Top 6 Reasons Why You Must Visit Sri Lanka in 2024
Sri Lanka is a captivating place that wins over travelers with its special mix of traditional crafts, delicious food, and stunning natural beauty. It seems like it’s always brimming with new experiences. Sri Lanka is also rich in culture and history, perfect for adventurers seeking something different. In this destination special guide by GTM, we’ll share 6 reasons why you should consider exploring Sri Lanka. We’ll uncover its top sights, attractive locations, and delicious dishes that make it a destination you won’t want to miss. Here are top reasons why you must visit Sri Lanka in 2024.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a really old fortress and palace found in the middle of Sri Lanka. It was built a long time ago to keep people safe, and it’s perched on a giant rock that’s 200 meters tall. All around it, you’ll see lots of green plants, ponds and old buildings. Up at the top of the rock, there’s a fancy palace with rooms for the king, a special seat called a throne, a place to take baths, and some amazing paintings on the walls.
One of the most famous paintings there is called the “Sigiriya Maidens.” There are 21 pictures of women painted on the rock, and they used to be part of an even bigger painting that covered the whole side of the rock. The paintings on the rock look similar to ones found in the Ajanta Caves in India. According to the story, King Kasyapa picked this spot to be his capital and built a palace on top of the rock, decorating it with beautiful paintings. Sigiriya Rock Fortress is so important to history and archaeology, it got declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
The National Parks
In Sri Lanka, there are 26 special places called National Parks. These parks cover a big area of about 5,734 square kilometers, which is about 8% of the whole country! The biggest one is called Wilpattu National Park, and it’s huge, covering around 1,317 square kilometers. If you go on a safari there, you might see amazing animals like leopards, sloth bears, and water buffaloes. What’s really cool about Wilpattu is that you can find ancient ruins and temples hidden in the forests.
These National Parks are like homes for lots of animals, including leopards, elephants, bears, deer, monkeys, mongoose, wild boars, water buffaloes, and even peacocks! There are also two special parks for animals that live in the ocean.
Another National Park to visit is called Udawalawe, located in the south of Sri Lanka. This park is famous for its big groups of elephants, as well as other animals like sambar deer, water buffaloes, and all kinds of birds. People who love watching birds really enjoy going on safaris here, hoping to catch sight of the colorful Sri Lankan junglefowl. Udawalawe National Park offers a tranquil environment, away from the crowds, ideal for unwinding and immersing yourself in nature’s beauty.
Sri Lanka has its own special animals, like the Big Four. People come from all over to see them because they’re amazing and rare. The Big Four are the Sri Lankan Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, and Blue Whale. Sri Lankan Elephants are especially popular, and you can see them in National Parks like Kaudulla and Udawalawe.
Beautiful Beaches
Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” has lovely beaches mostly in the south, west, and north. Unawatuna, Mirissa, Trincomalee, and Bentota are awesome spots to visit. Bentota was even called “the World’s Most Beautiful Beach.” If you love beaches, Sri Lanka is perfect for you!
An Experience of Spirituality
In Sri Lanka, you can feel the peace of Buddhism firsthand. Visit sacred sites, like the Dalada Maligawa temple in Kandy, there is a special relic of Buddha here. Join locals in daily prayers and yearly processions. Adam’s Peak is another holy place where people of different faiths climb to feel the spiritual vibe and see the sunset. You can also visit Buddhist temples, stupas, and monasteries all over the country. Many temples offer meditation classes and spiritual retreats for travelers looking to deepen their connection with the local culture.
Sri Lankan Cuisine
In Sri Lanka, you’ll find delicious traditional food like rice and curry, but there’s more! There are different kinds of curries, from fish to veggies, so even vegetarians can enjoy them. Want to learn the secrets of making these tasty dishes? Visit a local family! If curry isn’t your thing, no worries! Many restaurants offer Western dishes too.
Sri Lankan cuisine is famous for its spicy flavors and spices like cardamom and cinnamon. Dishes like dhal, chicken, or fish curry is a good combination with rice, roti bread, and coconut sambal, a must-try! Don’t forget to taste “short-eats” – tasty snacks like vegetable roti and sweet treats like Pani Pol.
Hotels with Luxury Amenities
In Sri Lanka, you’ll find wonderful hotels in beautiful places. Along the coast, especially in the west and south, there are many resort hotels. Whether you’re in Colombo or at the beach, you’ll always find amazing luxury resorts. If you wish to visit Sri Lanka, customize your holiday packages for 2024 to suit your company’s needs.
Every corner of Sri Lanka promises unforgettable experiences. With our tailored holiday packages for 2024 you can embark on an adventure that suits your preferences, ensuring a truly memorable journey through this enchanting island paradise. Our packages combine the best of Sri Lankan culture, nature, and cuisine, providing you with a unique and unforgettable experience. Our team of experienced travel experts can help you plan the perfect holiday, visit Sri Lanka in 2024 for a truly magical experience. Come discover Sri Lanka with us!