Overview
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island nation located in South Asia, often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” due to its shape and exceptional natural beauty. It offers a dazzling blend of ancient history, rich culture, and diverse landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to misty mountains.
Highlights
- Location: An island in the Indian Ocean, separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.
- Capitals: Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (Legislative Capital) and Colombo (Commercial and Judicial Capital, and largest city).
- The Land: The terrain is mostly flat to rolling plains, but the South-Central interior features a stunning mountainous region known as the Central Highlands, home to tea plantations and towering peaks like Pidurutalagala (the highest point).
- Climate: Tropical monsoon climate. The island experiences two main monsoon seasons, but the varied geography means there is always a dry coast to visit at any time of the year.
