lanka is a place where you can restore not only your body, but also your spirit. The most popular method to restore and rejuvenate a tired body and soothe a weary soul remains Ayurveda- The oldest system of medicine in the world. Ayurvedic programs consist of a number of herbal treatments and various types bath And massages, as well as cleansing and rejuvenation techniques such as yoga, meditation and special diets.
In spas located in hotels, guests are offered not only Ayurvedic, but also other types of treatments, such as Thai massage, hydrotherapy, herbal baths, reflexology and beauty treatments. For those who need an energy recharge, we offer meditation courses.

10. Commit profitable purchases.

There are different ways to shop in Sri Lanka:

• Bargaining with a souvenir seller, spending time on the beach;
• Choosing fruits in a village shop, making your way between bags of rice;
• Visiting fashion sales (Sri Lanka is a major clothing exporter), enjoying strolls through the modern shopping centers of Colombo.

Stop by the gift shop and purchase a piece adorned with the island's national animals such as the makara (mystical animal), lion, swan, elephant and lotus, which are intricately engraved on the copper products(boxes, trays, lanterns, vases) and silver products(jewelry decorated with filigree carvings, tea sets. In addition, very popular national masks, lacquered ceramics, batik, textiles, lace, wood carving.

The island of Sri Lanka consistently attracts many tourists every year. This is not surprising: beautiful nature, rich history and culture, excellent beaches, wonderful climate... We will talk about all these features of the island in the article. We invite you to discover such an amazing place as the island of Sri Lanka.

Briefly about Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a very ancient country, which is also known as Ceylon. Boundless and vast are the pride of this island. The local population adheres to traditions, but at the same time, there is freedom of religion in Sri Lanka. Many sacred temples (mainly Buddhist) and relics attract pilgrims from all over the world to this country. The mysterious southern Sri Lanka attracts different categories of tourists. They come here to see a world full of exotic things, enjoy nature, and also swim in the waters of the Indian Ocean. The local golden sand beaches are amazing.

In Sri Lanka you will find hidden bays and coves, underwater coral gardens, as well as the remains of sunken ships and much more... Relaxation on the ocean coast, familiarization with Buddhist shrines, national natural parks, the secrets of tea cultivation and production, communication with cheerful and open people Sri Lankans - all this guarantees you an unforgettable experience visiting this island.

Where is Sri Lanka on the map?

This one is located on a small island in the Indian Ocean. Seven objects located on this island are included in the list of UNESCO-protected historical values ​​(130 in total). Sri Lanka is an ancient state with deep traditions and a rich history. This is the center of Buddhism, where important monuments of this teaching are located. However, it is not only the historical heritage that shapes the exoticism of the country. Sri Lanka on the map is located only 800 kilometers from the equator. Here you will find all the riches of the tropical islands. Sri Lankans say that they know only three colors - the blue of the ocean and sky, the yellow tones of the beaches and the green of the vegetation.

Flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka

Currently there is only one direct flight Moscow - Sri Lanka (Colombo). However, it operates only in winter and does not have a strict schedule. The Moscow-Sri Lanka charter flight is operated by Aeroflot. The distance from Moscow to Colombo is about 6700 km. Therefore, travel time is approximately 8.5 hours.

Sri Lanka: time and climate

Those who are going to the island will probably be interested in what the time difference is here. On the island, time is 1.5 hours ahead of Moscow in the summer, and 2.5 in the winter. As for the climate, it is both subequatorial and equatorial monsoon. It is complicated by the terrain, as well as the orientation of the island, its location from north to south. The average annual temperature in the flat areas of the island of Sri Lanka is about 29-31° C. The season has virtually no effect on the temperature. In the mountainous part it varies from 16 to 24 °C. All year round, the sea water temperature remains above 25 °C on the island of Sri Lanka. In January, therefore, you can safely swim, just like in July.

