Rice fields, palm groves, water buffaloes and Buddha statues. Acrobat fishermen, sacred trees, buildings and structures that are two millennia old. Mountain slopes covered with a green-emerald tea carpet, dense jungle that has hidden archaeological treasures for centuries. Wild leopards, bears, whales and elephants. Magnificent orchid gardens, forests of red and black trees.

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Hundreds of dizzying rapids and waterfalls that refresh the mountain forests. A diverse array of hotels, 22 parks constituting a sanctuary of nature, 8 sites declared by UNESCO as the Heritage of Humanity. Ports that have seen Malayan pirates, Portuguese sailors, Arabs, Dutch and British enter them. Endless beaches of coconut palms…

"Sailing from the island of Andaman and heading southwest for a thousand miles, you get to the island of Ceylon, which is the best among the islands of its size," wrote Marco Polo. Serendib, as this island was called by the brave Arab sailors in antiquity.

Sri Lanka, until 1972 Ceylon, is a green and extraordinarily fertile island of untouched nature, wild for the most part, with stunning biological diversity. On a rather small geographic point view, space Sri Lanka provides a huge climatic diversity, which is characteristic of the continent, and not the island.

This Island state since 2010, it has become a tourist destination, after the end of the military conflict associated with the Tamil uprising in the north of the country. In this article, we will present a country that, in view of the above, has not yet adapted to the mass flow of tourists. And the brave traveler should visit it without wasting time!

Sri Lanka on the world map

The geographic coordinates of Sri Lanka are 7 degrees north latitude and 81 degrees east longitude. The island is located in the southeast of India and is washed by the Indian Ocean. The Palk Strait, which is 50 km wide at its narrowest point, separates the island from the continent.

The map of Sri Lanka indicates that the area is 65 thousand square kilometers, 435 kilometers long and 200 kilometers wide, which is approximately equal to the area of ​​the state of Ireland. The photo shows the island of Sri Lanka on a world map.

The population of the country is 20 million people, 75% of the population is of Sinhala origin, Tamils ​​make up 12%, they came from the south of the continent and settled mainly in the north and west of the island. Sinhalese are Buddhists, Tamils ​​are Hindus. Peasant and Muslim communities are also numerous, averaging 7% of the population each. The literacy rate of the population is one of the highest in Asia, at 92% of the population.

The official languages ​​of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese and Tamil. English is widely spoken throughout the population, mainly within sectors related to tourism.

One of the reasons active development tourism in this country is its tropical climate with average temperature 27ºC, although this value can fluctuate greatly during the same day between the coast and the inner mountainous part of the island, where temperatures can drop to 10ºC.

There are two wet periods in Sri Lanka:

• from May to July in the northwest of the country;
• from December to January in the northeast of the country.

Despite this, sunny and warm days are frequent, even during the rainy season.

Map of Sri Lanka with attractions

The main tourist attractions in the country are as follows:

Map of Sri Lanka with resorts

No tourist guide to Sri Lanka would be complete without mentioning a tropical island with a slightly precipitous coastline and sandy beaches lapped by the waters. indian ocean. With a total coastline of 1300 km and an average water temperature of 27ºC, the island's beaches are semi-wild and ideal for the traveler who wants to relax. All water activities are available here ( surfing, scuba diving e and others), you can also see dolphins and whales.

Particularly attractive are the beaches of the southern and western coasts of the island. To avoid the monsoon period, it is recommended to visit the western beaches from November to April, and the eastern ones from May to October.

In the west of the country stands out Unawatuna beach which is one of the best in the world. It is a semicircular bay protected by a double coral belt.

Bentota and Beruwala, located 60 km south of Colombo, have an extensive range of hotels with their various services. These places are suitable for families.

In the south of the island stretched coastline from Tangaye Bai to Weyigama, which has good places for underwater excursions with its rich seabed. Also, just 17 km from Gaie is the most popular gikkaduwa island beach. For whale watching enthusiasts, the resort offers Dondra Point- a magnificent port in December, January and April. Kalpitaya from November to March allows you to watch hundreds of dolphins.

Few of us living in northern latitudes wondered: what is the island of Sri Lanka, where is it located, what country is it, how to find it on the world map, what is it washed by? Many are interested in the question - is Sri Lanka India or not? What part of the world is Sri Lanka in?

In recent years, rest on this piece of land in the middle of the endless ocean expanses has become increasingly popular. Tourists come here for warm sea, sandy beaches, eternal summer, unique souvenirs, the opportunity to see whales.

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Geographic location

Geographically, Sri Lanka is located at the southern tip of the Hindustan peninsula, it can be easily found on the world map in the Indian Ocean, since the state is located in the south of Asia, then the part of the world to which it belongs is Asia. sandy shores, total length about 1300 km, washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean.

The island has an elongated shape from south to north; it is separated from the mainland by the Polk Strait, more than five dozen kilometers wide. The southern part of the island is formed by mountain terraces, passing to the center in the highlands.

The geographical coordinates of Sri Lanka are 7°45′00″ s. sh., 80°46′00 E d.

Brief information about the country

When England, Portugal and Holland colonized Sri Lanka in the 16th century, it was called Ceylon. Now the island is called Sri Lanka, but about how official name sounds in Russian, Wikipedia answers - “Democratic socialist republic Sri Lanka".

The form of statehood is the Democratic Socialist Republic. The type of government is a presidential republic. The main nationality is the Sinhalese. The first states appeared in the 5th century BC. The ancient inhabitants of the island traded with the Chinese, Arabs, and Romans.

From the 16th century to the middle of the 20th century it was a colonial possession:

• the Portuguese;
• the Dutch;
• English.

