{"id":566,"date":"2018-06-13T20:41:51","date_gmt":"2018-06-13T20:41:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/guides\/?page_id=566"},"modified":"2019-06-18T12:33:52","modified_gmt":"2019-06-18T12:33:52","slug":"best-known-for","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eatsandretreats.com\/travel\/sri-lanka\/story\/best-known-for\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s Sri Lanka Best Known For?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sri Lanka has something for every kind of traveller: be it the beach holiday lover, history& culture explorer or travel foodie. From beautiful natural attractions to ancient temples and tea factories, this exotic island remains the true pearl of South-East Asia. So, what exactly is Sri Lanka known for? Let’s find out!<\/p>\n

Ceylon Tea<\/h2>\n
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Green fields of tea in Sri Lanka<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Grown in the highlands of Sri Lanka, Ceylon Tea is a delectable black tea that is popular all over the world. The unique geography in the tropical land of Sri Lanka gives the tea a unique taste that is distinct and loved by many. Usually, you can get Ceylon Tea in its pure black form which gives a bold flavour and a pleasant aroma. The name Ceylon goes back to the colonial times of Sri Lanka when the tea plantations were founded by the British. The tea leaves that makes Ceylon tea are mostly handpicked. There are a community and culture that has been formed around the tea plantations of Sri Lanka<\/a> and it employs over 1 million people being the main livelihood for thousands of families.<\/p>\n

Surfing Beaches of Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n
\"Surfer
Surfer enjoying the waves in Midigama spot, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sri Lanka is widely popular to be one of the best-surfing destinations in the world for both the beginners and the experienced surfers. Stunning beaches lined with golden sand, favourable onshore and offshore winds throughout the year and colourful coral reefs which give that perfect reef break are only a few things that bring surfers from all over the world to Sri Lanka especially from November to March. Arugambay, which is the most popular surfing beach in Sri Lanka is also called the “Mecca of Surfing” due to the many returning surfers to enjoy the cleanest surfing waves that you can enjoy in this part of the world. Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa,<\/strong> and Arugambay<\/strong> are the 4 most popular surfing beaches in Sri Lanka.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sri Lanka Cricket<\/h2>\n
\"Sri
Sri Lanka Cricket team – https:\/\/icc-static-files.s3.amazonaws.com\/ICC\/photo\/2017\/05\/18\/2dc1ca3d-581b-4ee3-aa87-b2a5b658cedb\/Sri_Lanka_1.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you ask a Sri Lankan what their favourite sport is, there is a 90+% chance that their answer will be Cricket! Brits introduced Cricket to Sri Lanka back during the colonization period, and Sri Lanka became one of the best Cricket playing nations in the world producing some of the universally loved and highest paid cricketers to date. Sri Lankan National Cricket team – nicknamed “The Lions” is beloved by everybody in the country. Sri Lanka won the Cricket World Cup in 1996, which is a cherished memory by the Sri Lankans even now. Starting a conversation about cricket is always a good way to befriend a Sri Lankan!<\/p>\n

Gems \u2013 Sapphires in Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n
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Sri Lankan Sapphire | Source – http:\/\/www.giathai.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kataragama-Sapphire.jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sri Lanka has a well-documented legacy for its wealth of gems. It spans for thousands of years as a treasure trove of the best quality gemstones in the world. It is estimated that almost 90% of Sri Lankan soil is potentially a gem-bearing land. With Rathnapura (literally translated to \u201cCity of Gems\u201d) at the top, the recognized major gem-bearing belt lies within the South West region of the central hillside of Sri Lanka.\u00a0 Ceylon Blue Sapphire is the crown stone of Sri Lanka, being the most expired and coveted product for many years.<\/p>\n

The history of the Ceylon Blue Sapphire goes far back in time for at least 2500 years, if not more. In fact, the world\u2019s three largest faceted blue sapphires are all from Sri Lanka; \u201cBlue Giant of the Orient\u201d (466 karats). \u201cLogan Blue Sapphire\u201d (423 karats – as pictured on the right) and \u201cBlue Belle of Asia\u201d (400 karats). Royal families from all around the world have coveted Ceylon Blue Sapphires for many centuries.<\/p>\n

To mention a few of most prominent instances where the Ceylon Blue Sapphire made its mark; Imperial Crown of Russia worn by Queen Catherine II of Moscow, the Ceylon Blue Sapphire brooch given by Prince Albert to Queen Victoria on the eve of their wedding (also worn by Queen Elizabeth II). Princess Diana\u2019s renowned engagement ring, currently worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge also contains a stone sourced from Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n

