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 little bit journey inspiration for 2020, you’re in the proper place. Let me inform you 17 causes to go to Sri Lanka in 2020…
1. It’s India for Inexperienced persons
Situated beneath 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, every thing runs extra easily in Sri Lanka.
2. An important place for a multi-stop journey
Do you know that Sri Lanka is an island smaller than Scotland? Its compact and manageable measurement makes it the proper place for a multi-stop vacation, permitting you to see all of the highlights in simply 1 journey. An important choice is to mix in-land Kandy with a preferred seashore resort comparable 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 most important is Yala Nature Park, the place guests can go looking for Sri Lanka’s ‘huge 4’; the leopard, elephant, sloth bear and buffalo. Udawalawe Nationwide Park can also be one other well-liked 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 track from a mile away. Your whale watching journey may be 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 lovely nation and also you’ll by no means be removed from the subsequent efficiency. The costumes are ornate, the performers are very gifted and among 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 finest, however you’ll discover plenty of resorts internet hosting their very own exhibits.
6. Tackle Spicy Sri Lankan curries
Sri Lanka’s firey curries aren’t 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 well-liked.
7. Meet the pleasant locals
Sri Lankans are recognized for being extremely pleasant and heat to guests. Don’t be stunned 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 instances. 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
Because of 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 referred to as Ceylon till 1972). The tea-making course of in Sri Lanka is fascinating and finest 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 spiritual panorama with Buddhism being the bulk faith, adopted by Hinduism then Islam. Buddhist temples dominate and make up among the most fascinating points of interest within the nation, together with Kandy’s Temple of the Scared Tooth. Guests are welcomed into the temples however bear in mind to decorate modestly and take away your footwear.
10. English is Broadly Spoken
English is broadly 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 lately revealed a information on-line all about Galle, stating that ‘The boho-chic set is heading to Galle in south-west Sri Lanka for trendy leisure’. With boutique resorts, stylish outlets, colonial structure and a espresso tradition in addition, this 18th century Dutch walled city is an Instagrammer’s dream. Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage website and the coastal views are spectacular. (Try my Instagram pictures of Sri Lanka after studying this put up)
12. Journey by Prepare from Colombo to Jaffna
Trains are an inherent a part of Sri Lankan lifestyle. Many practice routes move by means of lush landscapes and intense greenery, making it a mini journey in itself. A brand new practice route has 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 initiatives within the South West of Sri Lanka near Ahungalla, Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Undertaking is likely one of the most well-known, which incubates eggs, homes child turtles and releases them again into the ocean. Additionally they take care of injured and disabled turtles.
14. It’s a Surfers Paradise
It’s mentioned that the perfect 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 robust wave breaks and heat water, additionally making it a surfers paradise. Ocean swells can attain between 4 and seven ft in season.
15. Be a part of a Sri Lankan Pageant
Should you 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 surprising. Yearly 1000’s 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 economic 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 turn out to be an attraction in themselves and a few permit vacationers to pose on their stilts for a price.
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 choice of direct flights to Colombo to make the journey as straightforward as doable. Thomson Airways have 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 beneath!
Need extra causes to go to Sri Lanka? Try my different put up 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