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CULTURE & PEOPLE

Amazing traditions, smiles, colours and much more: that’s what visitors to Sri Lanka can look forward to. Between Hinduism and Buddhism, tolerance reigns supreme among the Sri Lankans you will meet at temples and local festivals or during a long train trip … and such meetings are always of great interest. To immerse yourself even deeper in Sri Lankan culture, there’s nothing like a walk through the tea plantations, a tour of Unesco-listed sacred sites or an outing on which you can learn all about the elephant, the national animal.

Delving deep into the history of the country through its listed sites

In the footsteps of the Sinhalese kings The journey through Sri Lanka's past begins at the most spectacular entry points. Two monumental lion paws mark the threshold of the ancient city of Sigiriya. Those who dare to venture through these claws must then take a passageway carved into the wall and...

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Trains in Sri Lanka, meetings and landscapes

Taking the train in Sri Lanka is by far the best way to discover this pearl of the Indian Ocean. With its breathtaking landscapes dancing to the rhythm of the hum of its locomotives, passengers can take the wonderful greenery before them. The show continues inside the carriages where you are...

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From Buddhism to archaeology: the treasures of Sri Lanka

In the end, there is a strange cultural triangle in Sri Lanka, where you will find not only ancient royal cities, which are the centre of Sri Lankan Buddhism, but also sites that, even if they are not religious in nature, are part of the incredible melting pot of Sri Lankan culture. All of them have...

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Colorful festivals for a multicultural country

Beyond its natural treasures, the island of Ceylon is characterised by its host of cultural events. Lying at the crossroads between West and East, Sri Lanka is home to many civilisations, which fuel the diversity of its traditions. The population is divided into several religious beliefs with...

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A cherished legacy: tea plantations

In the year 1824, the English imported a single tea plant from China to Ceylon, to plant in the royal gardens. Yet it was not until 43 years later that a Scotsman, Jack Taylor, created a genuine commercial plantation in Kandy! 

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A meeting with the most impressive of animals - the elephant, an emblem of the country

The largest population of elephants in Asia is to be found on this island lying in the Indian ocean. According to the latest census, there are between 6,000 and 7,500 elephants living alongside the Sri Lankan people. It could even be said that the elephant has become a true symbol of the country...

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Following in the footsteps of the pilgrims with the ascent of Adam's Peak

Lying to the south-west of Sri Lanka, in the heart of the central highlands, one mountain stands well above the rest: Adam's Peak. A divine being is said to have walked on its summit, leaving an indelible mark. The most important pilgrimage site in the country, its ascent is as spectacular as it is...

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The masks of Ambalangoda: from healing to performance

Ambalangoda: there is a certain poetry and softness in this town's name. The town is also known for its fabulous ancestral tradition of masks. Most importantly, it has a history that spans centuries.

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Colourful elegance and precious fabrics

There are countries which leave a lasting impression. Sri Lanka is certainly on that list. Here, style is everywhere, in perfect harmony with colour. Gilding, vibrant hues, and elaborate patterns are all on show on the locals’ clothing. A colourful tradition, made of fabrics each more precious than...

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Sri Lankan architecture - a patchwork of styles

From Portuguese trading posts to Dutch and British settlers, Sri Lanka has been shaped by centuries of colonisation. What heritage was left behind after these years? The most visible remnant is the country’s colonial architecture which can be admired in many of the country’s major cities.

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ACCESS TO SRI LANKA'S WELLNESS

Find out more about Sri Lanka's wellness culture.

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