9 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
| by Lasith | 35 Comments » | Animals, Asia, Guest Post, Photo Essays, Sri Lanka
9 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in 30 pictures from Lasith Lansakara of Discovering Serendipity
1. Where the Elephants Roam
Sadly not as much anymore. Over hunting during the British colonial period has left the Sri Lankan Asian Elephant endangered. Recent conservation efforts attempt to rebuild the local elephant population and visitors have several opportunities to see and interact with these majestic animals.
National Parks like Wasgamuwa allow you to capture a glimpse of these animals in the wild, while conservation centers like the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, the worlds largest heard of captive elephants, give you a chance to get up close and personal.
2. Magnificent Remains from Ancient Times
Sri Lanka’s documented history dates back over 2,500 years to 543 BC when King Vijaya became Sri Lanka’s first monarch. Remains of architectural wonders from ancient Sinhalese kingdoms are still present today. Most notable are those of the 5th century rock fortress “Sigiriya” built in the shape of a crouching lion.
3. Rich Colonial Heritage
For over three centuries parts of Sri Lanka had remained under the rule of various colonial powers. Beginning with the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch in the 17th and the British in the 18th and early 19th centuries, they have each left behind their legacy. From the Dutch Fort in Galle to British architecture in Nuwara Eliya, remnants of Sri Lanka’s colonial past are found dotted across the country today.
4. Golden Sands and Sunny Beaches
As an island nation, Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Oceana. A trip to Sri Lanka is not complete without surfing, body boarding or just laying under the sun on its golden beaches that have been a tourist mainstay for years.
5. Explore Nature and Wildlife
A fast growing destination for eco-tourism, Sri Lanka’s 22 national parks, including 2 marine, are home to several indigenous species of flora and fauna. Trek through national parks in Horton Plains to see some scenic waterfalls and blossoming flowers or Wasgamuwa to spots deer or leopards.
6. Land of Buddha
Although a largely diverse population, nearly 70% of the country is Buddhist. Since the introduction of Buddhism to the country by King Devanampiya Tissa of the 3rd century BC, it has been an integral part of the country’s culture. A tour of the country is not complete without a visit to some of the ancient and modern, life sized Buddha statues and temples.
The Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy is revered by Buddhists worldwide and is said to hold a relic of the Buddha’s left canine tooth.
7. Colorful People
The locals pride themselves on their Sri Lankan hospitality. This is not just something you taste in the spicy curry dishes, but also in the beaming smiles. During my travels I chatted with several locals, such as Laal the rock fisherman, who was happy to chat and share his life with me. During your visit, I certainly recommend taking a little time to meet some of the people you pass by.
8. The Home of Tea
Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest tea exporters with over 20% market share by volume. “Ceylon Tea” is also one of the few commodities that command a premium, fetching about 50% more than competitors at auction markets. Surprisingly however tea is not native to Sri Lanka and was a gift by British colonists such as the famed tea grower Sir James Lipton. Today, Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s highlands is the world’s tea capital.
9. A Photographer’s Paradise
Be sure to pack your favorite camera during your visit – A combination of sunny, yet cloudy skies and lush green landscapes, truly makes Sri Lanka a photographer’s paradise!
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Written by Lasith
An NYU graduate, amateur photographer and avid traveler, I am a native Sri Lankan raised in the Arabian Gulf. My past travels have taken me through the Middle East, Europe, as well as North & South America, but I regret that exploration of my native homeland has only been limited to childhood summers. Attempting to change that, I am taking a break from my corporate life as a Management Consultant and traveling the island that was once called Serendib. Visit my website
35 Responses to “9 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka”
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Amazing set. I really want to find my way to Sri Lanka soon.
Glad you enjoyed! Please do come visit, stay tuned to my blog to learn about places to explore and things to-do.
Safe travels!
I loved Sri Lanka when I was there and these pictures really do it justice. The elephant orphanage was a personal highlight
Glad to hear you enjoyed Sri Lanka! I too love Pinnawela, could spend an entire day watching those elephants.
Looks gorgeous! And you’ve got some beautiful photos too. I really really want to go!!
Do come visit! Be sure to tune into my blog for things to-do and see during your trip to Sri Lanka!
these are gorgeous photos of srilanka, definitely a place to visit
Lovely, gorgeous pictures! I’m a sucker for a baby elephant!
