Everyone has their own dream of paradise. Imagine yours. What do you see? Whether your dream is spotless golden stretches of sand, a vibrant nightlife, or being close to nature, Sri Lanka is the perfect paradise for everyone. This exquisite island is located in the Indian Ocean. However, don't let its tiny size undermine your expectations. This island has the perfect cohesion of reviving nature and rich history. Are you wondering what to do in Sri Lanka or what to see in Sri Lanka? Well, there are so many things to do in Sri Lanka. From wildlife to cuisine, here are 12 reasons why you should get a Sri Lanka visa and travel to Sri Lanka right now.
1. Nature
Sri Lanka has an abundance of picture-perfect forests, hanging cliffs, rising mountains, waterfalls, rivers, etc. Nature here is so reviving and fresh and is definitely something you should experience in your life. There are world-renowned sites like the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Yala National Park, and so on, which are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. The thick trees and the smell of fresh rain will make all your troubles go away. To add to your adventure, hike up a mountain and take in the incredible view. The sea of green forests with white waterfalls dotted in and out is something you will remember all your life. Or, better yet, you can hike up the Sri Pada and see the white, frothy clouds that separate the mountain top from below. Hopefully, you'll catch the morning sun rising above this layer of clouds. Trust me; you'll love it. Some famous hikes in Sri Lanka are the Ella hike, World's End, Haputale, and Sri Pada.
2. Wildlife
If you're an animal lover, the wildlife in Sri Lanka is absolutely a reason why you should visit this country. Sri Lanka is home to several rare and endangered species. At the sanctuaries, you'll get to see the rare spot leopards. You can also get close to wild elephants in their natural habitat. These giant animals that usually roam in herds are a sight to see. And, you can safely get close to the elephants. While elephant sighting is much more common in Sri Lanka, you can always visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage as well. Abandoned babies and elephants with physical disorders are well taken care of here. At the orphanage, you can get even closer to elephants. You may even get to feed them! Wildlife in Sri Lanka is also famous for whales and dolphins that visit the island at certain times of the year. You can get a tour guide and go watch these magical creatures. If you are thinking of snorkeling, you may get to spot sharks, turtles, and other rare fish in the coral reefs surrounding most beaches in the country. Sri Lanka is also a popular breeding place for turtles. You won't regret spending a night in the moonlight to watch turtles come ashore to lay their 100 or so eggs in the Rekawa Beach.
3. Tea Estates
When you hear Ceylon, you know it's about tea. And this world-famous Ceylon was the former name of Sri Lanka during the English rule. And the tea industry has only ever grown after that time. Large tea estates are a common sight in the hill country of Sri Lanka. The tea bushes that line up mountains are very pretty at all times of the day. You can visit one of these estates and walk around among the tea bushes. The aromatic scent of tea will make you feel so much better. How about enjoying a fine cup of tea while looking over at a large tea estate up the mountain? Guaranteed, tea lovers will fall in love with these tea estates.
4. Train Rides
Train rides don't have anything to marvel about, right? Wrong. In the country of Sri Lanka, getting a train ride is something you most absolutely should do. Why? Because of the awesome views. Imagine riding on a train that still has that haunting yet exciting wail as in coal trains and runs through cliffs, mountains, and bridges. Wouldn't that be amazing? In Sri Lanka, you can get exactly that. If you want to enjoy nature, this is the quickest, most memorable, and most inexpensive way. The tea estates on either side, immense waterfalls, and beautiful rivers will make this experience very much worthwhile. You should not lose this chance to soak in nature at its best.
5. The Beaches
If you plan to visit an island, the one thing you most definitely need to do is check out the beaches. And Sri Lanka beaches have everything you need to be excited about. The spotless beaches here are frequented by turtles and surrounded by corals. You'll be enchanted by the underwater world of Sri Lanka, especially in areas like Hikkaduwa and Pigeon Island National Park. Nothing can beat the feeling you get while sipping a coconut lying on a hammock and watching the sunset. And Sri Lanka is the ideal place to experience that feeling in real life.
