Lonely Planet, a travel guidebook publisher, has named Sri Lanka one of the world's best cities to travel to in 2019, nearly 10 years after the end of its civil war. "The country is already known to many intrepid travelers for its distinctive blend of different religions and cultures, its ancient temples, its rich wildlife for all to discover, and its welcoming and kind people who have defied all odds after decades of civil war, it is a country that has been resurrected," said author Ethan Gelber in the company's The Best in Travel 2019. Read on for the five reasons why we think Sri Lanka is one of the countries you need to visit.
Food
Sri Lanka, or the island of rice and curry as some call it, uses local fruits such as coconut and jackfruit as well as seafood and a variety of spices to create some of the most exquisite and varied food. Parippu and Dhal Curry are essential spices to have in every home, while Kottu roti is a street food favorite.
Tea plantations
The appearance of Sri Lanka's hills and landscape changed forever in the 19th century with the arrival of tea cultivation, as Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea-producing countries in the world. It is particularly famous for the cultivation of Ceylon tea, of which there are 28 different varieties grown across the island.
Beaches
Sri Lanka is known for its idyllic beaches that vary from west to east, some famous for their golden sands and others for their winds and waves. One of the beaches that you shouldn't miss is Wijaya Beach, which is characterized by clean white sand, many palm trees, and a thriving coral reef that you'll enjoy if you're an avid scuba diver.
Animals
Sri Lankan animals may not be as well known as their African counterparts, but a safari in Sri Lanka will give you an unparalleled view of the landscape. Yala National Park invites you to enjoy the highest density of tigers in the world. Sri Lanka is also home to 5,800 wild elephants. At certain times of the year, you can go scuba diving with blue whales or watch dolphins jumping in the waters of Kalpitiya Island.
Culture
The modern-day culture of Sri Lanka is a fascinating melting pot of religions and traditions drawn from many different aspects of the island's complex heritage. Sri Lanka has a rich artistic tradition with distinct creative forms including music, dance and visual arts.
