Sri-Lanka


HOME Europe France Ukraine England Poland Austria Netherlands Portugal Spain Germany Azia Egypt Cyprus Turkey India Sri-Lanka China Japan Africa Tunisia Kenya Tanzania Zambia Botswana	Sri Lanka - an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southern coast of India, from which it is separated and Manarsky Polksky straits. 65,610 sq km area of the country Rivers of the country are short and fairly quick. The longest river Mahaweli Ganga flows into the Indian Ocean near the town of Trincomalee, among other rivers allocated Kelani, Kalu and Aruvi-Aru. Ancient culture and many churches will be very interesting for lovers of history. Botanical gardens with hundreds of varieties of bamboo and flowering shrubs unknown cause worthy of sincere admiration. Visiting local factories you will become a real connoisseur of tea varieties and traditions. In Sri Lanka, there is no sidewalk. All go, go, crawling, and cackling on the narrow road. Ride in a car with a local driver only with closed eyes ... all the signals, but no specific reaction to this is not observed. All calmly continue to go and go. Climate in Sri-Lanka In the north and east of the country, the climate sub-equatorial in the south and west - the equatorial. In Sri Lanka, the entire observed fairly steady annual variations in temperature. The hottest month is April, when daytime temperatures reach 32 .. 34 degrees, the coolest - December - +28 .. +30 degrees. At night, the temperature does not drop below 19 degrees. In mountainous areas above 1,500 meters, is cooler: the day the air is heated to +19 .. +21 degrees, the same night, there may be about 9 .. +11 degrees. Most of the precipitation falls on the western coast of the island (annual rainfall of 5,000 mm.) The main rains are from May to October. In the north and east of the country the rainy season is between November and January. All in all, this part of Sri Lanka's annual rainfall from 1500 to 2000 mm. In every season of the year is quite high relative humidity. The sea water temperature throughout the year has a temperature +26 .. +28 degrees. Traditions of Sri-Lanka Monthly full moon day in Sri Lanka is a religious holiday and a day off. Everywhere, the sale of alcoholic beverages, close all liquor stores and bars, including bars in hotels. However, no one denies Hotel guests drink alcohol in their room. The ban applies only to public places, which include restaurant. Traditional feature of the Sri Lankan poor have long been begging. Over time, begging has become a profession. Professional beggars can be found near the shops and on the promenade in Colombo, sometimes frequented by tourists historic sites, in front of the existing churches, and just in the middle of the street of any town. If this happens, or nothing to give to the poor, or to stock up on small bills and give just before departure from this place, through the open window the car, or from them it would be difficult to get rid. In general, the locals are very welcoming, friendly and ready to help you with any difficult situation. However, remember some of the rules of courtesy, existing in Sri Lanka: - At the entrance to the temple to take off your shoes and a hat. Back, shoulders and knees must be covered by clothing. This is as true of the most ancient, ruined temples. But no one stops to enter the temple in his socks. In some churches, for entry into the inside if you do not have a fitting clothing, you can rent a sarong. - Do not shake hand with the monks, or even touch them. If you want to say hello, add together the palms of the hands and raise them to the level of the forehead. Do not sit on the same level as a monk, just below it, for example on the floor. Especially since you can not sit if a monk at this time is close to you. In public transport, the front seats are always designed for the monks. - You can not walk around the streets arm in arm, holding hands or kissing in public. All this is considered bad form. - Women should not sit in the front passenger seat, walk in too open, provocative clothes, sunbathing on the beach "topless". - If you plan to take pictures of local people need to start asking their permission. It should not be photographed against the background of Buddha statues, standing back to them. - Men should not show up at a dinner at the restaurant in shorts. Need to wear pants or jeans. - To welcome or farewell to the locals, you can use the old traditional gesture - put together the palms of the hands, bring them to your chest and make slight tilt of the head forward. Attractions in Sri-Lanka Colombo In the capital of Sri Lanka, numerous mansions of colonial architecture XVIII-XX centuries. and parks, for the majority of hotels, jewelry stores, banks and offices. Most interesting are extensive coastal area Park Galle Face Green, the old lighthouse and the Clock Tower, the Presidential Palace, Mosque Yami-ul-Affan, 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 each evening are performances of trained elephants). Old trade and colonial quarters Colombo largely retained its unique color with churches, narrow and winding streets, canals, shopping plazas and small parks. The city has many temples, mosques and churches. The most famous temple of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. Kelaniya temple is a fine example of Sinhala architecture and art. The modern church was built at the beginning of the last century, and the first historical mention of the church belongs to the III. BC. The frescoes on the walls of the temple, telling stories of the many lives of the Buddha, the Buddha of the temple visit, myths and legends. Other temples