Officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. known as Ceylon before 1972 and as Taprobane in ancient times is an island country in South Asia, located about 31 kilometres (19.3 mi) off the southern coast of India. It is home to around twenty million people.
Because of its location in the path of major sea routes, Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia, and has been a center of Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times. Today, the country is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, with more than a quarter of the population following faiths other than Buddhism, notably Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The Sinhalese community forms the majority of the population, with Tamils, who are concentrated in the north and east of the island, forming the largest ethnic minority. Other communities include Moors, Burghers, Kaffirs and the Malays.
Famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts and rubber, Sri Lanka boasts a progressive and modern industrial economy and the highest per capita income in South Asia. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka's tropical forests, beaches and landscape, as well as its rich cultural heritage, make it a world famous tourist destination.
Because of its location in the path of major sea routes, Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia, and has been a center of Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times. Today, the country is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation, with more than a quarter of the population following faiths other than Buddhism, notably Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The Sinhalese community forms the majority of the population, with Tamils, who are concentrated in the north and east of the island, forming the largest ethnic minority. Other communities include Moors, Burghers, Kaffirs and the Malays.
Famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts and rubber, Sri Lanka boasts a progressive and modern industrial economy and the highest per capita income in South Asia. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka's tropical forests, beaches and landscape, as well as its rich cultural heritage, make it a world famous tourist destination.
Sigiriya (Lion's rock)
is an ancient rock fortress and castle/palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, resevoirs, and other structures. It is a popular tourist destination, also known for its ancient paintings (frescos), very similar to those in the Ajanta Caves of India. The Sigiraya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495), and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. Is rain forest reserve the best kept secret in Asia, is one of the least disturbed and biologically unique lowland rain forests in Sri Lanka. This rain forest covers an extent of about 11,180 hectares from east to west of Sri Lanka. The length of the Rain forest is about 21km and width from North to South is about 3km. It was declared a National wilderness area in 1988 and lately a world heritage site in 1989. Sri Lanka has 07 world heritage sites. It is situated in the southwest lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka in the districts of Ratnapura, Galle and Matara. The average annual temperature of Sinharaja is 23.6 C. Rainfall figures show values ranging from 3,700 to 5,000 in and around the Sinharaja forest. Average height of the trees varies between 35m – 40m.some individuals rise even up to 50m.The vegetation of Sinharaja forest is evergreen forest type with a high degree of endemism. In fact some families show an endemism more than 90%. The untapped genetic potential of Sinharaja flora is enormous.
Birds
Sri Lanka is a tropical island situated close to the southern tip of India. The bird life of Sri Lanka is very rich for its size, and about 433 species have been recorded. In addition to the many resident birds, a considerable number of migratory species winter in the country to escape their northern breeding grounds
Sri lanka Spurfowl
The Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Galloperdix bicalcarata,is member of the pheasant family, it is more often heard than seen (rarely). Often, the only indication of its presence is its distinctive ringing call, consisting of series of three-syllabled whistles. Its cackling sound in the early morning is unmistakable, and adds a distinct flavour to the melodies of the forest. The Sri Lanka Spurfowl is a shy and secretive forest dweller and is ultraelusive. It is mainly restricted to the undisturbed forests of the wet zone. It can also be seen on roadsides in forested areas. Sinharaja, Dombagaskanda, and kanneliya are some of the locations where it can be spotted, if you are lucky.
Sri Lanka Whistling-thrush.
This rare, shy bird, also known as the Arrenga, occurs in undisturbed forests between at 1,200-2,100 metres altitude, and prefers streamside habitats. The bird is very shy and prefers thick undergrowths. It preys on creatures like insects and geckos. The Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush makes its cup-shaped nests on banks or on branches of tall trees. The inside of the nest it made from dead leaves. Hatching is done by the female, but both males and female share in the feeding of their hatchings.
Sri Lanka Mynah.
The Sri Lanka Mynah loves high trees, and may be found in the heart of tall forests, as well as on estates and village gardens. Lowland forests of Kitulgala, Gilimale, and Sinharaja are some locations to catch a glimpse of this rare bird, where its loud calls, made from the top of the forest canopy, are often heard a long distance away. Often found perched on tall trees, it is restless bird and prefers a mobile lifestyle, living in scattered colonies.
