Why Sri Lanka Is The Perfect Travel Destination
Sri Lanka is known for its natural sights and historical wonders. The mesmerizing beauty of this
country has always attracted travelers from across the world. Sandy beaches, coral reefs, tropical
forests, ancient ruins and famous temples fill the map. And with its geographic location in the
tropics and along millennia-old trade routes, Sri Lanka's cuisine is a mixture of local and foreign
flavors that are an absolute culinary treat. But, for many people, Sri Lanka still remains a
mystery, with all of its beauty hidden in plain sight.
A Natural Paradise
Sri Lanka’s natural riches range from endless, powder-white beaches, 250 meter tall waterfalls,
terraced tea plantations that stripe rolling hills and tropical rainforests alive with endemic
species. Serious hikers can tromp through Knuckles Mountain Range, surfers can take on the
waves at Arugam Bay and the more relaxed visitors can lay back just about anywhere in this
tropical paradise to catch rays or z's. The weather in nearly every part of the island, save for a
few mountainous areas, is beach-friendly year-round.
Sanctuaries and national parks
For decades, Sri Lanka has consistently worked to preserve land for the island's endemic species,
like leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sambar deer and hundreds of different birds. In total, a little
more than a quarter of the landmass is protected as a park, sanctuary or strict nature reserve.
Located in the southeast of the country, Yala National park is the most popular park on the
island. Here, tourists get a chance to take a safari out into wild elephant territory, where the herds
roam freely. Rivalling Yala is the Wilpattu, the largest one of the oldest national parks in Sri
Lanka. Though the park was closed due to the civil conflict, it has since reopened to the public
and continues to grow its visitorship yearly. Wilpattu is famous for the shallow willus (lakes)
that fill up in the rainy season and attract a huge range of biodiversity that inhabit the 1,300 km2
reserve.
