Unique, fascinating and vibrant, Sri Lanka is likely one of the most fascinating international locations I’ve visited. My journey was whirlwind journey throughout a number of locations and though I wasn’t there for lengthy, it positively gave me an genuine style of what Sri Lanka has to supply. So if you happen to’re after a bit journey inspiration for 2020, you’re in the best place. Let me inform you 17 causes to go to Sri Lanka in 2020…
1. It’s India for Freshmen
Situated under the southern tip of India and the Bay of Bengal, Sri Lanka attracts many cultural ties with India, however the similarities cease there. Sri Lanka is understood to be a a lot safer, relaxed and hassle-free place to journey in comparison with India. From card funds to move, the whole lot runs extra easily in Sri Lanka.
2. A fantastic place for a multi-stop journey
Do you know that Sri Lanka is an island smaller than Scotland? Its compact and manageable dimension makes it the proper place for a multi-stop vacation, permitting you to see all of the highlights in simply 1 journey. A fantastic choice is to mix in-land Kandy with a preferred seaside resort akin to Bentota, Ahungalla or Hikkaduwa.
3. See Elephants within the Wild
Sri Lanka is house to a handful of eco-friendly nature reserves the place elephants and different wild animals roam-free. At 130,000 hectares, the biggest is Yala Nature Park, the place guests can go seeking Sri Lanka’s ‘large 4’; the leopard, elephant, sloth bear and buffalo. Udawalawe Nationwide Park can be one other common nature reserve for elephant and wildlife recognizing.
4. You’ll be able to Go Whale Watching
One other plus level for nature lovers: Sri Lanka is a scorching spot for the mighty blue whale. Head out on a ship journey to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest animal. You’ll be able to see their spurts of water from a distance and listen to their tune from a mile away. Your whale watching journey is also mixed with dolphin recognizing and a visit to a turtle sanctuary.
5. The Conventional Sri Lankan Dancing
Conventional Sri Lankan dancing is on the coronary heart of the tradition on this stunning nation and also you’ll by no means be removed from the following efficiency. The costumes are ornate, the performers are very proficient and a few of the jaw-dropping dances appear to defy gravity. The Sri Lankan Cultural Present in Kandy is a ticketed occasion and is likely one of the greatest, however you’ll discover a lot of accommodations internet hosting their very own reveals.
6. Tackle Spicy Sri Lankan curries
Sri Lanka’s firey curries will not be for the faint hearted. They’re generally spicier than the curries present in India and are sometimes paired with candy caramelized onion relishes, bitter melon and spicy scraped coconut. Samosas, dhal, rotis and palm-sugar sweetened desserts are additionally common.
7. Meet the pleasant locals
Sri Lankans are recognized for being extremely pleasant and heat to guests. Don’t be shocked to have folks come as much as you on the street for a chat. ‘The place from?’ is a phrase you’ll hear dozens of occasions. Some merely do exactly desire a chat and to search out out the place you’re from, others could also be making an attempt to promote one thing (however it’s by no means a tough promote).
8. Uncover the World-Well-known Tea Plantations
Due to Scotland’s James Taylor, Sri Lanka was one of many first locations on the earth to start tea manufacturing and it’s the place the well-known Ceylon tea originates (Sri Lanka was beforehand known as Ceylon till 1972). The tea-making course of in Sri Lanka is fascinating and greatest understood by visiting one of many many tea plantations in Kandy province. Try Loolecondera Property and Tea manufacturing facility if you happen to’re staying in Kandy.
9. Step inside fascinating Temples
Sri Lanka has a various non secular panorama with Buddhism being the bulk faith, adopted by Hinduism then Islam. Buddhist temples dominate and make up a few of the most fascinating sights within the nation, together with Kandy’s Temple of the Scared Tooth. Guests are welcomed into the temples however keep in mind to decorate modestly and take away your sneakers.
10. English is Broadly Spoken
English is extensively spoken in Sri Lanka, which makes it a hell of loads simpler when travelling round. That in itself is a cause to go to Sri Lanka, particularly if you happen to’re visiting for the primary time.
11. Go to the trending city of Galle
Conde Nast Traveller just lately printed a information on-line all about Galle, stating that ‘The boho-chic set is heading to Galle in south-west Sri Lanka for trendy rest’. With boutique accommodations, stylish retailers, colonial structure and a espresso tradition besides, this 18th century Dutch walled city is an Instagrammer’s dream. Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage web site and the coastal views are spectacular. (Try my Instagram images of Sri Lanka after studying this put up)
12. Journey by Practice from Colombo to Jaffna
Trains are an inherent a part of Sri Lankan lifestyle. Many practice routes cross by way of lush landscapes and intense greenery, making it a mini journey in itself. A brand new practice route has just lately opened up from Colombo to Jaffna, which has luxurious carriages, prices round 1500 rupees and takes 6-7 hours.
Photograph of me, taken by Hand Baggage Solely
13. You’ll be able to go to a Turtle Sanctuary and see Child Hatchlings
There are a handful of turtle hatcherys and conservation tasks within the South West of Sri Lanka near Ahungalla, Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Mission is likely one of the most well-known, which incubates eggs, homes child turtles and releases them again into the ocean. Additionally they look after injured and disabled turtles.
14. It’s a Surfers Paradise
It’s stated that one of the best time for surfers to go to Sri Lanka is between April and October. Throughout this time surfers flock to Arugam Bay on the East Coast, however many of the seashores in South West Sri Lanka have sturdy wave breaks and heat water, additionally making it a surfers paradise. Ocean swells can attain between 4 and seven toes in season.
15. Be a part of a Sri Lankan Competition
If you happen to occur to be visiting Sri Lanka throughout on of its many festivals, you’ll be able to count on to see a little bit of the sudden. Yearly hundreds of Sri Lankans collect in Anuradhapura to pay hommage to the sacred Bodhi Tree and Poya is a celebration that takes place each full moon (as Buddhists comply with the lunar calendar).
16. Watch the traditional artwork type of Stilt Fishing
Stilt fishing is an intrinsic a part of Sri Lankan tradition and the fishing financial system remains to be thriving. Many fishermen nonetheless use this historic method, which could be seen on the seashores of Galle Province. The stilt fishermen have change into an attraction in themselves and a few enable vacationers to pose on their stilts for a charge.
17. Direct UK flights to Colombo
Though Sri Lanka could be very a lot an unique and long-haul vacation spot for UK travellers, there’s a nice number of direct flights to Colombo to make the journey as straightforward as doable. Thomson Airways have just lately launched a brand new direct flight path from Gatwick to Thomson on their 787 Dreamliner
What did you consider my 17 causes to go to Sri Lanka? Is Sri Lanka firmly mounted in your bucket checklist or do you have already got plans to go? I’d love to listen to what you thought so please go away me a remark within the field under!
Need extra causes to go to Sri Lanka? Try my different put up The best way to Spend 1 Week in Sri Lanka; An Itinerary.
My journey to Sri Lanka was complimentary courtesy of Thomson Holidays. This weblog put up has been sponsored by Thomson Holidays. All views are my very own