Where is the island of Sri Lanka on the world map - photos and features. Blue waters, sandy shores, ocean breezes - Sri Lanka on the world map in Russian The location of Sri Lanka on the world map

Mira, it’s worth starting with the search for India. This state is located in Asia, the peninsula where it is located has the outline of an isosceles triangle, one of the vertices of which points strictly to the south. Sri Lanka is located in close proximity to India at a distance of approximately 100 km to the southeast. It is not difficult to find; it is the only large island in the Indian Ocean. On a larger scale, you can see that there is a sandbank between Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula - until the 15th century, these two geographical objects were connected, but after a series of earthquakes the isthmus was destroyed and went under water. The name of the state is derived from two words in Hindi: “shri” - glorious and “” - earth. However, the older generation knows the island as Ceylon - that’s how it was until 1972.

The sandbar in the Palk Strait, which previously connected Hindustan with the island of Sri Lanka, is called Adam's Bridge.

State of Sri Lanka

The entire area of ​​Sri Lanka is occupied by the state of the same name, although many mistakenly classify the island as an Indian state. The official capital is a city with the difficult to pronounce name of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, however, the unofficial economic and cultural center of the country is Colombo. The development of Sri Lanka was significantly influenced by the Portuguese, who were the first to colonize the island, and the British, because it was under the protectorate of Britain for about a century and a half. Most of the residents are employed in agriculture - world-famous tea is grown here. Tourism is also an important industry; in recent years people have come here not just on vacation, but for the entire winter season; among vacationers there are many open professions that allow them to work remotely.

It is interesting that tea grown on the island is still called Ceylon; the name “Sri Lankan” has not taken root.

How to get to Sri Lanka

There are direct flights from Moscow to Colombo, but they do not operate every day. If you need to get to Sri Lanka at a different time, you will have to plan a transfer to Abu Dhabi (Saudi Arabia), Dubai (UAE), Koch (Qatar) or Istanbul (Turkey). Travel time ranges from eight hours depending on the duration of the connection. Before traveling to Sri Lanka, you must obtain an entry visa.

Sri Lanka is a country located on the island of the same name. The island is located off the southeastern coast of Hindustan. The shores are washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. The relief is mainly represented by lowlands. However, in the central part you can find mountains exceeding a height of two and a half thousand meters. The climate in Sri Lanka is monsoonal, subequatorial.

Map of Sri Lanka from satellite from Bing
(Use the + and - icons to change the scale of the map, and the mouse to move the map in different directions)

The vast majority of the population is Sinhalese, with about 18% being Tamils. In addition, a significant percentage of the population consists of people who are descendants of Arabs and those born from marriages with Europeans. In addition, the indigenous population of the island, called the Vedas, remained. Their number now amounts to only about 1,000 people.

Sri Lanka detailed interactive map

The country has a well-developed tourism business. Particularly popular, of course, are resort towns located by the sea, as well as historical attractions. Also, if you wish, you can visit a mountain resort, tea plantations, Buddhist monuments and national parks of Sri Lanka.

The nature of Sri Lanka is rightfully considered one of the most vibrant and diverse. The country is home to a huge number of flowering plants and 8 types of forests. Sri Lankan cuisine is mainly represented by a large number of spices, herbs, tropical fruits and, of course, a wide variety of fish obtained from the Indian Ocean.

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If you decide to visit Sevastopol, then, of course, comfortable hotels in Crimea are at your service. It is important to have detailed information about your place of residence so as not to be caught at the last moment while standing on the streets of an unfamiliar city.

Few of us living in northern latitudes have 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 with? Many people are interested in the question - is Sri Lanka India or not? And what part of the world does Sri Lanka belong to?

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

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Geographical location

Geographically, Sri Lanka is located at the southern tip of the Hindustan Peninsula, it can easily be 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, with a total length of about 1300 km, are 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 tens of kilometers wide. The southern part of the island consists of mountain terraces that move towards the center into the highlands.

Geographic coordinates of Sri Lanka - 7°45′00″ N. la., 80°46′00 e. d.

Brief information about the country

When Sri Lanka was colonized by England, Portugal and Holland in the 16th century, it was called Ceylon. Now the island is called Sri Lanka, and regarding how the official name sounds in Russian, Wikipedia answers - “Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka”.

Form of statehood – Democratic Socialist Republic. Type of government - presidential republic. The main nationality is 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 mid-20th century it was a colonial possession:

• Portuguese;
• 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 the Kotte fortress. Located between the Diyavana Oya and Kolonnava Oya riverbeds.

