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Helen Keller has so rightly said, “The best things in life are unseen, that’s why we close our eyes when we kiss, cry, and dream.” When thinking of amazing travel destinations far and wide, one destination that might have missed out the sight and consideration of most of ours is right next door. Call it the Pearl of the Indian Ocean of the Teardrop of India, it is one underrated destination that’s sure to give you a holiday high, you have been longing for… It’s the land that Gods visited – Sri Lanka!
While we generally tend to relate Sri Lanka with the great Indian epic Ramayana, Sri Lanka is much more than that. Take this interesting quiz to check for yourself how well you know this beautiful country.
1. What is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka?
In 1870s British moved the capital of Sri Lanka from Galle to Colombo. The country’s parliament has been based in Colombo since 1982.
2. What is the currency of Sri Lanka?
Just as India, the currency of Sri Lanka is Rupee. One Indian Rupee is equal to about 2.5 Sri Lankan Rupees.
3. What animal appears on the flag of Sri Lanka?
A golden lion (from the word ‘Sinha’) appears on the Sri Lankan flag. While the crimson field on the flag stands for the pre-colonial state, the gold bo leaves at the corners represent are Buddhist symbols. At the left, the vertical green and orange stripes represent the Muslim and Tamil minorities respectively.
4. What among the following is the traditional Sri Lankan greeting?
Just like the Indian Namaste, one is greeted by joining two hands in a prayer-like manner in Sri Lanka. Ayubowan literally means Long Life.
5. Can you recognize this most famous landmark of Sri Lanka?
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri, literally meaning Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress located near the town of Dambulla. It is believed that King Kashyapa of Sri Lanka selected this once upon a time large forest for his new capital and built his palace atop this rock.
6. Of tea, coffee, rubber and cinnamon that Sri Lanka is known for exporting, which one is the only native to the country?
The scientific name for cinnamon is Cinnamomum zeylanicum, with the latter part of the name coming from Ceylon, the former name of Sri Lanka. At one time Sri Lanka held a monopoly on production of the spice.
7. What makes the Golden Temple of Dambulla so special?
The Golden Temple of Dambulla is also known as the Dambulla Cave Temple. The Golden Temple houses Buddhist statues and wall paintings exhibited over five caves.
8. Which one of the following activities can you NOT do during a trip to Sri Lanka?
You can do everything on this list except snow ski.
9. What is the main religion of Sri Lanka?
Buddhism is practiced by around 70% of the population in Sri Lanka.
10. Which ocean surrounds Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island nation. It is called the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. Sri Lanka experiences tropical weather and monsoon seasons, which include high temperatures and humidity.
We hope you enjoyed this simple and interesting quiz. Sri Lanka is just next door. A wonderful island paradise destination awaits us so close to home. It’s time we discovered this tourists’ delight in our backyard… Chalo, Bag Bharo, Nikal Pado!
