What Makes Sri Lanka a Mounthwatering Destination?

2500 + years of documented history

Ancient Civilizations  |  8 Heritage Sites

Plenty of Silk Sand Beaches

Mountains to trek  | Highland Plains for Camping

Dozens of breathtaking waterfall to Explore

Best Safaris to Rival Africa | Endless Wildlife

Vibrant Cuisine

Sri Lanka wasn’t on any travelers radar until recently. This was mainly because of the 30 year war against terrorism that ravaged the Northern & Eastern provinces. Since its end in 2009 and the extermination of terrorism on our shore, Sri Lanka has blossomed into a safe and attractive tourist destination. 10 years of hard work paid off when Sri Lanka became the No. 1 Island Destination  in the world.

What makes Sri Lanka so special?

Sri Lanka is a small island nation located in the Indian ocean. Shaped like a tear drop just below India, it is called the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is not a new nation, in fact, it one of the oldest countries on the planet. How is that so? Well Sri Lanka has a recorded history of more than 2500 years. It has had many names over the year and has been called Serendib, Taprobane, Ceylon, Thambapani depending on from where travelers visited.

2500 + years of recorded history

Sri Lanka has a population of around 21 million people in a land area spanning 65000 sq. km. This makes Sri Lanka population very dense for its land mass. As for our culture, it is a multicultural society with a deep and firm roots in Buddhism. A highly religious country, our society consists of a multitude of religions of which 70% Buddhist, 13% Hindu, 9% Muslim, 7% Christian and 1% Others respectively.

Sri Lanka has the longest continuous history of Buddhism of any predominantly Buddhist nation, with the Sangha having existed in a largely unbroken lineage since its introduction in the 2nd century BCE. During periods of decline, the Sri Lankan monastic lineage was revived through contact with Thailand and Burma. Buddhism is given special recognition in the Constitution which requires Sri Lankans to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana.

If that isn’t enough to get you fascinated by this small island nation, The pre-history of Sri Lanka goes back 125,000 years and possibly even as far back as 500,000 years. The era spans the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and early Iron Ages. Among the Paleolithic human settlements discovered in Sri Lanka, Pahiyangala (named after the Chinese traveller monk Faxian), which dates back to 37,000 BP, Batadombalena (28,500 BP) and Belilena (12,000 BP) are the most important. In these caves, archaeologists have found the remains of anatomically modern humans which they have named Balangoda Man, and other evidence suggesting that they may have engaged in agriculture and kept domestic dogs for driving game.

At this point i’m sure i have your sense tingling  and you must be wondering why you never knew these things. Well eastern history is shrouded in history with media coverage dominated western history. This has always garnered nations in the eastern hemisphere a certain trait of mysticism and allure.

So what else does Sri Lanka offer for its visitors?

Sri Lanka has a varied landscape and its tropical weather patterns exposes it to an even amount of sun and rain.

The coast line with beautiful beach destinations

Sri Lanka has plenty of beaches and there are quite a few of which have garnered a reputation and loyal following. Unawatuna, Mirissa, Arugam Bay, Nalaveli,Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Tangalle, Kalpitiya, Hiriketiya are among them.

Heritage Sites steeped in history with superhuman feats of skill

Sri Lanka with its rich and long history boasts ruins from our ancient civilizations, whose feats in building reservoirs, irrigation systems, sculptures, statues and architectural marvels (Giant Dagab/Stupas) still leave modern archaeologists, engineers and artists in awe.

So many Reservations and National Parks filled with amazing wildlife

Sri Lanka is a hotspot for endemic animal species making it a prime destination for any wildlife enthusiast or naturalist.  Elephants, leopards, peacocks, wild boar are among the many popular animals visitors wish to observe during their safaris . It is said that this island nations safaris can match and even outshine the safaris in Africa. Best thing about it is that you literally have a national park near any destination you maybe visiting.

Corals, Snorkeling, Diving, Water Sports, Turtle Hatcheries, Whale and Dolphin watching

Isn’t the title itself exhilarating? You can experience all of the above if you visit one or two of the popular coastal destinations.

Central Mountains and breathtaking views

A hikers dream, Sri Lankas central highlands are in itself a UNESCO Heritage. Boasting many spectacular peaks which form an array of daunting hiking trails with mesmerizing scenery and views.

Tea Estates and experiencing the tea culture in the central mountain

Ceylon Tea is among the most renowned tea in the world or if not the best. You will most definitely pass plenty of tea plantations on your trip through the mountains and better yet, you get to see, taste and experience how the finest tea is made.

A deep and vibrant culture with plenty of colourful festivals

Sri Lanka being a multicultural society with a history as long as it has offers a wide palate of colourful cultural experiences. Filled with a calendar filled with a mind boggling number of festival holidays, you are simply offered plenty of opportunity to witness and experience there colourful celebrations.

Sri Lankan food and cuisine

A unique fusion of tastes with spices and curries created to overwhelm your senses. Sri Lankan curries are famous for its tastes and maybe somewhere in between their Indian and Thai counterparts. We are also famous offering culinary delights in small packages and have a crazy obsession with bread and bakeries.

Spices and traditional cooking

Sri Lanka offers you a first class ticket to the world of spices and the art of making curries. Your life is incomplete without learning how to make the infamous Chicken Curry along with its cousins the Pork and Beef Curries.

Seafood and more seafood

Any delightful dining experience is incomplete without our Crab and Prawn Curries.

Aryuveda Medical Therapy

Sri Lanka also has a rich history in indigenous medicine where you can relax and enjoy an oil bath and massage.

A spiritual getaway

If your looking for  spirituality, yoga, meditation, we got that too. Sri Lanka’s deep roots in Buddhism makes it an ideal retreat for mediators looking to interact with monks whom have mastered these arts.

I think i have made case on why you have to visit Sri Lanka. Now it is up to you to actually make it happen.