Neptune Travels & Tours, Australia
Sri Lankans are considered to be very religious, which is an important part of their daily lives. Buddhism is the predominant faith, particularly among the Sinhalese majority. Sri Lanka is home to numerous Buddhist temples that date back to ancient times. In the middle of the temple, there is an old Boho tree.
The Tamil population primarily practices Hinduism, while Islam and Christianity also have significant followers. This religious diversity is evident in the coexistence of temples, mosques, and churches throughout the country, each contributing to the vibrant spiritual landscape.
A ten-day event is scheduled with nightly processions (Peraheras) known as Kandy Esala Perahera, with traditional dances, drummers, and decorated elephants carrying a replica of the relic casket honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
In Sinhalese culture, "Ayubowan" ("long life") is said with palms together to greet each other, the Tamil community greets with “Wanakkam” (“I bow to you" or “hello/welcome”) and Muslims, as usual, use “Assalamualaikum" (“Peace be upon you”).
Crucial in social structure, often involving blessings and formal greetings to respect elders. Traditional clothing for villagers includes the saree for women and the sarong for men. Kandyan dancing in the up-country, drumming, and mask-making are prominent in the culture, and a similar sort of dancing is popular in the south and west.
Family values and ties are supreme and strong, with extended families mostly maintaining close ties or living in harmony. Rice and curries are a major meal, while hoppers, string hoppers, and bread, etc., are alternatives to rice, with a wide variety of other popular dishes.
Sri Lanka's beauty is a composition of tropical warmth, flora and fauna, and diverse landscapes ranging from the beautiful coastal line to the highland. The scenic train ride through the magnificent hill country from Kandy to Ella, offers marvellous views of the landscape, tea estates, and misty mountains.
The southern coast features palm-fringed beaches like Mirissa and Tangalle, while the east coast offers pristine, quiet shorelines. A UNESCO World Heritage site Sinharaja Forest Rainforest Reserve, which is a haven for biodiversity, is worth visiting for nature lovers.
Yala National Park is famous for being the home of one of the world's highest leopard densities. Trekking to Horton Plains National Park and World's End for panoramic views demonstrates Sri Lanka’s natural purity. Sigiriya (Lion Rock) and the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa are set against dramatic natural backdrops.