In fact, the economic and cultural center of the 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 ​​– Sinhala and Tamil. In tourist areas, residents understand English.

Visa

Residents of Russia must obtain a visa to visit. The easiest way is to fill out in advance the electronic form posted on the embassy’s website. Upon arrival, pay $35, present a valid passport, completed arrival card and receive a visa.

Note: A visa can also be issued directly upon arrival. However, this will cost more and take more time.

Population

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

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

Religion

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

The Sinhalese, the bulk of the population, profess 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 included in the Indian Ocean. The Palk 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 by its characteristics is a sea. The bay is famous for its coastal mangrove forests, rich in unique underwater world.

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

Currency

The national currency of the republic is the Sri Lankan rupee. 1 US dollar costs about 153 Sri Lankan rupees. 1 Russian ruble costs approximately 2.62 rupees; a euro costs about 166 rupees.

Transport

Sri Lanka has a fairly developed ground transport infrastructure:

• tuk-tuks are the main type of transport, and are a cross between a motorbike and a pedicabs. It is allowed to bargain on the price of the trip;
• city ​​buses;
• an extensive network of intercity buses, which is the most comfortable form of transport;
• railway connections between populated areas;
• Taxi. Developed only in tourist areas and capitals.

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

• the authorities do not recognize any rights other than local ones;
• Only persons over 21 years of age are allowed to drive.

Difference in time

Moscow time is 2.5 hours behind Sri Lankan time. The time is 4.5 hours ahead of Sri Lanka, and 1.5 hours ahead of Novosibirsk. It is located in almost the same time zone as Sri Lanka: the difference is only 30 minutes.

What to bring

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

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

Therefore, you should bring from your trip:

• ceylon tea. You can buy it on plantations, in stores, and in the market. The price greatly depends on the 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 purchasing, 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 going through customs;

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

Climate

The island is entirely located in the zone of humid equatorial climate with a transition to subequatorial climate. The climate on the coast is monsoon.

The high season is winter. The climate is mild. There is practically no change in seasons. Ceylon is the kingdom of eternal summer. Even in the mountains, snow never falls. 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 and ocean water temperatures are always almost the same, 30°-32°C. The sea water temperature is 1–2°C lower. Night temperatures rarely drop below +25°C.

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

How to get there

Direct regular flights from Colombo International Airport operate only to one Russian city - Moscow. Flight period: from June to August.

Direct charter flights are organized from other Russian cities to Colombo, information about which can be obtained from the tour operator organizing the trips.

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

• Beijing;
• Seoul;

There are year-round regular direct flights with these cities. Russian airlines have tariff agreements with Asian airlines operating flights 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 require 2-3 transfers.

Resorts

Resort areas are located in almost all corners 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 its Portuguese fort, which the Dutch turned into a prison. Of interest to fans of history, cultural studies, and ethnography.

Advice: Negombo is ideal for those who love a lazy time on the beach.

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 any 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 trash of slums. Glitter and poverty, eternal celebration and eternal work, past and future - all this is intertwined on the streets of Colombo. Of interest to lovers of active recreation.

Bentota

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

Kalutara

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

Aimed at lovers of active recreation and water sports.

Halle

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

Induruwa

Located in the west of the country. It recently acquired the status of a resort, so the flow of tourists is still small. Fans of a leisurely, measured holiday 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 among lovers of individual travel.

Take note: Unawatuna is ideal for a relaxing holiday with children.

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

Kogalla is famous for its boat excursions, where you can spot wild whales and dolphins.

Mirissa - the best beach

Experienced surfers come to Mirissa for the high waves. Untouched, wonderful nature and lack of economic activity create a feeling of paradise. The place is secluded and conducive to a romantic getaway. The usual resort entertainment is missing.

Surf paradise

The open ocean coast of the southern tip of the island is popular with surfers. The surf allows surfing all year round. Sandy beaches are good for beginner surfing. Experienced surfers catch waves among 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.

Surfing schools also operate in Kogalle, Unawatuna, and Weligama.

Shopping

Shopping is amazing in its variety and will bring true pleasure to those who love to shop.

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

While vacationing on the island, you should visit numerous jewelry factories with shopping centers. The range of jewelry shopping centers amazes with the variety and beauty of the products presented. Local jewelers can create custom jewelry with your favorite stones.

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

At local markets you can buy exotic fruits, spices, herbs, and essential oils. In addition, here you can purchase clothes made from cotton or have them custom-tailored.