Glad you enjoyed them! If you love baby elephants, you should definitely visit the Pinnawela orphange. Check out the Pinnawela post on my blog: http://discovering-serendipity.com/nature/wildlife/pinnawala-elephant-orphanage/
Thanks so much for this post! Sri Lanka looks amazing. Those photos are stunning!
Glad you enjoyed it Kelly, do come visit!
Awesome post! Great reasons to visit and nice photos too!
will support any cool list about a great country… save the “10″ ones
Great post.
Thanks Michael, glad you enjoyed it!
No kidding a photographer’s paradise. What a great set of photos. Funny, I was just speaking with a friend yesterday and she mentioned how I would love Sri Lanka, and then this post pops up in my RSS feed. Yep, definitely on my to see list now. Cheers!
Pete, glad you enjoyed the pics. Stay tuned to my blog for things to-do and see in Sri Lanka when you come visit!
You had me at elephants… and then your threw in ancient ruins and I was beyond sold!
Christy, you must make a visit
Amazing photos, makes me want to go there!
Beautiful. I actually don’t know anyone who’s ever been to Sri Lanka before. And I have to admit that I know very little of the country — this post definitely makes me want to learn more about it.
Jack & jill, glad to ignite your curiosity. Please visit my Sri Lanka travel blog to learn more about things to-do and see. Hope you make the trip down!
I love the set!
I really needed a beautiful set of pictures to lift my spirits and this has done precisely that. Thank you Lasith for sharing!
I’ve never been to Sri Lanka, but I recently had to include a resort there in a magazine round-up where you reached the island by ELEPHANT BACK. And of course now I am doubly intrigued and need to find a way there, stat. I was in the northernmost atoll of the Maldives a few years back and so close but so very far (I tried to get a boat captain to take me, but apparently there are these harrowing international waters laws to comply with!).
I don’t really know that much about the country, and I have never been there, but it does surely looks like a place worth visiting!
Hi Lasith!
These pictures of Sri Lanka are really great. Sure makes me want to head over there. How do you find their food by the way?
Glad you enjoyed the post, Wangering Trader!
Traditional Sri Lankan food is generally quite spicy and not for the faint of heart
However most places are now very tourist friendly and tone down the level chilli and spice. In cities like Colombo and Kandy you will also find options for other cuisines — See my article on Colombo restaurants for some reviews: http://http://discovering-serendipity.com/restaurants-and-stays/colombo-gastronomic-tour/
Truly appreciate your reply
Generally spicy, I see. I’m not so much of a fan of spicy food but I am very interested with tasting new things 
Colombo and Kandy… will take note of this. Maybe someday I’ll be able to go to Sri Lanka! *fingers crossed*
Can’t seem to open the link you gave me
Don’t know if it’s with my browser or if the site is just under maintenance or something.
Sorry, think there was typo there: http://discovering-serendipity.com/restaurants-and-stays/colombo-gastronomic-tour/
Thanks! I’m reading it right now
Might leave a comment there.
Great!! We’ve been thinking of heading over there soon, but then there was the flooding earlier this year.. Do you know what it’s like there at the moment?
Hi Sofia,
The weather is a lot better now (don’t know how long it will hold). We had a few showers today, but nothing like the down pour we had the past few weeks. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is all behind us now
If you do vist, pls check out my blog to find things to-do and see in Sri Lanka. http://discovering-serendipity.com
Safe travels!
Wow, amazing pictures. I would like to plan a trip to Asia at the end of the year but I haven’t decided the route yet. Sri Lanka sounds great but I’m also interested in Vietnam, Laos or Thailand. What do you recommend me? Thanks!
Ops and… I’m also travelling as a couple!
I’d say Sri Lanka, but I am biased
Maybe twobackpackers or someone else whose visited the other three countries could chime in. I have also been meaning to visit Nepal, heard there are a lot of undiscovered spot to explore out there and quite low budget.
If you visit Sri Lanka, remember to stay tuned to my blog to learn about things to do and see in Lanka: http://discovering-serendipity.com
I’m seeing so much wildlife! I really love nature and this is enough for Sri Lanka to be on my list of Travel Plans.
I’ve never really thought of visiting Sri Lanka before, but you have made it really enticing. Brilliant photos