Four Reasons Why Sri Lanka is a Must-Visit Destination
Sri Lanka, a teardrop-shaped island nation off the southern tip of India, is an increasingly popular destination among British tourists. Its diverse landscapes are perfect for lounging on palm-fringed beaches one day and trekking through misty mountains the next.
For an unforgettable experience of the country’s history, wildlife, food, and culture, Sri Lanka tours showcase the best of the island, making it the perfect addition to your travel list.
Ancient History and Cultural Depth
In Sri Lanka, you’ll find an impressive eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress, as well as the sacred ancient city of Kandy in the Central Province. Galle Fort is a favourite among architecture buffs for its influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial eras.
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without visiting the Temple of the Tooth. The Buddhist temple houses a sacred tooth relic believed to belong to the Buddha, making it one of the holiest shrines in the Buddhist world. It’s a symbol of national pride that solidified the city’s status as the last capital of the Sinhalese kings.
Diverse Landscapes in One Trip
One of Sri Lanka’s biggest draws is its diverse variety within a relatively small area. Travelling across the island, you can move from golden beaches to tea plantations or from cities to quiet national parks in just a few hours.
The central highlands offer rolling green hills and cool air, making for beautiful landscape photos. The coastline boasts some of the world’s best beaches, with many international surfing destinations, thanks to strong winds and a wide range of surf breaks on the east, south, and west coasts.
Wildlife You Won’t Forget
The country is one of the best places in Asia for safaris, with Yala National Park famous for its leopard population and rich birdlife. You can spot Asian elephants in Minneriya National Park, especially during “The Gathering,” when hundreds of the gentle giants come together near the reservoir.
Sri Lanka’s parks rival those in Africa in terms of their biodiversity. The country is home to both the world’s largest land mammal, the elephant, and the largest marine mammal, the blue whale, and a range of habitats, including dry evergreen forests and offshore coral reefs.
Food that Excites the Senses
Sri Lankan staples like rice and curry, spiced with cinnamon and chilli, form the heart of most meals. Fresh seafood is abundant along the lengthy coastline, while unique dishes like hoppers (a type of bowl-shaped pancake made using rice flour and coconut milk) offer something unique for British palates.
If you’re after a lighter meal, opt for gotu kola sambol, a refreshing salad of finely chopped Asiatic pennywort (gotu kola) with coconut, shallots, and chillies. Lamprais is a Dutch-inspired dish of rice and curries baked in a banana leaf, popular as a brunch dish, especially on Sundays.