Capital

note: officially the main administrative center, the seat of government, is the city of Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte, founded in the 13th century as a Kotte fortress. It is located between the channels of Diyavanna Oya and Kolonnava Oya.

In fact, economic cultural center country is the city of Colombo, founded in the 7th century, presumably by Arab merchants. Initially, the city developed as a trading port.

Languages

The country has two official state languages- Sinhalese and Tamil. IN tourist areas residents understand English.

Visa

Residents of Russia need to apply for a visa to visit. The easiest way is to fill out an electronic form posted on the embassy website in advance. Upon arrival, pay 35 dollars, present valid passport, a completed arrival card and get a visa.

Note: You can also apply for a visa on arrival. However, this will cost more and take more time.

Population

More than 21.5 million people live in Ceylon. More than ¾ of the population is the titular nation - Sinhalese, 1/6 - Tamils. The descendants of the Arabs and Austronesians, who are immigrants from, do not exceed 1/12 of the country's population.

In addition, the descendants of European colonizers live here: the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. Their number is about 1/15 of the total number of citizens.

Religion

Take note: officially recognized four world religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity.

Sinhalese, the bulk of the population, professes Buddhism. Tamils ​​are Hindus, Islam is traditionally preached by Arabs and Austronesians. The descendants of Europeans are Catholics.

Sea and ocean

In fact, Sri Lanka is washed by the waters of two seas that are part of the Indian Ocean. The Polk Strait, separating Ceylon from the mainland, connects the Gulf of Mannar in the west with the Bay of Bengal in the east.

The northwestern shores are washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mannar, which is part of the Laccadive Sea.

The northeastern part is washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, which, according to its characteristics, is a sea. The bay is famous for its coastal mangrove forests, rich in unique underwater world.

The rest of the coastline of the island is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean itself. The sea coast with lazy surf is perfect for a beach holiday. Fans of outdoor activities should choose ocean beaches with their ever-roaring waves.

Currency

The national currency of the republic is the Sri Lankan rupee. 1 US dollar is worth about 153 Sri Lankan rupees. 1 Russian ruble costs approximately 2.62 rupees, for the euro they ask about 166 rupees.

Transport

Sri Lanka has a fairly developed land transport infrastructure:

• tuk-tuks are the main mode of transport, which is a cross between a motorcycle and a cycle rickshaw. It is allowed to bargain on the price of the trip;
• city ​​buses;
• an extensive network of intercity buses, which is the most comfortable mode of transport;
• railway communication between settlements;
• Taxi. Developed only in tourist areas and capitals.

Car and scooter rentals are also available. Just keep in mind that:

• no rights other than local ones are recognized by the authorities;
• Only persons over the age of 21 are allowed to drive.

Difference in time

Moscow time is 2.5 hours behind Sri Lankan time. Time ahead of Sri Lankan by 4.5 hours, Novosibirsk - by 1.5 hours. It is practically in the same time zone with Sri Lanka: the difference is only 30 minutes.

What to bring

The island has been famous for its tea plantations, spices, and pearls since ancient times. The number of varieties of tea is so great that it is almost impossible to taste them all.

For more than a dozen centuries, precious stones mined from the depths of Sri Lanka have been highly valued in the jewelry markets: sapphires, emeralds, almandines, opals, tourmalines, topazes.

Therefore, it is worth bringing from the trip:

• Ceylon tea. You can buy it on plantations, in shops, in the market. The price is highly dependent on proximity to tourist areas;
• spices: vanilla pods, pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks;

• natural essential oils tropical plants: vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood, wild lemongrass, vetiver;
• jewelry with precious stones.

Advice: when buying, you should pay special attention to the metal: gold and silver are exported, so no one is responsible for the quality of the metals.

The stones have a mineralogical passport, which will need to be presented when passing through customs;

• cotton clothing. For its manufacture, Indian cotton is used, which is characterized by long fibers that give the fabrics softness.

Climate

The island is completely located in the zone of humid equatorial with a transition to a subequatorial climate. On the coast, the climate is monsoonal.

The high season is winter. The climate is mild. The change of seasons is practically non-existent. Ceylon is the realm of eternal summer. Even in the mountains it never snows. There are practically no average daily temperature fluctuations.

Note: the pole of cold is Nuwara Eliya, where the average daily temperature ranges from +11° to 13°C.

Air temperature and ocean water always almost the same, being 30°-32°C. Temperature sea ​​water lower by 1–2°С. Night temperatures rarely drop below +25°C.

In the highlands, the climate is less hot, the temperature rarely rises above +25°C. The climatic conditions are such that the local southern winter is much warmer than our northern summer.

How to fly

Direct scheduled flights from international airport Colombos are made only in one Russian city- Moscow. Flight period: from June to August.

There are direct charter flights from other cities in Russia to Colombo, information about which can be obtained from the tour operator organizing trips.

It is convenient for residents of the Asian part of the country to fly with transfers at airports:

• Beijing;
• Seoul;

These cities have year-round regular direct flights. Russian airlines have tariff agreements with Asian airlines flying to Ceylon.

For residents of the European part, it is convenient to fly via Dubai or Doha. In addition, you can fly from Russia to Ceylon via, Mumbai, Delhi, Tashkent. These routes involve 2-3 transfers.

Resorts

Resort areas are located in almost all parts of the country:

Negombo

In the western part of the country, the most popular resort is the fishing village of Negombo, located on the shores of the lagoon of the same name. Historically, the area is notable for the Portuguese fort, which the Dutch turned into a prison. It is of interest to fans of history, cultural studies, ethnography.

Advice: Negombo is perfect for lazy beach lovers.

Colombo

The popular youth resort of Colombo, the cultural capital of the country, is located on the shores of the bay of the same name in the west of the country. like anyone eastern city, Colombo lives in contrasts: poverty borders on wealth, shacks of the poor huddle next to fashionable buildings.

