Wondrous Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island country located in the Indian Ocean and, separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. It is the 25th largest island in the world with a picturesque coastline edged with palm trees. The capital of Sri Lanka Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, is a satellite city located within the urban area of Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, Colombo. The country has a comfortable temperature of around 27°C all year round owing to its proximity to the Equator. Endless dazzlingly white beaches, like sandy gems, are a haven for sun, sea and sand lovers. Sri Lanka has 103 rivers, 45 estuaries and 40 lagoons. It boasts of a tropical warm climate, due to the moderating effects of ocean winds. The country has numerous Unesco World Heritage Sites packed in its small area. The city of Anuradhapura is one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka, and home of the world’s oldest living human-planted tree. It has a 2,300-year-old sacred fig or bo-tree, Sri Maha Bodhiya. The small town of Minneriya is famous for the great Minneriya lake and Minneriya National Park which is a hot favourite with safari lovers. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in surrounding forests. The best months to visit the west and south coasts, and hill country is from December to March. The east coast has the best weather from April/May to September. The currency is Sri Lankan rupee (LKR or රු) which equals INR 0.37-0.40 (fluctuates).