Joanna James
Sri Lanka has long been one of the premier travel destinations to visit in Asia. From its varied landscapes, incredibly rich culture and everything in between, the sapphire isle has something to offer for anyone with a passion for travelling – here's a closer look at all of these.
Sri Lanka's history can be traced back for hundreds of years. In that time, the island has seen great kingdoms rise and fall, foreign conquests and massive construction works. All of this means that the country today has been imbued with a rich culture that's immediately recognizable if you've spent a few weeks here on the island. The Hydraulic Civilization is considered to be the golden era of Sri Lanka's history when great monarchs ruled over the kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Remnants of this rich past can be seen all around Sri Lanka, meaning it's the perfect destination for any history-buff looking to absorb the culture and customs of a bygone era.
Sri Lanka's countryside is bursting with picturesque landscapes that'll have any would-be photographer frothing at the mouth. There's something for every taste here, from pristine forests and scenic valleys to ancient villages and seemingly endless rice fields. Then there are the central highlands of the island which contain some stunning vistas and spectacular mountain ranges. One of the best ways to experience all this is to book a train ride from Colombo all the way up to the hills – it's a trip you won't soon forget!
If you're staying at one of the major hotels in Sri Lanka – say for example the ones offered by Amagi Hotels – be sure to order yourself some hearty Sri Lankan grub. Ther are plenty of great signature dishes to try out – from hopper for breakfast to a round of kotthu roti for dinner. Sri Lanka is famous for having some of the best spice mixes in all of Asia. These go into making some delectable curries that are served alongside various dishes guaranteed to make your palate sing.
Sri Lanka is renowned for having some of the best beaches in Asia. In fact, Sri Lanka's beaches alone draw in thousands of tourists to the country every year! Matted with soft white sand, bordered by shady palm groves and caressed by the calm waves of the ocean, these beaches will seem like they came straight out of a postcard. Some of the most notable ones include the Mirissa beach, Arugam Bay and Unawatuna. You can enjoy a variety of great activities on these beaches too, from surfing to snorkelling and even kayaking!
Sri Lanka is often cited as one of the best locations to go on a safari outside of Africa – and with good reason too! The country has quite a number of fantastic national parks, and these are home to an array of diverse wildlife. Most travellers go on safari hoping to see animals like the majestic Asian elephant and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, and Sri Lanka is one of the best places on earth to catch sight of these endangered species in their natural habitats.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
