Ceylon Calling
Welcome to Ceylon Calling, your gateway to exploring the many sides of Sri Lanka. This page is dedicated to sharing informative insights about the island’s history, culture, traditions, and natural wonders. From UNESCO heritage sites and ancient kingdoms to modern lifestyles and everyday customs, we bring together knowledge that helps you understand Sri Lanka more deeply. Our aim is to create a space where curiosity meets discovery, offering both locals and travelers a chance to see the island in a new light. Every post is a small piece of Sri Lanka’s story, waiting to be explored.
Sri Lanka – Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located just southeast of India.
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Capitals: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative) and Colombo (largest commercial city)
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Languages: Sinhala and Tamil (official), with English widely used in business and tourism
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Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
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Population: About 22 million (2025 estimate)
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Climate: Tropical with two main monsoon seasons; warm coastal regions and cooler central highlands
Highlights:
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Ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
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Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy (UNESCO)
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Historic Galle Fort (UNESCO)
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Scenic hill station Nuwara Eliya, famous for tea estates
Culture & Cuisine:
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Blend of Sinhala, Tamil and colonial influences
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Major festivals include Sinhala & Tamil New Year and Vesak
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Signature dishes: rice and curry, hoppers, string hoppers, fresh seafood
Nature:
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Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” for its biodiversity and natural beauty
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Home to elephants, leopards, blue whales and lush rainforests
Transport:
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Well-connected by road, rail and air
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Tuk-tuks and intercity buses are popular local transport options
SIGIRIYA - The Lion Rock Fortress
DISTANCE FROM KATUNAYAKE AIRPORT
Approximately 146 km
Travel Time: Around 3 hr 10 min by car
Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising nearly 200 meters above the surrounding plains, this iconic rock was once the royal palace of King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. The site showcases remarkable feats of ancient engineering and artistry, offering breathtaking views of the lush landscapes below