Within the coronary heart of the Indian Ocean lies a beautiful tropical island with a wealthy historical past, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, and a few actually breathtaking pure surroundings. The place is this paradise place, this dream journey vacation spot? And what makes it so particular?
Why This Island is a Top Place to Visit in 2024
Earlier this 12 months, I used to be lucky sufficient to spend greater than Four months residing on this wonderful island. From its mist-shrouded mountains to its pristine, sun-drenched seashores, I explored just about each nook and fell completely in love with it.
Okay, sufficient smoke and mirrors. For those who haven’t guessed, I’m speaking about Sri Lanka! In accordance to CN Traveler, Sri Lanka is tipped as among the best locations to go in 2024. I wholeheartedly agree with this, and right here’s why.
1. Breathtaking Pure Magnificence
For a comparatively small nation (it’s solely 65,600 sq. km in measurement), Sri Lanka has a enormous quantity of pure magnificence.
The island has greater than its justifiable share of breathtaking seashores, particularly alongside the southern and japanese coasts. I spent a month residing in a tiny village close to Mirissa and explored many of the seashores in that space.
One in all my private favorites is a tiny secluded cove referred to as Abimanagama Seaside. You possibly can solely attain it on foot which implies it’s quiet and unspoiled. It’s gorgeous, with its golden sands, wrap-around cliffs, jungle, and crystal-clear waters filled with turtles and fish. Come right here for sundown!
Inland, the island has a wealth of various surroundings. The rugged mountains of the central highlands, with their lush tea plantations and misty hills, provide a stark distinction to the wetlands and inland waterways you’ll discover in the northeastern a part of Sri Lanka.
2. Wealthy Tradition
Sri Lanka’s cultural tapestry is as various as its landscapes. The island’s historical past spans over two millennia, evidenced by its quite a few historic cities and UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
Sigiriya is some of the well-known – and spectacular – historic sights in South Asia. This historic fortress is perched on the high of a towering rocky outcrop and as soon as served as a palace for Sri Lankan royalty. It’s nicely definitely worth the hike to the highest, this entire place blew my thoughts.
The highland metropolis of Kandy, residence to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, is usually thought-about to be the cultural coronary heart of Sri Lanka. However the cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are additionally filled with temples and ruins that provide wealthy glimpses into the island’s historic Buddhist civilizations.
Galle Fort, a walled metropolis and sea fort on the southwest coast is one other iconic vacation spot not to be missed, with its distinctive colonial structure developed below Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule.
3. Wildlife and Ecotourism
Sri Lanka is a hotspot for biodiversity, making it a really perfect vacation spot for ecotourism and recognizing wildlife in their pure atmosphere. The island has no fewer than 26 nationwide parks residence to a various vary of species.
Yala Nationwide Park, in specific, has one of many highest densities of leopards wherever in the world. Different animals you’ll be able to spot right here embody elephants, buffalo, sloth bears, crocodiles, monkeys, and a enormous vary of birdlife.
For these in marine life, the waters off Sri Lanka are simply as spectacular. Mirissa and Trincomalee are well-liked spots for whale watching, with frequent sightings of blue whales, dolphins, and varied different sea mammals.
Or just seize a snorkel and see what you’ll be able to spot nearer to the shore. I misplaced monitor of the variety of turtles I noticed whereas snorkeling in Sri Lanka, not to point out the opposite species comparable to pufferfish, lionfish, octopi, and even reef sharks.
4. Scrumptious Meals
Sri Lankan delicacies is scrumptious. There are a lot of completely different typical dishes, however most characteristic fragrant spices and loads of recent native components comparable to coconut, pumpkin, greens, and seafood.
For those who’re a vegetarian, the excellent news is that a few of the tastiest Sri Lankan dishes are meat-free. Many are additionally vegan.
A few of my favorites embody dahl, coconut sambal, pumpkin curry, cashew curry, and spicy braised beetroot. Strive ordering the native specialty meals wherever you select to go to – it’ll in all probability simply be referred to as “Rice and Curry” on the menu.
One other factor I’d advocate doing in Sri Lanka is taking a native cooking class. You’ll learn the way to make a vary of traditional dishes you could replicate at residence, and also will get to feast in your creations afterward. It’s a nice expertise.
5. Tons of Outside Actions and Adventures
Sri Lanka is an adventurer’s paradise, with a enormous variety of outside actions on provide.
It’s among the best browsing locations in Asia (I discovered to surf right here!), and the nice and cozy waters of the Indian Ocean imply there’s no want for wetsuits. You possibly can surf in swimwear and a T-shirt, it’s nice!
For kitesurfing, head to Kalpitiya on the west coast. Over on the east coast, the calm waters of Pasikudah are perfect for water snowboarding, windsurfing, and kayaking.
For those who’re a hiker, there are various locations with wonderful trails. Two of my favourite locations for mountain climbing in Sri Lanka are Ella (the Ella Rock hike is implausible!) and the Knuckles Forest Reserve in the mountains close to Kandy.
6. It’s Finances Pleasant
Sri Lanka is some of the budget-friendly locations I’ve visited in latest years. There’s no scarcity of low-cost (however nonetheless good high quality) guesthouses and different lodging.
For those who’re a funds traveler, you’ll be able to cross the nation on public buses or trains for a few {dollars}. And in case you eat in native locations, you don’t want to spend a lot cash on meals both.
For those who’re a surfer, you’ll discover board rental and classes in Sri Lanka value a fraction of what they do in most different elements of the world.
In fact, you probably have a giant funds, you’ll be able to spend a lot extra money in Sri Lanka too, and there are various luxurious resorts and fancy inns, particularly alongside the south coast. Nevertheless, no matter your funds, it’s straightforward to have a snug and thrilling journey with out bankrupting your self.
7. Welcoming Native Folks
The heat and hospitality of the Sri Lankan individuals is legendary.
I used to be blown away by how many individuals went out of their approach to make me really feel welcome, whether or not it was sharing their meals outdoors a temple or on a prepare, or just stopping me in the road to say “Whats up, welcome to Sri Lanka”.
In my expertise, many individuals in Sri Lanka are eager to share their tradition and traditions with guests. Not to earn money out of you, however simply to make you’re feeling welcome. It’s a implausible place.
In Conclusion
There are many the reason why Sri Lanka is a high place to go to in 2024. Right here, I’ve described simply 7 of my favourite issues in regards to the nation, however there are various different nice issues about it too, and an virtually limitless listing of the reason why I can’t wait to return.
I’ve by no means met a single different one that’s visited Sri Lanka and never raved about how wonderful it was. For those who’ve by no means been earlier than, possibly 2024 is the 12 months you must. I hope to e book my very own flight again very quickly!