The cleanliness of wealthy neighborhoods is replaced by the garbage of slums. Shine and poverty, eternal holiday and eternal work, past and future - all this is intertwined on the streets of Colombo. It is of interest to outdoor enthusiasts.

Bentota

A romantic resort on the sea coast is perfect for peace and lazy relaxation. This is a quiet place with an unhurried rhythm under the shade of palm trees. The main type of recreation is the beach. Located southwest of Colombo.

Kalutara

It is located on the shores of the Laccadive Sea, where the Kalu River flows into it.

Focused on lovers of outdoor activities, water sports.

Halle

The city is located in the southwest, remarkable for its architecture. This resort is suitable for a relaxing secluded holiday.

Induruwa

Located in the west of the country. It has recently acquired the status of a resort, so the flow of tourists is still small. Fans of a leisurely, measured rest will appreciate the sandy beaches in the vicinity of the town.

Unawatuna

A small town in the south of Sri Lanka on the shore of a bay protected from ocean waves by a coral reef. Popular with solo travelers.

Take note: Unawatuna is perfect for a relaxing holiday with kids.

Resort on the southern tip of the island. Quiet place away from civilization. The unique underwater world attracts diving fans.

Kogalla is known for its water excursions, during which you can meet wild whales and dolphins.

Mirissa is the best beach

Experienced surfers go to Mirissa for high waves. Untouched marvelous nature, lack of economic activity create a feeling of paradise. The place is secluded, conducive to a romantic getaway. There are no usual resort entertainments.

Surf paradise

The open ocean coast of the southern tip of the island is popular with surfers. Surf waves make it possible to surf all year round. Sandy beaches are good for beginner surfing lessons. Experienced surfers catch waves among the rocks and reefs.

Interesting to know: Hikkaduwa is the most popular beach among surfers. Beginners can take individual lessons from professional instructors or sign up for classes at surf schools.

Surf schools also operate in Kogalle, Unawatuna, Weligama.

shopping

Shopping impresses with its diversity and will bring real pleasure to those who like to shop.

Note: as everywhere in the east, it is customary to bargain here. Local merchants do not like those who buy without haggling. For them, this is one of the types of communication, a centuries-old tradition that is still observed today. In addition, bargaining is quite realistic to bring down prices by several orders of magnitude.

Resting on the island, you should visit the numerous jewelry factories, which operate shopping centers. The range of jewelry shopping centers is striking in the variety and beauty of the products presented. Local jewelers can make custom-made jewelry with the stones they like.

Having made a trip to the tea plantations, walking through the spice gardens, it is worth visiting the shops. True, prices there are much higher than in small shops and markets.

In local markets, you can buy exotic fruits, spices, spices, essential oils. In addition, here you can buy cotton clothes or order their individual tailoring.

This is especially true for countries South-East Asia. Even if tourists bring any plants, seeds, they can simply be confiscated at customs. To prevent this, it is recommended to abandon the purchase or issue a phytopass. It is better to carry fruits in packed luggage, so they will definitely not be confiscated.

Tips

Leaving a tip is voluntary. Hotel staff, guides, porters, drivers are advised to tip a dollar.

In cafes and restaurants, tips are already included in the bill. In other cases, tourists determine the size of the tip themselves, the maximum amount can reach 10% of the value of the check.

Kitchen

The national cuisine of the Sri Lankans is predominantly vegetarian with lots of spices and spices. The staple food is rice. Local kitchen originates from the Indian, the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arabs, Chinese contributed to it.

Therefore, modern dishes are a mixture of the culinary traditions of these peoples. A spice for all occasions is curry, which is served with boiled rice as a side dish.

In hotels, tourists are offered the usual Europeanized menu. National dishes are served in an adapted form. You can try real Sri Lankan dishes in restaurants frequented by locals. For most Europeans, national dishes seem very spicy, this should be borne in mind when ordering dishes.

Flora and fauna

The fauna of this corner of the planet is one of the most diverse. The island is home to many endemic species of animals, amphibians, birds, insects, which are found only here - 16% of the total.

More than half of the species are endangered:

• Indian deer sambar;
• Sri Lankan leopard;
• Sri Lankan elephant;
• sponge bear.

The island is also home to over 200 species of birds, a quarter of which are also endangered. More than half of the representatives of amphibians can also disappear forever, and more than a hundred species live here, 90% of them are endemic.

scammers on the island

You can come across scammers everywhere: on the street, in restaurants, shops, in transport. Merchants, drivers usually quote a price many times higher than the actual one. There is only one piece of advice here: find out the cost in advance, bargain desperately.

You can also become a victim of scammers when exchanging currency, often tourists are lured by a tempting exchange rate. Therefore, it is necessary to be vigilant, not to be led by tempting offers, while maintaining a critical perception. As the saying goes, free cheese is only found in a mousetrap.

Attractions

Sri Lanka is a country with a thousand-year history and unique nature.

Traveling around the island, you can see the architectural monuments that are cultural heritage under the protection of UNESCO:

• the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, built three thousand years ago by the Indians;
• ancient man-made lakes;
• the palace complex of Sigiriya, located on mountain terraces;
• national parks Horton Place, Yala;
• royal botanical garden;
• heritage of the period of colonization;
• numerous ancient temples.

In fact, the whole of Ceylon is one big attraction.. Nearby are the eras of Ancient India and colonization, modern buildings and ancient palaces, botanical gardens and thousand-year-old plantations.

tour cost

The cost of a weekly package tour for two with a departure from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk starts from 60 thousand rubles.

