Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting? 10+ Great Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
Before you go ahead and book flights, and search for hotels you might be asking yourself is Sri Lanka worth visiting? Great question!
Now, I’ve travelled a lot in Asia, and places like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have a special place in my heart. I wondered if travelling to Sri Lanka, would feel kind of the same but just on a smaller scale. Would it leave me feeling a bit “meh”?
Well, I’m here to spill the beans – I wasn’t disappointed, not even a tiny bit!
In fact, Sri Lanka blew me away, exceeding all my expectations.
Why visit Sri Lanka, you ask? It’s got its own unique vibe, stunning landscapes tons of attractions to see, and incredibly warm people that will make you fall in love with this beautiful island nation.
Here’s my honest guide about reasons to visit Sri Lanka, coming from someone who thought they’d seen it all in Asia. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!
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10 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re planning on visiting Sri Lanka.
Below are 10 reasons why I think Sri Lanka should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
1. Sri Lanka is a Year-Round Travel Destination
One of the best reasons to visit Sri Lanka is that you can travel here all year round.
This tropical paradise has a warm climate throughout the year, making it an ideal destination no matter when you plan your Sri Lanka trip.
One thing to note is that Sri Lanka does have wet seasons and dry seasons depending on where you are.
The Southwest of Sri Lanka gets rain from the southwestern monsoon from May to September, and it’s dry from December to March. In the North and East, the monsoon brings wind and rain from October to January.
Despite this, it’s never cold – especially if you’re used to the chilly winters in Europe and North America. On average, temperatures in Sri Lanka sit between the mid-20s and mid-30s Celsius (80-90 Fahrenheit), so you can pack light and still enjoy the warm weather.
2. Sri Lanka offers Good Value for Money
Compared to other popular tourist destinations, Sri Lanka is relatively affordable. This makes it an ideal place for travellers with limited budgets or those looking to get more bang for their buck – like slow travellers.
If you’re on a very tight budget, then you could get by on about $20 a day (or about 6000 Sri Lankan Rupees) – that’s based on staying in dorm-style accommodation and eating local street food.
Accommodation, food, and transport are all reasonably priced, so you can stretch your travel budget further while still experiencing the best that Sri Lanka has to offer. Plus, there are plenty of free activities such as hiking, beach days, and exploring temples.
👉 Insider Tip: One thing to factor in before going to Sri Lanka is the cost of visas. Depending on your nationality, you may need to pay for a visa upon arrival or apply for an e-visa in advance.
Sri Lanka admittedly doesn’t have the cheapest visa – especially if you compare it to Thailand which offers free visa entry for those travelling from the US or UK.
3. Sri Lanka Has an Abundance of Beautiful Historical Sites
If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of historical sites. And Sri Lanka does not disappoint in this area.
The country is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each with its own unique history and cultural significance.
These are:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Golden Temple of Dambulla
- Sacred City of Kandy
- Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Central Highlands of Sri Lanka (Adam’s Peak)
- Anuradhapura, the first kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka
👉 Insider Tip: If you’re making a specific trip to Sri Lanka to visit a certain site, I recommend doing some research before visiting. Some of these historical sites need advanced booking or have specific opening hours.
4. Sri Lanka Is a Dream for Wildlife Enthusiasts
There are plenty of unique experiences in Sri Lanka that allow you to get up close with wildlife. From elephant safaris at national parks like Udawalawe and Yala to whale watching in Mirissa.
One of the most memorable experiences was a late afternoon safari in Hurulu Eco Park in Habarana. The safari trucks take you through the park, where your guide points out various species of birds and monkeys.
You’ve probably heard of the ‘Big 5’ in Africa, well Sri Lanka has their own list.
These are:
- Asian Elephant
- Sri Lankan Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Blue Whale
- Sperm Whale
While I didn’t see all of these on my trip – I only managed to tick off the elephant of the Sri Lankan Big 5 – I did see SO MANY elephants along with a ton of other native wildlife.
