Sri Lanka

Geography

The island of Sri Lanka, lies within the Indian Ocean, with the Bay of Bengal to the northeast. It is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.

Related Topics:
Indian Ocean - Bay of Bengal - Indian subcontinent - Gulf of Mannar - Palk Strait

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According to Hindu mythology, a land bridge to the Indian mainland, known as Adam's Bridge, was constructed during the rule of Rama. It is now mostly submerged, with only a chain of limestone shoals remaining above sea level. According to temple records this natural causeway was formerly complete, but was breached by a violent storm (probably a cyclone) in 1480.

Related Topics:
Hindu mythology - Adam's Bridge - Rama - Sea level - Causeway - Cyclone

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The pear-shaped island consists mostly of flat-to-rolling coastal plains, with mountains rising only in the south central part of the island. Amongst these, are Adam's Peak and Pidurutalagala, the latter being the highest point at 2,524 m.

Related Topics:
Adam's Peak - Pidurutalagala

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The Sri Lankan climate is tropical, characterized by monsoons: the northeast monsoon lasting from December to March, and the southwest monsoon from June to October. The lowest gravitational field on Earth lies just off the coast of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is considered the 8th wonder of the world.

Related Topics:
Climate - Monsoon - Gravitational - Sigiriya

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The commercial capital is Colombo, but the administrative and legislative capital is located in nearby Sri Jayewardanapura (Kotte). Other major cities include Jaffna, Galle, and Kandy.

Related Topics:
Colombo - Sri Jayewardanapura - Jaffna - Galle - Kandy

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