At tropical beach level the thermometer soars into the mid 80's F. (29 C.) but, within four hours' journey by road or rail, lies the breathtaking hill country where the temperature drops to the 50's F (10 C). As quickly as the climate changes, so does the dramatic scenery.
An equally short journey will bring you to the ruined cities of Sri Lanka's ancient civilisation. On these journeys, you can see palm fringed beaches, a wealth of wildlife, exotic flora, plains and highlands, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. These are true beauties of Sri Lanka in a calm and serene countryside matched by an enticingly simple way of life.
Recorded history in Sri Lanka began when Buddhism gave birth to a cultural revolution more than 2000 years ago. And in the wake of this cultural revolution came an era of unsurpassed achievements. It fashioned life-styles, fostered the arts and inspired the creation of dagabas, temples, monasteries, statues, vast man-made reservoirs and irrigation systems which even today defy engineering interpretation.
Almost 25 centuries later, Buddhism is still preserved in its purest form. Its doctrine of peace and tolerance has left its gentle mark on the land and her people. Different religions and ethnic groups live side by side in total harmony in a democratic society.
With the arrival of more than 500,000 tourists to Sri Lanka during 2004. Sri Lanka has once again achieved the status of being a favoured destination for visitors from around the globe. Sri Lanka is indeed a country which has stepped boldly into the 21st century, retaining all that is good from its past - it is a unique island which offers a mix of the best from the East and the West.
The tourism sector in Sri Lanka is gradually recovering after the set back it received from the Tsunami disaster. Out of the hotels, which were closed for operation in the Southern and Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka, most of the hotels have now started operations. The decision by some of the leading tour operators from Europe to resume their operations in Sri Lanka indicate the recovery of the tourism industry after the Tsunami disaster.
Sri Lanka offers you endless miles of perfect golden sand fringed by swaying coconut palms. Sri Lanka inspires a beautiful lethargy.
The Sinharaja rain-forest is an example of one of the few such remaining forests in Asia. It is also a primeval sanctuary for over 170 varieties of exotic orchid.
Horton Plains is a special attraction. This remote plateau is the island's last remaining mountain forest - the home of some fauna and flora species found nowhere else in the world. Kumana and Wirawila are just two of Sri Lanka's magnificent bird sanctuaries. Stilts, Barbets, Flycatchers, Ibis, Pelicans, Parrots, Peacocks, Parakeets, Devil Birds, Hawks, Jungle Fowl and Stork abound in these sanctuaries.
But to many, the national parks like Yala, Wilpattu and Inginiyagala hold the greatest appeal. Visitors can watch Leopard, Loris, Elephant, Monkey, Deer, Boar and Bear roam free in these extensive reserves.
The sacred city of Anuradhapura, founded in the 5th century BC is venerated as the capital city of Buddhism. The sacred BO Tree grown from a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, is the oldest living tree in documented history. In its vicinity are the remains of the Brazen Palace, the towering Ruwanveliseya Dagaba, the Seated Buddha, Temples, Palaces and Parks - all of which bear testimony to a proud and imaginative people.
A mere eight miles away is Mihintale - the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is a mountain monastery connected with Arahat Mahinda who brought Buddhism to the island in 247 BC.
Polonnaruwa - the medieval capital of Sri Lanka - where art, architecture and engineering were revived into a cultural epoch, is a monument to Sri Lanka's great renaissance.
Sigiriya - a massive rock fortress built in the 5th century AD - is an enduring tribute to one man's vision. In a sheltered pocket of the giant rock are the celebrated frescoes - the "Sigiriya Maidens" and what remains of an enormous gallery which once contained five hundred portraits.
Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhala kings is a living record to a magnificent past. Dominating Kandy is the Dalada Maligawa - the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic, with the Kandy Lake in the foreground.
Close by are other temples which give you an insight into some of the finest late - medieval treasures of the country. Also within easy reach you will find the Royal Botanic Gardens, the picturesque University campus and the Elephant Bath.
At any time of the year, Kandy is a romantic city but, in August, the ancient capital becomes the venue for one of the most legendary festivals in Asia.
As the moon pales in the hillside plantations, Kandy becomes the setting for the festival of the August moon. For ten days the old cannon booms into the dusk to signal the start of the Perahera. Flaming torches blaze a trail for the glittering procession. Trumpets, conches, oboes and drums beat out a ritual rhythm for the dancers. Rank upon rank of elephants-bedecked with golden caparisons - precede the lofted Sacred Casket as, late into the night, the holiest of festivals is transformed into an unforgettable spectacle.
Sri Lanka is a veritable treasure trove of Rubies, Sapphires, Zircons, Garnets, Amethysts, Topaz and Cat's Eyes.
The street markets, and craft centers also offer a wide choice of gifts and souvenirs, bulks and carved masks, jewellery and curios, silver, brass and copper ware, herbs and spices.
The Island is served by a fine network of scheduled and chartered air services: passenger, cruise ship and ferry services.
Internally, it has an excellent road and rail system. Coach and chauffeured car tours, self-drive, domestic air services and helicopter, charter facilities are also available.
In a world in which peace and leisure is becoming more sought after and ever harder to find, Sri Lanka remains a true paradise on earth.
Wherever you go, you will find the traditional welcome - "Ayubowan" - may you live long.