August 19, 2025

The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka

In recent years Sri Lanka has invested in improving its tourism infrastructure and is home to a great selection of small luxury accommodations and private villas. It is becoming a popular destination but still has an authentic and untouched feel. It is a wonderful country that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It makes for a perfect honeymoon, perhaps combined with the nearby Maldives, an exciting family holiday or just the next adventure on your list! Here are the top 5 reasons we think you should choose Sri Lanka for your next holiday.

VIEW OUR GUIDE TO SRI LANKA AND OUR AMAZING VILLAS HERE 

Beautiful Beaches 

Sri Lanka's beaches are not just about relaxing in the sun; there are plenty of activities for adventure seekers. You can try your hand at surfing in Arugam Bay, one of the top surf spots in the world, or go whale watching in Mirissa. The coral reefs around Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna are perfect for snorkelling and diving; you might even spot a turtle as they will often nest on these beaches. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the tranquil beaches of Tangalle provide the perfect setting for a peaceful villa retreat after a busy itinerary exploring the country.

Rich Cultural Heritage 

The island has so much to see and explore, with ancient cities, temples, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, marvel at the rock fortress of Sigiriya (and climb it too if you are up for the approx. 1200 steps to the top!), or visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Each site offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's fascinating past. 

Sri Lanka's cultural heritage has influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa, with its well-preserved ruins, offers a glimpse back in time to the island's medieval period. The Dambulla Cave Temple, with its stunning murals and statues, is a testament to the island's rich Buddhist heritage. If you want to experience a colourful festival, we recommend the annual Esala Perahera in Kandy, a grand procession featuring dancers, drummers, and beautifully decorated elephants.

Diverse Wildlife 

Sri Lanka is the perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts. The island has a variety of national parks where you can spot elephants, leopards, and many bird species. Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park are two of the most popular spots for wildlife safaris and while some sections can be busy, our private guides can take you to the quieter parts of the parks for a more relaxed, authentic experience. 

Sri Lanka's biodiversity is truly remarkable, with a range of ecosystems from rainforests to dry plains. In addition to Yala and Udawalawe, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has an abundance of endemic flora and fauna. The Minneriya National Park is famous for the "Gathering," where hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank during the dry season. Birdwatchers will be able to spot a variety of species in the Bundala National Park, a Ramsar wetland that attracts migratory birds from around the world.

Scenic Train Journeys 

One of the best ways to experience Sri Lanka's beautiful landscapes is by taking a train journey through the hill country. The route from Kandy to Ella is particularly famous for its stunning views of tea plantations, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. It's a journey that promises to be as memorable as the destination itself. 
This section of the train ride is often described as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. As the train winds its way through the misty hills, you'll pass by tea plantations, quaint villages, and picturesque waterfalls. The journey offers plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos and enjoy the island's natural beauty. If you do not want to spend the whole day on the train you can still experience small sections, it is a great way to see parts of the country inaccessible by road.

Delicious Cuisine

Saving the best reason for last, in our opinion anyway, Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful blend of flavours and spices that are a celebration of the heritage and culture of the island.   

The traditional rice and curry meal, a thali style tray full of different vegetable, meat, and fish curries, is a must-try and will be available almost everywhere you stay. Hoppers, a type of bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour, are often enjoyed with a spicy sambal or a fried egg, we love to have these for breakfast, but they can be enjoyed at any meal. Kottu roti, a popular street food, is a stir-fry of chopped roti, vegetables, and meat, seasoned with aromatic spices, this can be a hot one so if you cannot handle too much spice be sure to ask for it mild! Seafood lovers will be in heaven with the variety of fresh fish, prawns, and crabs available particularly along the south coast, often cooked in fragrant coconut milk-based curries. Many of our villas include staff, along with a private chef, who can prepare many local delicacies within the comfort of your own villa.

Summary

Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination, both for adventure and relaxing on a beach. Alongside our beautiful coastal villas, we now offer full, tailor-made, itineraries around the whole country. We also offer a full concierge service who can help organise private tours, transfers and activities, and a brilliant team on the ground who will assist you while you are on your holiday. Take a look at our villas in Sri Lanka or get in touch to speak to our team about the kind of trip you have in mind.

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