Sri Lanka is known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", and it is easy to see why. This little country never fails to please visitors. ArriveThe national airline is Sri Lankan Airlines, which flies from Colombo to London and a couple of other European cities. The country's main airport is Colombo Bandaranaike, located 29km north of the capital city.Why now? The best time to visit Sri Lanka's southern beaches is from November to April. So by going early in the season, you'll get the best weather.  Also in November, Deepavali, known as"Diwali" or the "Festival of Lights", is Sri Lanka's main religious festival, Celebrated throughout the country. See There  is plenty  to see in Sri Lanka.  The ancient capital cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are worth seeing, and so are many outstanding ruins. Other mustsees are the rock fortress (   ) of Sigiriya, towering over the jungle as far as the eye can see, and Dambulla's cave temple, the country's largest and best preserved. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites  . Kandy is a picture-like town, which was the last stronghold of the Kandyan Kings. Today it is a cultural relic centre where age-old customs, arts, and crafts remain. Do Sri Lanka owns about 1,600km of beautiful palm-shaded beaches as well as warm, pure seas and colourful coral reefs. You can explore the underwater world, and surfing and di ving are available too. Away from the shore, wildlife is a big draw for Sri Lanka, and Yala National Park is one of the best places in the world to see wild animals including leopards and elephants.Taste Sri Lanka is celebrated for its excellent food, with a particular emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables on menus everywhere. Fish and seafood are a big part of the local diet.Did you know?Sri Lanka is known for its tea, but it is also the world's largest producer and exporter of cinnamon  . If you are interested in culture and traditions, you can't miss   _  .
Kandy Yala National Park Colombo the rock fortress