Sri Lanka has been known by a variety of names in the past.  The ancient Greeks called it Taprobane, the Arabs called it Serendib(the origin of the word "serendipity"), the Portugese called it Ceilão which was later transliterated into English as Ceylon.  In 1972, the official name of the country was changed to Sri Lanka from the Sanskrit words "Sri" meaning sacred, and lanka, meaning "island".It is a beautiful, but tiny island, off the southern coast of India, which Marco Polo described as "the finest island of it's size in all the world". Most people instantly fall in love with Sri Lanka on their first visit, because of it's amazing natural scenic beauty, and even more amazingly friendly people, who seem to smile genuinely at the drop of a hat, no matter where you are in this wonderful island paradise. Sri Lanka has so much to offer the tourist, a culture that stretches back over 2,500 years, amazing archaeological monuments that are now declared World Heritage Sites, unspoiled wildlife reserves, outstandingly pure beaches, excellent accommodations in five-star hotels, elegant beach resorts, and ecologically designed lodges, Ayurveda traditional healing spas, superior diving opportunities, noted golf courses, exotic festivals, dirt cheap shopping for gems and branded western clothing (it's made here!), vibrant nightlife and even casinos in Colombo city, extremely friendly people, and the heritage of years under British, Dutch and Portuguese occupations evident everywhere you go!