9 Reasons to Make Sri Lanka Your Next Holiday Destination!

Sri Lanka is absolutely gorgeous.  It’s wild and a little chaotic at times but undoubtedly stunning.

With an abundance of culture, nature, and excitement, Sri Lanka plays host as the perfect holiday destination.

Find out why we would recommend a visit to this striking island nation for practically everyone…

1. Diverse Scenery

From white sand beaches to mountain tops, dense jungle to open safari plains, there isn’t much Sri Lanka doesn’t offer in terms of scenic diversity.  Driving through the tea fields, checking out plantations, the smell of cinnamon hanging in the air – what’s not to love?

2. Amazing Animal Encounters

Scuba diving and snorkelling, whale watching (most people spot multiple blue whales – the largest creatures on earth), Sri Lankan safaris (with the highest concentration of leopards anywhere – such incredible wild cats!), turtle releases, land monitors, chameleons and the most gorgeous birds.  If you’re keen to spend some time immersed in nature, Sri Lanka is the place to do it.

3. Live a Life of Luxury (even if only for a few nights)

Though Sri Lanka has plenty to offer the budget travellers, luxury is where it really shines.  With some of the best service that we’ve ever experienced, pools that are impossible to say no to and spacious, beautifully styled rooms, each and every high-end stay is one to remember.

Check out some tried-and-tested accommodation options in Sri Lanka.

4. Warm Smiles

Every single person we met in Sri Lanka made us feel welcome.  Every single one.  If people make the place, Sri Lanka’s a real winner.

5. Surprising History

Over the years Sri Lanka has fallen under the influence of a number of super-powers; the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all played in a role in the history of this island nation.  Galle, with its walled fortress, is an excellent example of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, as are the pristinely kept bungalows around the country.

That’s not to mention Sri Lanka’s more home-grown history on display at the likes of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa – both well worth a visit.

6. Learn About a New Religion

Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism – this island is home to a number of religions, signs of which can be seen throughout the country.  From striking multi-coloured Hindu shrines to giant Buddhas and stupas, the nods to religion are beautiful, whether you observe that religion or not.

7. Have an Adventure

Though not traditionally thought of as an adventurers playground, Sri Lanka certainly is!  We took to the skies in a paramotor and raced around in a helicopter.  We scrambled over rocks and abseiled into freshwater pools whilst canyoning and gave our muscles a workout on mountain bikes.

All the while, others hit the waves and enjoy surfing in Sri Lanka.

If you’re keen to extend your adventure, there are plenty of adventure glamping opportunities (check out Borderlands – amazing!) where your food, accommodation and activities will be included.  Alternatively, grab a kiteboard and take to the skies beachside!

8. Get Off the Beaten Track

Sri Lanka is safe and the trains are easy to figure out so exploring on your own accord is an easy option.  Whether you borrow a bike from your bungalow or hike one of Sri Lanka’s many walking tracks there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about, exploring this beautiful island.

9. Eat Your Fill of Delicious Food

With fresh fruit and vegetables in abundance and a variety of takes on a traditional Sri Lankan curry, no visitor to this country goes hungry.  Fresh, tasty and well-seasoned, our curry meals were a real highlight.

To learn more about traditional Sri Lankan dishes, we thoroughly recommend reading The Foodie Miles’ pre-visit guide – and for goodness sake, don’t skimp on the coconut roti!

Sri Lanka offers so much to so many.  From budget accommodation to the most amazing luxury, complete relaxation on the beach to full-on adventure, it’s all there.

The only thing they’re waiting on is you!

Now that you know why you should visit Sri Lanka, you’ll be keen to find out what exactly to do there.  It’s a good thing then that you.theworld.wandering has done the hard work for you!  Find out her top picks of things to do in Sri Lanka.

Know someone that might love Sri Lanka?  Pin this post so they’ll find it!

If you’re off to Sri Lanka (and you should be), we recommend Red Dot Tours – they did an amazing job of putting together our itinerary for us and we could not recommend them more.