Why Sri Lanka is still one of the best travel destinations

It’s always a great time to book a Sri Lanka vacation: on this beautiful island full of enticing possibilities, you’ll find a little something for everyone to enjoy. Attractions abound, each one guaranteed to tickle your senses, whether you’re in search of grandiose natural landscapes, flavor-packed cuisine, historical landmarks or coastal relaxation. In this guide, we run through just a handful of the best reasons to visit Sri Lanka, a destination we will never not be drawn to.

The coastline

One of our favorite reasons to visit Sri Lanka is, of course, its coast. A trip to this country without some time at the coast, enjoying one of the many beaches, would truly be a missed opportunity. This is an island with a beach for all occasions, so whether you prefer deserted sands or fully-serviced beaches with all the facilities you could need and ask for, Sri Lanka will meet your needs.

The south and west coasts see more visitors and have plenty of beach resorts to choose from, while the north and east are quieter and more off the beaten track. Major resorts like cheerful and touristy Bentota are concentrated on the west coast, while more low-key beaches are strung along the south shore, including gems like Tangalle, Rekawa and Mirissa, or photogenic Trincomalee on the east coast.

Intrepid beachgoers who like to step away from the familiar should consider the north coast, beyond the Jaffna Peninsula where remote islands lead west into the Palk Strait. There, undiscovered beaches lapped by beautiful seas are worth the effort to reach if you are happy with zero beach facilities.

Highland hikes

Hikers can enjoy a variety of trails focusing predominantly on the Central Highlands, starting with simple, scenic walks to waterfalls and viewpoints around the tea plantations in the vicinity of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, the two most popular villages in tea country.

If you seek something which requires a little more grit, consider the pilgrimage trek to Adam’s Peak, 5,000 steps up to a superlative sunrise viewpoint and a refreshing cup of tea. Even more intrepid are the trails that meander through the Knuckles Range, a formidable ridge of rocky peaks where a guide is essential and the views are astonishing.

Cultural insights

If soaking up some history and culture is more your idea of fun, Sri Lanka will be a dream come true. The ‘cultural triangle’ contains countless relics from the golden era of Sinhalese culture, most importantly the ruined city of Anuradhapura, a ceremonial hub from many centuries ago which is truly absorbing to explore. Ancient Polonnaruwa, the second ruined city of the cultural triangle, is equally impressive and offers insights into daily life in the region during the medieval period.

You can’t miss the peculiar sight of Sigiriya or Lion Rock, looming high above the surrounding plain. Used in the 5th century as the perfect location for an impenetrable palace, its remains still crown the rock today – along with masterful ancient carvings and paintings which adorn the rock itself.

Nearby, the impressive cave temples of Dambulla are an unmissable – if very popular – complex of caves where virtually no space has been left without a Buddha sculpture or painting covering every nook and cranny. The highland city of Kandy is the undisputed cultural heart of Sri Lanka, serenely located beside a lake and home to the Temple of the Tooth, where a sacred relic of the Buddha is kept and worshipped by Buddhists from all over Sri Lanka and beyond.

The wildlife

Wildlife is one of the top reasons that many people choose to travel to Sri Lanka. Safaris in the national parks are great value and offer some excellent viewing opportunities. Yala is the best known among the national parks, and statistically it has the greatest density of leopards anywhere on the planet. Though sightings are not guaranteed, they are certainly special.

As well as the celebrated leopards, Yala is also the stage for a cast of other exciting fauna including elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles, sloth bears, monkeys and jackals – all that before you even consider the 200 or so species of birds that visit the park. If you are interested in seeing whales and turtles, head for the south coast not too far from Yala, where seasonal whale populations and turtle breeding beaches are a big draw.

Wilpattu National Park is better for wildlife spotting if leopards are less of a priority – there are leopards here too but not in such high numbers, meaning fewer visitors and a more authentically wild experience. Wilpattu, along with Bundala National Park, is a hotspot for birders. If you are keen to see elephants, then Minneriya and Udawalawe National Parks are the ones to head for.

Boundless urban adventures

For colonial charm you need look no further than Galle Fort, a charming mix of faded grandeur and picturesque corners, lively with locals and visitors and blessed with lovely coastal surroundings. The town is host to plenty of enticing boutiques, galleries and cafes to while away the days.

Colombo’s atmospheric and frenetic northern districts of Fort and Pettah are two of the most compelling in the capital, both with distinct character and both worthy of your time to get to know this vibrant city and its daily life. Viharamahadevi park is the loveliest in the city, and the surrounding area is also great for a stroll; the leafy avenues of the Cinnamon Garden mansions are architecturally interesting, and this neighborhood also offers some very chic cafes and eateries, should you need to stop and have a rest along the way. The National Museum can also be found here, a compelling institution with some fascinating exhibits that help put Sri Lanka’s history into context.

Make it happen

Tempted by all these great reasons to visit Sri Lanka? The beauty of this country is that most things are within easy reach of each other, as the island is a manageable size and distances are never too great. What would your ideal Sri Lanka trip include? Contact our local experts with your personal requirements and they will craft the ideal itinerary for you.