The island of Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea. It is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. The tear drop shaped island consists mostly of flat-to-rolling coastal plains, with mountains rising only in the south-central part. Amongst these are Sri Pada (Adams Peak) and the highest point Pidurutalagala, at 2,524 meters (8,281 ft). The Mahaweli ganga (Mahaweli river) and other major rivers provide fresh water to the population.
Climate and Weather
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with high humidity, tempered by sea breezes on the coast. The average temperature is about 81°F (27°C). January is the coolest month, becoming especially cold in the highlands, and May is the hottest time of year. Monsoon season is between May and July, and December and January.
Population
The country is home to around twenty million people. An important characteristic of the Sri Lankan population is its ethnic and cultural diversity. Approximately 74 percent of the population are Sinhalese, 12.6 percent are Sri Lankan Tamils, 5.5 percent Indian Tamils, 5 percent Muslims, and the remainder consists of Burghers, Malays, and others (2.9 percent). More than a quarter of the population follow faiths other than Buddhism, notably Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
Transportation
Transportation in Sri Lanka is based mainly on the road network which is centred on Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo. There is also an extensive railway network but it is largely a legacy of British colonial rule and is less appropriate for the modern transport requirements of the country. There are also navigable waterways, harbours and airports, including an international airport, located in Katunayaka, 22 miles north of Colombo. The highways and roadways around the capital are in very good condition and being upgraded for the future.
Top Attractions
1. Kandy.
2. Galle.
3. Colombo.
4. Ancient Cities of Sri Lanka.
5. Beaches in Sri Lanka.
6. Wildlife Tours.
Best Travel Time
Best time to travel to Sri Lanka is between the main rainy seasons. The period from November to April is the driest season on the south west coast and up in the hills. Here, some of the best beaches and many other places of tourist interest are located. Therefore, period between November and April is the best time to visit this region and this period is also considered as tourist season in Srilanka. May to September is the best time to visit east coast, as it is dry during this period. Hence, Sri Lanka is round-the-year destination-there is always a good time to visit at least some part of the country.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Hoppers is a cross between a muffin and a crumpet
with a wafer-crisp edge, served with a fresh egg soft-baked on top.
• Stringhoppers are steamed circlets of rice flour, a little more delicate than noodles or spaghetti.
• Jaggery is a fudge made from the crystallised sap of the kitul palm.
• The durian fruit is considered a great delicacy.
National drinks: • Tea is the national drink and thought to be amongst the best in the world.
• Toddy (sap of the palm tree).
• Arrack (fermented Toddy which comes in varying degrees of strength).
Local Products/Shopping
Sri Lanka has several shopping malls, including Majestic City, Liberty Plaza, Crescat Boulevard, Odel Unlimited and JAIC Oberoi. Some 5-star hotels in Colombo also have shopping arcades. Special purchases include handicrafts and curios of silver, brass, bone, ceramics, wood and terracotta. Also cane baskets, straw hats, reed and coir mats and tea. Batik fabric, lace and lacquerware are also popular. Some of the masks, which are used in dance-dramas, in processions and on festival days, can be bought by tourists. The ‘18-disease’ mask shows a demon in possession of a victim; he is surrounded by 18 faces – each of which cures a specific ailment. Versions produced for the tourist market are often of a high standard. Sri Lanka is also rich in gems. Fabrics include batiks, cottons, rayons, silks and fine lace.
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Top Attractions 
Best time to travel to Sri Lanka is between the main rainy seasons. The period from November to April is the driest season on the south west coast and up in the hills. Here, some of the best beaches and many other places of tourist interest are located. Therefore, period between November and April is the best time to visit this region and this period is also considered as tourist season in Srilanka. May to September is the best time to visit east coast, as it is dry during this period. Hence, Sri Lanka is round-the-year destination-there is always a good time to visit at least some part of the country.