Which country is called the ‘Teardrop of India’?

On the southernmost point of India exists a country so near to India not only geographically but also culturally and historically that at times it feels like a natural part of the Indian subcontinent.

This country is renowned as “the Teardrop of India” due to its unique geography in the Indian Ocean. The country being referred to here is Sri Lanka, a fascinating tourist destination of South Asia.

The nickname “Teardrop of India”

This name is mostly derived from geography, and on the map of the region, one can see Sri Lanka as a teardrop falling from the bottom edge of India, which separates them by the Palk Strait that is only about 30 kilometers wide at the narrowest point.It’s this geographical resemblance to a teardrop that lies beneath the name, considering the location of the island at the tip of the Indian Peninsula, but it became a common phrase for describing Sri Lanka.

A land of diverse landscapes

Though a small country, Sri Lanka boasts a diverse landscape that caters to all types of tourists. From the tropical beaches to the hilly regions, Sri Lanka offers many tourist attractions. Hilly regions like Ella and Nuwara Eliya offer tea plantations, cooler climate, and train rides in the hills.

On the other hand, tourists looking for the beaches will not have any trouble finding beaches in the southern and western coast of the country, where they can have fun.Those interested in wildlife tourism can check out Yala National Park, which is home to lions, elephants, and various bird species.

A diverse culture and history

Just like its natural resources, Sri Lankan culture too is amazing. The country is proud of hosting some of UNESCO's world heritage sites, such as the ancient citadel of Sigiriya, which is nicknamed "Lion Rock".

This impressive rocky formation rising from the plains is one of the most famous sights of the country.Some of the other major destinations are Kandy, an ancient city renowned as the location of the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, frequented by pilgrims. Festivals, dances, and temples provide a peek into the religion of the city.

Cultural food options

The food options offered here reflect the Indian, Dutch, and Portuguese influences prevalent in this cuisine.

The staple dish of rice is served along with a variety of accompaniments and curries. Some of the major ingredients of the dishes are seafood, coconuts, and spices, allowing visitors to experiment with this culinary delight.

Travel convenience

Apart from its closeness to India, another reason why it is convenient for Indians to travel to Sri Lanka is the accessibility of the destination to India due to the availability of many flights from major Indian cities to Colombo, the financial capital of the island.The most appealing feature of Sri Lanka is the opportunity to get a lot of experiences in a compact travel destination. With a few days spent on the island, you will see historical monuments, spend leisurely time on beautiful sandy beaches, go through safari expeditions, and take some rest at high altitudes.The name 'teardrop of India' might be connected with the geographical position of the island, but for travellers, the name reflects the closeness of Sri Lanka to India and its own special identity.