The Top 10 Little Known But Impressive Facts About Sri Lanka

Are you looking to discover some of the lesser-known, yet impressive, facts about Sri Lanka? Look no further! In this article, we will delve into ten intriguing and surprising facts about this beautiful country.

1. The Oldest Tree in the World
   Sri Lanka is home to the oldest living tree in the world - the Sri Maha Bodhiya. The tree is over 2,200 years old and is a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
2. The World's Largest Sapphire
   The world's largest sapphire, the "Blue Giant of the Orient," was found in Sri Lanka in 1907. It weighs 1,404 carats and is valued at over $300 million.
3. A Land of Elephants
   Sri Lanka has the highest density of elephants in Asia, with over 7,000 elephants roaming free in the wild.
4. The First Female Prime Minister in the World
   Sri Lanka is the first country in the world to elect a female Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, in 1960.
5. The World's Only Mammal with Scales
   The Pangolin, also known as the scaly anteater, is the only mammal in the world with scales, and Sri Lanka is home to the Indian Pangolin.
6. The Largest Gathering of Asian Elephants
   Sri Lanka is home to the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world, which takes place at the Minneriya Tank during the dry season. Over 300 elephants come together to feed and bathe in the shallow waters.
7. The Birthplace of Ayurveda
   Ayurveda, a traditional form of medicine, originated in Sri Lanka over 3,000 years ago. It's still widely practiced in Sri Lanka and is known for its healing properties.
8. The World's Best Tea
   Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea producers in the world, and its tea is considered the best by tea connoisseurs. The country's central highlands are covered with tea plantations that produce some of the world's most sought-after tea.
9. The World's Smallest Mammal
   Kitti's hog-nosed bat, also known as the bumblebee bat, is the world's smallest mammal and is found in a few caves in central Thailand and western Myanmar. However, it is believed to be extinct in Myanmar, and the only known habitat of the species is in Kandyan forests in Sri Lanka.
10. The World's Most Scenic Train Ride
    The train ride from Kandy to Ella is considered the most scenic train ride in the world. The train passes through tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes, offering breathtaking views.