This is especially true for the countries of Southeast Asia. Even if tourists bring any plants or seeds, they can simply be confiscated at customs. To prevent this, it is recommended to refuse the purchase or issue a herbal passport. It is better to carry fruits in packed luggage, this way they will definitely not be confiscated.

Tips

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

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

Kitchen

The national cuisine of Sri Lankans is predominantly vegetarian with a lot of spices and herbs. The main food product is rice. Local cuisine originates from Indian cuisine; the Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arabs, and 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 as a side dish with boiled rice.

Hotels offer tourists the usual Europeanized menu. National dishes are served in adapted form. You can try authentic Sri Lankan dishes in restaurants frequented by locals. For most Europeans, national dishes seem very spicy; this must be kept 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 that are found only here - 16% of the total.

More than half of the species are threatened with extinction:

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

The island is also home to more than 200 species of birds, a quarter of which are also endangered. More than half of the amphibians may 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. Traders and drivers usually quote a price that is many times higher than the actual price. There is only one piece of advice: find out the cost in advance and bargain desperately.

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

Attractions

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

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

• the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, built three thousand years ago by Indians;
• ancient man-made lakes;
• the Sigiriya palace complex, located on mountain terraces;
• Horton Place National Parks, Yala;
• royal botanical garden;
• legacy of the colonial period;
• 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 week-long package tour for two with departure from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk starts from 60 thousand rubles.

Since Sri Lanka is a fairly large island with many beaches and resorts, you should not ignore the issue of choosing a vacation spot on this island. It is important to remember that different areas of Sri Lanka can experience very different weather at the same time. So if you are thinking about where it is better to go in Sri Lanka, then you should not forget about the climate. Even if you find a resort in Sri Lanka that suits you completely, take the time to look at what the climate is like in this resort in the month in which you plan to travel.
The most popular resorts in 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 were not as badly damaged by the civil war and the 2004 tsunami, tourism development here was much faster than in the east and north of Sri Lanka. It is therefore 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 tourism potential.
If you are thinking about where to go in Sri Lanka, then our article about resorts in Sri Lanka may be very useful for you. In this article we will present short descriptions of popular resorts in Sri Lanka, but you can always get more detailed information on a specific resort on our website. After reading all the information, you will be able to understand which resort in Sri Lanka is best to choose for a holiday at this or that time of the year.

Map of Sri Lanka with resorts

To begin with, it would be nice to find out about the location of all the resorts on the map of Sri Lanka. This page provides a general map of Sri Lanka resorts 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 still marked.

Beruwala Resort

This resort is great for couples, although all tourists can find good accommodation in Beruwala. When it is winter in Russia, the weather around the Beruwela resort 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 arrives here, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The Beruwela resort 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 birdlife. Another advantage of Beruwela is a wide selection of housing to suit every taste and budget. There are both simple guest houses and luxurious villas for rent. But especially popular here are the large hotel complexes, which offer not only all-inclusive meals, but also numerous sports and entertainment events.
It is worth noting that the Beruwala resort in Sri Lanka 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 beautiful beach holiday with Ayurveda.
Beruwela Resort is located approximately 56 km south of the capital Colombo and 90 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Typically, a taxi ride from the airport to this resort takes about two hours.
Beruwela Beach, 1.2 kilometers long, pleases with its light, fine sand. If you also remember the crystal clear ocean and countless coconut palms that provide shade on the beach, it is not difficult to understand why Beruwela is rightfully considered 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 a 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 hours or more pass through beautiful mangrove forests to Little Adam Peak.

Bentota Resort

Over the past 40 years, Bentota has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a first-class resort. Large hotels with spacious swimming pools, specialized restaurants and luxurious wellness centers are no longer able to accommodate everyone who wants to relax in these resort complexes that fit perfectly into the beautiful landscape. Like many other resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Bentota has several all-inclusive hotels. Guests from all over the world appreciate hotels operating under 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 vacation and do not need to constantly count money.
In addition to large hotel complexes, Bentota also has guest houses for tourists with a smaller wallet. As a rule, such guest houses are located a few steps from the beach.
The undisputed advantage of the Bentota resort is its magnificent sandy beach. This is a four-kilometer long beach with light and very fine sand, which is bordered by a strip of palm trees. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the good conditions for surfing, sailing, diving or snorkeling at this beach. But those who simply want to swim in the calm waters of the Indian Ocean will also find a suitable place for themselves. At the northern end of the beach, the ocean is usually quite calm, making it 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, approximately 62 km south of the capital of Sri Lanka. The international airport is located approximately 100 kilometers from Bentota. It can be reached in about an hour and a half drive.
The Bentota Ganges, which flows into the Indian Ocean near the resort, is home to countless birds and other diverse flora and fauna of Sri Lanka. We recommend taking a mangrove boat tour 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 insight into 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 products that are sold only in Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa Resort

