Interesting facts about Sri Lanka

Located just southeast of India, Sri Lanka is a hidden gem of the Indian Ocean. In addition to ancient ruins, stunning beaches and amazing wildlife, this island nation has many other stories to tell.

From the Pearl of the Indian Ocean to the world's oldest tree planted by humans, here are facts you might not know about Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean and the Tear of India.

Sri Lanka is known by these two lovely names. The Pearl of the Indian Ocean was given to this tiny island nation probably because of its incredible natural beauty, extraordinary biodiversity and precious stones. Besides, the island is teardrop shaped and is located off the coast of India, making it easier to spot on the map. That is why it is also called the Teardrop of India.

 

Sri Lanka is home to a wide variety of animals.

Sri Lanka covers just 25,332 square miles, making it only slightly larger than the U.S. state of West Virginia. Yet its wildlife is incredibly diverse. Sri Lanka is 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 animals.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Yala National Park is a must-see destination on your Sri Lanka itinerary. Visitors interested in whales should definitely consider a trip to Mirissa or Trincomalee.

Tea is a major economic crop in Sri Lanka.

If you're a tea drinker, your cuppa might come from Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, a name synonymous with tea. Brought back from China by the British in 1824, the island's first tea plant was displayed at the Royal Botanical Gardens outside Kandy and has since grown into a major business. The teardrop-shaped island nation remains a leading producer and exporter of tea, with more than 1 million of its 22 million people employed in the industry.

For tea enthusiasts travelling in Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the Ceylon Tea Museum, located just 4km south of Kandy. This is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious cup of tea and learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka. You will find exhibits on tea pioneers such as James Taylor and Thomas Lipton, who helped make tea a part of everyday life in the UK.

 

Sri Lanka is the home of cinnamon.

In addition to being a major tea producer, Sri Lanka is also famous for its cinnamon, an essential ingredient in many of the country's wonderful dishes. Cinnamon is said to have originated in the teardrop-shaped country and was first discovered by the Egyptians in 2000 BC. Today, Sri Lanka remains the world's leading exporter of cinnamon.

Nuwara Eliya Town in Sri Lanka is England in miniature

Nuwara Eliya, a British-built hill town, is famous for its cool, temperate climate. It was once a favorite retreat for the British upper class. According to British travel writer John Gimlette, it was ' where they came to get cold and wet and pretend they were in England .' You can visit colonial-style houses and hotels to feel as if you were in 19th-century England.

Adam's Peak is the most sacred mountain in the country.

Perched in the picturesque southern hills, this sacred peak has been a holy site for people of many faiths in Sri Lanka for over a thousand years. To Buddhists, the peak is called Sri Pada, meaning sacred footprint, and is believed to have been left by the Buddha as he ascended to heaven. To Hindus, it is the footprint of Lord Shiva. Ask Christians and Muslims and they will tell you it is the footprint of Adam when he was expelled from the Garden of Eden.

Sri Lanka brought "serendipity" to English

Did you know that 'serendipity', one of the British's favourite words, is derived from 'Serendip', the old name for Sri Lanka as it was known to the Arabs and Persians? The word, coined by the English writer Horace Walpole in 1754, is based on the title of a Persian fairy tale, The Three Princes of Serendip, in which the princes 'always discover, by accident and wit, things they are not looking for'. With its pristine beaches, timeless ruins, diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, Sri Lanka is well-deservedly known as the land of the fortunate.

 

The Sri Lankan flag is one of the oldest national flags in the world.

The Sri Lankan flag, commonly known as the Lion Flag, is one of the oldest flags in the world. Back in 486 BC, the first king of Sri Lanka, Vijaya, came to the island from India, carrying a flag with a lion emblem. Since then, although it has changed many times with the development of different eras, the lion emblem has always played an important role in the Sri Lankan flag. Besides, according to the mural in Cave No. 2 at Dambulla Viharaya, the oldest relevant version can even be traced back to 162 BC. The banner carried by the legendary King Dutugemunu in his campaign against Ellalan was represented by a lion holding a sword in its right foreleg, a symbol of the sun, and a symbol of the moon.