Top reasons to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is indeed a great destination for any type of traveller, from any part of the world. Although it’s just a small island, the heritage, scenic beauty and the hospitality of its people are just unmatchable with any other country in the world.

It’s a paradise for surfers

If adventure is the main purpose of your tour in Sri Lanka, why miss a great surfing session on the Sri Lankan seas that have the best waves and reef breaks that are ideal for this!?

Sri Lankan local cuisine is mind-blowing

Arrange your tour with popular travel partners like Walkers Tours and explore the local lives of the Sri Lankans within a day or two. Try some of their local food items that are simple and of course the most delicious!

It’s so rich in wildlife biodiversity

 

Img via Walkers Tours

Sri Lanka is one of the best biodiversity hotspots in the world. Considering the number of national parks, elephant and bird sanctuaries that it has, it’s no wonder that this country is the best for any nature lover.

Its culture is just so magical

The proud heritage that this country holds is beyond our average imagination. Enjoy the festivals and rituals that Sri Lankans celebrate quite so regularly, and you will feel this uniqueness.

 

Why Sri Lanka is a Trending Destination in the World!

Sri Lanka is a trending destination with more and more people paying attention to the little island that is known by so many names including paradise island. Here’s why:

Whale Watching
Whale Watching | Image Credit : DammikaD, Whale watching in Mirissa, CC BY-SA 4.0

1. It’s Wild

Dive into the oceans to see whales and dolphins all year long. Sri Lanka is the best place to go on marine safaris and that’s not all, there are also over 5800 elephants in the wild and the largest density of leopards in the world.

2. Cricket in Galle

There’s always plenty of cricket to go around, and where better to enjoy a match than in Galle under the shadow of the Dutch colonial fort?

3. The Ministry of Crab

There’s an entire ministry of crab! It is a restaurant where you can eat gourmet styled Sri Lankan chili crab – an expensive and delicious delicacy. It is one of the most visit places suggested by tour agencies like Walker Tours.

4. Atmospheric Caves

Take a tour in Sri Lanka and discover the magic of ancient kingdoms in cave paintings, from Dambulla and its depictions of Buddhism to the prehistory of the Fa Hien Caves.

5. Take a Train

Taking a train in Sri Lanka is unlike taking a train in any other country thanks to their sprawling and scenic routes. It’s all about the journey not the destination!

Elephants in Sri Lanka

An iconic animal, elephants in Sri Lanka are very much a part of the island’s identity. However, conservation efforts are vital if these gentle giants are to survive.

Image credit- Pixabay,photoliver,CC0

Endemic Species
The largest subspecies of the Asian elephant, the Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is endemic to the island. While the country was once home to around 20,000 elephants, currently there are only about 5,000 some of which can be seen on a safari tour in Sri Lanka.

Elephant Safaris
National parks including those at Minneriya, Yala, Udawalawe and Kaudulla are ideal for elephant safaris organised by tour specialists such as Walkers Tours. One of the key elephant hotspots is Minneriya where between June and September you can witness “The Gathering” that features hundreds of elephants in and around the park’s reservoir.

Human-Elephant Conflict
Sadly, due to the expansion of human habitation and the loss of natural habitats, the human-elephant conflict has claimed many lives, mostly elephants. Farmers and villagers look to protect their crops and lands, while elephants are driven to find food and water; this deadly cycle continues every year. Throw illegal poaching into the mix and you will see why elephant conservation is vital.

Conservation Efforts
Amongst the efforts being made to conserve this endangered animal is the introduction of tougher penalties for those harming or poaching wild elephants. Other initiatives include using electrical fences or infrared alarm systems to keep out elephants from human habitations without harming them and the proposed setting up of Managed Elephant Reserves (MER). Hopefully, such efforts will help in conserving these majestic animals.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+