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The Emerald Isle of Sri Lanka
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By Vimla Patil
Tropical islands have a special
appeal. They are verdant and warm. Sri Lanka, with
luxuriant forests, cool rivers and gentle hills, is known for
beautiful, historic monuments, spice gardens and modern
resorts which offer a magical holiday to visitors…
Island countries almost always cast a magical spell on all travellers and the emerald isle of Sri Lanka is certainly no exception. This teardrop-shaped country, standing at the foot of the Indian subcontinent in the Indian Ocean, has fascinated generations of adventure seekers with its mystiqueand jewel-verdant beauty. No wonder, it is called by so many exotic names: Serendib, Ceylon, Resplendent Isle, Pearl of the Orient, Taprobane and Island of Dharma– these are some of the picturesque names given toSri Lanka over the past centuries. Sri Lanka has the distinction of being called 'the finest island of its size in the world' by Marco Polo, one of the most celebrated travellers of the history. And truly, Sri Lanka is a paradise country with its rain-washed tropical forests, its historic cities, its ancient monuments, its fragrant tea gardens, its cool, mist-laden hill resorts, its pearly white beaches and its coral reefs with a colourful undersea life. 
In Sri Lanka, a visitor feels that time has come to a peaceful, silent standstill. Though the cities bustle with industrial and economic activity andpeople live in modern homes and work in technology-driven businesses, the nostalgia of a rich history makes the environment fragrant everywhere – in the ancient cave frescoes, in the prayer-resounding temples of the early Buddhist era, in the mystical monasteries and the colonial bungalows built by European rulers in hill-top towns during the last few centuries. Sri Lanka represents many eras of history, which are fascinating and dramatic at the same time. Several ancient monuments in this country have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Being an island in a vast ocean that stretches to the South Pole, Sri Lanka enjoys a warm, moist tropical climate. The vast bio-diversity of the small island is truly magnificent. The island is ranked 10th by the United Nations in bio-diversification per sq. km. area. Throughout the year, monsoo n showers keep the land green and fertile. The climate changes dramatically in the grasslands, forested hills, rain forests, vast beaches, marshes and gentle hills. The result is that Sri Lanka is home to a vast variety of bird and animal life. Its fruit and flowers are exotic and its rivers are full of fertile silt and deposits which yield a rich treasure of gemstones. The rich and varied eco-system is a dream for nature lovers who enjoy trekking and exploring the hills and valleys of this abundantly forested island.
Today, Sri Lanka is a tourist's or adventure seeker's paradise. The easiest access to this island, celebrated in many international films, is by air from the Colombo airport. Colombo itself is on the Indian Ocean and has everything for leisure-seekers. The Kelaniya River flows nearby and the Buddhist Temple here is a m ust-see. Being a small country, Sri Lanka can be seen within a week from coast to coast. Colombo, the capital, offers bustling scenes of business, ethnic restaurants, world class hotels and night clubs.
In Sri Lanka, a visitor feels that time has come to a peaceful, silent standstill. Though the cities bustle with industrial and economic activity and people live in modern homes and work in technology-driven businesses, the nostalgia of a rich history makes the environment fragrant everywhere in the ancient cave frescoes, in the prayer-resounding temples of the early Buddhist era, in the mystical monasteries and the colonial bungalows built by European rulers in hill-top towns during the last few centuries.
A short drive into the hills takes you to Kandy, the old capital. From Colombo to Kandy, the road also passes along the Mahaveli River where baby elephants are raised. Believe this or not, this is called the Elephant Orphanage. The elephants are so visitor-friendly that they actually pose as soon as they see cameras coming out. The city has the magnificent Temple of the Tooth that stands serene and glorious. Here in the sanctum, is one of the m ost venerated relics of the Buddha which is taken in a procession at an annual festival called the Perahera in which richly decorated elephants lead the procession around the city. Kandy has a rich, old-world charm. The hills around are fragrant with spice and tea gardens and avqcados, pineapples, papayas grow in suchabundance along the way, that stopping to savour their unique flavours is one of the joys of the journey.
Yet another beautiful town that's a must on the visitor's list is Nuwara Eliya with its Colonialcharm. The route to this hill resort passes along the Manik Ganga River through the gem town of Ratnapura where gemstones –peridots, sapphires, rubies among others –dredged from the river are auctioned. Northward, on the way to Anuradhapura, where the grand Buddhist monasteries stand, visitors can see more historical monuments like the Sigiriya caves with their frescoes. Actually, Sri Lanka for Indians islike a journey into the shared historical awareness of both countries!
Sri Lanka's advantage is that it is a beautifully packaged island where a week is enough to see m ost of the country. Add to this the undersea life watching voyages on glass bottom boats, the treks in the moist tea garden hills and the lazy days by the sea and you have a perfect holiday.
While on this sight seeing and relaxing holiday, don't forget to taste the delicacies of the rich Sri Lankan cuisine including its variety of sea food and hoppers. And without fail, remember to sample typical fruits like rambutang, pineapple, papaw and mango! These fruits are as colourful and exotic in looks as they are in their fabulous taste. Final word: While in Sri Lanka, do not miss shopping for superb handicrafts and precious and semi precious gems or jewellery! And if you are lucky, do see a Sri Lankan wedding which is picturesque and stunningly beautiful in its simplicity! |
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