Sri Lanka is a pear-shaped island nation located in the Indian Ocean, just off the southeast coast of India. It is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the legislative capital, while Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital. The island's geography consists of coastal plains in the north and east, and central highlands in the south and west, where the famous Ceylon tea is grown. Adam's Peak is a significant mountain known for the 'sacred footprint' at its summit, revered by multiple religions. Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two distinct monsoon seasons. Historically, it was a vital stop on the ancient Silk Road. The country is famous for its rich biodiversity, ancient Buddhist temples, and precious gemstones, particularly sapphires. Until 1972, the country was known internationally as Ceylon.