I asked for my friends and readers to give me a bucket list that I could research topics from. We all know what I like to do and see with my time, and I realize that there is much more out there than I know about through my own sources. So, I asked, and my friend Jennifer gave me a list. I love the list that she gave me, and I think that I will start out my blogging on my own site career with her topics. They are spectacular.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Jenn's list includes this amazing place. Nestled in the highlands of Sri Lanka is the country's first multi religious site. The is the Ambuluwawa Tower. Ambuluwawa is a biodiversity complex and multi religious sanctuary. This tower, residing about 5 Km from the town of Gampola has aspects of a Buddhist Stupa, a Muslim Mosque and a Christian Church. The tower is approximately 48 meters high and has a stairway that guests can climb all the way to the top. Of course, it's not a climb for everybody, so be aware of your capabilities and your phobias. The tower has a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and on a clear day, you can see for miles.
For such a small country, Sri Lanka has some fairly high mountains. The base of the tower is at 3560 meters above sea level. Pretty impressive for what most of us always thought was just an island in the Indian Ocean. As with India, the island that sits just south of the subcontinent is full of surprises. Once a part of the all important shipping lanes that went from China to Europe during the times of sailing ships, this country has become all but forgotten. Since "The King and I" was popular, we haven't heard a whole lot about this island nation.
Today, Sri Lanka is a modern and still all important port. They have every aspect of life covered. They have a metropolis, where most of the business takes place and most of the people live, but they also have a rich and diverse countryside. They even still have elephants, and you can visit a sanctuary and take care of them for the day if you wish. There is so much more to Sri Lanka than we can fathom. Our lives here in America are very different from life at the end of the Subcontinent of India.
Most of Sri Lanka is Buddhist, but there are about 25% of the country that practices other religions like Muslim and Christian. There are even some Hindu. The country itself is a Democratic Socialist Republic. But, what most people don't know about countries like Sri Lanka is that the city part of the country is surrounded by dramatic scenery with jungle and mountains. The train that runs through the country is very popular with tourists and seen as one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
Sri Lanka is an exotic, progressive and beautiful country. Visiting is a no brainer. Just remember a few things before you go. First, they mostly don't speak English. Be prepared when you go that they mostly speak Sinhalese and Tamil. They have modern conveniences like internet and cell phones, but the coverage is not as thorough as what we're used to in the United States. This is a foreign country. It is a cultural experience. If that's what you're looking for, then you've found your spot. Transportation around the country is easy to use. The cost of your stay won't be any more than staying in India.
So, Jenn, this was an amazing choice. I'm glad you told me about it. It's a place that due to its nominal weather, you can visit year round. It's eclectic, it's multi cultural, and it's beautiful. So, take a jaunt to the small island nation of Sri Lanka off the coast of India and climb the tower and see all the facilities at Ambuluwawa and enjoy!
