Sri Lanka recently received the Gold Award from Wanderlust Magazine in its 23rd Annual Reader Travel Awards. More than 3 million votes were cast, and the most desirable regions, countries and cities gained recognition for their beauty, attractions and cultural experiences. Sri Lanka was voted the Most Desirable Island in the world, and we are gleeful in the knowledge that travellers from across the globe are discovering its resplendency.
What makes Sri Lanka the gold standard of travel?
Sri Lanka’s size and beauty have always been encapsulated by the title ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. The country packs a diverse world of wilderness, wildlife, history, culture and natural landscapes into one tiny landmass. Heritage sites like Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have long enamoured travellers with a penchant for ancient civilisations.
Those who love the sights of rare exotic species in the wild admire the leopard-roaming, elephant-congregating big parks. Let’s not forget the jungle-fringed beaches, isolated coves, surfable bays and miles of sandy beaches encircling the island.
The lush highlands of the central Hills, swathed in tea plantations, have garnered much interest. Beyond the cloud forests, montane grasslands, undulating plateaus, sheer precipices, and lofty peaks are the sleepy villages, colourful shrines and planter bungalows that reveal another world waiting to be discovered. The train journeys across the Hill Country are some of the most beautiful on the planet. These are only glimpses into this unreal world of verdant glory.
Diversity of the beaches
Being a tropical island, the beaches get top billing. But if you picture them all in a golden sandy stretch, let us interrupt that vision with plenty more variety added to them.
East
The East Coast is particularly distinctive, with its powdery white sands and crystal-clear shallow waters. Nilaveli, Uppuveli, and Pasikudah beaches are renowned for their sapphire blue waters and pristine sands. Off the coast of Nilaveli is the Pigeon Island Marine National Park, fringed by a beautiful coral reef. It is a great place to see sea turtles on the East Coast.
South
The deep south bursts at the seams with jungles. Its dramatic coastline features golden sandy beaches, cliffs, reefs, coves, bays, headlands, estuaries, lagoons and ancient temples. Yala, Kumana and Bundala National Parks bordering the Indian Ocean add another layer of wild beauty to the coast. There are several turtle nesting sites along the south and southwest coasts. Mirissa, on the southern coast, is a whale-watching hotspot. East of the south is the unassuming Arugam Bay, a global top surf destination.
North West
Kalpitiya Peninsula, consisting of fourteen islands on the northwest coast, sits between the wet and dry zones. Its long sandbar separates it from the Puttalam lagoon. The consistent winds make it the kitesurfing capital of the island. Kalpitiya is also famous for dolphin and whale sightings.
North
At the northernmost end of the island is the Jaffna peninsula, a bastion of Tamil culture. Point Pedro, the northernmost tip, marked by tall dunes, the islands of the peninsula and its proximity to South India are all fascinating features of Jaffna.
West
Colombo occupies much of the west coast. However, Negombo, north of the west coast, offers picturesque beaches and a scenic lagoon. Placed close to the country’s busiest international airport, it is a perfect coastal destination to recover from jetlag upon arrival.
Coastal destinations like Galle, Trincomalee, Kalpitiya and Jaffna contain remnants of colonial maritime forts. These tell the extraordinary tale of the Portuguese, Dutch and British, who vied for power over the island centuries ago.
Thanks to a dual-monsoon system that only affects one part of the island at a time, there’s always a coast here that receives fine weather and is ready to deliver a pack full of beach bliss.
Safaris to glamping
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia to see the Asian Elephant and one of the top places in the world to see leopards. Yala and Wilpattu offer frequent sightings of leopards. The big parks are also home to the sloth bear, water buffalo, sambar & spotted deer, crocodile and various bird species.
You can spend a day on a jeep safari, venturing into the jungle to admire the apex predators, gentle giants and mischievous inhabitants. You can spend your night, too, in the wild, dining under the stars and sleeping in a luxury camp. Wildlife has a new meaning in Sri Lanka. There’s always a chance to spot the cheeky monkeys, inquisitive elephants and feathered friends, from historic sites to accommodation properties or along the way.
A mighty ancient civilisation
The stupas, monasteries, temples, statues and giant reservoirs of the Sinhala kingdoms of the northcentral plains are sights to behold. The arrival of Buddhism from neighbouring India gave rise to most of these monuments, which are dedicated to Buddhist tradition. Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla are historic destinations that display a civilisation beyond imagination.
Warm hospitality and unique cuisine
Sri Lanka is renowned for its warm, welcoming people, who add to the allure of visiting the country. Tourists often find themselves charmed by the hospitality, with locals eager to share their culture and traditions. Sri Lankan cuisine, known for its fresh spices, endemic foods, seafood, coconut, homegrown rice varieties, and exotic fruit, adds to the appeal. Rice and curry, hoppers, kottu roti and fusion cuisine provide a unique culinary experience that’s both flavourful and reflective of the island’s rich culture.
Affordability and accessibility
Sri Lanka offers most of what the rest of South Asia and Southeast Asia offer. Compared to many other tropical destinations, Sri Lanka remains relatively affordable. This affordability, coupled with the diverse range of experiences available within a compact area, appeals to budget travellers and luxury seekers alike. Additionally, relaxed visa policies for many nationalities make it easier for tourists to visit and explore the country. The island’s proximity to India, Maldives and the Southeast circuit makes it a hop away from the rest of the region.
Experience what makes Sri Lanka desirable with Blue Lanka Tours!
Sri Lanka is gaining traction as a highly sought-after destination for travel and leisure. Its diverse landscape, unique experiences, fascinating history, vibrant culture and innate hospitality give it the recognition it deserves. Blue Lanka Tours curates responsible travel tailored to your desires. Conveyance to accommodations, we cater to your travel needs with meaningful consideration and personalised care. Explore the many ways to discover the world’s Most Desirable Island.