GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION:

Sri Lanka - an island in the Indian Ocean, situated south of the Indian subcontinent. The total area of ​​65,610 square meters. km length from north to south, 445 km from west to east 225 km. In the center of the island is the Central mountain range. The average height of the mountains - 1000 - 2000 m above sea level, but some peaks rise above. The highest point of the island - the mountain has a height Pidurutalagala 2524 m, however, is best known for the magnificent Adam's Peak (2243 m).

CLIMATE:

Tropical: warm (average temperature 28 - 30 C) and humid. Seasonal weather changes associated with the monsoon, not cutting. Rains mostly at night (the most rainy months - June and September). The water temperature around 26 C.

TIME:

The time difference ahead of Ukraine in the summer and 3:00 to 4:00 in winter.

CAPITAL:

Colombo.

LANGUAGE:

The official languages ​​of Sri Lanka: English, Sinhala and Tamil.

POPULATION:

The total population of 15 million people. The ethnic composition - a multinational country, the population consists of Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers (descendants of Portuguese and Dutch) and the Moors (the descendants of Arab traders).

RELIGION:

Major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

SIGHTSEEING / EXCURSION:

Negombo - Beautiful beaches with many taverns.

Colombo. In the capital of Sri Lanka, numerous mansions of the colonial architecture of XVIII-XX centuries. and parks, for the majority of hotels, jewelry stores, banks and offices. Most interesting are the extensive coastal area of ​​the park-Galle Face Green, the old lighthouse and a clock tower, the Presidential Palace, the mosque Yami-ul-AFFA, Central Park Victoria Park Chinamon Gardens State University, a Buddhist University Vidyalankara, National Museum and Art Gallery as well as one of the best zoos in Asia Dehivele (here every night are performances of trained elephants).

Anuradhapura. The most ancient and holy city of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was the first capital of the Sinhala state and it remained for 1400 years (from 380 BC to 993). According to legend, vihara built on the very spot where the Buddha's footprint imprinted. In the center stands one of the seven stupas Ruvanveliseya Dagobah, built in the II. BC. Dzhetavanarama stupa (70 meters), the tallest brick structure ever built by man (III c. N. E.) Was previously the third largest monument in the world, second only to the pyramids of Cheops at Giza. Thuparama Dagobah (III c. BC) - the oldest in Sri Lanka and one of the oldest stupas in the world and contains, according to legend, the collarbone of the Buddha. Also in town you can see the "Bronze" palace, founded more than two thousand years ago, the ruins of the palace Mahasaya Samadhi Buddha statue of the IV., The Royal Palace of the XII century., Isurumuniyya Vihara - a temple cave III. BC. Oe. with old frescoes, Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum, etc.

Mihintale. Mihintale Hill - a sacred place for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It was in this village were first on the island of Buddhist monks, hence Buddhism began to spread across the island. and others

Sigiriya. Mount Sigiriya ("Lion Mountain") is one of the main attractions of Sri Lanka and is protected by UNESCO. It is a lonely outlier mountain towering over the adjacent plains overgrown jungle for 200 meters, on top of that in V. Mr. Oe. Kasap was the king built a unique palace-fortress.

Polonnaruwa - the medieval capital of Sri Lanka (1070-1293 gg.) And is one of the most important centers of cultural heritage. It reached its peak a second golden age civilizations of Sri Lanka.

Dambulla. Here is the famous complex of cave temples, the oldest of which belongs to the I c. BC. Oe. Here, in an area of ​​20 hectares, at an altitude of 350 meters, there are five large and many small caves with innumerable statues of Buddha and murals unique V-XVIII centuries. The church service is held regularly. At the foot of the hill, the modern "golden" temple of the Buddha 30 meters.

Aluvihara. Here is the temple and cave-complex in which, according to legend, was created Pali Canon (Tripitaka) - one of the written heritage of Buddhism. Cave temples with murals and statues of the Buddha.

