Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia, in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka has an amazing diversity of culture, natural beauty and a history that dates back to over 2500 years. With its stunning temples, local markets, intriguing history, lively cities and amazing beaches Sri Lanka offers a great variety to its tourists. Sri Lanka holds great importance in the Hindu epic Ramayana, as it was the kingdom of demon king Ravana. The statuary on the gopuras is painted in muted colors, in stark contrast to the vivid coloring of other temples found on the island.