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Sri Lanka has so much to offer visitors in the way of culture, heritage and nature. Although the country has been torn by civil war for many years, there are still many areas which are safe for tourists to visit but caution must be exercised. This picturesque island is known by many names among them Serendib, Teardrop of India and Island of Dharma. Each of its names gives the visitor a clue into the richness and beauty of the island.

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The history of Sri Lanka dates back many thousands of years to the 4th century BC, when there is evidence of a thriving civilisation in the ancient city of Anuradhapura. This was followed by the arrival of a Sinhalese prince who married one of the locals but later began to bring women from South India for the men in his kingdom to marry. The prince, who had many wives, also married one of these women.

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The business section, called the Fort, is home to modern buildings and contrasts sharply with the Pettah quarters which is home to narrow and winding streets and rickety dilapidated buildings. The city also has an international airport and is the transportation hub of the island with bus and train services departing from here to various destinations across the island.

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Sirigaya of the Lion Mountain is another fascinating ancient city to explore in Sri Lanka. The water gardens and the fascinating gigantic lion’s rock, which is where the palace once stood, are amazing feats of architecture and workmanship. Sirigaya was the royal fortress from 477 – 495 BC.

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Sri Lanka is renowned for its excellent teas and is the world’s largest exporter of tea. The town of Nuwara Eliya still retains influences from the colonial days and is very charming.

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