The Wonders of Sri Lanka – 7 Reasons To Go There

It won't be bragging to note that Sri Lanka has it all! This seemingly small country has a plethora of things to offer from top to bottom. If you aim to relax at golden sandy beaches, explore the wildlife parks, or taste mouth-watering national dishes, you can do almost anything. Sri Lanka is a rich island with abundant world-class surfing spots, lush mountains, and glossy beach sides that is just alluring its visitors to explore it. Young or old, rich or poor, every single person will be absolutely captivated by this Indian gem. Without further ado, here are some of the top reasons you should pack your bags and go to Sri Lanka.

• 1. Climb the stunning Sigiriya

One thing is utterly unmissable – climbing the flabbergasting rock Sigiriya. Enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is a majestic rock-top fortress that dates back to the 5th century AD. This notable sanctuary is not merely a spiritual site but also a masterful Mother Nature's creation. At Sigiriya, you can spot extravagant examples of South-Asian apsara painting, a unique reflection of the Buddhist religion, and some of the finest landscaped gardens in the world. Only make sure that you climb early in order to avoid the heat and crowd.

• 2. See the majestic temples in Anuradhapura and help restore them

Only in Sri Lanka will visitors have the unique opportunity to see numerous ancient temples and ruins some of which are 1,500 years old. The most attractive Buddhist temple is certainly the amazing Thuparamaya Stupa in Anuradhapura which is known to be one of the earliest Dagoba temples to be built on the entire island. Most people who want to volunteer overseas choose Sri Lanka as they have the chance to help renovate and restore ancient temples and help bring back their former glory. Volunteers who come to Sri Lanka can also help the people in need and renovate even some educational institutions and give their immense contribution to the local communities.

• 3. Explore the marvelous tea fields

What attracts numerous people to Sri Lanka is tea. The dazzling mountainous areas and tea fields such as Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Haputale can brag about having splendid teas. By visiting some of these towns, not only can you enjoy breathtaking views of the Sri Lanka tea fields, but you can roam around the teas and witness how tea is made from start to finish. What’s more, you can take one of the finest and cheapest souvenirs back home and enjoy the world-renowned tea from the comfort of your terrace.

• 4. Get sunkissed at Arugam Bay

One of the lushest and most relaxing beaches in the whole of Sri Lanka is at Arugam Bay. This dry southeast coast is home to ravishing coconut palms, turquoise waters, and golden sands, something that you could have seen only in advertisements. Arugam Bay beaches are close to being heaven on Earth, and if you want to unwind and surf the waves, you ought to check out this part of the country. Besides surfing, you can sip cocktails, get tanned and enliven all your senses.

• 5. Spot unique wildlife at National Parks

Sri Lanka can boast about having some of the most extravagant wildlife in the whole Asian continent. The number one predator, leopards, can easily be spotted at Yala National Park located on the island's southern coast. There's an option to go on a safari day trip and go searching for these grandiose cats. Being a leopard sanctuary, at Yala National Park you can have a close-up with these fierce cats. Likewise, at the popular Wilpattu National Park in the northwest part of the country, you can see the felines in the wild. However, if you are intimidated by them, you can go to Gal Oya National Park and to the jungle-embellished environment to see elephants in their natural habitat.

out the meals, they are seriously that good.

• 6. Try all the spicy dishes

Sri Lankan food differs from Indian as there are far more spices and seafood that dominate their cuisine. The most superb palaces to go try delicious specialties are Gale or Kandy where you have the chance to taste some of the best meals you could have only envisioned. Try the delicious hopper which is a bowl-shaped thin pancake or the spicy coconut sambol with chili, lime, and onion. Another must-try is kotthy which is a mix of roti bread with meat or vegetable cooked over a fiery plat. Let's not forget about the biryanis or a mutton curry or spicy chicken served alongside pol symbol. Whatever you opt to eat, aim to try unique dishes that you can only find on the island.

• 7. Tour the capital

In the end, the bustling city of Colombo shouldn’t be missed. The country's capital is home to some of the most mesmerizing Buddhist temples such as Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Temple or the Gangaramaya Temple situated next to Lake Beira. Enjoy the calm vibe and tranquil ambiance in these genuine temples that are hidden amongst the hectic Colombo streets.

There are many more things to do and see in Sri Lanka, but these wonders are unmissable. Whatever you decide to explore first, get ready for an amazing adventure.