10 Reasons To Visit This Lesser-Known Tropical Island Country In Asia

Sri Lanka’s history and diverse culture are reflected through architecture, delicious cuisine, traditional festivals, and the warmth and hospitality of the locals. A Well-revered religious spot recognized in many mythologies and cultures, Sri Lanka also boasts many preserved UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Pristine beaches, excellent hospitality, picturesque landscapes, and exotic wildlife are some of the many reasons to visit this coastal utopia set along the Indian Ocean. Some of the most epic places include ancient temples and colonial buildings of Colombo, Yala National Park, Verdant Tea Plantations, hiking trails, and many enchanting accommodations that make Sri Lanka a great place to visit.

Fascinating Wildlife

Two Lionesses sitting on plants.

Sri Lanka is a nature lover’s escape, home to all kinds of exotic wild animals and diverse marine wildlife, and hosts many bird species. Visitors can explore the wilderness with elephant sightings, whale-watching, dolphin-dancing, and jungle safaris witnessing the elusive leopards. 13% of the island is covered by lush national parks, sanctuaries, and bio-diverse reserves.

• Exotic Animals: Elephant, Wild Boar, Toque Macaques, Leopard, Langur
• Well-Known National Parks: Yala National Park, Gal Oya National Park, Sinharaja National Park
• Best Nature Stays: Leopard Trails Yala, Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Related: 14 Destinations Where You Can Get Up Close & Personal With Wildlife

Cultural Heritage And Diversity

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

Loved for its cultural heritage sites and the warm and welcoming hospitality of the locals, Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy is portrayed through architectural marvels in ancient cities, sacred temples and fortresses, and traditional culture and arts. Sri Lanka proudly boasts 8 UNESCO world heritage sites like the City of Kandy and the unique historic Sigiriya Forest Reserve.

• Famous Heritage Sites: Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Galle
• Top Cultural Attractions: Dambulla Cave Temple, The Cultural Triangle, City Of Kandy
• Cultural Stays: Galle Fort Hotel, Heritance Tea Factory, Hotel Sigiriya

Delicious Cuisine

Sri Lankan Rice and Curry.

Known as the land of cinnamon and spices, one must dabble in the variety of cuisines Sri Lanka offers. One of the unforgettable things to do, as Sri Lanka offers everything from a seafood platter to meat delicacies and local desserts, the country is famously known for its food. Rice is the staple food of Sri Lanka. Hence, many meals contain rice curry blended with spices, herbs, and coconut milk. Kottu Roti, Lamprais, and sweet treats like Watalappan or Kokis will satisfy taste buds.

• Famous Dishes: Rice and Curry, Kottu Roti, Lamprais, Ambulthiyal
• Best Restaurants: Nihonbashi, 1864, The Curry Leaf, Ministry of Crabs
• Food Festivals: Colombo Seafood Festival (December)
• Street Food/Local Food Hotspots: Green Cabin, Nana Kings, Eat Street Colombo

Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka

Marino Beach Colombo

Amenities

Outdoor Pool, Spa and Wellness Center, Fitness Center

Price

$

Tropical Beaches

Rumassala, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka boasts iconic golden beaches with nearly 995 miles of palm-covered coastline for relaxation, nightlife, and marine adventures. Some of the best beaches of Sri Lanka can be found on the western and Southern coasts, spreading out into the pristine blue Indian Ocean. The famous Unawatuna, Marissa, Bentota, and Hikkaduwa host some of the best beachfront stays, clubs, leisure, and adventure activities.

• Best Beaches: Unawatuna, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Tangalle
• Beach Activities: Snorkeling, Sun Bathing, Boat Safari, Surfing
• Island Nightlife: Funky De Bar, Vibration Music Bar, Mambos Place
• Beachfront Hotels: Era Beach, Uga Jungle Beach, Amaya Beach Passikudah

Related: 10 Of The Most Dangerous Beaches In South-East Asia (10 Worth Visiting This High Season)

Scenic Hiking Trails

Horton Plains, Sri Lanka

Encapsulating Sri Lanka’s natural beauty is the picturesque hiking trails, stretching across lush forests, through flowing rivers, and onto the mountainous summit. Adam’s Peak, a moderate hike, is famous for the mythological story of Adam, whereas, at Lipton’s Seat, trekkers can hike through the tea estate at Dambatenne or sip delicious tea in Haputale’s floating tea gardens.

