About Sri Lanka
Certainly, Sri Lanka is a captivating destination that offers a multitude of compelling reasons to visit. Here, we'll delve into the top seven enticing reasons that make Sri Lanka a must-visit country:
1. Diversity
Sri Lanka, a small miracle in itself, showcases an incredible range of diversity within its pearl-shaped confines, Its compact size encompasses a myriad of landscapes and experiences that leave visitors in awe, Along its coastline, you'll find a tapestry of sublime beaches, each with its own unique character, from long stretches of sand to rocky coves, The coastal plain is adorned with stunning features such as lagoons, wetlands, meandering rivers, and thriving wildlife-rich jungles
As you venture inland, the terrain gradually transforms into mist-covered mountains adorned with forests of wind-stunted trees, Sri Lanka boasts an astonishing seven different types of forests, alongside expansive plains known as patanas and picturesque tea plantations that roll across the hillsides. Amidst this scenic beauty, the landscape is punctuated by dramatic waterfalls, offering a breathtaking sight at every turn. Remarkably, Sri Lanka boasts an impressive number of waterfalls, a testament to its natural splendor given its size.
Get ready to embark on a journey through this captivating island, where compact physical diversity unravels into a tapestry of landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders that will leave you speechless.
2. Friendly People
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, a reflection of the island's encounter with successive foreign immigrants. But it all began with indigenous people, the Veddahs, hunter-gatherers who exist today.
The main ethnic groups are the Sinhalese and Tamils, both originally from the Indian subcontinent. Then there are Muslims, who settled in the island from the time it became an ancient trading centre, Similarly, Malays and Chinese were also attracted to the island.
The Portuguese and British brought with them Kaffirs from Africa, and the Dutch an assortment of European traders, the Burghers. There are other communities too, the Chetties from South India for example, , , the list is extraordinary.
Whatever their situation in society, the people of Sri Lanka possess a warm and friendly nature reflected in persistent smiling faces and eagerness to help those unfamiliar with aspects of local life, You'll find that Sri Lankans are very hospitable and take pride in inviting people to their homes, however modest they may be, So don't be surprised if a driver or guide, or indeed virtually anyone encountered, requests the pleasure of your company, And don't decline, as Sri Lankan hospitality is taken very seriously!
3.Food
Sri Lanka offers a diverse and flavorful cuisine influenced by its cultivation of rice, spices, vegetables, and fruits, as well as past foreign cultures. Rice is accompanied by a variety of vibrant curries, ranging from eggplant and potato to green banana, chicken, and fish, each with its own level of spiciness,
Hoppers, a pancake-like snack, along with string hoppers (steamed rice noodles) and pittu (a blend of flour and coconut), are popular Sri Lankan dishes. The Dutch legacy can be savored in lamprais, where rice and accompaniments are baked in plantain leaves. Seafood enthusiasts can indulge in an abundance of fresh fish, prawns, crab, squid, and crayfish. Desserts like buffalo curd with palm-honey and Malay-inspired wattalapam add a delightful sweetness to the culinary journey. Sri Lanka's cuisine promises a delightful adventure for food lovers.
Sri Lanka offers a delightful selection of snacks called short eats, including cutlets, patties, malu pang (fish bun), and kimbula bunis (crocodile-shaped bun!), perfect for on-the-go adventures.
The island is also home to a variety of delicious fruits. While mangoes, pineapples, bananas, and papayas are well-known favorites, Sri Lanka also boasts unique and lesser-known fruits such as sapodilla, mangosteen, rambuttan, woodapple, custard apple, and beli, adding a distinct flavor to the culinary experience.
4. Cultural Heritage
Sri Lanka's cultural depth is recognized by UNESCO, which has declared six archaeological World Heritage Sites in the country.
Within a compact region known as the Cultural Triangle, visitors can immerse themselves in Sri Lanka's rich historical heritage, The awe-inspiring remnants of ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa showcase enormous dagobas and ancient structures, while the magnificent temple at Dambulla, with its remarkable stairway, and the captivating frescoes of heavenly maidens at Sigiriya's rock palace leave visitors enchanted, These sites, designated as World Heritage Sites, offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka's glorious past.