If you are interested in the most popular resorts in Sri Lanka among Russian tourists, then you simply have no right to ignore the Hikkaduwa resort.
Initially, on the site of the Hikkaduwa resort there was a small fishing village, but later a secret place for “selected” tourists appeared there. Today Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous resorts in 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 here engage in water sports, and in the evening they spend time in bars. The resort of Hikkaduwa is especially popular among young people. Divers and surfers appreciate Hikkaduwa's good nightlife, which is mainly concentrated in the southern part of the resort.
Recently, in addition to small hotels and guest houses, Hikkaduwa has also gained large resort hotels that offer all the necessary amenities so that guests do not have to go outside the hotel premises.
The sandy beach of Hikkaduwa is covered with beautiful light sand and countless coconut palms. Surfers can expect good waves at this beach. Both beginners and professionals will be satisfied with the surfing conditions here. In general, Hikkaduwa is considered the best place for surfing in Sri Lanka, where there are many surf schools, board rental stations, and shops offering everything you need for surfing.
The coral reef in the Hikkaduwa area is one of the most famous diving spots in Sri Lanka. Moreover, it is located near the coast. Many of the corals are unfortunately dead, but the variety of colorful fish will satisfy even seasoned divers.
The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is approximately 115 kilometers from Hikkaduwa, and the international airport near Negombo is 147 kilometers away. Therefore, a taxi ride from the airport to Hikkaduwa will last from 2.5 to 3 hours.
Galle, the most important city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is approximately 25 minutes' drive from Hikkaduwa.
For nature lovers, we recommend taking a boat trip to the lagoon near Dodanduwa, which is just 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 moonstone mine. During a tour of this place, you can get an idea of ​​how popular jewelry is created.

Kalutara Resort

Tourists who are only interested in the best resorts in Sri Lanka, for some reason, often overlook the Kalutara resort, which, together with Wadduwa, Beruwela and Bentota, forms the most important resort region on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. This is due to the long beautiful beaches, excellent water sports facilities and excellent hotel industry. These premises are also complemented by the magnificent surroundings, which boast of its lush nature and countless coconut palms. The Kalutara area is also famous for its mangosteen fruit, which is considered the best on the island.
Along the beautiful Kalutara beach there are many hotels that offer a high level of comfort and service. The spacious resorts blend harmoniously into the tropical environment and are fully catered for international guests. Spacious swimming pools, good restaurants, as well as exclusive wellness centers where Ayurvedic treatments are often carried out, 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 lively town center has small markets and shops offering a wide range of souvenirs. The selection ranges from textiles or small art pieces to the palm frond or coconut fiber bedding that Kalutara is famous for.
The quiet, kilometer-long Kalutara beach is one of the most popular in the country. Particularly pleasant is the northern area of ​​the beach, where the sandy beach remains almost untouched. Kalutara Beach offers ideal conditions for walking, swimming, surfing and snorkeling.
The Kalutara resort is located at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River, approximately 45 kilometers from the capital and 80 kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport. To travel from the airport to Kalutara you will need from 1.5 to 2 hours.
The main attraction of Kalutara is the Gangatilaka Vihara temple complex. At the center of the temple is the impressive Dagobah, whose white dome can be seen 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 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 excursion destination is the Kalu Ganga River, where boat trips are available. The flora and fauna along the lush banks of the river, as well as the opportunity to watch local fishermen as they work, make this excursion very popular among 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're into outdoor activities and water sports, then the picturesque fishing village of Marawila, just north of Negombo, is probably the place for 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 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 a variety of sports and entertainment activities often offer an all-inclusive concept for their guests. But there are also comfortable middle-class hotels and simple guest houses in the Marawila resort area.
The three-kilometer Marawila beach is washed on one side by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and on the other hand it is bordered by a strip of countless coconut palms, which provide the shade necessary 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 at this beach. Reef diving tours, 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 cover to travel from Colombo airport to Marawila. Typically the journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on 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 Budhi company operates here, which has branches in the capital, as well as numerous small family businesses. Although the art of batik originated on the island of Java, the people of Marawila 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 production process. If you want, you can buy some of the fabrics which will cost much less than in souvenir shops, especially in other parts of Sri Lanka.

