Guides for Superyachts - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka - the pearl of the Indian Ocean is a beautiful tropical island covering an area of 65,610 square kilometres (25,000 square miles), situated southeast of the Indian subcontinent and 880 kilo metres to the north of the Equator.

The island's eighteen million strong population provides Sri Lanka with an intoxicating mix of cultures and diverse ethnic groups. Most of which have been practicing their unique traditions and beliefs for a millennium or more. Whilst Sri Lanka is progressive and forward looking in its outlook, it is at the same time deeply embodied with a sense of pride in its traditions and cultural heritage.

Most surprising, communication is rarely a problem. English is widely spoken in many parts of the country in addition to the national languages Sinha la, Tamil and many others. Identification of places is made convenient by signboards both in English and Sinhala.

THE LAY OF THE LAND:
A fertile island warmed by the tropical sun and watered by monsoon rains, Sri Lanka has been moulded by its position and shape. The centre of the island is home to the hill country, the highest pinnacle of which is mount Pinurulagala at 2,523 metres. Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka is nestled deep in this most lush and mountainous region of the country and is the perfect size to be explored on foot as the relatively high altitude makes the climate conducive to long and leisurely strolls. The city is visually rich, with its narrow streets lined with colourful old buildings and crowded with people. This historic old city is home to the Temple of the Tooth (or Dalada Maligawa).

The Temple of the Tooth contains the most sacred relic of Buddhism and the most precious symbol of Sinhalese Pride. It is one of the most holly symbols of the Buddhist faith. Many Buddhists believe it to be the most precious thing in the world. Indeed, wars have been fought over it!

The highlands are also famous for their extensive tea, coffee and rubber plantations. All of which were introduced by the Dutch and British back in the sixteen to eighteen hundreds.

From the highlands down to the coast lay large swathes of forested land; set aside for the preservation of the island's indigenous creatures. These national park areas are home to Asia's largest number of wild Elephants, as well as Rhinoceros, Mugger Crocodiles, Leopards and Tigers.

There are three main ports in Sri Lanka - namely Colombo, Galle and Trincomalee. Colombo and Galle both are man made, while Trincomalee is one of the world's largest natural harbours. All three have deepwater berths for Superyacht use.

The port of Colombo is located on the West coast. Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka, and also the principal port of the country. The port is a man made harbour enclosing an area between the North side of the Fort and Mutwal point, formed by three breakwaters built during the period between 1875 to 1912. The breakwaters have a concrete block structure on a rubble base with a boulder protection.

The port of Galle is located in Galle Bay, about one hundred and twenty kilometres south from the Port of Colombo, on the South West of the island. It presently is the only commercial port in the south of the country. Galle is believed to be the possible location of the city of Tarshish, of biblical fame, where King Solomon discovered a thriving trade in 'gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks'.

In 1505 a Portuguese fleet bound for the Maldives was blown off course and took shelter in the harbour at dusk. It is said that, on hearing a cock (galo in Portuguese) crowing, they gave the town its name. In 1663 the Dutch built the 36 hectare fort (which is now a World Heritage Site), occupying most of the promontory that forms the older part of Galle. By the time Galle passed into British hands in 1796, commercial interest turned northward to Colombo, and Galle has scarcely been altered since.

Although Galle Bay forms a natural harbour, it is only protected from the Northeast monsoon and is subjected to the ravages of the Southwest monsoon, which blows constantly from the months of May through to October. It should be noted that the whole of the southwest, south and southeast coasts of the island were badly affected by the Asian Tsunami, but the port of Galle is now fully operational again. There are expansion plans in progress for the main port area, including a new yacht marina.

The famous harbour of Trincomalee which is one of the largest and best sheltered in the world, has at various times been the envy of the Danes, Dutch, Portuguese, British, French and Japanese. During World War II it became a naval base to protect the fleet of the combined allied forces. The mention of Trincomalee to any Sri Lankan is likely to induce wistful sighs and longing looks as they picture the water, warm and clear, the skies as pink as paradise, and the jungles where elephants roam.