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Interesting Facts About Sri Lanka, the Land of Serendipity
Just located southeast of India, Sri Lanka is a hidden gem of the Indian Ocean. Beyond its ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and amazing wildlife, the island nation has many other stories to uncover. From the Pearl of Indian ocean to the world's oldest human-planted tree, here are 5 facts you might not know about Sri Lanka to offer you a glimpse of the intriguing local history and culture.
1. It is nicknamed Pearl of the Indian Ocean and teardrop of India
Sri Lanka is known for these two lovely names. Pearl of the Indian Ocean is given to this small island nation probably due to its incredible natural beauty, extraordinary biodiversity as well as its precious gemstones. Besides, the island has a teardrop shape and is off the coast of India, which is easier to see from the map. That’s why it is also called teardrop of India. Below is a Google map snapshot of Sri Lanka to give you an idea of its location and shape.
2. It's packed with a large variety of animals
Sri Lanka only covers an area of 25,332 mi², which is just slightly larger than the US state of West Virginia. However, its wildlife is incredibly diverse. It's home to 123 species of mammals (such as elephants, leopards, and crocodiles), 227 species of birds, 178 species of reptiles, 122 species of amphibians, and many other animal species.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Yala National Park is a must visit on a journey to Sri Lanka. And for travelers interested in whales, a trip to Mirissa or Trincomalee is worthwhile. Our post When and Where to Watch Whales in Sri Lanka offers insider tips on the best time and location for spotting whales in Sri Lanka. This customizable 15-day Sri Lanka itinerary includes a safari in Yala and whale-watching in Mirissa: 15-Day Vivid Ceylon Tour with Whale Watching (Nov-Apr).
Elephant in the Yala National ParkAn elephant crossing the road with the baby elephant in Yala National Park
3. Tea is a big business in Sri Lanka
If you're a tea drinker, your cuppa may come from Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, a name synonymous with tea. Brought from China in 1824 by the British, the first tea plant on the island was displayed in the Royal Botanical Gardens outside Kandy and has grown into a huge business. This teardrop island nation is still a leading tea producer and exporter, with over 1 million of its 22 million people working for the tea industry.
For tea enthusiasts traveling in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit Ceylon Tea Museum situated just 4 km south of Kandy. It is an ideal place to enjoy a nice cuppa and learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka. You'll find the exhibits of tea pioneers like James Taylor and Thomas Lipton who had helped make tea part of daily life in the UK.
4. It is home of cinnamon
Apart from being a large tea producer, Sri Lanka is famous for its cinnamon, an indispensable ingredient for many of its fabulous food. It is said to have originated from the teardrop nation and first found by the Egyptians in 2000 BC. Today, Sri Lanka is still a leading exporter of the world's cinnamon.
5. You'll think of England in the town of Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, a British-built town located in the hill country, is known for its temperate, cool climate. It used to be the favorite holiday retreat for the British elite. It is "where they go to be cold and damp and imagine they're in England", according to John Gimlette, a British travel writer. You can visit its colonial-style houses and hotels to feel as if you were in 19th-century England.
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
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