As for humidity, it is high here and almost always exceeds 75%. The amount of precipitation is from 1000 (eastern and northern regions) to 5000 mm per year (southwest coast). The rainy season lasts from May to September, causing the southwest monsoon. The northeast monsoon determines inclement weather from October to April on the island of Sri Lanka. The rainy season, however, may shift somewhat in time. It depends on the area. In general, the island of Sri Lanka has a very favorable climate for tourism. In January, when it’s cold in our country and you really want summer, tours here are very popular.

Island population

The population of this island is about 18 million people. Of these, more than 500 thousand people live in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The ethnic composition of the population is rich. This is a multinational country. Its population consists of Tamils, Sinhalese, Burghers (descendants of the Dutch and Portuguese) and Moors.

Language and religion

Singali is the official language of Sri Lanka. Tamil and English are also considered state languages. As we already mentioned, Buddhism is very common on the island. Besides it, the main religions are Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The island of Sri Lanka does not have strict requirements for clothing, however, it is not recommended to visit temples in clothes with bare shoulders and back, or in shorts. Additionally, you must remove your shoes upon entry. About 70% of the population are Buddhists, 15% are Tamils ​​(Hindus), 8% are Christians, and 7% are Muslims. In this country, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, but Buddhism is given a dominant position here.

Attractions

The island of Sri Lanka offers many attractions to suit every taste. Tours here will be of interest to various categories of tourists. "Sri Lanka Resort Triangle" is the most popular excursion program on the island. It includes an introduction to three cities - Kandy, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Let's talk about each of them.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the first capital of the Sinhalese state. This city is unique; it was built back in the 2nd century. BC e. In his lifetime he saw 113 kings. The exact date of the founding of Anuradhapura is unknown. According to the astrological tradition of the Indo-Aryans, he was named after Anuradha, a star located in the constellation Scorpio. King Pandukabhaya in 380 BC e. established this city as the capital. To the west of it, the Basavak Kulam reservoir was built to supply water to the population. The city in its heyday occupied an area of ​​about 52 square meters. km, and its population reached several tens of thousands. In the 1st century AD e. aqueducts, bridges and roads, palaces, temples, monasteries, cemeteries and hospitals were built.

For 1.4 thousand years Anuradhapura was the capital. This is a true masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture. And in our time, Anuradhapura is the capital of Buddhism. In order to visit it, many tourists come to the island of Sri Lanka every year. The city is located on the Aruvi River. Tourism is developed here, agricultural products are processed, as well as a number of things (wood carving, etc.).

Polonnaruwa

The next city, Polonnaruwa, was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries. This is one of the main cultural and historical centers of the country. The Hindu and Royal Palace ruins remain to this day. The main attraction of the city is Gal Vihara (12th century BC). These are 4 huge Buddha statues carved into granite rock.

Kandy

Kandy is the center of Buddhism and the religious capital of the island. An artificial lake has been created in the center of this city. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) is located on its banks (pictured below).

The city is rich in historical monuments. These include the courtyard and palace of the last king of Kandy. There is also an archaeological museum, near which there is a botanical garden and a university with a picturesque campus. Not far from these historical monuments there are rubber and tea plantations. Kandy is located 116 km from the island's capital, Colombo. It is famous as a center of crafts and arts, as well as bazaars, lapidaries, and a jewelry museum. This location is great for sightseeing and shopping. Nearby you will find views of the legendary mountains with beautiful Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Piradeniya

Piradeniya (Royal Botanical Garden) is located 4 km from Kandy. This is one of the largest gardens in Asia. There is a large collection of tropical plants and trees here. The island's gardeners have divided a large hilly area into park areas. These zones contain different types of tropical flora. Another interesting feature of the garden is the more than one hundred species of ornamental orchids growing here.

Dambula

Another local attraction is Dambula. This is a temple built in the 1st century BC. e., called the Sleeping Buddha. It is the largest cave temple in South Asia. Dambula consists of five caves. Not only the temple itself, but also its painting is the largest in South Asia. Dambula has a huge collection of Buddha statues. Moreover, many of them are more than two thousand years old.

