Joanna James
Sri Lanka is on many a traveller's bucket list this year and with good reason. From sun-kissed beaches to misty mountains and delicious cuisine, are the 5 top reasons to visit Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has a long, rich history that dates back over 2500 years. Largely influenced by the Hindu and Buddhist religions, the ancient cities, palaces and enormous temples that lie in the central regions are a testament to its glorious past and culture. Many of these sites are now top tourist attractions and make up the famous 'Cultural Triangle'. Towering ruins, prehistoric caves, and palaces are just some of the magnificent sites on offer. Be sure to check out the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the Dambulla Caves and of course, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress; an unforgettable palace built on top of a solid rock, surrounded by landscaped gardens.
Sri Lanka's coastline is made up of stunning golden beaches, fringed by swaying coconut trees; the perfect location for sun-worshippers and beach lovers. Whether you're on the lookout for a quiet, solitary beachfront or a loud, entertaining party atmosphere, you can find both here. Swim amongst beautiful corals reefs around Trincomalee or Hikkaduwa or hit the surf at Arugambay. The wide stretches of Mirissa and Bentota are amazing thanks to their beach parties and an array of water sports on offer. Wherever you go, don't forget to take a moment to dip your toes in the cool waters of the Indian Ocean and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Whether you consider yourself a foodie or not, Sri Lankan cuisine will have you craving for more with each bite. You'll find a wide range of colourful dishes, flavoured with an array of exotic spices and fresh ingredients. Lovers of spicy food will love the selection of fiery sambals and relish on offer with every meal, as well as the use of various chillies used to spice up curries. However, that doesn't mean you won't find delectable desserts here. Sri Lankan desserts are rich and sweet, combining fresh coconut milk with various spices to produce sweet treats like milk toffee, coconut rock, and much more. Rice and curry is the number one must try – and can be found at most roadside eateries. A plate of steaming rice served alongside at least 6 curries and a salad is not to be missed!
The island is blessed with stunning natural landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts in Sri Lanka. Wildlife safari tours such as Cinnamon Nature Trails, for example, are immensely popular in areas like Yala National Park and Minneriya National Park, where majestic elephants, wild boar, water buffaloes, and leopards to name a few, are commonly sighted. Off the coast, you can spot blue whales, sperm whales, and a variety of dolphin species.
Sri Lanka's central region is home to vast mountain ranges, lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and rolling hills covered in heavily scented evergreen trees. The cooler climate and misty mountains seem to transport you to some European valley, making you momentarily forget that you're just hours away from tropical landscapes. The hill country cities of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are ideal for those who want to experience the finer parts of the hill country. Take a tour of a tea plantation and learn the finer points of preparing the perfect cup of tea. Work up an appetite by exploring the mountain ranges before settling down to enjoy a high tea and the panoramic view of the mountain.
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