Since Sri Lanka is a fairly large island, which has many beaches and resorts, you should not ignore the issue of choosing a vacation spot on this island. It is important to remember that at the same time in different parts of Sri Lanka there can be very different weather. So if you are thinking about where it is better to go in Sri Lanka, then do not forget about the climate. Even if you have found a resort in Sri Lanka that suits you completely, do not be too lazy to look at the climate in this resort in the month in which you plan to make a trip.
The most popular resorts of Sri Lanka are located in the west and south of the island, but there are also several good resorts located in the east and north of Sri Lanka. Since the west and south of the island did not suffer as much due to civil war and the tsunami of 2004, the development of tourism here was much faster than in the east and north of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the popular resorts are located in the south and west of the island, despite the fact that the north and east of Sri Lanka have great potential in the field of tourism.
If you are thinking about where it is better to go in Sri Lanka, then our article about the resorts of Sri Lanka can be very useful for you. In this article we will present short descriptions of the popular resorts of Sri Lanka, but you can always get more on our website detailed information for a specific resort. After reading all the information, you will already be able to understand which resort in Sri Lanka is better to choose for a vacation at one time or another of the year.

Map of Sri Lanka with resorts

To begin with, it would be nice to know about the location of all the resorts on the map of Sri Lanka. This page presents General Map resorts of Sri Lanka and a map of the southern coast of the island with resorts. Perhaps some of the resorts described in this article are not marked on the maps, but the most popular resorts in Sri Lanka are marked.

Beruwala Resort

This resort is great for couples, although all tourists can find good conditions for relaxation in Beruwala. When it is winter in Russia, the weather in the area of ​​​​the resort of Beruwala in Sri Lanka is warm and relatively dry. This is the peak tourist season here. From May, the weather begins to change, as the southwest monsoon comes here, which brings strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The resort of Beruwala owes its great popularity among tourists to its beach. This is a magnificent sandy beach, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, and with countless palm trees and colorful bird life. Another plus of Beruwala is a wide selection of accommodation for every taste and budget. There are both simple guest houses and luxurious villas for rent. But large hotel complexes are especially popular here, which offer not only the possibility of all-inclusive meals, but also numerous sports and recreational activities.
It is worth noting that the resort of Beruwala in Sri Lanka has focused on wellness holidays. Several hotels in this resort specialize in Ayurveda. Therefore, if you want to immerse yourself in the world of traditional Indian healing, Beruwala is definitely the right place for those who want to combine a holiday on a beautiful beach with Ayurveda.
The Beruwela resort is located about 56 km south of the capital Colombo and 90 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport. As a rule, the duration of the trip from the airport to this resort by taxi is about two hours.
Beruwala Beach, 1.2 kilometers long, pleases with its light fine sand. If you also think of the crystal clear ocean and the countless coconut palms that provide shade on the beach, it's not hard to see why Beruwala is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Families with children will appreciate the shallow waters around this beach, which offer good conditions for swimming and swimming. Thanks to the reef, Beruwela is also good place for snorkeling and diving.
At the southern end of the beach, the Bentota River flows into the Indian Ocean. The diverse flora and fauna of the river and its valley invites you to explore in detail. Boat trips of three or more hours pass through beautiful mangrove forests to Little Adam Peak.

Bentota Resort

Over the past 40 years, Bentota has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a first-class resort. Large hotels with spacious swimming pools, specialized restaurants and luxurious wellness centers are no longer always able to accommodate everyone who wants to relax in these beautiful landscapes. resort complexes. Like many other resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Bentota has several hotels with an all-inclusive concept. Guests from all over the world appreciate the hotels operating according to this concept not only for the numerous included services, but also for the fact that they do not need to think about spending during their holidays and do not need to constantly count money.
In addition to big hotel complexes, in Bentota there are also guest houses for tourists with a small wallet. As a rule, such guest houses are located a few steps from the beach.
The undisputed trump card of the resort of Bentota is a magnificent sandy beach. This is a four-kilometer beach with light and very fine sand, which is bordered by a strip of palm trees. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate good surfing conditions, sailing, diving or snorkeling on this beach. But those who just want to swim in the calm waters of the Indian Ocean will also find a suitable place for themselves. In the northern part of the beach, the ocean is usually quite calm, so given place ideal for swimming. Higher waves can be seen in the southern part of the beach.
Bentota is located right at the mouth of the river of the same name, about 62 km south of the capital of Sri Lanka. The international airport is located about 100 kilometers from Bentota. It can be reached in about an hour and a half drive.
Bentota Ganga, which flows into the Indian Ocean near the resort, is home to countless birds and other representatives of the diverse flora and fauna of Sri Lanka. We recommend taking a boat trip through the mangroves along this river to Little Adam Peak.
An interesting place of peace and serenity is located 10 kilometers from the resort of Bentota. This is a garden designed by Bevis Bava in 1920 with beautiful tropical plants that can be seen in a paradise with small ponds and winding paths.
If you want to get an idea of ​​the life of the locals, then you should visit the weekly market in the nearby village of Aluthgama. While walking around the market, you can see a lot of interesting things, including unique goods that are sold only in Sri Lanka.

