Holidays - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the Maldives. It is part of South Asia. The culture of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many things in the past, but has managed to retain much of its ancient, rich aspects. Mostly it has been influenced by its rich history, diversity, and religious beliefs. Sri Lankan culture is best known abroad for its cricket, cuisine, and cultural exports, like tea. Sri Lankan culture is diverse, as it varies from region to region. Several languages are spoken in Sri Lanka within the Indo-Aryan, Dravidian and Austronesian families. Sri Lanka accords official status to Sinhala and Tamil. The languages spoken on the island nation are deeply influenced by the languages of neighbouring India, the Maldives and Malaysia. Arab settlers and the colonial powers of Portugal, the Netherlands and Britain have also influenced the development of modern languages in Sri Lanka. the golden beaches in Sri Lanka are ideal for a holiday. The most notable beaches of Sri Lanka are Hikkaduwa beach, Unawatuna beach, Mount Lavinia, Bentota beach and Ambalangoda beach. Sri Lanka is filled with nature spots such as waterfalls and this is what makes the place more beautiful. The water falls are unique by themselves.