Mount Sigiriya

We also recommend visiting the Lion Rock (Mount Sigiriya). This picturesque mountain is located in the center of the island of Sri Lanka and is one of its main attractions. Lion Rock is protected by UNESCO. On this mountain, at an altitude of about 180 meters, a picturesque city was built. It is surrounded by gardens with swimming pools, fountains and unusual staircases, the steps of which are carved between the jaws, throat and paws of a huge lion. One of the attractions of this place is the gallery of frescoes, which depict a procession of half-naked palace ladies or princesses who seem to be floating in the air. These frescoes are covered with a special composition of egg white mixed with honey from wild bees. And to this day their bright colors have not faded. Today, unfortunately, only 17 of the 500 frescoes have survived.

Adam's Peak

Another interesting mountain is Adam's Peak. Since ancient times it has been a place of pilgrimage for believers. They climb this mountain in order to touch the sacred footprint located at the top with their lips. Muslims believe that this is where Adam, the first man, first set foot on earth.

Colombo

The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo. There are many temples, cathedrals and mosques located here. The most famous temple is Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. It is an excellent example of Sinhala art and architecture. The frescoes that decorate the walls of the building tell us about the many lives of Buddha. For example, about how he visited the temple, about the legends and myths associated with his name. Other attractions in Colombo include the Temple of St. Anthony and Peter, the Cathedral of St. Lucia, Jamul Alfar (the main mosque of Sri Lanka), as well as the Hindu temples of Old and New Kathiresan and Ganesan.

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka offers tourists many interesting places. The weather, however, may not allow you to explore all the sights of this country. On hot days, many people prefer the beach to exploring the island. However, weather-related inconveniences can be avoided if your choice is Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka). The weather here is rarely too hot for walking. Nuwara Eliya resort is located at an altitude of about 1900 m above sea level. It is located at the foot of Pidurutalagala. This mountain is the highest peak in Sri Lanka. Here you will enjoy a favorable mild climate (temperature averages 15-20 degrees), as well as mountain landscapes, picturesque valleys and meadows. All this makes this place a popular resort. Nuwara Eliya, a land of blessed climate, is also known as “little England”, as it is called on the island of Sri Lanka. Tours here have been in constant demand for many years.

Elephant nursery and Bo tree

The government-owned elephant nursery is located in the town of Pinnawala. It was created to save animals that were harmed by poachers or left without parents. Today it is home to more than 60 elephants.

Sri Lanka is the country where the Bo tree grows, which is considered the tallest in the world. It is already more than two thousand years old. We also recommend visiting the endless tea plantations. This is the pride of Sri Lanka, thanks to which the island has gained worldwide fame. Sri Lankan spices, gems, exotic fruits, and batik are also very popular.

Transport

Please note that in this country, traffic is on the left. Most of the roads are in mountainous areas. Neither pedestrians nor drivers follow traffic rules. In this regard, it is best to rent a car with a driver on the island of Sri Lanka. Prices for this type of service are reasonable - the estimated cost per 1 km is 20 cents. You can also rent a car for personal trips. Your hotel reception can provide you with information about transport in Sri Lanka. Car rental prices start at $20 per day.

National cuisine

The cuisine here, even close to the European version we are used to, is quite spicy. The most popular type of food in hotels is a buffet. Those who don't like spicy food should consult the waiter about what to get. Mineral water, like other drinks, is not included in the price of dinner or lunch in Sri Lanka. This island is especially favorable for vegetarians.

Curried rice is the most common food item in Sri Lanka. Also popular here are seafood dishes (try lobster and sea shrimp), fish, meat, vegetables and poultry.

It is not recommended to abuse local strong drinks. The main one is arak. This is coconut moonshine, which even the local population does not drink a lot, but for variety you can try a little.

On the island you will find inexpensive and excellent tropical fruits: avocados, bananas (more than two hundred varieties), papaya, mangoes, avocados, oranges, coconuts, etc. Pineapples are especially good here.

Tips

Typically, bar, restaurant and hotel bills already include a tip of 12.5%. You can decide for yourself whether to give more. It is customary to tip porters, drivers and guides. As a rule, they are expected from Russian tourists, but not from Germans.

One of the best places to relax is the island of Sri Lanka. The time spent here is never forgotten.