Credited as a resilient island nation, repeatedly bouncing back from challenges, Sri Lanka ranks No.9 of 25 destinations on BBC’s inaugural guide to the best places to travel in 2025. The guide promotes not just welcoming destinations but those that support local communities, ecosystems, and unique cultural heritage through tourism.
Sustainability at heart
Encouraging departure from the over-tourism we witnessed in places like Venice, Barcelona and Bali, the guide stresses the need for travel to be a force for good. Compiled with input from BBC Travel journalists and the world’s leading sustainable travel authorities, including the United Nations World Travel Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance and the World Travel & Tourism Council, the list highlights thoughtful travel that can do greater good. Adding to sustainable tourism efforts, Sri Lanka recently launched the Good Travel Seal initiative, which celebrates local businesses adopting sustainable practices.
Sri Lanka doesn’t skimp on luxury!
The country is already home to picturesque and elegant luxury hotels, from ocean-front resorts to jungle lodges to hilltop retreats. The BBC guide also mentions the projects on the horizon, including the first seven-star hotel, Aviyana Private Chalets, the new family villa at Aarunya Nature Resort with oculus for stargazing opportunity, the $1bn megaresort opening in Colombo, and the launch of Sri Lanka’s new airline Air Ceilão, which will fly as far as Europe and Australia.
Unique Experiences
Among the many unique experiences Sri Lanka offers, the scenic train ride into the hill country, the 300km Pekoe Trail of Central Highlands, self-driving a tuk tuk and the 5th Century alcoholic drink arrack get a mention.
Hill Country train ride
The Colombo to Badulla train journey is considered one of the most panoramic in the world. Gradually ascending to nearly 2000m of elevation, the train snakes its way into the heart of the mountains through dark tunnels and forested countryside with tea plantations blanketing the hills beside and clouds almost touching the verdant peaks. Waterfalls, rivers, Hindu shrines and tea pickers dotted across the plantations embellish the vistas. And, who can forget the Nine Arches Bridge once spotted and Demodara Loop when witnessed?
Pekoe Trail
Pekoe Trail is one of the best ways to discover the Central Highlands, which takes you through tea plantations and rural mountain villages. The story of tea will become even more fascinating to tea and nature lovers alike. Watch how the fragrant tea gets processed at factories and sample some of the finest Ceylon tea. Between factory and estate visits, you can uncover hidden beauty in the valleys, hills and mountains.
Rent a Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuks are omnipresent in Sri Lanka. Used by locals and loved by tourists, it is the most versatile mode of transport. Their open design keeps you cool in the heat, and their compact size is perfect for weaving through every alleyway and shortcut. Renting a tuk-tuk is a fun way to explore the towns and cities.
Arrack
The late food and travel writer Anthony Bourdain described it as tasting “a marriage of bourbon and rum, but with a stronger, burning kick and a mysterious bouquet”. Sri Lankan arrack, made from the sap of the coconut flower, is now getting renewed recognition thanks to new-age mixologists and exports to the global market.
Skilled men called toddy tappers climb the coconut trees twice daily, moving from tree to tree on tightropes to tap the sap from unopened flowers, an underestimated art. These are fermented in wooden vats and matured for years. Although the origin evades us, it is one of the oldest spirits in the world. The world is falling in love with it, and you can taste some of the finest in Sri Lanka.
Making Sri Lankan travel sustainable and responsible
Sri Lanka ticks all the boxes of a tropical getaway from your dreams. Much of the landscape, wildlife, culture, cuisine and art remain the best-kept secrets of Asia. The joy of their discoveries creates lasting impressions and unforgettable memories.
Blue Lanka Tours has been transforming travel since its inception. From curated itineraries that offer unique experiences to personal touch with tailormade tours, we bring you Sri Lanka in its most authentic form. Our respect for local tradition, culture, communities, wildlife and nature guides our ethos, creating those conducive to the host and visitor. Let’s design your 2025 holiday here.