‼️ Warning About Elephants in Sri Lanka
One thing you might spot if you’re out and about in Sri Lanka is what they refer to as a ‘domesticated elephant’. You’ll often see them shackled at the ankles, and chained up or in a small enclosure.
These elephants have been brought up in captivity and used for rides or shows.
Please do not support these and instead opt for a more ethical approach. It’s best to opt for a safari at a national park instead to see elephants in their natural habitat.
📖 Read More: Best Destinations for Eco-Tourism in Sri Lanka
5. Sri Lanka Has Plenty of Adventure Sports Opportunities
Sri Lanka is a great destination for adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers.
Thanks to its diverse landscape of beaches, jungles, and mountains, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Some popular adventure sports in Sri Lanka include:
- Surfing: The country’s coastline offers a variety of surf breaks suitable for all levels. The peak season for surfing is from November to April on the west coast and from April to October on the east coast.
- Hiking: With its numerous national parks, Sri Lanka offers some incredible hiking opportunities through lush forests, up mountains, and waterfalls. Popular hikes include Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, and Knuckles Mountain Range.
- White Water Rafting: The rivers in Sri Lanka provide great conditions for white water rafting, with varying levels of difficulty. Kitulgala is a popular spot for this activity.
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Sri Lanka has a vibrant underwater world, making it an excellent destination for scuba diving and snorkelling – especially in the eastern parts of the island around Trincomalee. You can explore stunning coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a variety of marine life
- Hot Air Ballooning: For a unique and unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the scenic countryside of Sri Lanka. The best time for this activity is from November to Apri.
- Zip Lining: Soar through the treetops and get a rush of adrenaline with zip-lining experiences offered all over the country.
6. Sri Lanka Has Delicious Cuisine
When it comes to food, Sri Lanka is mouth-wateringly delicious.
As a long-term veggie, I was pleasantly surprised to find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
One note about the food, they use a lot of chilli in their cooking so it does tend to be a bit on the spicy side.
Here are some dishes I recommend trying.
- Rice and Curry: This is the staple dish in Sri Lanka. It consists of rice served with an assortment of curries (vegetable, meat or fish varieties available).
- Lentil Dahl: A type of thick stew made from lentils, onions, and spices. It’s usually served with rice and makes for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Hoppers: These are crispy bowls made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. They can be eaten plain or filled with various toppings such as eggs or vegetables.
- Rottis: A type of flatbread made with wheat flour and served with various curries.
- Sambol: A spicy accompaniment made from ground coconut, chilli, and other herbs and spices.
- Sri Lankan Pineapple Curry: This was my personal favourite! It’s a delicious and unique dish made with pineapple, coconut milk, and an aromatic blend of spices.
7. Sri Lanka Lists English as One of Their Official Languages
One of the most convenient things about travelling in Sri Lanka is that English is widely spoken and understood.
As a former British colony, English has been designated as one of the country’s official languages alongside Sinhala and Tamil.
This makes it easy for visitors to communicate with locals and navigate their way around the country.
8. Sri Lanka Has Diverse Landscapes to Explore
Despite its small size, Sri Lanka boasts a diverse range of landscapes and natural beauty.
From pristine beaches to lush rainforests, and rolling hills, this island nation has plenty to see.
- Beaches: The island is surrounded by gorgeous beaches with crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Some popular beach destinations include Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Arugam Bay.
- Tea Plantations: Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest exporters of tea, and a visit to its famous tea plantations in the central highlands is a must. The picturesque scenery and delicious cups of Ceylon tea make it worth the trip.
- National Parks: Sri Lanka is home to 26 National Parks, each with different terrain. Explore the rainforests of Sinharaja or spot elephants in Udawalawe National Park.
- Hill Country: The central highlands of Sri Lanka are dotted with scenic hill towns like Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy. These towns are surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes.
👉 Insider Tip: One of the best ways to see some of Sri Lanka’s beautiful scenery is to take the train. The most famous one is the train ride which connects Colombo to Badulla – the section of this route between Kandy and Ella is particularly beautiful.
