Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, a hop away from India and Maldives, this tiny island is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history and a blend of beautiful cultures. You can cover the length and breadth of the island within a few days, but the memories stay with you forever. It is no wonder that Sri Lanka is a must-visit world destination. Here are experience highlights that make it the tropical paradise it is.
Scenic Beaches
Sri Lanka’s dramatic coastline is known for its picture perfection. Whether it is the ever-popular South Coast, the tranquil East Coast or the unique peninsula on the West Coast, from shore to horizon, the panoramic coast goes on and on. The sunsets alone are worth a trip. Adding to the stunning views are the sea turtles nesting on the beaches, coral reefs adorning the seabed, whales breaching in the waters, and dolphins swimming in playful pods.
Coalescence of Culture
Sri Lanka is a multi-cultural nation. Although predominantly a Sinhala Buddhist nation, Hindu, Islam, and Christian cultures thrive here. Ancient Buddhist temples, ornate Hindu temples, elaborate mosques and colonial-era churches dot the landscape.
Playing a central role in the epic of Ramayana, the island is home to crucial locations of the story. These include ancient Hindu temples in the hill country and north, waterfalls, caves, hills and gardens.
Adam’s Peak is the island’s holiest mountain, revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Kataragama is a principal pilgrim site visited by Buddhists, Hindus and indigenous people.
- Cuisine of Cultures
The most vibrant representation of Sri Lanka’s ethnic diversity is in its cuisine. Indian Tamil cuisine that features vada, dosa, paratha, rasam and idli is prevalent throughout the food scene. Jaffna in the north has its unique Tamil cuisine, with crab curry, mutton fry and moringa & brinjal curry being signature dishes. Fusion foods like rolls, cutlets, sandwiches, patties, pastries and buns trace their origins to the colonial days. Biriyani, an island favourite, stems from the Muslim culinary tradition. And the most indulgent lamprais is a Dutch Burgher creation.
- Multi-cultural Celebrations
Sri Lankan New Year, which falls in April, is a joint celebration by Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus. The country also celebrates Christmas, New Year, Vesak, Diwali and Eid. Most Muslim, Tamil, Christian and Buddhist religious days are national holidays on the island. Did you know that every full moon day of the month in Sri Lanka is a Buddhist holiday?
Forgotten Civilisations
Sri Lanka’s ancient civilisations, complete with their sophisticated irrigation systems, monolithic sculptures and stupas, still marvel visitors. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are the most ancient kingdoms on the island. Called the Land of the Kings or ‘Rajarata’, these cities have UNESCO status along with Sigiriya and Dambulla.
Mega reservoirs built by ancient kings still irrigate rice cultivated in this region. Collosal, medium and small stupas dot the landscape and remains of monasteries and palaces tell a story of a once mighty civilisation. The most sacred fig tree, Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura, is the oldest living tree planted by humans with a recorded date. It came from a cutting from the same fig tree that is said to have sheltered Buddha during enlightenment.
Tea Country
The Central Hills of Sri Lanka is its tea-growing region. Swathed by plantations as far as the eye can see, its topography gives it a cooler climate than the rest of the island. Its forest-covered mountains and hills swirling with mist, deep gorges, craggy cliffs, mesmerising waterfalls, montane grasslands, rivers and streams transport you to another world. Nestled in the verdant landscape are picturesque villages and towns, Ella being the most famous. Among the tea bushes plucking the tender leaves are the tea pickers, their fingers deftly working at a record speed.
Exploring the tea trails of Sri Lanka with Pekoe Trail is a one-of-a-kind adventure. It is a 300-kilometre long-distance walking trail consisting of 22 stages. Tea is a colonial legacy, and Ceylon Tea retains its century-old name and quality. Experience it with a hike across a tea plantation, a fresh brew in a tea factory and authentic Ceylon tea to take home. Stay at a luxury colonial bungalow on an estate and live like a tea baron for a day or two.
Dense Jungles
The Asian Elephant rules the jungles of the island. Sri Lanka is idyllic for spotting them. Minneriya, Udawalawe, Yala, Wilpattu and Gal Oya National Parks offer plentiful sightings. Yala and Wilpattu are also famous for leopard spotting. The Great Elephant Gathering happens from July to September at Minneriya National Park. It is considered the largest congregation of Asian Elephants on planet Earth.
Discovering What Makes Sri Lanka Remarkable with Blue Lanka Tours
Sri Lanka captures the essence of Asia’s beauty and charm. It has an extraordinary blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. From exploring ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to relaxing on pristine beaches and witnessing diverse wildlife, Sri Lanka offers diverse experiences on its tiny landmass.
Dedicated to responsible tourism and authentic experiences, Blue Lanka Tours offers travellers exceptional ways to discover the island. Tailor-made to you from the first day, we ensure comfortable travel, stunning accommodation and warm hospitality throughout your holiday. Let us know how you want to plan your dream trip to Sri Lanka.