Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019 winner, Sri Lanka, is undoubtedly a paradise for travelers of all kinds. Ancient architectural and archaeological treasures, year-round sunshine, biodiversity hotspots, elegant waterfalls, and sun-kissed sandy beaches are attractions in Sri Lanka famous among visitors. Let’s find attractions to explore in Sri Lanka.
Find Attractions to Explore in Sri Lanka
One must experience the turquoise waters of dancing blue whales, most importantly, scenic train rides to the hills, and unique Sri Lankan cuisine at least once in their lifetime. UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant culture enriched with religious values, and welcoming people are even more reasons why this island nation is loved by many.
Pristine beaches, aromatic Ceylon teas, year-round sunshine, incredible mountain views, as well as distinctive food, not to mention elephants munching on the roads casually; what more do we expect from traveling?
The island has an abundance of breathtaking attractions and exciting things to do. However, Sri Lanka is very less traveled and underrated. This island nation hooks the traveler’s attention with its unequivocal charm and compels them to revisit it. Despite its small size, Sri Lanka has eight UNESCO World natural, cultural, and historical heritage sites. Whether you want to enjoy your coffee amidst a beautiful tea plantation, trek a mountain, or relax on a beach, Sri Lanka has something on its sleeves to enchant you.
This magical island is a perfect tourist destination, with lovely beaches, year-round sunshine, spicy cuisine, extravagant nature, the influence of Buddhism, vibrant culture, and exciting history.
Sri Lanka is even more of an experience than a mere travel destination.
BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
The Western Ghats and Sri Lanka region is one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots. Sri Lanka is one of the earth’s most biologically diverse yet threatened terrestrial areas.
Sri Lanka is one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots of the world. The land is a paradise for a nature lover – marine wonders or endemic wildlife. The main attraction of Sri Lankan wildlife is elephants. These majestic animals are found in several national parks in Sri Lanka. Sightings of leopards, sloth bears, lizards, blue whales, and dolphins are also quite common in the reservations.
SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION
In 2008, according to a Gallup poll, Sri Lanka was listed as the third most religious country in the world. 99% of Sri Lankans say religion is an integral part of their daily life. Sri Lankans practice various faiths, including Theravada Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims (mainly Sunni), and Christians (mostly Roman Catholic and other Christians).
SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEY
Travelers who visit Sri Lanka can make their journey more memorable by trying the train journeys across the island. These routes pass through pine forests, tea estates, misty mountains, and much more to give you breathless and enchanting country views. The lush forests and the green tea gardens of the hill country give you great photos to capture.
ELEGANT WATERFALLS
Most central highland mountains in Sri Lanka have tremendous and elegant waterfalls. Hence, Sri Lanka amalgamates all these waterfalls into beauty and purity. Hence, one can enjoy the waterfall in the way it pretends to be. There are over a hundred enchanting waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
COOL CLIMATE AND THE GREEN MOUNTAINS
Sri Lanka is blessed to have the world’s finest setting of nature and love. Most importantly, the overwhelming climate with the cool breeze and fresh air, enjoying a holiday with friends amid the Green Mountains is more than a blessing. That is to say, Sri Lanka is one of the best places to eradicate negativity under the cold climate and ascetic mountains.
BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE
Pristine Sri Lanka has the longest continuous history of Buddhism of any Buddhist nation. The island has been a center of Buddhist scholarship and learning since the introduction of Buddhism in the third century BCE. Throughout its history, Sri Lankan kings have played a significant role in maintaining and reviving Buddhist institutions. There are around 6,000 Buddhist monasteries in Sri Lanka.
Origin of The Country Name – Sri Lanka
During ancient times, travelers referred to present-day Sri Lanka by various names.
- According to the Mahavamsa, the legendary Prince Vijaya named the land Tambapanni (“copper-red hands” or “copper-red earth”) because the red soil of the area reddened his follower’s hands.
- In Hindu mythology, such as the Ramayana, the island was called Lankā.
- The Tamil term Eelam was used to designate the peninsula in Sangam literature.
- Ancient Greek geographers called it Taprobanā or Taprobanē from the word Tambapanni.
- The Persians and Arabs knew the island as Sarandīb.
- Portuguese called it Ceilão upon their arrival in 1505, and it was transliterated into English as Ceylon.
- As a British crown colony, the island was known as Ceylon; it achieved independence as the Dominion of Ceylon in 1948.
- Today, we know this pristine island as Śrī Lankā. In 1972, however, its formal name was “Free, Sovereign and Independent Republic of Sri Lanka.”
- But, in 1978, the name changed to the “Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.”
Source: Wikipedia
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