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Sri Lanka may be humble in size but its history and culture is rich and bountiful. It was first referred to in the Indian text, Ramayana, functioning as the island fortress of the evil king Ravana. Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu (the Hindu god), set his captive wife free as Hanuman the monkey destroyed Sri Lanka's capital in a fire.
Western influence began the in 16th century, falling under the colonization of the Netherlands and Portugal. The country eventually yielded to the British Empire and then served as a central based of the Allied forces during the Second World War.
National Pride
Although it only regained independence from the British in 1948, Sri Lanka stands out as a distinctly Asian nation. The country is actually the center of Buddhist culture and religion, dating back its roots to the middle of the 3rd century BC. The nation's two central cultures come from the Sinhalese and the Tamil. The Sinhalese came from northern India, settling into the land in the latter part of 6th century BC.
Unfortunately, a great divide between these two cultures caused a civil war from 1983 to 2009. Thankfully, the President had ended the rebellions in May 2009. Despite this resolution, travelers should still check for safety advices before making plans to visit.
Tiny Sunshine Paradise
Contrasting the nation's turbulent history are its clean coast sides and calming waters. These sand heavens have long recovered from the destruction of the 2004 tsunami. Beyond these scenic waters are lush forests and mountains. Towering above is the nation's highest mountain, the Pidurutalagala. The tallest peak stands right next to the breathtaking Nuwara Eliya, a natural formation no visitor should miss. The country's diverse religions converge in the Sri Pada Mountain, considered holy by the population's Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.
Sri Lanka Landmarks:
Sri Lanka Traveler Advice
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Travel and Inspire
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” - Jack Kerouac ... Read full Blog post
Moving to Manila
It was about a year ago, when I received phone call from my hubby asking me what do I think about Manila. I wasn't sure, I said I've been there before, memories rush to the surface of my mind. Crowded roads of jeepneys, the smell of exhaust, constant horning, traffic jams, YMCA's hotel, people selling food from small carts....I stayed only a day in Manila before heading down to Boracay about 12 years ... Read full Blog post
Global warming: Not caused by humans?
By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 12/7/2009, originally posted in http://news.ph.msn.com/lifestyle/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737917 Americans cool to human-caused global warming: poll Americans who think global warming is caused by human activity, including vehicle and industrial emissions, are now a minority for the first time in nearly two years, a CNN/Opinion Research Corp ... Read full Blog post
Ati-atihan in Kalibo Aklan
Ati-atihand origins ccan be traced to 1210 when refugees from Borneo would smear their faces with soot in affectionalte immitation of the Filipino natives The island of Panay in the Visayas is where this particular detail of Philipine history took place sometime ih the late 12th or early 13th century. For centuries hence, it has been commemoratged in one specific place - in Kalibo, the capital ... Read full Blog post
Pinukpok Fashion show in Legaspi Albay, Philippines
The Philippine Terno and the Barong, the graceful Filipino formal dress and male wear that has been around since the turn of the century, has never really lost its place as chic formal or evening wear as local couture houses and yound new Bicol fashion designers like Klang Arispe andDanny Clint have done much to make ethnic handloomed fabrics like abaca, have single handedly kept alive the province's ... Read full Blog post
Destinations
See All- Ahangama and Midigama
- Aluthgama, Bentota and Induruwa
- Ambalangoda
- Ampara
- The Ancient Cities
- Anuradhapura
- Batticaloa
- Beruwela and Moragalle
- Colombo
- Dambulla
- Dehiwala Mount Lavinia
- Eastern Sri Lanka
- Galle
- Hambantota
- The Hill Country
- More destinations