A literal jewel in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is an incredible country with succulent foods, amazing landscapes, a wealth of wildlife and some of the friendliest locals imaginable. So why is it not a more popular tourist destination? It was initially a rather difficult country to access, but the cost of international flights has dipped significantly in recent years. So, it’s never been easier to get to Sri Lanka, but why else should you be considering it for your next major holiday?
Local food – Once you leave the major cities like Colombo it’s unlikely you’ll find many outlets that offer anything other than traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. This is not a bad thing! You’ll often find that Western food in the country is lacklustre and overpriced but local food is cheap and incredibly tasty. From soft and fluffy dosa pancakes to the ever-present kottu flatbreads and lots of fresh seafood, there is an abundance of flavour to be found all for a reasonable price.
Sigiriya – One of seven world heritage sites that the country can boast, this is a rock-top fortress that was first built in the 5th century and has been used over the years as everything from a Buddhist monastery to a royal palace. It’s a bit of a climb (bring good shoes) but it’s more than worth it, as you’ll be greeted with one of the first examples of urban planning with some truly stunning architecture and scenery.
Elefantasic – Elephants are almost as common in Sri Lanka as cows are in the UK! Everywhere from the tea plantations (more on that later) to the national parks, you’ll find elephants roaming free. Uda Walawe National Park is particularly wealthy when it comes to the big grey softies and the park is also incredible for birdwatchers too. There are many wildlife Sri Lanka tours to be found online to help you make the most of your trip and make sure you get up close and personal with the elephants. Yula National Park, meanwhile, is bristling with Leopards, whilst if you’re staying on the coast, you might spot a few blue whales!
Kandy – Whilst Colombo is the capital city, Kandy is perhaps the more exciting and unique locations for tourists wishing to get a taste of traditional Sri Lanka. Home to the ‘Temple of Tooth’ that has been the cause of many wars over the years, the town, tucked away amongst the central highlands, was the last capital of the ancient Sri Lankan kings and is simply teeming with history.
Tea and Temples – Finally, anyone who has casually mentioned a Sri Lanka holiday in conversation has probably brought up the tea plantations and the country’s wealth of temples. From the Nuwara Eliya, which still holds a few throwbacks to the country’s colonial years, to the mountains where a certain Sir Thomas Lipton first launched his empire, for tea fans, Sri Lanka is something of a holy pilgrimage. Speaking of which, if you’re a fan of a good temple, you’re never far from one in Sri Lanka!