Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located southeast of India. With an area of about 65,610 square kilometres and a population of over 21 million people, it is one of the most populous countries in South Asia.

The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo and the official language is Sinhala, although Tamil and English are also widely spoken. The country has a rich history dating back to ancient times. There are many historical sites and monuments to visit, including the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the fortress of Sigiriya and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

Sri Lanka's landscape is very diverse, ranging from vast beaches and tropical forests to the mountains of the central plateau. The country is also known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, leopards, monkeys and many species of birds. There are many national parks and nature reserves. Here you can see the rich wildlife of Sri Lanka.

In recent years, Sri Lanka has seen an increase in tourism and has become a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. The hospitality of the locals, the beauty of the landscape and the country's rich culture make it a worthwhile destination for travellers who want to explore the unknown.

When travelling to Sri Lanka, there are some behavioural tips you should follow to make your trip enjoyable and respectful:

Temple visitsWhen you visit a temple, take off your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees. Also accept a gesture of gratitude by placing a small donation in the offering box.

Handling wasteDon't throw your rubbish on the street or in nature. Keep Sri Lanka clean and help preserve the environment.

AnimalsDo not pet wild animals and respect their natural habitat. Even if you see animals on the street, you should not try to feed them or play with them.

By following these behavioural tips, you can help build a positive and respectful relationship with the locals and the environment in Galle. It is quite possible that you will be asked many questions during your stay on the island and that the locals will be very curious. Questions like "What is your name?", "Where are you from?" or "Where are you going?" may seem a bit strange at first.

However, you should always remain polite and friendly, as this is normal and a nice gesture for the locals. Another thing to keep in mind is that punctuality and time are not always as important in Sri Lanka as they are here. This can be frustrating at times, but it is important to remain patient and understanding.

The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. However, English is also widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas. In tourist areas, it can also be helpful to know some vocabulary in Sinhala or Tamil.

Here are some examples:

• Ayubowan - Welcome (in Sinhala)
• Vanakkam - Hello (in Tamil)
• Istuti / Nandri - Thank you (in Sinhala / Tamil)
• Aney / Illai - Yes / No (in Sinhala / Tamil)
• Mattama / Karunakara - Please (in Sinhala / Tamil)

It is worth acquiring some basic knowledge of the local language to facilitate understanding and communication with the locals.