Set at Latitude 5° 55. to 9° 50. north, longitude 79° 42. to 81° 52., 650km north of the equator in the Indian Ocean in South Asia know as Ceylon, Serendib, Taprobane, and the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, is the tropical island with a history dating back to an ageless, timeless period -  the Stone Age.   

Sri Lanka is an island with smiling people who are well known for their hospitality.  This beautiful island is indeed a land like no other which has something to offer everyone.  

Sri Lanka is among the few places in the world that can offer the traveller a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, unspoilt clean beaches, cultural heritage and unique experiences.  Within an area of 65,610 square kilometres lie 8 World Heritage Sites.  Over 1,000 kilometres of coastline with unspoilt clean beaches – over 10 wild life sanctuaries showcasing an abundance of wildlife, good many acres of lush tea estates, botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.  

In February 1986 blue water lily was chosen as the National flower. Found all the part of Sri Lanka and grows in the shallow water. Petals arranged like a star and the flat round waterproof leaves are bright green. It`s a symbol of purity and truth. It has a sweet fragrance and used for offering at Buddhist Temples and rituals for god Vishnu. Sigiriya frescoes of women holds these flowers in their hands. Stem and flowers used in herbal medicine and dried flowers used to make pillows and says It produces happy dreams…

National Tree of this beautiful country is the NA with a meaning of iron wood.  It’s botanical name is Mesua Ferra.  This rain forest tree grows to about 30 m high and indigenous to the lower wet Zone of Sri Lanka. Remarkable Features of NA is beautiful bright Red Leaves and finally matured in to a deep green. 

Wali kukula or Ceylon Jungle fowl or Gallus Lafayetti is named as the National Bird of this country.  Can be found in National Parks and forests.  

Sri Lanka has no approved national dress, as there are three major communities call Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims live together.  Though there is no approved national dress , Sri lankan male  consider long sleeved shirt without collars up to the knee and a white Sarong worn by male on occasions  as the national dress.  Females wear Sari (influenced from Indians), Osari (Female dress of Kandyan ladies), Frock or skirt and blouse…etc.

 

Dambulla Temple

Misty Mountains