Sri Lanka is among the best countries to visit in 2023. Renowned for its pristine beaches, lush green mountains, and vibrant culture, there are so many reasons why you should choose Sri Lanka as your next travel destination.
The location closer to the equator gives Sri Lanka a welcoming tropical climate. The country receives rainfall from two monsoons, at different times of the year. Some areas of the country, most significantly the Sinharaja Rain Forest, receive rain throughout the year, which is why Sri Lanka is rich in lavish greenery.
Sri Lanka is home to a wide variety of spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits which makes Sri Lankan cuisine a winner. Tasting rice and curry prepared in clay pots, on a traditional stove is a must-do while you’re in Sri Lanka. Other Sri Lankan staples are milk rice, hoppers, string hoppers, pittu, and coconut roti, etc. Encircled by the Indian Ocean, the country has year-round fish harvests to feed the whole country. Popular restaurants such as Ministry of Crab, Totally Hooked and Isso have revolutionized the seafood culture in Sri Lanka.
Another reason why you should visit Sri Lanka is for its wealth in wildlife. Enclosed in comparatively small areas, you can view a multitude of animals in one jeep safari around any national park in Sri Lanka. It is home to the largest leopard population of the world although the numbers gradually decrease every year. Yala and Wilpattu are the best locations to view leopards while Minneriya/Kaudulla is home to the largest elephant herd in South Asia. In the small island, there are 26 National Parks providing habitats for the big four; Asian elephant, Sri Lankan leopard, Sloth bear and Blue whale.
The petit island is rich in cultural diversity. From ancient Buddhist temples to vibrant Hindu Kovils, majestic Churches to busy mosques, Sri Lanka carries a highly diverse cultural beauty which is worth exploring. Alongside culture is the heritage and the history which runs back to time immemorial. Sri Lanka consists of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of which 6 are cultural sites and 2 are natural sites.
In terms of accommodation, Sri Lanka has the potential of providing a large number of options depending on the facilities, concepts and locations. From tree houses, mud houses, hostels to glamps, 5 star hotels, boutique hotels, and private villas, Sri Lanks has it all. There are many hotels providing stunning views of the surrounding, allowing you to have a one of a kind experience and to capture breathtaking pictures.
Having an abundance of forests, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and the ocean around the island, Sri Lanka is one of the best countries for adventure travel. Waterfall abseiling, white water rafting, paragliding, zip lining, surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, caving, mountaineering, hiking, and waterfall hunting are some adventure sports available in Sri Lanka for the adrenaline freaks.
The small island is a full package. From Colombo to the cultural triangle is a 3-hour drive while from there to the central highlands is just 2 hours. From the hill country to the beach is again a 3-hour drive which makes almost all the best attractions easily accessible in a short round tour in the country.
Another significant reason to visit Sri Lanka is its people. Sri Lankans are welcoming, smiling, and friendly. You will find them very hospitable and take pride in welcoming you to their homes for a meal. Sri Lankans have mastered hospitality as no other nation can beat. ,