Venturing into the hill country, the former royal capital of Kandy beckons, It is home to the revered Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, where the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha resides, Kandy not only showcases this significant religious site but also stands as a stronghold of traditional culture, with its distinctive architecture, art, and music.
For a contrast in historical charm, a visit to the southern coastal town of Galle reveals the colonial heritage of the country, The mid-17th-century Dutch fort in Galle, considered the best-preserved fort in Asia, fascinates visitors with its 14 massive bastions, grid system of streets, and original Dutch bungalows, This bustling fort, once a vital port, provides a glimpse into the country's colonial past and stands as one of the most unique attractions in Sri Lanka.
5. Wild Life
Conservation of the environment has been deeply rooted in Sri Lankan society since ancient times, In fact, as early as the 3rd century BC, the country's first Buddhist monarch established the world's first wildlife sanctuary, Today, this commitment to conservation continues, with 13% of Sri Lanka dedicated to national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and jungle corridors.
Sri Lanka boasts a remarkable degree of biodiversity and is recognized as one of the 34 world biodiversity hotspots, along with the Western Ghats of India, according to Conservation International, The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the last primary tropical rainforest in the country, has earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Notably, Sri Lanka is home to a significant number of endemic species, adding to its uniqueness.
Embarking on a safari in one of the 14 national parks provides an incredible opportunity to witness Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife, The island is home to 91 mammal species, including the iconic elephant, leopard, sloth bear, and an array of deer, boar, monkeys, and more, Ornithologists will be delighted by the island's paradise-like status, with over 233 resident bird species, including an astounding 33 endemics, The number rises to a remarkable 482 with migratory species, Sri Lanka also boasts 171 reptile species, including 101 endemics, and fortunately, only a small number of the 83 snake species are venomous, Additionally, the discovery of amphibians continues to grow, with a current count of 106, including an impressive 90 endemic species.
6. Ayurvedha
For centuries, Sri Lanka has been a sanctuary for rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul. Ayurveda, the world's oldest and most holistic medical system, has been the go-to method for restoring vitality. With a history spanning 2,000 years, Sri Lanka offers Ayurvedic programs that combine herbal treatments, massages, baths, and revitalization practices like yoga, meditation, and specialized diets. Experience the transformative power of Ayurveda as it cleanses, rejuvenates, and brings harmony to your being.
In Sri Lanka, you'll find a selection of spas, mainly situated on the west coast, offering a blend of Ayurveda and other Eastern and Western therapies. Indulge in Thai massage, hydrotherapy, herbal baths, reflexology, and beauty treatments, For spiritual rejuvenation, meditation courses are also available, providing a pathway to inner peace.
7. Adventure & Special Interested Sports
Sri Lanka's 1,600km coastline is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Experience the thrill of wind-surfing, water-skiing, surfing, sailing, scuba-diving, snorkeling, speed-boating, and banana-boating, The west coast, including Negombo, and the southwest coast in Wadduwa, Kalutara, and Beruwela oVer prime water sports sites. The southern and southeastern coasts, from Bentota to Hambantota, are also ideal for water sports. You'll find local and foreign professionals, including PADI-qualified instructors, operating water sports centers, providing top-notch equipment for rent, and ensuring an unforgettable adventure on Sri Lanka's coastal waters.
Sri Lanka's rivers, lagoons, and irrigation lakes oVer abundant opportunities for year-round kayaking and canoeing. Popular locations include the Kalu Ganga and Kelani Ganga rivers. The Kelani Ganga, near Kitulgala, features thrilling white-water rafting from November to April, with rapids like Virgin's Breast, Head Chopper, and Killer Fall.
The island's diverse landscape, wildlife, and archaeological sites make it ideal for trekking, Explore exceptional nature trails, such as the Sinharaja rainforest, Horton Plains' cloud-forests, the scenic Knuckles mountain range, and the Hakgala Strict Natural Reserve,
For adrenaline-seekers, Sri Lanka also offers para-gliding, rock climbing, cave treks, and mountain biking. Experience the thrill of these activities while immersing yourself in the island's natural wonders.
