If you want to spend your time in Sri Lanka as fun, safe, and exciting as possible, you should get to know the locals better, the features of their way of life, and other things. It is also worthwhile before the trip to figure out what is accepted on the island and what is better not to do.
We invite you to discover 50 exciting facts noted by researchers and travelers who have repeatedly visited the tea island.
Top facts about Sri Lanka
1. Sri Lanka is a hot tropical country located in southern Asia.
More precisely, the country of Sri Lanka is located on the island of the same name in the Indian Ocean.
2. Previously, the European name of the island on which this state is located was used - Ceylon. This name of the country existed until 1972.
3. Sri Lanka is in many ways related to India, but at the same time quite noticeably different from it, this is especially striking if you spend at least a month there and there. There are plenty of similarities, though.
4. Translated from the ancient Sanskrit language, “Sri Lanka” means “Blessed Land”.
5. Sri Lankans - this is how the inhabitants of Sri Lanka are officially called.
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
6. The actual, but not the official capital of the country is the city of Colombo. The official capital is the city of Sri Jayawardenepuru Kotte.
7. The name "Colombo" comes from the Sinhala "kola-amba-thota", which means "mango harbour".
8. Sri Lanka was a British colony until 1948. English is very popular on the island.
9. Sri Lanka will make anyone believe in heaven on earth. This is a real gem of South Asia. It is impossible not to admit that this tropical island is really beautiful.
Galle Lighthouse
10. As in all Asian countries, there is a high population density - 308 people per square kilometer. The population of Sri Lanka is approximately equal to the population of Beijing.
11. Two languages here have the status of state - Tamil and Sinhalese. English, on the other hand, has a special status and serves for communication between representatives of different ethnic groups living in Sri Lanka.
12. The main religion of Sri Lanka is Buddhism, it is followed by 70% of the population here. The remaining 20% are Hindus and 10% are Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
13. The Tooth of the Buddha - one of the most revered Buddhist shrines is located in the city of Kandy and is kept in the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
14. The leadership issued a wise law to avoid conflicts between believers. All religious holidays of all religions practiced by residents are days off for everyone. Therefore, there are more than half of the holidays in the year.
15. Alcohol is strictly prohibited on such days. On weekdays, alcoholic beverages can only be bought at specially designated places.
Sigirya Mountain
16. One of the most popular places for tourists here is Mount Sigiriya, on the way to the top of which you need to climb a staircase of 1001 steps.
17. The most popular dessert treat in Sri Lanka is ice cream. They are sold literally on every corner.
18. Buffalo milk is popular here along with cow milk. On the palate, if you are not a professional taster, there is no noticeable difference.
19. Smoking in public places in Sri Lanka is subject to a decent, and by local standards even a huge fine - about $ 37, or 5 thousand local rupees.
20. The national flower of Sri Lanka is the Star Lotus.
Fruits in Sri Lanka
21. Due to the warm and humid equatorial climate, Sri Lanka has an abundance of a variety of exotic fruits and vegetables. Bananas are harvested up to six times a year.
22. Bananas are not the same as on the shelves of our stores (large, feed varieties), and small bananas are baby. They have a thin skin, yellow flesh and are very sweet, with a high content of trace elements and vitamins.
23. Sri Lanka is thoroughly saturated with the smell of spices and incense. The main spice is cinnamon, and it is considered the highest quality in the world. Scientists believe that Sri Lanka is the birthplace of cinnamon.
24. There are also dangers awaiting tourists in Sri Lanka. These are monkeys. Among the inhabitants, they are considered a sacred animal, but they often behave very aggressively. It is better to keep the windows closed and things under supervision.
25. There is also an abundance of insects here, it is imperative to use special creams and ointments. And walking in the evening, you need to wear closed clothes and closed shoes from snakes.
Elephants in Sri Lanka
26. Here, the inhabitants treat elephants with love. The elephant is the symbol of the country. The punishment for killing an elephant is life imprisonment.
27. Divorces in Sri Lanka are very rare - 1%. Maybe the reason is that after the divorce, the husband is obliged to pay the ex-wife 50% of his salary throughout his life.
28. Here, when a daughter is married, she should be given a house and a car as a dowry. Therefore, as soon as a girl is born, parents begin to earn and save for a dowry.
29. The youth of Sri Lanka study at 11 universities, in terms of the quality of education they are not inferior to other universities in South Asia.
30. Here the literacy of the population is 92%. This is higher than in any other country in Southeast Asia, with the exception of Hong Kong and Singapore.
31. Schools in the country are free, however, for 300 rupees per month ($ 2.5) you can allow your child to study at an international school with the study of English.
Tangalla city beach
32. The beach in Tangalle, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is popular because you can watch both sunset and sunrise from it.
33. The biggest danger in this country is swimming in the waves of the ocean. The strength of the ocean surf and waves is significantly different from the sea. It can carry a person into the ocean like a grain of sand. Therefore, it is necessary to relax on the beaches here in places specially equipped for this. No need to try to conquer the waves on wild beaches.
34. All working women in the country are required to wear national clothes - saris. Many men here wear skirts.
35. Numbers 9 and 12 are considered the luckiest here.
36. Tea, which Sri Lanka is so famous for, was brought here by the British. Before that, there were no tea bushes here.
Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka
37. Now Sri Lanka ranks third in the world in tea production, second only to India and China. The famous Ceylon tea is grown here.
38. In total, about 10% of all tea in the world is produced here, which is more than 300 thousand tons annually.
39. One of the most visited places on the island by tourists is tea plantations. There you can see the process of making tea, as well as taste it.
Ramboda waterfall
40. Alut Avurudu - the Sri Lankan New Year, associated with the lunar cycles. It begins in accordance with the calculations of astrologers and is celebrated in April.
41. Sri Lankans do not use toilet paper, but it is sold for tourists and costs 2 times more than in India and 4 times more than in Russia.
42. Instead of toilet paper, Sri Lankans use a hygienic shower, or even a ladle and a bucket of water, just like in Thailand.
43. There are practically no fat people in this state.
Royal Botanical Garden
44. The Royal Botanical Garden with an orchid greenhouse in Sri Lanka is considered the largest in Southeast Asia.
45. The export of currency (Sri Lankan rupee) outside the country is strictly prohibited.
46. Sri Lanka is a major exporter of precious stones. Sapphire, emerald or ruby can be bought here inexpensively.
Sinhalite stone
47. The most expensive gem here is sinhalite(more expensive than a diamond). It got its name in honor of the indigenous people of Sri Lanka.
48. The inhabitants of this island-state are very respectful of the people of the white race. They are very hospitable and friendly to tourists. Instead of a handshake, it is better to use the greeting of the locals: - fold your palms on your chest with a “house” and bring them to your forehead. In return, you will receive a radiant smile!
Bentota beach
49. Among local residents, it is considered prestigious to know the Russian language. It brings in a good income from tourists.
50. Russian tourists are found in Sri Lanka, but not very often, while this country is not yet strongly covered by compatriots, although Sri Lanka is one of the best places for a winter holiday.
