Sri Lanka is a land of wonders: Each village a gem, a legacy of myth, history and heritage

 

Besides pristine beaches and verdant landscapes, Sri Lanka is the jewel of the Indian Ocean.

This island nation has a rich history, vibrant culture and is waiting to be explored.

No matter if you are travelling alone, for the sake of a romantic getaway or corporate retreat, you can consider Sri Lanka.

In this blog we will get to know why Sri Lanka should be your next travel destination.

1. A Journey Through History and Culture

Ancient ruins and temples, though, are dotted all over Sri Lanka — it has a history that extends back over 2,000 years.

Some iconic landmarks are situated in the cultural triangle, which is located in the central part of the country, namely:

• One of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Rock Fortress is very much worth a visit to the history buff. The fortress sits atop a monstrous rock, and from here you can overlook the jungles around the lair.
• Anuradhapura: Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals, has well preserved ruins of temples and monastic complexes that give some idea of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist past.
• Another UNESCO-listed site, osu, were the palaces, temples and statues in the medieval city of Polonnaruwa gaping and fascinating.
• Buddhism deeply influences the local culture and visitors can appreciate that in all its traditional rituals, festivals and in the peaceful atmosphere of many temples scattered around the area.

2. Nature’s Masterpiece: Beaches and Wildlife

Some of the world’s most pristine beaches are located in Sri Lanka.

You’ll find plenty of spots for sunbathing, surfers or avid snorkelers.

Popular beaches include:

• Quaint beach known for its amazing sunsets and whale trips.
• A small town full of food options and activities like snorkelling, diving and exploring sits by a vibrant beach perfect for swimming.
• Windsurfing and kite surfing is ideal there in Bentota.
• Safaris on offer are among the best for wildlife lovers in Sri Lanka. Although leopard sightings in Yala National Park are different, Udawalawe National Park harbors large elephant herds. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage also allows visitors to get up close with these magnificent creatures during a trip here.

3. A Culinary Adventure

The food on offer is an explosion of flavours and fans of food will not be disappointed.

Its bold spices, aromatic curries, and fresh seafood are known for the food in this region. Some must-try dishes include:

• Traditional and there are a number of veggies, meats, lentils and cooked in a rich, spiced gravy.
• Kottu Roti, the flatbread cut up into a medley of vegetables, meat and spices.
• Hoppers (Appa): These are thin pancakes with a three component, filling batter, crispy edges that border a soft centre, and often comes with a fried egg as an accompaniment.
• You should not fail to sample some Ceylon tea, which is well known all over the world for its quality.

4. The Perfect Destination for MICE Events

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) travel is becoming more popular for travel to Sri Lanka.

It has the right mix of luxurious resorts, modern conference facilities and unique cultural experiences making it a perfect place for holding business or corporate events.

• The country is very easy to get to with direct flights from the majority of the world’s cities.
• Top venues in the cities of Colombo, Kandy, and Negombo complement the unique and refreshing backgrounds that locations such as Galle and Nuwara Eliya are able to provide.

5. Adventure and Hiking

There are many hiking and adventure activities offered in Sri Lanka’s diverse terrain.

Those who love the outdoors will find the island’s mountainous regions are ideal for trekking.

Hikers visit the Knuckles Mountain Range and Horton Plains National Park for trails with magnificent views, and Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) for a spiritual experience on the pilgrimage temple and a physical challenge.

6. A Warm Welcome

Sri Lanka has friendly people, in fact they are always happy to pass on their rich history and culture onto visitors.

From strolling along crowded streets of Colombo or relaxing in a remote village, the people of this country will warm your heart and make your stay a unique experience.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka is a land overflowing with discovery; history, nature and modernity all come together in a harmonious manner.

This island offers something for everyone whether you want to relax or plan for a corporate gathering.

Known for its amazing landscapes, unique culture, and wonderful people, it is a place that caters for all sorts of travelers.

Under consideration to plan your Sri Lankan adventure? MICEcafe Journey is where to get professional advice and tailor-made journeys in Sri Lanka.

Happy travels!