Resort Hikkaduwa

If you are interested in the most popular resorts of Sri Lanka among Russian tourists, then you simply have no right to ignore the resort of Hikkaduwa.
Initially, there was a small fishing village on the site of the Hikkaduwa resort, but later a secret place appeared there for "chosen" tourists. Today Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous resorts Sri Lanka. Despite the many hotels, this place has retained its charm.
The beach resort of Hikkaduwa in the far southwest of Sri Lanka is a popular destination, especially for active tourists. During the day, most tourists are engaged here water sports sports, and in the evening they spend time in bars. Hikkaduwa resort is especially popular among young people. Divers and surfers appreciate good nightlife in Hikkaduwa, which is mainly concentrated in the southern part of the resort.
Recently, in addition to small hotels and guest houses, Hikkaduwa has also received large resort hotels that offer all the necessary amenities so that guests do not have to leave the hotel grounds.
The sandy beach of Hikkaduwa is covered with fine light sand and countless coconut palms. Surfers can count on good waves on this beach. Both beginners and professionals will be satisfied with the conditions for surfing here. In general, Hikkaduwa is considered the best place for surfing in Sri Lanka, where there are many surf schools, board rental stations, as well as shops offering everything you need for surfing.
The coral reef near Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous diving spots in Sri Lanka. However, it is located close to the coast. Many of the corals are sadly dead, but the variety of colorful fish will satisfy even seasoned divers.
The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is located about 115 kilometers from Hikkaduwa, and the international airport near Negombo is 147 kilometers away. Therefore, the trip from the airport to Hikkaduwa by taxi will last from 2.5 to 3 hours.
Galle, the most important city in south coast Sri Lanka is about 25 minutes drive from Hikkaduwa.
Nature lovers are advised to take a boat trip to the lagoon near Dodanduwa, which is only five kilometers south of Hikkaduwa. You can also go to the lake of the same name, where there is a beautiful temple on an island in the middle of the water. To the north of the city is a mine moonstone. During a tour of this place, you can get an idea of ​​how popular jewelry is made.

Resort Kalutara

Tourists who are only interested in best resorts Sri Lanka, for some reason, often overlooked resort of Kalutara, which, together with Wadduwa, Beruwela and Bentota, forms the most important resort region on southwest coast Sri Lanka. This is due to the long beautiful beaches, great water sports facilities and excellent hotel industry. These prerequisites are also complemented by magnificent surroundings that boast their lush nature and countless coconut trees. The Kalutara area is also famous for its mangosteen fruits, which are considered the best on the island.
Along the beautiful beach of Kalutara there are many hotels that offer a high level of comfort and service. Spacious resorts blend harmoniously into the tropical environment and are fully adapted for foreign guests. spacious pools, good restaurants, as well as exclusive wellness centers, where Ayurvedic treatments are often performed, are available in many of these hotels. As in other resort areas of Sri Lanka, hoteliers in Kalutara are increasingly using the all-inclusive concept, which is especially popular among guests from Russia and Europe.
Kalutara's bustling city center has small markets and shops that offer a wide range of souvenirs. The selection ranges from textiles or small pieces of art to the palm frond or coir bedding that Kalutara is known for.
The quiet, kilometer-long beach of Kalutara is one of the most popular in the country. Particularly pleasant is the northern area of ​​the beach, where the sandy beach has remained almost untouched. Kalutara Beach offers ideal conditions for walking, as well as swimming, surfing and snorkelling.
The Kalutara resort is located at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River, about 45 kilometers from the capital and 80 kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport. It will take you 1.5 to 2 hours to travel from the airport to Kalutara.
The main attraction of Kalutara - temple complex Gangatilaka Vihara. At the center of the temple is the impressive Dagobah, whose white dome is visible from afar. Although the temple has no historical significance, it is still a popular pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. The reason for this is the 2000 year old Boddhi tree under which the Buddha was enlightened. For visitors, the fact that Dagobah is the only one accessible in Sri Lanka is a special reason to visit the temple. Also a popular place for excursions is the Kalu Ganga River, where boat trips are held. The flora and fauna on the lush banks of the river, as well as the opportunity to watch local fishermen while they work, have made this excursion very popular with tourists.

Marawila resort

If you are thinking about which resort in Sri Lanka to choose, then it is important to understand how you want to spend your time. If you are a fan of outdoor activities and water sports, then the picturesque fishing village of Marawila, which is located north of Negombo, is most likely to suit you. However, you can find a peaceful place here away from the crowds of tourists.
Only a few hotels in the Marawila area have been carefully integrated into nature in order to preserve the originality of the surroundings. Hotel buildings have no more than three floors and offer a high level of comfort. Luxury hotels with spacious swimming pools, international restaurants and various sports and leisure activities often offer an all-inclusive concept for their guests. But there are comfortable middle-class hotels and simple guest houses in the resort area of ​​Maravila.
The three-kilometer-long Marawila Beach is washed by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean on one side, and on the other side it is bordered by a strip of countless coconut trees that provide the necessary shade for sunny days. Families with children and those tourists who cannot swim will appreciate the shallow waters of this beach. Like all beaches in Sri Lanka, Marawila Beach is also open to the public. Water sports enthusiasts and anyone who wants to become one can find good conditions for diving and surfing on this beach. Diving tours to the reefs, where there are many colorful fish and coral reefs, are recommended for all diving enthusiasts.
Marawila resort is located in the Gampaha region, north of the famous tourist resort of Negombo. About 30 kilometers - this is the distance you need to overcome in order to drive from Colombo airport to Marawila. As a rule, the journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Although Marawila does not have a dream beach, this resort is a famous place in Sri Lanka because the village is the center of batik in Sri Lanka. The exclusive company Budhi operates here, which has branches in the capital, as well as numerous small family businesses. Although the art of batik originated in Java, the people of Maravila have been practicing this craft for many years. Art lovers should visit one of the companies where they can watch the colorful fabrics being made and learn about the complex manufacturing process. If you want, you can buy some of the fabrics, which will be much cheaper than in souvenir shops, especially in other parts of Sri Lanka.