Negombo Resort

Once a small fishing village, Negombo has grown into the fifth largest city in Sri Lanka with a population of under 150,000 inhabitants. Today the city, although one of the most important fishing ports on the west coast, is a renowned holiday destination. Already in the 1970s, tourism began to develop in this region of Sri Lanka.
A 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. Particularly popular among travelers are large hotels that offer 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 a certain pattern in Negombo related to the level of hotels when moving from north to south. Hotels in the north tend to be more luxurious, but also more expensive, than in the south of the city. Behind the beach is the main Negombo road, where there are numerous restaurants, cafes or souvenir shops. It is also worth adding that Negombo has a pretty 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 here. Not far from the shore there is an interesting coral reef with colorful marine life. Additionally, in the waters near Negombo there is the Kudapaduwa shipwreck.
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 important roles in Negombo's history. Evidence of the city's interesting past are numerous buildings and churches, as well as the colonial old town. The most impressive feature here is the Cinnamon Canal, a 100-kilometer canal leading from Colombo to Puttalam. It was created in order to facilitate the transportation of the popular spice.

Wadduwa Resort

The fishing village located near the Kalutara resort 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 it is also a popular holiday destination for locals. So it's no surprise that it gets crowded on weekends. But on other days of the week the atmosphere in the resort is quite calm.
Wadduwa has accommodation to suit every taste. Many hotels here operate on a tried-and-true all-inclusive concept, which includes meals as well as numerous sports and entertainment activities. The large resort hotels on Wadduwa Beach have been cleverly 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 visiting is the original village of Wadduwa, home to local fishermen and rice farmers.
If you choose Wadduwa as your Sri Lanka holiday destination, you will be rewarded with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere. The golden yellow sandy beach of Wadduwa is one of the most beautiful places on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by fine sand, countless shady palm trees and a sparkling ocean. Moderate waves offer good conditions for windsurfers. However, the beach is relatively safe for swimmers most of the year.

Koggala Resort

To the east of Galle you will find beautiful beaches that have not yet been embraced by mass tourism. One of these beaches is Koggala, which belongs to the resort of the same name. Although the resort offers good tourist infrastructure, the three-kilometer-long beach does not feel overcrowded. 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 a 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 guest houses in Koggala that offer simple and comfortable accommodation. The all-inclusive concept is not as common here as in the popular resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka.
The main town on the south coast, Galle, is just 15 kilometers from Koggala, and the charming town of Matara is just 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 Koggala resort is famous for its fishermen who catch fish while sitting on 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, visitors can see fishermen sitting on poles.
The large lake Koggala is located a few kilometers from the resort of the same name. Although it is actually a natural lake, the water is salty due to the fact that ocean water does flow into it. Boat tours are offered on this lake, during which you can admire the mangroves and tropical plants growing along the shores, as well as the variety of animals and birds that live in the area. There are several islands in the lake, such as the island with a Buddhist monk temple or the cinnamon island, where cinnamon is grown and processed by one family.
Another interesting place is the Koggala Folk Museum, 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 Wickramasingh. Numerous exhibits provide insight into the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka, as well as the work of the famous author.

Tangalle Resort

Located away from the main tourist centers of the western and southern coasts of Sri Lanka, the small fishing village of Tangalle has not yet been touched 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 Tangalle resort attracts with its calm atmosphere: here tourists enjoy relaxing on the picturesque beach during the day and spend quiet 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.
The two-kilometer Tangalle beach is covered in golden-yellow sand and is good for swimming. Not far from this beach you will find other picturesque coves and deserted beaches such as Rekawa Beach, located ten kilometers from Tangalle.
Tangalle resort is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 37 kilometers west of Matara and 80 kilometers from Galle. To the east is only the larger town of Hambantota, which is located about 50 kilometers from Tangalle, in close proximity to the Bundala National Park. The famous Yala National Park, 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 between 3 and 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. It “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 holiday resorts in Sri Lanka on the east coast. The most popular of them are Trincomalee and Batticaloa. We will talk about them below.
Beautiful beaches and a photogenic harbor are found in the coastal town of Trincomalee, on the northeastern peninsula of Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is the capital of the eastern province, often called "Trinco". Particularly noteworthy here are the beaches in the north of the city, the natural harbor surrounded by hills, the ferry port and the idyllic suburbs.
Trincomalee is of interest mainly to beach lovers and nature lovers, as well as people who simply want to experience the vibrant life of a typical Sri Lankan city. However, if you are looking for interesting sights, 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 of Koneswaram, which is located on Swami 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 a visit, but today it is mainly used as a barracks by the Sri Lankan military and as such 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 lies 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-kilometer saltwater lagoon has truly scenic views that are recommended to be explored on 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 the Encyclopedia Britannica. To experience this phenomenon, you need to plunge an oar into the water on a moonlit and calm night and keep your ear on the other end of the oar. In this case, you can hear various subtle sounds. This natural phenomenon has not yet been scientifically proven, but it is still the main attraction of the area.
More tangible attractions are Batticaloa's many Hindu temples, as well as the magnificent 17th-century Dutch fort. It is located right on the shore of the lagoon. Many remains of the walls are well preserved.
Another interesting place in Batticaloa is the Lady Manning Bridge, which connects the land to the island. The steel bridge dates back to the British colonial period and is one of the longest bridges in Sri Lanka.
Off the coast of Batticaloa, the 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 diving sites in Sri Lanka.
If you are interested in beaches in the Batticaloa area, then the best of them, in our opinion, is Kalladi Beach. It is not very crowded and is therefore recommended for those looking for a quiet place to relax.

