If you are a travelholic, Sri Lanka is a perfect destination, thanks to its delicious seafood, picturesque hills, rugged treks, white sandy beaches, and adventurous treks. It is an island country with a rich historical heritage and cultural diversity. Millions of tourists from all around the world head over to Sri Lanka every year.

Sri Lanka is home to towering mountains, tropical rainforests, majestic waterfalls, historic forts and unique terrains. Moreover, you can see a glimpse of Portuguese and British architecture as both colorized the region. All these factors have resulted in the exponential growth of tourism in Sri Lanka. Keep reading this guide to know the reasons why Sri Lanka should be your first trip to Asia.

Top 8 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka

Here are the reasons why Sri Lanka should be your first trip to Asia.

Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage

Sri Lanka has a rich cultural and architectural heritage because Portuguese, Dutch and British colonized it from the sixteenth century until its independence in 1948. You can see a glimpse of colonial-era buildings throughout the country. Sri Lanka is diverse when it comes to culture and religion.

Sri Lanka is one of the smallest countries in Asia, yet there is so much packed in so little. Historic Forts, UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient towns, and Buddhist temples are evidence of its architectural legacy. Galle Fort, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple and Adam's Peak are a few of the best historical places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Scenic Landscapes and Treks

Apart from history and legacy, Sri Lanka is best known for its unspoiled natural scenery. It is often referred to as the pear of the Indian Ocean because of its stunning natural beauty. Despite considerable environmental degradation in recent decades, Sri Lanka has managed to maintain its tourism reputation.

Sri Lanka is covered in tropical rainforests and woods, with some of Asia's best treks. You can explore some secret spots to explore its beauty and relish the spectacle of sunset from hilltops. With almost 19 mountain ranges, Sri Lanka is home to magnificent landscapes, including limestone mountains, agricultural villages, rivers, streams, and caves.

Gorgeous Cities and Unspoiled Beaches

When you visit Sri Lankan cities, you will see a unique blend of modernity and history. However, Colombo is more modern than all Lankan cities, and Galle is more of a historic city. Discovered by traders over two thousand years ago, Colombo has become Sri Lanka's central commercial hub and a tourist destination.

Idyllic beaches, world-class restaurants, hiking trails, five-star hotels, sports complexes, and pleasant weather are the highlights of Colombo. Galle is a historic fortified beach city and UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka's southwest coast. Dutch-colonial buildings, historic mosques and churches, white sandy beaches, palaces and museums are the highlights of Galle.

Tea Plantations and Gardens

Sri Lanka boasts its verdant tea plantations, which is also a reason for its popularity. Since the plantation of the first tea garden in Sri Lanka in 1867, it has become the world's fourth-largest tea-producing country.

What is Sri Lanka famous for? Well, Sri Lanka is famous for tea and exports premium quality tea. You can visit the lush tea plantations. Moreover, you can visit a nearby tea factory to learn the whole process, from tea plucking to packaging. You will also get a sizzling cup of tea.

Delectable Cuisine

The country is known for its delicious seafood and local cuisines. Due to the arrival of Arabs, British, Portuguese and Indians, many different spices were introduced here. That's why Sri Lankan food is simply a treat to your taste buds.

You can also have all those Indian-origin foods, including curries and Biryanis. Due to abundant ingredients and resources, Sri Lankans include fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. Seafood is a specialty in Sri Lanka; you can have fresh prawns, lobsters, squids, and fish.

Diverse Wildlife

Sri Lanka is home to many different species of birds and animals. Interestingly, it has one of the best safari destinations in the world. Moreover, 26 national parks in Sri Lanka have some of the rarest animal species, including Ceylon Magpies, Purple-faced Langurs and Sloth bears.

Moreover, you can see a wide range of animals in Sri Lankas different regions. For example, the Langur monkeys smoothly climb trees and entertain tourists with their funny behavior amidst the lush green surroundings. While on a safari, you can interact with Sri Lankan Elephants.

Adams Peak

Adams's Peak is the most visited site in Sri Lanka by followers of every major faith. This 7,359-foot-tall peak has a foot-shaped dint on its peak. Buddhists say it is Lord Buddha's footprint, Muslims believe it was Prophet Adam's foot, Christians believe it is St. Thomas the Apostle's, and Hindus believe it is Shiva's.

Moreover, Adam's Peak provides breathtaking spectacles; you can reach the top through any of the six paths of more than 5,000 steps. The steps gradually grow steeper as one approaches the peak. Trekking Adam's Peak is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

Affordable and Friendly

Another advantage of visiting Sri Lanka is exploring it without breaking the bank. On average, Sri Lanka costs roughly $30 per day, so your most expensive tourism element will be your plane ticket. You can stay here for weeks without spending a lot of money.

How can someone not mention sweet Sri Lankan people? The people of Sri Lanka are as amazing as its tourist attractions. Friendliness appears to be a way of life here, and it is one of the main reasons people love Sri Lanka. So, while you go around the country, interact with amazing people.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka is a famous tourist destination with its white sandy beaches, rich cultural heritage, verdant tea gardens, UNESCO World Heritage sites, diverse wildlife, friendly people and whatnot! These are the reasons why Sri Lanka should be your first trip to Asia. Whether you seek tranquillity, sightseeing, adventure, or a taste of Lankan hospitality, Sri Lanka should be at the top of your list.