Lanka Zone - About Sri Lanka and Traveling in Sri Lanka

Historical Sites

About Sri Lanka

Flag of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical island situated about 880 kilometers from the equator. More precisely it sits between 5 55' and 9 50' north and 79 42' and 81 52' east, off the southern tip of India. It covers approximately 40,766 square kilometers (25,332 square miles) where the maximum length is 435 kilometers (270 miles) from Point Pedro in the north and Dondra Head in the south. The maximum breadth is 225 kilometers (140 miles) from Colombo in the west and Sangamankande Point in the east. Even though it is comparatively a small island, one can see contrasting landscapes when traveling the island. From thickly vegetated rain forests in the south of the island to arid semi-desert landscapes in the north. From the majestic mountain ranges in the Central hill country to the flat plains of the north central area of the country, you will find many surprises and interesting features in this land.

Because of its close proximity to the equator, the island boasts of a very warm climate. There is a variance of temperature within the island itself because of the central hill country. In the low lands the temperature may range from 24 C to 32 C (75 F to 90 F) with an average temperature of about 27 C (80 F). In up country the temperature may range from 10 C to 22C (52 F-73 F). In addition to having the warmth of the sun all year around, Sri Lanka is also blessed with two monsoon seasons. During the months of May to July the south-west monsoons sweep in over the seas bringing with it wind and rains to drench the land on the windward side of the central hills. This signifies the "Yala" season. From October to December the winds sweep in from the Bay of Bengal, hailing in the "Maha" season, bringing with it much needed rain to the parched lands on the north and east of the islands, the north-western monsoons. Since the ancient times, these two monsoon seasons have helped shape the people and the island itself. These two seasons define the way of life for a culture deeply rooted in an agrarian based economy.

Sri Lanka has a wide ranging diversity when it comes to flora and fauna, thanks mainly to its climate and geography. It ha one the few remaining virgin forests of the world and boasts many indigenous animals, birds and plant life. Golden beaches surround the island are know to be some of the pristine beaches in the world.

The beauty of Sri Lanka is not something that can be described in a few paragraphs. In the present day Sri Lankan tourism is gaining in popularity among different people throughout the world, mainly because of the rich diversity it offers to the travelers, even though it is a small island nation.
Sri Lanka at a Glance (Give data in a table)

Situation	5 55 and 9 50 North 79 42 and 81 52 East
Dimensions	40,667 sq km length 435 km / 270 miles breadth 225 km / 140 miles
Climate	Tropical Low Country - 24 C to 32 C (75 F to 90 F) Upcountry - 10 C to 22C (52 F-73 F) Average 27 C (80 F)
Capital	Sri Jayewardenepura Commercial capital Colombo (link)
Population	18 million
Language	Predominantly Sinhala, Tamil and English
Religion	Predominantly Buddhist Hindu Christianity Islam

To help you fully appreciate the true beauty of our home land we have created different articles about various aspects of this country. They are just glimpses into a truly remarkable country in the hopes in enticing you to visit us and experience these wonders for yourself.

A Brief history of the land

Featured Hotels

Chesterfield Hotel - Nuwara Eliya