6. Water Sports and Activities
Water sportsand other activities are some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is known for the beautiful beaches that are perfect for some relaxing time. But the possibilities don't end there. This country is also a one-stop spot for all kinds of water sports and activities. You could seriously do anything here - surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, jet-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, you name it. Everything is possible. One exciting tip is that if you are a diving enthusiast, there are so many of them around this island if you love discovering shipwrecks.
7. Ancient Ruins
Sri Lanka has a rich history of kings that became legends. Moreover, this island was ruled by Portuguese, Dutch, and English rulers. This means that they left plenty of castles and forts around the country. So, if you are a history geek and find interest in historical places, Sri Lanka is one of the best places to visit. To visit the most ancient historical ruins, you need to visit Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa. There are a variety of breathtaking statues that are completely made out of stones. Apart from that, you can also find writings on stone slabs and beautiful art pieces drawn on cave walls. One of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka Sigiriya, which is also a World Heritage Site, is a good example of how awesome these ruins can be. According to legend, King Kashyapa built his castle on this huge flat-topped rock to hide from enemies. For more modern historical sites, go visit Galle. The stone fort here is a reflection of the time when the Dutch ruled the country. Apart from that, you can explore the bungalows and churches that were built during this period. This abundance of historical ruins is one reason why this country is a place you should travel to.
8. Temples
What to see in Sri Lanka? Temples! Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country. There are so many temples all around this island. Some of them are absolutely worth a visit. There are ancient temples like the Gal Viharaya and more modern temples like the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, the central capital of Sri Lanka. The thing about temples is the silence and the peace of mind you will feel in them. Most have awesome art, and the Gangaramaya Temple also has an awesome view because of its location.
9. Esala Perahera in Kandy
Kandy Esala Perahara is a procession that is yearly held to pay respect to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. This procession has a long history and is a vivid and colorful cultural event. This is the best place to be to get the gist of Sri Lankan culture. In this procession, you'll get to see a variety of traditional dances and many elephants. Elephants are an important part of this Perahera. You cannot and will not get to experience something like this anywhere else in the world.
10. Nightlife
Sri Lanka is also a good place to enjoy life, let loose, and have some fun. While Colombo is the best place to go, some beaches like Arugam Bay has vivid nightlife. From delicious cocktails to loud yacht parties, Sri Lanka is a good place if you're into the nightlife. Colombo city is the executive capital of Sri Lanka.
11. Local Cuisine
Although Sri Lankan food is not commonly known around the world, local food actually tastes amazing. They tick all the boxes and will keep you wanting more. The curries are full of spices that offer taste as well as health benefits. The food is a little spicy. But once you try, you'll soon start yearning for more. The special staple food that all locals and tourists love alike is the Dhal Curry. If your taste buds work, you'll love it too. Besides curries, the Roti, Hopper, String Hoppers, Vade, and so on are also famous. Because this is an island country, you should certainly try seafood. Seafood curries pack a burst of flavors, and that spicy punch will enhance the ocean's taste. The balance is just right. A little hint on where to find seafood in Sri Lanka, try the famous Ministry of Crab seafood place in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. This restaurant is listed among Asia's 50 best restaurants. So, it won't disappoint.
12. Ayurvedic Relaxation
Every year, many people from around the world come to Sri Lanka for Ayurvedic treatments and relaxation. Ayurveda is a natural practice for healing the body and the mind. The practice can be in many forms and is very relaxing. Visiting an Ayurvedic spa is one of the best things you can do for your health. So, why wait for more? Travel to Sri Lanka to experience relaxation, according to Sri Lankan Ayurveda.
Conclusion
It's not every day that you get to experience a variety of things in one country. Being the exception, Sri Lanka offers a perfect paradise for everyone. If you wondered why you should visit Sri Lanka and what to do in Sri Lanka, I just gave you twelve answers.