9. Sri Lanka Has Tons of History and Culture
Sri Lanka has a diverse history spanning over 3,000 years. From ancient cities and temples to colonial buildings, the country is filled with plenty of cultural landmarks.
- Ancient Cities: The Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya.
- Sacred Temples: Sri Lanka is known as the “Land of Temples” with hundreds of Buddhist temples scattered throughout the country. Some popular ones include the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the Dambulla Cave Temple.
- Colonial Architecture: The Portuguese, Dutch, and British all had a presence in Sri Lanka at different times, leaving behind beautiful colonial architecture. Galle Fort, a fortified city built by the Dutch in the 17th century, is a must-visit.
10. Sri Lanka Has Excellent Hospitality
Sri Lanka is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality.
If you’re looking for a more eco-conscious Sri Lanka visit then consider a homestay with a local family to experience their hospitality first-hand.
This also allows for a more immersive cultural experience and the opportunity to taste delicious home-cooked meals plus it puts your tourist money straight back into the local community.
Sri Lanka also has a range of luxurious boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and beach villas that offer world-class service with a touch of Sri Lankan charm.
Useful Things to Know Before Going to Sri Lanka
- Visa Requirements: Most visitors to Sri Lanka will need a visa. You can get these online or upon arrival at the airport. I also recommended filling out the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before your trip so you don’t have to fill out paperwork when you arrive.
- Currency: The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). It is best to exchange money at the airport or banks for the most competitive rates.
- Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka, however, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. It’s always helpful to learn a few basic phrases in the local language, such as “hello” (ayubowan) and “thank you” (stuti).
- Transportation: Sri Lanka has a well-developed transportation system, including buses, trains, and tuk-tuks. If you opt for these, I recommend negotiating the prices with your taxi or tuk-tuk driver before starting your journey.
- Water: It’s advised to drink only bottled water in Sri Lanka to avoid getting sick. You can also bring a reusable water bottle and refill it with filtered water at your accommodation. Although I only drank bottled water, I did brush my teeth with regular tap water and had no issues.
- Temple Visits: You need to dress modestly when visiting religious sites – this means covering shoulders and knees, for men and women as well as removing your shoes before entering a temple.
- Greetings: Sri Lankans are very friendly and considered respectful to greet people with a smile and friendly nod.
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated in Sri Lanka, especially for good service.
Is it Worth Visiting Sri Lanka? FAQs
Should I Visit Sri Lanka?
Yes! Sri Lanka is an outstanding country. If you have an interest in culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes you’ll enjoy visiting. Sri Lanka is also a very affordable destination, making it accessible to travellers on different budgets.
Where are the Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka?
Some popular destinations include the Cultural Triangle, Ella, and Arugam Bay. However, if you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting lesser-known places like Jaffna or Trincomalee.
When is the Best Time of Year to Go to Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March when the weather is dry and sunny. However, visiting Sri Lanka in April and September to November – their shoulder season – can also be a good time to visit as there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.
Is Colombo Worth Visiting?
Although Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, it often gets overlooked. However, it definitely worth visiting Colombo. It has a mix of old and new architecture with plenty of cultural sites, markets, and trendy cafes and restaurants.
Is Yala National Park Worth Visiting?
Yala National Park is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and sloth bears. The best time to visit Yala National Park is from February to July when it is dry season and easier to spot animals.
What’s the Typical Sri Lanka Trip Cost?
The cost of a trip to Sri Lanka can vary depending on your travel style. On average, budget travellers spend $30-50 per day, mid-range travellers spend $60-80 per day, and luxury travellers spend $100+ per day. Use this trip cost calculator to work out your budget.
Final Thoughts on Why Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting
From the wildlife safaris, and stunning beaches, to the mouthwatering food, hopefully you’ve discovered why you should visit Sri Lanka.
This place has a little bit of everything whether you’re into history, nature, or just looking to chill, Sri Lanka won’t disappoint.
Enjoyed this article and curious to explore more? Then check out our other articles about travelling to Sri Lanka.
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