Buddhism in Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n
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Buddhist Monks | Source – https:\/\/www.buddhistdoor.net\/news\/government-bill-to-regulate-buddhist-monks-in-sri-lanka-meets-opposition<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With 70% of the population following Theravada Buddhism, Sri Lanka has been a centre of Buddhist scholarship and learning going back for over 2000 years. Arahant Mahinda Thero, the son of Emperor Ashoka in India arrived at Sri Lanka in 3rd<\/sup> Century BCE. He introduced Buddhism to King Devanampiya Tissa who was ruling the country at the time. While there were fluctuations in the history due to foreign invasions, Sri Lankan Kings since the early days made it a priority to maintain and revive Buddhist institutions in the country and rule the country according to Buddhist teachings. Currently, there are over 6000 Buddhist monasteries<\/a> across Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n

History and Heritage of Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n
\"Polonnaruwa,
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sri Lanka is known for its rich culture and the heritage that spans over 3000 years. There are many remnants of palaces, monasteries, and traces of great cities from an earlier time.<\/p>\n

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are two of the most popular ancient cities in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura<\/a> reigned as the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC up to 11th Century BC. The country thrived with sustainability during this era before the kingdom fell due to Chola invasions.<\/p>\n

Polonnaruwa is the second oldest kingdom in the country.\u00a0 It was popular for the impeccable irrigation systems, especially in the time of King Parakramabahu. Most of these ruins are modelled out of stone, hence still standing tall and strong in many places.<\/p>\n

Spices \u2013 Cinnamon in Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n
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Bundled cinnamon for sale<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sri Lankans know and love their spices. They have a great collection of flavorful and aromatic spices which are generously used in Sri Lankan cuisine. Cinnamon is one of the most valuable spices that Sri Lanka is known for. It is one of the primary exports in the country as well. Ceylon Cinnamon is a plant indigenous to Sri Lanka and has its own flavour and quality to it. There are a culture and a unique set of skills around processing and curing Ceylon Cinnamon. These special techniques have been passed down to many generations. You can find Cinnamon plantations especially around the Kandy, Matale and Belihul Oya areas of Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n

White sandy beaches of Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n
\"Drone
Drone shot of a Sri Lankan beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Being an exotic island in the ever beautiful Indian ocean has worked wonders for the island of Sri Lanka. From golden sandy beaches at\u00a0Unawatuna<\/span>\u00a0to the marble beach at Trincomalee, there’s no shortage in the vastly unique experience each\u00a0location<\/span>\u00a0can bless you with.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the exponential growth in the tourism industry since the post-war era, the country’s beaches have always been a gathering place for wayfarers all over the world who go to these beaches for sports, adventure,\u00a0deep sea<\/span>\u00a0diving or to just simply relax while enjoying the pleasant atmosphere\u00a0in its true<\/span>\u00a0natural essence.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are nearly 20 iconic beaches<\/a> on the island and each\u00a0location<\/span>\u00a0is different from the next. This has been rewarding to many\u00a0travellers\u00a0who come to the island solely to enjoy the calm blue waters of Sri Lanka.<\/span><\/p>\n

High level of service & hospitality industry in Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n
\"Ocean's
Ocean’s Edge villa in Sri Lanka by Eats & Retreats<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The government of<\/span>\u00a0Sri Lanka has been a\u00a0guiding light<\/span>\u00a0to the hospitality & service sector and plays a highly active role in promoting Sri Lanka to the world as a must-go travel destination. Immediately after the war and with the dawn of peace, the “Wonder of Asia” campaign\u00a0was launched<\/span>. This has helped Sri Lanka come out of the “war-torn” reputation and rebrand itself as a paradise for avid travellers who love and enjoy the tropical beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are nearly 2 million tourists annually and it’s not hard to see why.\u00a0With its unique\u00a0local cuisine, great natural beaches, waterfalls &\u00a0forests, extremely rich culture that spans over more than 3000 years of recorded history and friendly local population, it’s surprising how the country\u00a0has been overlooked<\/span>\u00a0for so long by the world’s travel enthusiasts.<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter what your budget\u00a0may be<\/span>, there are numerous holiday villas<\/a>, hotels, resorts & hostels to choose from all around the country and the prices are very reasonable. <\/span>