Kandy - the last stronghold of the Sri Lankan state to capture the country by Europeans. Nestled among the hills, the city of Kandy, the former capital of up to 1815 in Sri Lanka, is still considered a cultural and religious center of the country. Temple of the Tooth Relic was part of a huge complex of buildings: the north of the church the remains of the Royal Palace, which now houses the National Museum. In 1988, the city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

At Peradeniya (Kandy suburbs) is the largest in Asia, the Royal Botanic Gardens (founded 1821) with an area of ​​67 hectares, with one of the richest collections in the world - there are over 45,000 species of tropical and equatorial zones of the planet, including a variety of exotic plants and even historic trees (eg Ficus King Edward VII, ironwood Russian Emperor Nicholas II, planted them in 1891, and spruce, planted by Yuri Gagarin).

Sri Pada ("Adam's Peak"), Sri Pada (2 243m) - the sacred mountain and a place of pilgrimage for believers of all religions of the four islands. At the top of the hill, under cover of a small church, hidden human foot print in stone. Buddhists call the place of Sri Pada ("sacred footprint), assuming that Gautama Buddha himself visited the place. Hindus claim that the fingerprint belongs to Shiva and is called Mount Shrivan adipate (cosmic dance of Shiva). Muslims believe that this is a consequence of Adam, which he left , first entered the land being overthrown from Paradise. Christians ascribe trace the Apostle Thomas, who preached in South India. pilgrimage season begins in December and continues until the festival of Vesak (full moon in May).

Nat. Park Horton Plains (Rock 'Land's End ") Misty silent pastures that stretch for miles, are part of the national park, situated at an altitude of 2134 m above sea level. Previously, there lived the elephants, but now only the deer, jackals and leopards. But the main attraction of the park is considered the "End of the World or Land's End" - a slope, ends abruptly at 880 meters vertically The view from here, one of the most remarkable in Sri Lanka. A clear early morning opening your eyes open spaces of the Indian Ocean, passing over the horizon. The trail goes to a rock near the beautiful waterfall Bekers.

Tangalle, beautiful white sand beach, the Danish mansions - the remainder of the colonial era, the lotus pond.

Mirissa, wonderful beaches and crystal clear water - perfect for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world. Rock Parrot, where a beautiful view we otkryvatsya ocean, where the romance meet sunrises and sunsets, and a temple Kandavahari and snake farm.

Velligama - fishing village. Beautiful sandy beach, the island Taproban, carved into the rock statue of King Kastaradzha (VIII cent.). Along the coast in a traditional style Lankan fishermen stand and sit on thin poles.

Unawatuna - the most popular beach Southern coast of Lanka. White sand, coconut palms and small cozy cafes and restaurants, a small rock - Dagobah and "Peace Pagoda".

Halle - the first port of Sri Lanka, famous for its Dutch fort of granite (built in 1663), which is in excellent condition and is one of the largest and most preserved colonial forts in Asia (included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site). Inside the castle, which occupies 36 hectares - "Dutch" town, ramparts, National Maritime Museum, Belfry, and others. Of the city's attractions, in addition to the fort, it may be noted Cathedral of St. Mary and many Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Hikkaduwa - Amazing beaches, framed by green palm trees, dozens of hotels to suit every taste and budget, souvenir shops, bars, cafes and restaurants ... Hikkaduwa is called "Coral Reserve." Coral reef, which stretches along the coast of Hikkaduwa, is neither an incomparable, magnificent spectacle of beauty, striking a huge coral TIGblogs most unimaginable shapes and colors.

Induruwa (Bentota, Kozgoda). Bentota - one of the best beaches on the west coast. Here there are waters of the river Bentota Ganga and the sea, and in the place of this meeting is a long sandy beach. Palm trees come close to the water and give a rest and cool shade even in the hottest time of day. At 6 km. south of Induruwa in Kozgode located tortoise farm.