Sri Lanka is the new “hot” in place to visit. There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, plenty of unique wildlife, and a wonderful variety of things to see and do. And, don’t forget that most of the people come for the beaches. But, check out their world-famous gems. And, Sri Lanka has long be known for its excellent tea, and don’t forget the great food.
1. Gems: The famous Star of Sri Lanka, a 193-caret Blue Star Safire came from the mines of Sri Lanka as did Lady Di’s emerald which now belongs to Kate Middleton. The best moonstones come from Sri Lanka with the bluish ones being the most desirable. Visit the Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine to see how gems are mined and to purchase a unique remembrance from Sri Lanka.
2. Tea: Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth largest producer of tea and it is a critical part of the countries economy. In the area around Nuwara Eliya (New England) the rolling hills are blanketed with tea trees. Visit one of the several tea factories to learn how the tiny green leaf becomes some of the world’s finest tea.
3. Food: Fresh seafood is a given. But the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and Indians have all contributed to make the food of Sri Lanka a delight to explore. Rice and curry dishes dominate but try jaggery made from the palm tree. The most popular breakfast is egg hopper whereby eggs are cooked in a wafer thin, cup-shaped pancake. Plain hoppers can be eaten with curries and sambols.
Comments