Joanna James
Sri Lanka, being the tropical paradise, is merely not a reason enough to visit it. There's more and here are 10 to convince you why.
Sri Lanka is home to 16 national parks and therefore, the perfect country to explore the wild side of things. Hop onto a safari either at Yala National Park or Sinharaja Forest and satiate your eyes to the beautiful wildlife present. It is here that you will be able to spot the majestic Sri Lankan leopard. The concept of an eco-hotel in Sri Lanka is becoming popular and Rainforest EcoLodge in Sinharaja Forest is a popular one!
This has to be mentioned. White sand beaches fringed with swain palm trees and the turquoise ocean is a sight that no one wants to miss. Being an island, there are so many beaches to explore. Down south is ideal for a quick getaway from the city while the eastern beaches are less crowded and more untouched.
The train journey from Kandy to Ella is listed as one of the most beautifully scenic train rides in the world! Ella itself is a quaint little town amidst the luscious tea estates with many hiking ventures present for that traveller who loves the outdoors.
Local cuisine is simply an explosion of flavours. From street food snacks like isso wadey (prawn lentil-based snack) to authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry, it is mandatory that one embarks in the Lankan venture by fully committing themselves to eat like a local!
Sri Lanka is proud to say it is home to eight Heritage Sites; Sigiriya. Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the ruins of Anuradhapura, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the Golden Temple of Dambulla and the central highlands are some of the few examples
Head to the central highlands to visit the tea plantations that are found in abundance. Explore and educate yourself on the process of making tea and why the Ceylon Tea, to date, still has made its mark!
Sri Lanka has something for all kinds of travellers; be it a honeymoon couple looking for a luxury vacation or a backpacker who wishes to hike around and explore every nook and cranny of the island, it has it all! So, what more are you waiting for?
Sri Lankans are known to be one of the best hosts and with good reason; the locals are always happy to help a tourist around. A smile goes a long way. There's a fascinating mix of traditions and cultures as a result of its multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society.
Sri Lankans are a die-hard cricket fan. During the season, the whole country is on celebratory mode, a feeling that is contagious! Watching a match among the fans of the country is a surreal experience.
Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country; a fact that will go unnoticed due to the many Buddhist temples and monasteries around. If you are looking to learn the teachings of Buddha, there are many English classes coming up that you can find and go to. Besides this, yoga and ayurvedic medicine are still popular among the locals. Treat yourself to a traditional ayurvedic massage to wind up your perfect vacation in the paradise island.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
