10 Reasons to Travel to Sri Lanka

Back in October, Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the "Best Country to Visit in 2019". Curious to know why it’s such an incredible place to explore? Our long-time Sri Lankan guide Ruwan shares his ten favourite reasons why you should visit Sri Lanka in 2019…and beyond.

10 Reasons to Travel to Sri Lanka

Even though Sri Lanka is a small island, it is made up of a rich nine provinces. Home to 21 million people, the nation is a mixture of cultures, landscapes, and even weather patterns!

2. Stunning beaches

When people think of Sri Lanka, they probably think of the beaches of the Southern region. But there are plenty of other stunning beaches to try in Sri Lanka; you’ll find eastern beaches like Passikuda and Trincomalee are more relaxing. If you love surfing, Arugambay beach in Arugambay is a great place to stay for a few days or week.

3. Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island in Trincomalee offers up unparalleled diving opportunities since these crystal clear waters are part of a marine park. You’ll be sure to see beautiful coral reefs and vibrantly coloured tropical fish just off this remote island.

4. A buzzing capital

Colombo, in the western province of Sri Lanka, is the country’s vibrant commercial capital city. It has a hugely diverse history, with European, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences. This sprawling city is home to over 1 million people from a range of backgrounds, making it a multicultural and exciting place to visit.

5. Hidden gems

Away from the crowded Colombo, you can find some genuinely pristine beaches and stunningly exotic landscapes. Try the nature trail, where you can visit Yala National Park. There, you can go on safari and witness the beautiful and amazing wildlife, including the monster Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). Then there’s Haputhale, a remote and beautiful region. Many locals still practice their traditional customs here, giving a fascinating glimpse into unique cultures. Look out for the train journey to Ella, which is a unique experience in Sri Lanka.

6. Incredible wildlife

Sri Lanka offers almost unique biodiversity and wildlife spotting opportunities. Did you know that leopards and elephants are visible in the wild in Sri Lanka? These giant leopard subspecies are only native to Sri Lanka. Elephants, sloth bears, sambar deers, snakes and monkeys in their natural habitat, something impossible anywhere else. You can even spot species of endangered birds. Sri Lanka is also home to some beautiful marine life, so it’s a place that divers will call paradise.

7. Thrilling history

Sri Lanka has a rich and fascinating history. It’s home to the world’s most extensive collection of Buddhist monuments, which dates back to the 5th century BC to 12th century AD. (Anuradapura and Polonnaruwa). Having been abandoned by Buddhist monks and kings sometime after the 12th century, it has been restored by UNESCO. Then there are famous palaces and audience halls, like Parakramabau Palace, which also gives impressive details of Sri Lankan architecture, arts and engineering skills.

8. Mouthwatering food

Whether you get street food or dine in a local restaurant, you’ll want to try this delicious cuisine. Sri Lanka is famous for hot KOTTU, but there are all kinds of rice & curries, soups, and grilled meats that will take your breath away. Sri Lankan food is a burst of flavours and fresh ingredients, so you don’t want to miss out on any of it.

9. Fascinating festivals

With such a vast range of cultures, you’ll find countless festivals taking place over the year. There are film, food, cultural, and music festivals worth exploring across the islands. But it’s not all parties. Watch out for Sinhalenew year festival, the first day of the new year according to the Sinhalese calendar. Other popular celebrations are Kandy perahara, Gangarama perahera, Kelaniya perahara and Poson festival, which happens in different places in Sri Lanka.

10. Budget travelling

Unlike other international destinations, Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a place where it’s possible to travel on a tighter budget. It’s worth doing your research, planning, and learning to haggle, but it’s entirely possible to have a thrilling vacation in Sri Lanka, without spending a fortune.