and monasteries, Buddhist Vadzhiraramayya, Goths Vihara Gangaramayya Sima Malakayya other, stupa Sambodhi chaytiyya, Hindu - Gangaramayya, Katiresan, Sri Ponnambalam, Sri Siva Subramaniam Swami and others, the mosque - Davatagaha, Afar-Jumma, the Christian church of St . Peter, St. Lucia, St. Anthony, Scottish Presbyterian Church, etc. In the southern part of town is the beach area of Mount Lavinia. In January in Colombo is Durutu Perahera festival in honor of the visit by the Buddha in Sri Lanka - the second most important festival of the country. A grand procession of elephants, drummers, dancers, acrobats and fire eaters turn the process into one of the most colorful of its kind among the processions of Sri Lanka. And in February in Colombo is a traditional annual parade navam Perahera. Thousands of people go to the drumbeat of the streets. On this day, the faithful come to worship the holy sites of the city's main Buddhist temple Gangaramayya. And every year brings the sacred relics to the public on its back the largest elephant. 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. Mihintale or "mountain Mahinda", named in honor of the first Buddhist missionary who presented Buddhism in Sri Lanka, has 4 mountains. Here are the ruins of an ancient temple complex. On a small platform surrounded by three mountains, is one of the oldest stupas - Ambasthale Dagobah Bo tree and a stone with an imprint of the foot of the Buddha. Nearby is aradhana Gala - mountain where Mahinda delivered his first sermon. On the highest platform is Mahaseyya Dagobah, where there are remains of Mahinda. You can also see Dagobah Et Vihara - "Elephant temple," Kantaka Chetiyya - ruins of Dagobah III. BC. e., Giribandhu Chetiyya Dagobah 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 "Reserve coral." Coral Reef, which stretches along the coast of Hikkaduwa, is not with the incomparable, the lovely sight, affects a large coral TIGblogs most unimaginable shapes and colors. In addition, it is quite shallow, and its top almost appears out of the water and is a great target for snorkelling. Here Snorkelling can watch exotic fish and sea turtles. At noon turtles swim to a certain place, where they can feed with it. A little away from the beach, surfers do. In Hikkaduwa they have their headquarters. Off the coast of the remains of several wrecks. Here you can admire the fabulous underwater world, riding on a glass bottom boat or learn to surf, go to the fishing village and the fish market. Cities in Sri-Lanka Ahangama A small village in Sri Lanka, just 20 minutes pleasant drive from Unawatuna beach. If we go to the opposite side, just 10 minutes then Ahangama Weligama Bay is the second most popular place to surf, and 10 minutes drive will take you to Mirissa. Spread in Ahangama beach is a pleasant place for measured rest, and for more complex than in Weligama surfing. There is a number of small cafes that are directly on the beach and offer guests amazing views of the ocean. Ahangama - the resort to be sure to come if you are tired of the noise and hubbub of the big cities, where you try to wash away surfing and spend a pleasant vacation. Life after 8 pm in the city stops. So if you still want povesilitsya and join the noisy company, you should think about going to a nearby Unawatuna. Kalpita Kalpita, already known for its opportunities for diving, is located at a distance of 130 km. north of Colombo in Puttalam. Despite its natural beauty, this area is still almost untouched tourist excursions, but definitely worthy of you. Old Portuguese, then Dutch fort (built in the late 16th century) and the church of St Peter's Kerk, which was restored by the British in 1840, located in the city, are all examples of the beautiful stories of the colonial past of the island. Boat trips on the lagoon or in jeeps on the dunes provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the amazing sunsets. Within an hour's boat ride from kalpita is the largest coral reef of the island - a beautiful place with a wide variety of fish living in it, huge manta rays, reef sharks and sea turtles. You will be able to stay here can be kenpingah or guest houses in kalpita, away from the noise and clamor to enjoy a romantic oil lamps instead of electricity, the light of torches, under cover of the beautiful starry sky, BBQ fresh fish, walk on the sandy beach and see the big sea turtles , crawl out of the ocean to lay their eggs. Of the more expensive hotels in kalpita mentioned Alankuda Beach, which consists of only five houses - they are built in the traditional local huts. All hotels kalpita offers such outdoor activities, diving and snorkeling. Kalpita, thanks to the unique coral reefs, one of the best places on the island for water sports such as diving, kite surfing, surfing. From other adjacent sites can be noted wonderful National Park Vilpatu (Wilpattu), the Catholic Church in St Anne's Talawila, which was founded in the 17th century. The city organizes sightseeing tours for the next uninhabited islands, jeep safaris, catamarans, fishing, watching smart and savvy dolphins, snorkeling and diving. In shallow waters of the picturesque lagoon usual elusive and mysterious mammal - dugong, which perhaps gave rise to myths about the existence of mermaids

Sri Lanka - an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southern coast of India, from which it is separated and Manarsky Polksky straits. 65,610 sq km area of the country

Rivers of the country are short and fairly quick. The longest river Mahaweli Ganga flows into the Indian Ocean near the town of Trincomalee, among other rivers allocated Kelani, Kalu and Aruvi-Aru.

