What are the most compelling reasons to visit Sri Lanka? There are a plethora of compelling reasons to visit this enchanted island, and we’ve compiled the best of the best in today’s post. Sri Lanka’s warm climate, stunning beaches, and delectable cuisine are just a few of the many reasons you should put the South Asian country on your vacation wish list, and there are many more. The historic rock stronghold of Sigiriya, a huge gathering of Asian elephants at Minneriya National Park, and surfing in Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa are just a few of the activities available in this island country regarded as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for water sports and wildlife enthusiasts and a historical treasure trove for history fans. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best sites to see and activities to do in Sri Lanka, as well as a guide to some of the best places to stay, to assist you in putting together your trip itinerary.
Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka: The Ultimate List
1. A tropical climate that is pleasant all year
We ranked the tropical climate first on our list of the most compelling reasons to visit Sri Lanka.
You may not be aware that Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, which impact different parts of the country at different times of the year. This implies that travelers may expect to find themselves in a bright atmosphere at any time of year when traveling on the island. The southwest monsoon occurs between May and July, which allows for rain-free travel in the northern part of the country. And the northeast monsoon occurs between October and January, which allows for rain-free travel in the southern part.
Enjoy your stay at one of the premier luxury hotels in Sri Lanka while taking advantage of the pleasant weather.
2. The Importance of Diversity
On our list of top reasons to visit Sri Lanka, diversity has to be one of them. With so many sights and sceneries condensed into such a small region, a tourist may be surfing the waves in the morning and enjoying the green-carpeted mountains by nightfall. In Sri Lanka, visitors may choose from a diverse range of holiday activities, including anything from beach vacations to a marathon of wildlife viewing, adrenaline-pumping adventure sports, and pilgrimage to some of the world’s oldest towns. Life in Sri Lanka is full of celebrations throughout the year, which is because so many different cultures coexist next to one another.
3. People
Since the island’s interaction with successive waves of foreign immigration in the 19th century, it has developed into a multiethnic, multireligious, and multicultural community.
The major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, the Sinhalese and the Tamils, are descended from people living on the Indian subcontinent. Muslim residents began to arrive on the island about the time it was established as a commercial hub. In a similar vein, Malays and Chinese people were drawn to the island.
The Portuguese and the British introduced Kaffirs from Africa, while the Dutch brought an array of European tradespeople, known as Burghers, to the country from the Netherlands. It is a wonderful fusion of cultural traditions, and regardless of their social standing, the smiles and kindness of Sri Lankans are famous, and the experience is well worth the trip. Meeting these kinds and welcoming people is, without question, one of the most compelling reasons to visit Sri Lanka.
4. Reasons to visit Sri Lanka: rare land animals
Sri Lanka features 26 national parks and two marine parks, all of which are protected areas. For example, Yala National Park in Sri Lanka has the highest concentration of leopards in the world, along with 215 species of birds and crocodiles. In contrast, the coastline that borders the park serves as a breeding ground for five different sea turtle species. The Udawalawe National Park, located next to Yala, is home to herds of elephants and endangered species such as the changeable hawk-eagle and the serpent eagle. For many tourists, the chain of national parks is one of the best reasons to visit Sri Lanka.
Pigeon Island is a popular tourist destination for those who want to see the aquatic life that surrounds the island. Snorkeling in these waters is a fantastic experience since the reef off the island has over 100 varieties of beautiful coral and up to 300 species of reef fish, making it an incredible experience.
5. The Preservation of Cultural Heritage
A total of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in the small country, and they may all be seen in under a week. These include the ancient town of Galle, located in the island’s southernmost region, which is notable for its fort dating back to the Dutch colonial era. Kandy, the sacred kingdom, and the spiritual capital of Kandy are waiting to be found in the heart of Sri Lanka, deep among the mountains of the hilly forest. It is also worthwhile to see the enormous monolith Sigiriya, the ancient towns of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla Cave Temple, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and the Central Highlands, which are all tucked away in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has a rich cultural legacy that is considered to be among the greatest in the world. Consequently, without this reason to visit Sri Lanka, this list would be incomplete.
6. Delectable cuisine
Sri Lanka is endowed with a unique cuisine seasoned with exotic spices and is a culinary destination in itself. One of the most well-known rice and curry spreads, it combines a spicy and aromatic lentil and chicken or fish curry, served with rice and veggies to accompany it. The locals highly recommend the fish curry. Roti flatbreads are sliced and mixed with an egg, meat, veggies, and salsa to make the Tamil community a popular street food (Kottu). Make sure to try the egg hoppers as well.
For food lovers worldwide, the amazing food menus are one of the best reasons to visit Sri Lanka.