Resort Negombo

Once a small fishing village, Negombo has grown into Sri Lanka's fifth largest city of under 150,000 inhabitants. Today, the city, although one of the most important fishing ports on the west coast, is a well-known holiday destination. Already in the 1970s, tourism began to develop in this region of Sri Lanka.
The beautiful beach, good water sports facilities, as well as historical buildings and various cultural influences have made Negombo a popular holiday destination. Along the long sandy beach of Negombo there are large and small hotels of different levels of comfort and in different price categories. Especially popular among travelers are large hotels offering comprehensive services and a high level of service. Almost every major hotel has its own wellness center offering massages, treatments and Ayurvedic treatments.
There is some pattern in Negombo associated with the level of hotels when moving from north to south. Hotels in the north tend to be more luxurious but also more expensive than those in the south of the city. Behind the beach the main road Negombo, where there are numerous restaurants, cafes or souvenir shops. It is also worth adding that Negombo has a rather vibrant nightlife.
Negombo Beach is well suited for families with children, as the entrance to the water is gentle. The eight-kilometer beach has tall palm trees that provide shade, but such palm trees are not everywhere. Not far from the shore stretches an interesting coral reef with colorful marine life. In addition, in the waters near Negombo there is a shipwreck Kudapaduwa.
Negombo has an excellent location: the capital of Sri Lanka is only 40 kilometers south, and Colombo International Airport is only six kilometers south of Negombo. Due to its proximity to the airport, Negombo is ideal not only for a long beach holiday, but also for a stopover at the beginning or end of a trip to Sri Lanka.
The Portuguese, Dutch and British played an important role in the history of Negombo. Evidence of the interesting past of the city are numerous buildings and churches, as well as the colonial Old city. The most impressive site here is the "Cinnamon Canal" - a 100-kilometer canal leading from Colombo to Puttalam. It was created in order to facilitate the transportation of a popular spice.

Resort Wadduwa

The fishing village next to the resort of Kalutara is well known for its fantastic beach and charming surroundings. Lovers of a relaxing holiday and water sports will appreciate the beautiful sand and clear ocean in this place.
Wadduwa is a popular destination for foreign tourists, but also this popular place recreation for the locals. So it is not surprising that on weekends there are a lot of people here. But on the rest of the week, the atmosphere in the resort is quite calm.
Wadduwa has accommodations for every taste. Many of the hotels here operate under the tried and true all-inclusive concept, which includes food, as well as numerous sports and recreational activities. The large resort hotels on Wadduwa Beach have been intelligently integrated into the lush landscape. Therefore, they are characterized by low, usually only two-story buildings.
Wadduwa has several shops selling traditional wood carvings and other souvenirs, as well as several restaurants and bars. Also worth a visit is the original village of Wadduwa, home to local fishermen and rice farmers.
If you choose Wadduwa as your holiday destination in Sri Lanka, you will be rewarded with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere. The golden yellow sandy beach of Wadduwa is one of the the most beautiful places on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by fine sand, countless shady palm trees and the sparkling ocean. Moderate waves offer good conditions for windsurfers. At the same time, the beach is relatively safe for bathers most of the year.

Resort Koggala

To the east of Galle you will find beautiful beaches that are not yet covered by mass tourism. One of these beaches is Koggala, which belongs to the resort of the same name. Although the resort offers good tourism infrastructure, there is no feeling of overcrowding on the three kilometers long beach. Koggala Beach is wide and covered with fine sand, as well as countless coconut trees and bizarre rock formations.
Koggala Resort is especially popular with couples who appreciate the peaceful and tranquil environment. At Koggala Beach, walks along the ocean provide much-needed rest and relaxation. Families with children also sometimes choose this place to relax, because the gentle entrance to the ocean is ideal for children.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Koggala that offer simple and comfortable accommodation. The concept of "all inclusive" is not as common here as in popular resorts west coast of Sri Lanka.
Main city The south coast, Galle, is only 15 kilometers from Koggala, while the charming town of Matara is only 30 kilometers east of this resort. True, the distance to Colombo International Airport is quite impressive, because it is 175 kilometers. Therefore, it will take you about three hours to get from Colombo airport to Koggala.
The resort of Koggala is famous for its fishermen who fish from a pole. In many other fishing villages in Sri Lanka, this traditional fishing technique is already history. However, in Koggala, during the morning and afternoon hours, guests can see fishermen sitting on poles.
big lake Koggala is located a few kilometers from the resort of the same name. Although it is actually a natural lake, the water in it is salty due to the fact that ocean water still flows into it. Boat trips are organized on this lake, during which you can admire the mangroves and tropical plants growing along the shores, as well as a variety of animals and birds that live in the area. There are several islands in the lake, such as the island with the temple of a Buddhist monk or the island of cinnamon, where the same family of cinnamon is grown and processed.
Another interesting place is the Folk Museum of Koggala, which is located in a beautiful garden. The museum is located in the birthplace of the most important Sinhalese writer of the 20th century, Martin Wickramasing. Numerous exhibits give an insight into the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka, as well as the work of a famous author.

Resort Tangalle

Situated away from the main tourist centers off the western and southern coasts of Sri Lanka, the small fishing village of Tangalle has yet to be affected by mass tourism. Although there are several guest houses and small hotels on the coast, their number is still small. Small but sophisticated boutique hotels on Tangalle Beach offer a good level of comfort.
The resort of Tangalle attracts with its calm atmosphere: here tourists enjoy relaxing on the picturesque beach during the day and quietly spend time in restaurants and cafes in the evening. Tangalle is also a stopover for some travelers on trips to the famous Bundala and Yala National Parks, which are located to the east of the city.
Tangalle's two-kilometer beach is covered with golden yellow sand and is well suited for swimming. Not far from this beach you will find other picturesque bays and deserted beaches such as Rekawa Beach located ten kilometers from Tangalle.
The resort of Tangalle is located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, about 37 kilometers west of Matara and 80 kilometers from Galle. In the east is only more Big City Hambantota, which is located about 50 kilometers from Tangalle, in close proximity to the Bundala National Park. Before the famous national park Yala, which is also east of Tangalle, can be reached in about two hours. A taxi ride from the international airport, which passes through the interior of Sri Lanka, usually lasts from 3 to 3.5 hours.
An interesting place near Tangalle is the "Howling Hole", which is a hole in the rock with a diameter of about one meter and a depth of 20 meters. She "shoots" strong fountains of water every 10-15 minutes. During the southwest monsoon, from May to September, the height of such a fountain can reach 15 meters.

