Many names have been used by both the local people and the visitors from distant nations to refer to the island nation of Sri Lanka through the ages but all of these names signify one very apparent and crucial characteristic of the nation – its astounding natural beauty. Known as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', Sri Lanka has an illustrious and lengthy history that stretches back to over 2,500 years and the nation has been fortunate to experience a thriving and well advanced civilization that blossomed for over a millennia.