Sri Lanka, [b] historically known as Ceylon, [c] and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.

Nov 20, 2024 · And today, this breathtaking island of beaches, rainforests, mountains, spice-laden food and friendly locals makes for an excellent travel destination. So, let's start with the two most common questions – is Sri Lanka safe to visit? Yes, absolutely! Is it always very hot?

Jan 24, 2025 · Sri Lanka, island country lying in the Indian Ocean and separated from peninsular India by the Palk Strait. Proximity to the Indian subcontinent has facilitated close cultural interaction between Sri Lanka and India from ancient times. Sri …

Aug 2, 2023 · Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, lies to the south of the Indian subcontinent, separated by the narrow Palk Strait. It shares maritime borders with the Maldives to the southwest and India to the northwest.

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (ශ්‍රී ලංකා in Sinhala, இலங்கை in Tamil) is a tropical island nation off the southeast coast of the Indian subcontinent. The capital of the country is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte while the largest city is Colombo.

Jan 16, 2025 · The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced circa 250 B.C., and the first kingdoms developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (from about 200 B.C. to about A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about A.D. 1070 to 1200).

Jan 22, 2025 · Sri Lanka - Island, Culture, History: In a new constitution proclaimed in 1972, Ceylon became the Republic of Sri Lanka, while maintaining its link with the British Commonwealth.

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, known as Ceylon before 1972, is a predominantly Buddhist island nation in South Asia, located 18 miles (31 km) off the southern coast of India. It is often popularly referred to as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," and is home to more than 20 million people.

Oct 4, 2024 · Lying off the southern tip of India, the tropical island of Sri Lanka has attracted visitors for centuries with its natural beauty. But it has been scarred by a long and bitter civil war arising...

5 days ago · Colombo is Sri Lanka's vibrant capital. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Yala National Park. Sri Lanka is home to over 20 national parks, and many regular visitors will insist Udawalawe is superior for its population of Sri Lankan elephants. While it's certainly one to add to the travel list, those short on time should earmark Yala National Park, which is not only home to Sri …