Trincomalee Resort

Now it's time to present the best resorts in Sri Lanka for a vacation on east coast. The most popular of them are Trincomalee and Batticaloa. We will talk about them below.
beautiful beaches and a photogenic harbor are located in the coastal city of Trincomalee, in the northeast of Sri Lanka, on a peninsula. Trincomalee is the capital eastern province, which is often referred to as "Trinko". Of particular note here are the beaches in the north of the city, the natural harbor surrounded by hills, the ferry port and the idyllic suburbs.
The Trincomalee resort is of interest mainly to beach lovers and nature lovers, as well as people who just want to get to know the busy life of a typical Sri Lankan city. However, if you are looking for interesting sights, then you will be disappointed with this harbor city, as there is not much to admire here. The main attraction of the city is the so-called Fort Frederick with the Hindu sanctuary Koneswaram, which is located on Swami's rock, at an altitude of about 130 meters above sea level. Here, next to the main Shiva temple, there is a small Ganesha temple.
Fort Frederick is certainly worth seeing, but today it is mainly used as a barracks by the Sri Lankan military and therefore only a small part of it is open to the public.
There are several small islands off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Trincomalee region, one of which is Pigeon Island. This island has a very beautiful coral reef that attracts snorkelers and divers. The island can be reached in just 10 minutes by boat from Trincomalee.

Batticaloa Resort

On the shores of the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of Sri Lanka is the little visited and small town of Batticaloa. It has retained much of its original charm. Being half located on an island in a lagoon, the city was only slightly damaged by the tsunami. The 54 km salt water lagoon has truly picturesque spots that are recommended to be explored during a boat trip.
The resort area of ​​Batticaloa is mainly known for its "singing fish" phenomenon, the existence of which has not yet been proven. However, it is mentioned even in Encyclopædia Britannica. To experience this phenomenon, one must plunge the oar into the water on a moonlit and still night and keep an ear on the other end of the oar. In this case, you can hear different subtle sounds. This natural phenomenon has not yet been scientifically proven, but it is still the main attraction of the area.
More tangible sights are the many Hindu temples of Batticaloa, as well as the magnificent 17th century Dutch fort. It is located right on the lagoon. Many remains of the walls are well preserved.
Also of interest in Batticaloa is the Lady Manning Bridge, which connects the land to the island. The steel bridge dates from the British colonial period and is one of the most long bridges in Sri Lanka.
Near the coast of Batticaloa Japanese air Force sank the British aircraft carrier Hermes in 1942. The sunken aircraft carrier is located at a depth of 55 meters and is one of the most interesting places for diving in Sri Lanka.
If you are interested in beaches in the Batticaloa area, then the best of them, in our opinion, is Kallady Beach. It is not very crowded and is therefore recommended for those looking for a quiet place to relax.

Hello to all those who looked at the pages of the adventure project "On the Edge"! Have you ever wondered where is Sri Lanka on the world map?

Many will answer that it is not far from India, geography lovers will say that it is in the Indian Ocean. And only sophisticated connoisseurs know that this state is located on the former Ceylon - an island that is considered to be the birthplace of the best tea in the world. But, to be honest, the tea produced here has long been a thing of the past - now it is a center of tourism that attracts travelers from all over the world.

Amazing Sri Lanka

When I first looked at the photos taken on this island, I could not believe my eyes - the weather was just beautiful, the sea, the atmosphere - everything just called to itself. But, as usual, when planning a trip, you need to look at the prices that will upset us ... The tours that we are offered differ from each other to varying degrees in the quality of the service provided by the hotel.

Personally, I strive for profit, it just so happened that the living conditions and the number of steps in the direction of the sea do not really matter, because the main thing is the atmosphere, the environment and the adventures that can be found along the way.

By the way, do you know why everyone and the nearby islands have this skin color? The shade is very beautiful and no doubt they got it from their parents - after all, under the equatorial sun you can tan very quickly. But our parents did not pass on the genetic protection against scorching rays to us, so take care of the appropriate protection.

How much to fly to Sri Lanka

If you are thinking about how long it takes to fly to Ceylon, you don't have to worry about how long it will take. At least not as much as before. From 2013 to this day, air carriers, in response to the increasing interest of our holidaymakers in this island, have increased the number of direct flights to the airport of Sri Lanka. The flight lasts 8-9 hours.

The place where it is located is the capital of the country, the city of Colombo.

This place, despite the lack of a direct connection to the rest of the world, gives the impression of a modern, noisy and very religious metropolis. All this, everything except the temples, was created by the hands of visiting businessmen and the local elite - the city welcomes you with a modern airport, offers a bunch of travel options, and as a result you find yourself in a very interesting, lively and incense-filled place.

Features of Sri Lanka

Depending on the place where you find yourself, you can meet both an exotic resort with a large selection of unusual entertainment, and a completely calm, quiet place. But, of course, it will be quiet and calm only by local standards. You will plunge into the rest with your head, and at first you won’t even be able to breathe from impressions. But enough about that, you need to keep the intrigue)

The special geographical location makes Sri Lanka such a holiday destination where it is difficult not to enjoy the sea and air. Although, there are also those who are dissatisfied, because the heat still interferes. But the local sea makes it possible to completely forget and relax. Affectionate and warm, soft and pleasant, it maintains a stable temperature of 29 degrees all year round. Here, even the most confident skeptic will be convinced that the existence of paradise is possible.

