Often called the �teardrop of India�, Sri Lanka is a popular name in the tourism map of the world celebrated for its palm-fringed beaches, exotic landscape, historical sites and impressive culture and heritage. It is a visitor�s paradise with its capital in Colombo and is home to a large number of tourist attractions. Sri Lanka also has immense religious and historical importance and is known for a number of festivals and celebrations. You will not want to leave, once you are on your tour to Sri Lanka.Touristplacesinindia.com is the site providing helpful inputs about Sri Lanka including fast facts, history and the best time to visit.

Fast Facts

Area	65, 610 square kilometers
Population	20,010,000
Languages	Sinhalese, Tamil and English
Capital	Colombo

History of Sri Lanka:
History and myth are deeply rooted in Sri Lanka and this tropical heaven has been traversed by Buddha, Rama and biblical Adam as stated by the historical and mythical accounts. The original inhabitants, the Veddahs (Wanniyala-aetto) were hunter-gatherers and the anthropologists generally believe that they were the descendants of the people of late Stone Age and could have on the island since 16,000 BC. The Sinhalese kingdom from North India arrived here around 5th or 6th century BC and spread their kingdom all over. It was the Indian Mauryan emperor Ashoka�s son Mahinda, who introduced Buddhism in the 3rd century BC and spread quite rapidly. The history of Sri Lanka abounds with accounts of frequent invasions from southern India.

The Portuguese came in Colombo for the spice trade in the year 1505 and gained substantial monopoly over the land by 1597. They could not however annex the great Sinhalese kingdom in Kandy. The British Empire established control of the island in the year 1796, thereby stating it a crown colony. In the year 1815, the kingdom was unified under British rule and they subsequently established an array of tea, cinnamon, rubber, sugar, coffee and indigo plantations. Due to the continuous pressure from all sides owing to the World War II and mistreatment of the natives by the colonists, the British were forced to set the island free and thus Sri Lanka got its independence on February 4, 1948.

Best Season, Climate and Clothing:
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. From March to June, the temperature is high; on the other hand from November to January, the climate remains generally cool. Southern Sri Lanka experiences heavy rainfall. If you are visiting west, south coast and hill regions, then the ideal time to visit is between December and March. For the holidays on the east coast, May to September is the best time.

These helpful inputs about Sri Lanka are surely going to make your holidays a satisfying experience.

Touristplacesinindia.com is a reliable travel guide on Sri Lanka and provides valuable information on the hotels and tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.