You may know Sri Lanka as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, but this tropical paradise has much more on offer than idyllic beaches; just check out these fantastic facts!
The World’s Oldest Living Tree
In the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, you will find the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred Bodhi tree that is the oldest living tree in documented history! It is revered by Buddhists since it is believed to have been grown from a branch of the Bodhi tree in India, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
There Are Three Official Languages
Sri Lanka is home to multicultural and multi-ethnic communities, mirrored in the fact that it has three official languages. The majority Sinhala population speak Sinhalese, while Tamil ethnic groups use Tamil. English is seen as a link language and is also spoken by locals especially in cities like Colombo.
South Asia’s Tallest Self-Supported Structure
Dominating the cityscape with its height and distinctive shape is the Lotus Tower (or Nelum Kuluna) in the commercial capital, Colombo. Hotel rooms can be easily found within easy reach of this 350-metre-tall self-supported structure which is the tallest of its kind in South Asia and ranks 11th overall in Asia!
Highest Density of Leopards on the Planet
Wildlife enthusiasts love visiting Yala National Park in Sri Lanka because it is where you will find the world’s highest density of leopards. You not only have a great chance of seeing these majestic predators but many other creatures including elephants, sloth bears, deer, monkeys and more.
