Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature's beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.

Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area of65, 610 kilometres lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometres of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.

Sri Lanka Tourism has surged to record highs, receiving a new lease of life after nearly three decades of operating in an extremely challenging environment amid the military conflict. With the ending of the conflict, the outlook of the industry has now completely turned around; and it is expected to play a significant role in shaping Sri Lanka's future economic development.

Tourist arrivals to the country hit a record high in 2010, leaping 46.12% y-o-y to reach 654,476 compared to the previous year. The Strong growth continued in 2011 as Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed the arrival of its 800,000th tourist in December 2011. This was the first time that the tourism industry witnessed arrivals exceeding 800,000 in any given year, making it a remarkable milestone in the country's booming tourism industry.

For more information please visit the Ceylon Tourist Board Website www.srilankatourism.org/