In more detail about the features of wintering in Sri Lanka, I wrote in this article ""

It will be especially convincing after sightseeing and tourist walks. The reward is doubly pleasant if it is earned by one's own labor, in this case, by listening to the tour and buying souvenirs.

After the trip, you can easily show the location of Sri Lanka, because you will definitely remember it. In what country can you still get such a rich and at the same time soothing holiday that gives new breath and new strength? Only here, in a place where the modern world, bright unforgettable people and the exotic of ancient culture meet! Here you will feel literally on top of the world!

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Bali island in Indonesia on the world map - where it is, photos and interesting facts Where is Sigiriya on the map of Sri Lanka?

The island of cinnamon and lions, as they call Sri Lanka - the pearl of the Indian Ocean. This ninth largest island covers an area of ​​65,610 km², located 31 km from south India. The length of the coast is 1340 km. The population of the island is 21.1 million people, they are always good-natured and hospitable people. The capital of the republic is the city of Colombo.

Once Sri Lanka was called Taprobana, which is translated as “the country of cinnamon”. Later, Ceylon - the “Land of Lions” - became famous for its excellent tea, and the image of a lion still adorns the flag of the state. In 1972, the republic returned the name - Sri Lanka, which translates as "shining island". 6 best attractions in Sri Lanka in our review.

A truly fabulous evergreen paradise island in the Bay of Bengal attracts many tourists. Sri Lanka is amazing with a variety of exotic fruits and attractions, beaches and coral reefs, stone cities with a thousand-year history and Buddhist temples, with their unique rituals. Elephants, sacred animals, regular participants in religious holidays.

See where Sri Lanka is located on the world map:

Detailed tourist map Sri Lanka with resorts, roads and attractions.

1. Dambulla (Dambulla Cave Temples)

Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage is nowhere more evident than at the Golden Temple of Dambulla. sacred place pilgrimages over 22 centuries, this cave temple is the best preserved structure of its kind in Sri Lanka. The temple includes five separate caves, each with ancient statues and frescoes of the Buddha. The statues vary in size and reach 15 meters in height. The largest cave, the cave of the great kings, contains 56 statues, while others are dedicated to Hindu gods such as Vishnu and Saman, the statues in them date back to the 12th century. Temples and caves are one of the most exciting tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.

2. Anuradhapura

The remains of the ancient city of Anuradhapura are located 200 kilometers north of Colombo, the majestic remains of the ancient city are located in the jungle, it is believed that the first buildings date back to the 5th century BC. these are palaces, monasteries and monuments. Ancient city was the capital of the island for more than 10 centuries before being invaded in 993. The city once had one of the most sophisticated irrigation systems. ancient world and reservoir reservoirs are still visible on the surface, they are among the oldest preserved in the world today.

3. Adam's Peak

The legendary mountain, Adam's Peak, rises above the island of Sri Lanka, its height is more than 2,300 meters above sea level. Known as Sri Pada or Adam's Peak, the mountain has been revered as a place of pilgrimage and worship for all major faiths in the country for generations. The holy mountain bears what looks like a footprint on its summit. Depending on their religion, pilgrims believe that the seal was left there by Buddha, God Shiva or Adam after he was kicked out of Eden.

4. Galle

Galle is located 100 kilometers south of Colombo and a short distance west of Matara, the city is famous for the fact that everything here is saturated with the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. The main attraction is the Dutch Fort, built in 1663, with its massive ramparts on the promontory. Galle is a delightful and unexpected blend of dilapidated colonial history and exotic, tropical beauty.

Inside the walls of a fort that was listed world heritage UNESCO, you can see Dutch manors, churches and museums, as well as the Oriental Hotel, originally the home of the Dutch governors. Halle is home to a creative community and attracts many foreign artists, writers and poets.

5. Kandy

The calm and peaceful atmosphere of Kandy, in the heart of the highlands of Sri Lanka, is probably the result of the fact that the city is located in the pastoral landscape of a calm lake in a bowl of hills. This vibrant, unique city, which resisted Portuguese and Dutch colonization for three centuries, is a bastion of the island's widespread Buddhist faith.

Kandy's main attraction is the octagonal Dalada Maligawa Temple, or Temple of the Tooth, which attracts hundreds of pilgrims for daily ceremonies to honor the relic. According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha as it lay on a funeral pyre and smuggled into Sri Lanka.

6. Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a unique attraction in the central part of Sri Lanka, which is 160 kilometers northeast of Colombo. Remains of an ancient royal fortress and city, dated 477 AD. they stand on a huge rock that rises 180 meters above the surrounding plain. King Kasyapa built a fortress to defend against the attack of his brother, who stole the throne after he killed his father.

The only way into the city is through the massive carved jaws of a lion - the name Sigiriya comes from 'giria' meaning 'jaws and throat' and 'Sinha' meaning 'lion'.

7. Trincomalee

Ancient seaport Trincomalee or Trinco is located on northeast coast Sri Lanka, and has a perfect natural harbor, which was immediately appreciated by European sailors. The Danes came here first in 1617.

This region is popular seaside resort, since the coastline is actually very beautiful, and beach holiday can be combined with many good cultural attractions in Trinco.

Sights include Portuguese-built Fort Frederick, Wellington House, the home of the Duke of Wellington, and the Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock.

8. Horton Plains National Park

Situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, national park Horton Plains is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka, with densely forested mountains, misty lakes and hidden waterfalls. The park is one of the few parks in Sri Lanka where you can hike on your own along marked trails. The park is home to a variety of animals, including deer, wild boar, otter, leopard, macaque, and many bird species.

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