There is an island on the world map that is shaped like a teardrop, with beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque hills, impressive waterfalls, rich wildlife and many historical attractions. This island is called Sri Lanka, an island nation off the southern tip of India.

From this article you will learn:

Where is Sri Lanka on the world map

Sri Lanka is a relatively small country. Therefore, for reference it is better to choose a larger neighbor - India. At first it's worth find India on the map And its southernmost edge, near which is island, Its shape resembles a drop. That's what it is Sri Lanka.

India and Sri Lanka are separated from each other narrow strait only 35 km wide.

It is believed that the island of Sri Lanka was previously connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, from which a chain of shallows and coral islands called Adam's Bridge remains to this day.

The island of Sri Lanka is located at the southern tip of the Hindustan Peninsula

The waters of the Indian Ocean stretch south from Sri Lanka all the way to Antarctica. In the southwest, Sri Lanka is adjacent to a long coral island chain - Maldives. A trip to Sri Lanka can easily be combined with a holiday in the Maldives.

An article that will help in planning your trip - How to combine a holiday in Sri Lanka and the Maldives and save on air tickets.

Dimensions of the island of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a relatively small country. Area of ​​the island of Sri Lanka 65 thousand km 2, which is 263 times less than the area of ​​Russia, 9 times less than the area of ​​Ukraine and 51 times less than the area of ​​Sri Lanka’s closest neighbor, India.

Sri Lanka length– 432 km. Maximum island width– 225 km. Seems like short distances. But due to the narrow roads, fairly intense traffic and the presence of mountains, it is not possible to drive quickly.

Traveling from one point of the island to another can take quite a lot of time. For example, to cover about 250 km from the beaches in the south of Sri Lanka to the famous rock fortress of Sigiriya in the center of the island it will take 5 - 6 hours.

An ordinary road in an ordinary city (Galle, southern Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka or Ceylon - what is the name of the country

The island we know as Sri Lanka has changed its name several times:

• Arab traders knew Sri Lanka as the island of gems - Serendip. In the fairy tales "1000 and 1 Night" Sinbad the Sailor visited the island.
• The Sinhalese (75% of modern Sri Lanka's population) arrived in Sri Lanka from northern India in the 6th century BC and named the island Dinhala Dwipa("Lion Island") or simply Lanka("Earth").
• The Portuguese, having captured part of the island in 1505, called it Ceilao.
• The Dutch ousted the Portuguese from the island in 1656 and slightly changed the name to Ceylan.
• As a British colony from 1802 to 1948, Sri Lanka was called Ceylon.
• Only in 1972 the island Ceylon was renamed Sri Lanka, which literally means "blessed land".

Ready travel itinerary - “The best of Sri Lanka in 12-14 days”.

Sri Lankan tea is still called Ceylon tea, however, like some other goods grown or produced in Sri Lanka.

Ceylon tea is still picked by hand

• The full name of Sri Lanka is Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
• From 1983 to 2009, there was a civil war in Sri Lanka, from which the northern and eastern parts of the island suffered greatly.
• In December 2004, a tsunami hit the eastern and southern coasts of the island; traces of the destruction can still be seen.
• Sri Lanka has three capitals:
  • The administrative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura (Kotte).
  • Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and the economic capital of the country.
  • Kandy- cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
• You can holiday in Sri Lanka all year round thanks to the warm tropical climate and the shifting rainy season. Read more in the article