Ancient culture and many churches will be very interesting for lovers of history. Botanical gardens with hundreds of varieties of bamboo and flowering shrubs unknown cause worthy of sincere admiration. Visiting local factories you will become a real connoisseur of tea varieties and traditions.

In Sri Lanka, there is no sidewalk. All go, go, crawling, and cackling on the narrow road. Ride in a car with a local driver only with closed eyes ... all the signals, but no specific reaction to this is not observed. All calmly continue to go and go.

Climate in Sri-Lanka

In the north and east of the country, the climate sub-equatorial in the south and west - the equatorial. In Sri Lanka, the entire observed fairly steady annual variations in temperature. The hottest month is April, when daytime temperatures reach 32 .. 34 degrees, the coolest - December - +28 .. +30 degrees. At night, the temperature does not drop below 19 degrees. In mountainous areas above 1,500 meters, is cooler: the day the air is heated to +19 .. +21 degrees, the same night, there may be about 9 .. +11 degrees. Most of the precipitation falls on the western coast of the island (annual rainfall of 5,000 mm.) The main rains are from May to October. In the north and east of the country the rainy season is between November and January. All in all, this part of Sri Lanka's annual rainfall from 1500 to 2000 mm. In every season of the year is quite high relative humidity.

The sea water temperature throughout the year has a temperature +26 .. +28 degrees.

Traditions of Sri-Lanka

Monthly full moon day in Sri Lanka is a religious holiday and a day off. Everywhere, the sale of alcoholic beverages, close all liquor stores and bars, including bars in hotels. However, no one denies Hotel guests drink alcohol in their room. The ban applies only to public places, which include restaurant.

Traditional feature of the Sri Lankan poor have long been begging. Over time, begging has become a profession. Professional beggars can be found near the shops and on the promenade in Colombo, sometimes frequented by tourists historic sites, in front of the existing churches, and just in the middle of the street of any town. If this happens, or nothing to give to the poor, or to stock up on small bills and give just before departure from this place, through the open window the car, or from them it would be difficult to get rid.

In general, the locals are very welcoming, friendly and ready to help you with any difficult situation. However, remember some of the rules of courtesy, existing in Sri Lanka:
- At the entrance to the temple to take off your shoes and a hat. Back, shoulders and knees must be covered by clothing. This is as true of the most ancient, ruined temples. But no one stops to enter the temple in his socks. In some churches, for entry into the inside if you do not have a fitting clothing, you can rent a sarong.
- Do not shake hand with the monks, or even touch them. If you want to say hello, add together the palms of the hands and raise them to the level of the forehead. Do not sit on the same level as a monk, just below it, for example on the floor. Especially since you can not sit if a monk at this time is close to you. In public transport, the front seats are always designed for the monks.
- You can not walk around the streets arm in arm, holding hands or kissing in public. All this is considered bad form.
- Women should not sit in the front passenger seat, walk in too open, provocative clothes, sunbathing on the beach "topless".
- If you plan to take pictures of local people need to start asking their permission. It should not be photographed against the background of Buddha statues, standing back to them.
- Men should not show up at a dinner at the restaurant in shorts. Need to wear pants or jeans.
- To welcome or farewell to the locals, you can use the old traditional gesture - put together the palms of the hands, bring them to your chest and make slight tilt of the head forward.

Attractions in Sri-Lanka

Colombo

In the capital of Sri Lanka, numerous mansions of colonial architecture XVIII-XX centuries. and parks, for the majority of hotels, jewelry stores, banks and offices. Most interesting are extensive coastal area Park Galle Face Green, the old lighthouse and the Clock Tower, the Presidential Palace, Mosque Yami-ul-Affan, 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 each evening are performances of trained elephants). Old trade and colonial quarters Colombo largely retained its unique color with churches, narrow and winding streets, canals, shopping plazas and small parks. The city has many temples, mosques and churches. The most famous temple of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. Kelaniya temple is a fine example of Sinhala architecture and art. The modern church was built at the beginning of the last century, and the first historical mention of the church belongs to the III. BC. The frescoes on the walls of the temple, telling stories of the many lives of the Buddha, the Buddha of the temple visit, myths and legends. Other temples and monasteries, Buddhist Vadzhiraramayya, Goths Vihara Gangaramayya Sima Malakayya other, stupa Sambodhi chaytiyya, Hindu - Gangaramayya, Katiresan, Sri Ponnambalam, Sri Siva Subramaniam Swami and others, the mosque - Davatagaha, Afar-Jumma, the Christian church of St . Peter, St. Lucia, St. Anthony, Scottish Presbyterian Church, etc. In the southern part of town is the beach area of Mount Lavinia.
In January in Colombo is Durutu Perahera festival in honor of the visit by the Buddha in Sri Lanka - the second most important festival of the country. A grand procession of elephants, drummers, dancers, acrobats and fire eaters turn the process into one of the most colorful of its kind among the processions of Sri Lanka. And in February in Colombo is a traditional annual parade navam Perahera. Thousands of people go to the drumbeat of the streets. On this day, the faithful come to worship the holy sites of the city's main Buddhist temple Gangaramayya. And every year brings the sacred relics to the public on its back the largest elephant.