7. Magnificent beaches
If you ask ten people their reasons for visiting Sri Lanka, we bet at least half of them would say it’s the beaches. There are several untouched sandy beaches with palm trees and turquoise seas on Sri Lanka’s coastline, making it one of the most beautiful places in Asia. If you want to relax and soak up the sun in solitude, Mirissa is the place to go, whereas Unawatuna is more suited for people looking for a good time at the beach. With its water sports such as kitesurfing and para-cycling, Bentota is the place to go for adrenaline addicts.
Make sure to look at the top beach resorts in Sri Lanka before deciding where to stay.
8. Whales and dolphins
Sri Lanka may be the only spot in the world where you may see both elephants and blue whales, the world’s biggest land and aquatic mammals. So, wouldn’t it be the best reason to visit Sri Lanka for whale and dolphin lovers? Five different kinds of whales, including the blue whale and the minke whale, may be found in the waters off the coast of Kalpitiya regularly. In addition, if you’re fortunate, you may be able to see spinner dolphins. Kalpitiya’s whale viewing season runs from January to March, with the best months being January and February.
9. Festivals
Sri Lanka is home to almost all of the world’s main religious faiths, with nearly every one of them represented. Adding a diverse range of races and social groups results in a jam-packed festival program for the whole year. The many vibrant festivals that bring the islands’ old customs and spiritual practices to life in a modern setting are not to be missed. In April, the Hindu and Buddhist New Year’s celebration of Aluth Avurudda is a feast for the eyes, ears, and taste buds. Over two days, life takes place on the streets, complete with live music, fireworks, and delectable cuisine.
The Vesak festival, which takes place in May and commemorates the beginning of the Buddhist calendar year, is the most significant event for Buddhists worldwide. Roads and buildings are festooned with beautiful lanterns, and the whole country is transformed into a sea of lights. Vacationers may immerse themselves in Sri Lanka’s medieval past during the Kandy Festival (held in July/August): ancient costumes, vivid dances, music, and adorned elephants reveal the splendor of the island’s rich cultural heritage. Each of these festivals can be one of the best reasons to visit Sri Lanka.
10. Spiritual Experiences
Buddha’s teachings have gained enormous popularity in Western nations. Visitors visiting Sri Lanka may immerse themselves in the pure teachings of Buddha, mingle with local Buddhists at Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and immerse themselves in the popular belief of the Singhalese people. A holy molar, considered one of Buddhism’s most treasured relics, is maintained at the temple of the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Visitors are welcome to participate in the daily poojas (prayer rituals) and the annual pooja. A spectacular parade has been organized in honor of the sacred relic. Another notable pilgrimage location is Adam’s Peak, which is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims equally as a sacred mountain of sacrifice. Visitors may join the hike up to the summit to take in the views of the sunset and the spiritual environment that surrounds them.
11. Hotels
Sri Lanka has become one of the best travel destinations globally thanks to these establishments alone in claiming their places as the best reasons to visit Sri Lanka. The island is often endowed with magnificent hotels, many of which are located in breathtaking locations. Many resort hotels may be found along the shore, particularly in the west and south. Several of them were created by Geoffrey Bawa, considered one of the most important Asian architects of the twentieth century. It is a style known as “tropical modernism,” in which modernism is softened and deepened by traditional influences and the surrounding scenery.
Additionally, several boutique hotels are on the west and south coastlines, with most of them located around Galle. Hill country cities like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Bandarawela include colonial-era hotels, as do other hill country towns. There are many beautiful converted colonial homes, tea and rubber plantation buildings, jungle cabins, tree-houses, and eco-lodges for those who want to travel further afield, perhaps participate in adventure sports. Many guesthouses and homestays are reasonably priced, especially for budget travelers.
12. Gorgeous landscapes and hiking trails
There are many lovely nature trails in Sri Lanka because of the country’s variety of flora and animals. These include gorgeous panoramas and waterfalls, misty mountains towering into the skies, paddy fields and tea plantations, and even peacocks or deer.
If you are looking for an easy walk in Ella, the Demodara Rail Hike is an excellent alternative. It takes you across a colonial-era bridge known as the Nine Arches Bridge. Hiking in Kirigalpoththa or the Knuckles Mountain Range, commonly considered the most scenic hiking path in the nation, is a good option for those with more expertise. It is recommended that you book a room at one of these carefully selected hotels to make the most of your time in Ella.
So that brings us to the conclusion of our list of the top reasons to visit Sri Lanka. Are you interested in visiting this enchanted island? We are experts in Sri Lanka tours. So. contact us and book your holiday package at the best rates.
