No matter where you are visiting from, this enchanting island nation in the majestic Indian Ocean has a lot of surprises for everyone! With a spellbinding, time-honoured culture and history, a diverse community comprising of multiple ethnic groups, a host of fascinating destinations to explore, and so much more, Sri Lanka has stood the test of time with its captivating and intriguing legends and tales that will transport you back in time. Here are some of the many fascinating titbits about the wonder of Asia.
Carbon dated back 38,000 years and believed to be a direct ancestor of the Vedda people – the indigenous inhabitants in Sri Lanka – the “Balangoda Man” was a prominent group of prehistoric humans that inhabited parts of Sri Lanka.
The earliest remains of the Balangoda Man were uncovered in the Fa Hien Cave also known as the Pahiyangala Cave, located in Kalutara. Apart from the Fa Hien Cave, many other settlements of the Balangoda Man in Sri Lanka include Batadombalena Cave near Kuruwita, Belilena in Kitulgala, and Bellanbandi Palassa near Embilipitiya.
At a mere 174 cm tall, this ancient hominid possessed prolific hunting skills and played a significant role in shaping the Mesolithic “Balangoda Culture.”
The first established kingdom of Sri Lanka founded by King Pandukabhaya in 377 BC, Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a multitude of gigantic Buddhist stupas, complex irrigation systems, and fascinating landmarks depicting the Buddhist culture and traditions whereas Polonnaruwa (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was the second major Sinhalese kingdom of Sri Lanka housing the spectacular ancient tank, Parakrama Samudraya, built by King Parakramabahu and a host of ancient ruins of archaeological significance. Sri Lanka was ruled by 181 monarchs from the Anuradhapura to Kandy periods, and it was in the 16th Century that colonialism came with the Portuguese.
The story of world-renowned Ceylon Tea dates to the early 1820s when Sri Lanka was under British rule.
Before Ceylon Tea became popular, Coffee – believed to have been introduced to Sri Lanka by the Arabians in the 1500s – was flourishing on the island until many coffee plantations were wiped out by a deadly fungus in 1869. As a result, the British turned to planting tea.
The first ever tea plant was introduced to Sri Lanka from China in 1824 by the British and planted in Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens. In 1867, Scotsman James Taylor started a tea plantation in Loolecondera Estate, Kandy spanning 19 acres. Following the first shipment of Ceylon tea that was sent to the London tea auction in 1875, the popularity of this rejuvenating beverage skyrocketed with the arrival of Thomas Lipton in 1890 who purchased tea estates that resulted in the exportation of 23,000 tons of tea to London!
The tree Cinnamomum Zeylanicum – which produces the highest-grade pure cinnamon – is native to Sri Lanka, and with a rich history dating back to 2800 B.C., this fragrant spice has earned high demand across the globe.
The “True Cinnamon” of Ceylon was first discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th Century who controlled the trade through slavery. Following the Dutch invasion, the production of Cinnamon in Ceylon was heavily boosted by the expansion of Cinnamon cultivation across the island.
Today, Sri Lanka is considered the largest producer and exporter of “True Cinnamon” in the world with about 90% of the world’s Cinnamon production originating from the island. One of the most sought-after spices, Cinnamon has immense health benefits and is used as an esteemed spice to elevate the flavour and aroma of various dishes.
Sri Lanka was first colonised in 1505 with the arrival of the Portuguese followed by the Dutch in 1658 and the British in 1796. The Portuguese established Roman Catholic churches in the country and shaped major cities into what they are today.
The Dutch occupied many coastal regions of Ceylon and took control of its Cinnamon production. Apart from influencing the judicial system in Sri Lanka, the Dutch built about 60 forts in the country, including the Galle Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – which was initially constructed by the Portuguese.
The British influenced many aspects of Sri Lanka, including the introduction of English, one of the country’s three official languages. Many other developments include the successful expansion of Ceylon Tea, an extensive network of roads and railways, the introduction of Cricket, and so much more.
Sri Lanka is not only popular for its pristine beaches but also for its forests with abundant wildlife and Sri Lanka's “Big Five."
The Blue Whale, the largest mammal gracing Planet Earth; the majestic Sri Lankan Elephant, one of the three recognised subspecies of the Asian Elephant; The Sri Lankan Leopard, the most elusive predator in Sri Lanka; The Sloth Bear, the nocturnal furry creature native to Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal; and the Sperm Whale, the migrating majestic giant, call Sri Lanka home.
The fascinating wildlife population of Sri Lanka comprises 123 species of mammals, 452 resident species of birds of which 33 are endemic, 178 species of reptiles, and more. With over 26 national parks, including Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, and Gal Oya Valley National Park, and a variety of forests scattered across the island, Sri Lanka is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Geoffrey Bawa is considered the father of tropical modernism.
One of the most influential Asian architects of the 20th century, Geoffrey Bawa (1919 – 2003) merged the island’s ancient architecture with that of the modern world. Bawa’s work is considered timeless – it still attracts many visitors from Sri Lanka and beyond.
His most notable achievements include the famous Lunuganga Estate, his country residence with renaissance-inspired tropical gardens; Paradise Road The Gallery Café, the former office of Geoffrey Bawa; the elegant Heritance Ahungalla hotel; the eco-friendly Heritance Kandalama hotel; the scenic Lighthouse Hotel in Galle; and many more even internationally including India, Pakistan, Japan, Mauritius, Fiji, and Singapore.
His talented brother Bewis Bawa, who was one of the most renowned landscape architects in Sri Lanka, designed the enchanting garden, Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa, located in Beruwala.
Ramayana follows Lord Rama’s epic quest to rescue his wife Sita who was abducted and held in captivity in Lanka by Ravana. There are many legends and myths tied to Ramayana surrounding various regions in Sri Lanka.
Yahangala mountain, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is considered the final resting place of King Ravana following his battle with Lord Rama. The popular Ravana Falls in Ella is believed to be the place where King Ravana hid Sita.
Unable to find several medicinal herbs, Lord Hanuman carried the Himalayas to Sri Lanka to heal wounded Lord Rama and Lakshman. According to legends, parts of the Himalayas fell on five different places in Sri Lanka, including Dolukanda and Rumassala – it is believed that certain herbs, native to the Himalayas, can still be found in these regions of Sri Lanka.