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. Mihintale or "mountain Mahinda", named in honor of the first Buddhist missionary who presented Buddhism in Sri Lanka, has 4 mountains. Here are the ruins of an ancient temple complex. On a small platform surrounded by three mountains, is one of the oldest stupas - Ambasthale Dagobah Bo tree and a stone with an imprint of the foot of the Buddha. Nearby is aradhana Gala - mountain where Mahinda delivered his first sermon. On the highest platform is Mahaseyya Dagobah, where there are remains of Mahinda. You can also see Dagobah Et Vihara - "Elephant temple," Kantaka Chetiyya - ruins of Dagobah III. BC. e., Giribandhu Chetiyya Dagobah

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 "Reserve coral." Coral Reef, which stretches along the coast of Hikkaduwa, is not with the incomparable, the lovely sight, affects a large coral TIGblogs most unimaginable shapes and colors. In addition, it is quite shallow, and its top almost appears out of the water and is a great target for snorkelling. Here Snorkelling can watch exotic fish and sea turtles. At noon turtles swim to a certain place, where they can feed with it. A little away from the beach, surfers do. In Hikkaduwa they have their headquarters. Off the coast of the remains of several wrecks. Here you can admire the fabulous underwater world, riding on a glass bottom boat or learn to surf, go to the fishing village and the fish market.

Cities in Sri-Lanka

Ahangama

A small village in Sri Lanka, just 20 minutes pleasant drive from Unawatuna beach. If we go to the opposite side, just 10 minutes then Ahangama Weligama Bay is the second most popular place to surf, and 10 minutes drive will take you to Mirissa.

Spread in Ahangama beach is a pleasant place for measured rest, and for more complex than in Weligama surfing. There is a number of small cafes that are directly on the beach and offer guests amazing views of the ocean. Ahangama - the resort to be sure to come if you are tired of the noise and hubbub of the big cities, where you try to wash away surfing and spend a pleasant vacation. Life after 8 pm in the city stops. So if you still want povesilitsya and join the noisy company, you should think about going to a nearby Unawatuna.

Kalpita

Kalpita, already known for its opportunities for diving, is located at a distance of 130 km. north of Colombo in Puttalam. Despite its natural beauty, this area is still almost untouched tourist excursions, but definitely worthy of you. Old Portuguese, then Dutch fort (built in the late 16th century) and the church of St Peter's Kerk, which was restored by the British in 1840, located in the city, are all examples of the beautiful stories of the colonial past of the island. Boat trips on the lagoon or in jeeps on the dunes provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the amazing sunsets. Within an hour's boat ride from kalpita is the largest coral reef of the island - a beautiful place with a wide variety of fish living in it, huge manta rays, reef sharks and sea turtles.
You will be able to stay here can be kenpingah or guest houses in kalpita, away from the noise and clamor to enjoy a romantic oil lamps instead of electricity, the light of torches, under cover of the beautiful starry sky, BBQ fresh fish, walk on the sandy beach and see the big sea turtles , crawl out of the ocean to lay their eggs. Of the more expensive hotels in kalpita mentioned Alankuda Beach, which consists of only five houses - they are built in the traditional local huts. All hotels kalpita offers such outdoor activities, diving and snorkeling. Kalpita, thanks to the unique coral reefs, one of the best places on the island for water sports such as diving, kite surfing, surfing.
From other adjacent sites can be noted wonderful National Park Vilpatu (Wilpattu), the Catholic Church in St Anne's Talawila, which was founded in the 17th century. The city organizes sightseeing tours for the next uninhabited islands, jeep safaris, catamarans, fishing, watching smart and savvy dolphins, snorkeling and diving. In shallow waters of the picturesque lagoon usual elusive and mysterious mammal - dugong, which perhaps gave rise to myths about the existence of mermaids