Reasons Sri Lanka is perfect country for new travellers
Sri Lanka, also known as the Pearl of the Indian ocean, is discreetly tucked away from the well-trodden tourist road, with tropical jungles, remote villages, and pristine beaches. It’s only a short distance from the chaos of India, but it feels like another world. A relaxing sense of serenity replaces the congestion and traffic, providing a mild introduction to South Asia for first-time tourists.
The island may be relatively small, yet it has everything. For example, the diversity of natural ecosystems found here is astounding, with habitats ranging from dense tropical rainforests to beautiful green rice paddies and foggy peaks. Then there’s the wildlife – Sri Lanka is home to some of Asia’s last remaining populations of leopard, bear, and elephant. These are 5 reasons why Sri Lanka is the perfect palace for new travellers to Asia.
Sri Lanka has a great tourist network
Sri Lanka has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, including well-developed road systems and transportation networks. Trains and aircraft leave on time, so you can easily move within the country. Locals are always pleased to help, and for the most part, you won’t have to worry about tourist scammers here. Choose from a variety of historical ruins and stunning temples that contribute to the region’s charm.
Great value for money accommodation options
Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splurge, Sri Lanka has a wide range of accommodation options that are all bookable online. You have the option of staying in an ecolodge, a jungle hideaway in the middle of the bush, or a calm hideaway beach resort. The coastal areas, in particular, are filled with gorgeous, reasonably priced beach resorts that are uncrowded and ideal for a week or two of exploration.
Train journeys that are comfortable with stunning views
Apart from being timely and clean, Sri Lankan Railways offers breathtaking train rides through the country’s valleys, jungles, hills, and tea plantations. It’s a great way to get from one end of the country to the other, especially if you have time to spare.
The train ride between Kandy and Ella is unforgettable. Bring your camera and hang out on one of the rear carriages to catch the picture-perfect landscapes in this area.
Another eye-opening excursion is the Yal Devi (Queen of Jaffna) Express, which just reopened the Colombo-Jaffna train route. Due to the civil war, this path was closed until 1990, but it has just reopened, providing travelers with a rare opportunity to view a largely undiscovered part of the island.
Some of the top rated safaris in the world
Sri Lanka is home to some of Asia’s few remaining wild animals. The Kaudulla National Park is only 197 kilometers (122 miles) from Colombo and is one of the best spots in the country to witness wild elephants grazing freely. Between August and December, when up to 200 elephants assemble at a big irrigation tank for the yearly “gathering,” is the best time to see.
Aside from elephants, the park is home to a variety of other wild creatures, including Sri Lankan sambar deer and axis deer, chevrotains, wild boars, Sri Lankan leopards, and sloth bears.
Pristine Tropical Beaches
One of the most appealing aspects of Sri Lanka is that its wild and uninhabited beaches are free of visitors and vendors (which is a rare find in Asia). These locations can be found all across the island: Beruwala on the southwest coast has a long stretch of beach with a shallow reef that is ideal for families; Uppuveli and Nilaveli, both close to Trincomalee on the northeast, are secluded with stunning stretches of sand; and Arugam Bay on the southeast corner is a crescent of golden sand that is ideal for surfing near during summer days and attending beach parties galore on balmy nights.
Religious sites
Sri Lanka has a plethora of ruins, temples, and religious buildings, including eight UNESCO World Legacy sites as a result of its rich Buddhist heritage.
The Sigiriya Rock is the country’s symbol and a must-see when visiting Sri Lanka. The UNESCO World Heritage Site not only has great archaeological significance, but it also contains evidence of the country’s historical history. The world-famous site consists of vertical walls capped with a flat-topped summit containing the relics of an ancient civilization.
There are also numerous Hindu temples, the most notable of which is the Sri Dalada Maligawa (or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). The temple, which is located in Kandy’s Royal Palace, is beautiful and large, and it is open to the public.
Amazing food
When you think about Sri Lankan food, you probably think of rice and curry, which is the island’s staple. But did you know that Sri Lanka has a variety of curries? It can be a fish, chicken, or lamb curry, as well as veggies, beans, or fruits. As a result, even vegetarians will find it easy to travel around the country. As a result, Sri Lanka is regarded as one of the top vegetarian locations in Asia. If you want to learn how to make great traditional curries, I strongly advise you to visit a local family. If curry isn’t your thing, you can still get western foods that suit your dietary needs in most restaurants or hotels.
Charming Towns
Every traveller has a favorite town in Sri Lanka and it’s easy to understand why Galle is a favourite of many! Galle is a delightful tiny colonial enclave in the island’s south, oozing old-world charm and flavor. You might easily spend days walking through its lanes, navigating between auto rickshaws, and admiring its well-preserved European colonial buildings. It’s a great place to rest and relax in between exploring.
The 17th century fort, which is a UNESECO World Heritage site and Asia’s largest remaining fortress built by European occupiers, is one of the primary sites to see in Galle. The city’s natural harbor, St. Mary’s Cathedral, which was founded by Jesuit priests, and Amangalla, a historic luxury hotel, are also notable landmarks in Galle.
Friendly locals
Sri Lankans are extremely warm and inviting. Everywhere you go, you will be greeted with a smile. You can be welcomed in the street by locals numerous times during your tour. We were deeply moved by their hospitality.
Why not join us in experiencing this amazing country together if you’ve already fallen in love with the sound of Sri Lanka? Take a look at our 12 day Sri Lanka tour and let us show you the magic of this beautiful destination which is expected to be open again in January 2022!
Feeling inspired to save for your next adventure? Check out our other trips here!
