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Sri Lanka - A Globally Renowned Tourist Destination to Visit
by Srimal Fernando Asia Correspondent
Foreign Exchange South Africa
Sri
Lanka also known as “ Serendib” needs little introduction to many
visitors to the country . The tear drop-shaped island is geographically
situated 22 miles off the southern coastal tip of the Indian
Sub-Continent. This incredible Island country with its magnificent
heritage, glorious culture with its rich cultural past is one of the
most scenic and extremely popular tourist destinations in the whole of
Asia. This picturesque landscape is diverse, with magnificent sandy
beaches, beautiful countryside, lush forests and ancient cities with
more than two thousand five hundred years of rich history. The country's
natural and historical attractions appeal to many visitors from all
parts of theworld.
Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, had a reputation for spices, pearls and gemstones, ivory and for tea. The country gained independence from the British on February 4th, 1948. Agriculture and fisheries related activities are the main source of livelihood.
Sri Lanka, a unique nation with 20.2 million population is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Sinhalese forms the predominant ethnic group; the other large ethnic groups are Tamil and Muslim. The Indian Ocean Island nation has undergone tremendous transformation following the changes in the economy. In recent years it has transformed from a traditional agricultural society to a progressive export driven economy.
During the past three years after the dawn of peace and normalcy, travel and tourism is experiencing a sustainable growth. Recently the world reputed British Airways has placed Sri Lanka among the world’s top destinations to visit in 2013.
There have been new trends in tourist arrivals that give much expectation for the industry. 950,000 foreign visitors arrived in Sri Lanka up to 18th of December 2012 according to the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority(SLTDA). Further, the Ministry of Economic Development has forecasted 2.5million foreign tourist arrivals by 2016 to the Indian Ocean Island of Sri Lanka.
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is located in Colombo and is one of the most important aviation hubs in Asia.The airport is strategically placed between the Middle Eastern and Far Eastern aviation lines .The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) serves as a base for the Sri Lankan airlines, the flag carrier of Sri Lanka. The country's second international Airport in Hambantota having landing capability for larger aircrafts will be in operation for passenger traffic by mid 2013.
The
capital city Colombo is one destination for which praising words seems
inadequate. Today the city is a bustling, rapidly developing place, full
of traffic and crowds. This cosmopolitan city possesses an enormous
cultural richness with uncountable attractions to see and to offer the
traveler. The city is a thriving metropolis with high rise buildings,
numerous speciality shops, boutiques and colorful markets. The iconic
Independence Memorial Hall, located at the Independence Square, is one
of the highest-esteemed attractions in the city of Colombo. Of those,
the most exotic popular places-of-interest in the city other than
Independence Square, are the Galle Face Green, a long stretch of lawn
facing the Indian Ocean which attracts many visitors every day. Apart
from that, tourists can see Sri Lanka’s National Museum that has some of
the rarest and exquisite pieces of art and craft, the Vihara Maha Devi
park earlier known as the Victoria Park, and the Beira Lake in the
center of the capital city . The Town Hall,Taj Samudra Hotel, Cinnomon
Grand, Colombo Hilton and the World Trade Center are some of the
prominent landmarks in the heart of the city. It will take hours of
roaming around Colombo to see everything.
As one
of the most populous cities of Sri Lanka Jaffna situated 450 kilometers
on the A9 highway North of Colombo is a significant place to travel.
Origin of Jaffna is so unique and ancient that it has been veiled in the
mist of time. There is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can
see in Jaffna Peninsula. Strikingly beautiful ancient cities of Kandy,
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and the “Sigiriya” Lion's rock fortress are
amazing places to visit for its contrasts, high cultural interest and
for spectacular natural beauty. A visit to the country would remain
incomplete if Nuwara Eliya and Kandy did not appear in a traveler’s
itinerary. The panoramic towns are noted for its salubrious climate.
The scenery as it unfolds during the trip is breathtaking. Travelling
180 kilometers East of Colombo to Nuwara Eliya known as the “City of
Light” via Kandy can be a fantastic experience for a tourist.
Hambantota
is a unique destination in Sri Lanka with a blend of sea, sand and sky.
Tangalle and Hambantota, situated 240 kilometers South East of Colombo
are all year round beach destinations with brilliant sunshine, dry
weather and perfect sea conditions. Geographic diversity gives the area a
rich wild life resources .Yala and Bundala national parks located in
the South East edge of Hambantota are the two conserved wild life parks.
Majestic elephants can be found in almost all nature reserves through
out the country. The country's Eastern province is synonymous with
cities like Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara.
Sri
Lanka’s world class tourism assets have developed into one of the
world's most unique destinations to be visited. The things to do in this
beautiful island paradise might not be found elsewhere in the world.
( Source : http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=536 )