• Best Hiking Trails: Adam’s Peak (4 miles), Sigiriya and Pidurangula (0.6–1.9 miles), Horton Plains (6 miles)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate, Moderate, Easy
• Hotels Offering Hiking Activity: Water Garden Sigiriya, Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Uga Ulagalla

A beautifully decorated and well-equipped hotel room

Water Garden Sigiriya

Amenities

Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Hiking

Price

$$$

Related: 10 Of The Most Amazing Hiking Records Ever Broken On Trails Around The World

Enchanting Stay Options

Travelers can find everything from colonial Manor houses to beach retreats with private beaches. Glamping and tent stay in rugged jungles, Ayurvedic resorts with wellness regimes, eco-friendly retreats, homestays, guest houses, and apartment residences, Sri Lanka covers every stay option, from unique to local, providing guests with a truly rejuvenating experience.

• Accommodation: Thotalagala
• Location: Thotalagala, Dambatenne Road, Haputale, Sri Lanka
• Amenities: Infinity Pool, Bar/Lounge, In-House Restaurant, Library, Hiking
• Pricing: $266

Beautiful Religious Institutions

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Home to some of the most spectacular religious institutions, Sri Lanka features ancient historic temples, beautiful churches, and majestic Buddhist Stupas. The local culture provides an enriching experience for those who set out on a spiritual journey, with the different religious practices and monuments spread all across the country. The Cultural Triangle, nestled between three cities, is one of the most renowned sacred spots in Sri Lanka, combining ancient relics and religious buildings. A visit to the breathtaking Dambulla Cave Temple, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, adds to the remarkable spiritual experience.

• Famous Religious Abodes: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Koneswaram Temple, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, St Benedict’s Monastery – Adisham
• Best Hotels Near Temples: Amaya Hills Kandy, The Radh Hotel

Thrilling Adventure Activities

Two People Scuba Diving.

Sri Lanks is a must-visit for adventure lovers with its many beautiful beaches, hilly hiking trails, and wild forests offering thrilling Sri Lankan adventure activities. Thrill lovers can experience an adrenaline rush while kite surfing over the deep blue waters, zip lining the steep mountain valleys, and gawking at the leopards in jungle safaris. Guests residing at the different abodes can also expect outdoor activities at their hotels for a rushing experience.

• Popular Adventure Activities: White Water Rafting, Kite Surfing, Zip-Lining, Scuba Diving
• Top Rated Amusements Parks: Leisure World Water Park, Pearl Bay, Guruge Nature Park
• Hotels with adventure parks/Activities: Tri Lanka, Borderlands, Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge

World Famous Ayurveda & Wellness Retreats

Ayurvedic Massage

Also known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a globally renowned destination for those willing to revive their body, mind, and soul. With many wellness retreats and Ayurvedic therapies and treatments, Sri Lanka boasts some of the best meditation centers, yoga practices, and guidance from expert Ayurvedic practitioners. The country’s traditional roots, commitment to Ayurveda, and natural healing surely attract travelers to this serene location.

• Sri Lankan Treatments & Therapies: Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Panchakarma, Swedana
• Best Wellness Retreats: Santani Wellness Kandy, Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Sen Wellness Sanctuary
• Best Hotels With Wellness Programs: Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa, Chena Huts, Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions

Festivals & Celebrations

Kandy Carnival, Esala Perahera, Sri Lanka.

The culturally vibrant country of Sri Lanka is on the bucket list for many travelers due to the plethora of cultural and traditional festivals the country hosts all year round. Travelers can feel closer to Sri Lankan culture at festivals like the Esala Perahera at the Temple Of The Tooth or the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Vibrant celebrations, special meals, traditional games, and cultural immersion are the foundation of the many festivals that take place in Sri Lanka.

• Classic Sri Lankan Festivals: Esala Perahera (July-August), Thai Pongal (January), Poson Poya (June)
• Top Hotels Near The Celebrations: The Kingsbury Colombo, Hotel Casamara, Sevana City Hotel

Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway, adventurous rendezvous, or a leisure trip. The golden beaches, rich marine life, biodiverse wildlife and lush jungles, ancient heritage sites, religious institutions, and an inclusive culture make Sri Lanka a welcoming and hospitable country for upcoming travel endeavors.