Five reasons why you should travel to Sri Lanka

1. The Wildlife

While Sri Lanka might not be the first country you think of for safaris and wildlife, it's one of the best places in Asia to enjoy this. We have three favourite areas when it comes to animals in Sri Lanka.

If it's elephants you want to see, Udawalawe National Park is your pick. This park is famous for its thriving elephant population, offering intimate encounters with these gentle giants.

If you're looking for more variety, especially landscape-wise, Wilpattu National Park is a hidden gem with lush jungles, serene lakes, and elusive leopards. It's the biggest national park Sri Lanka has, but its location in the northeast makes it a little off-the-beaten path if you are limited on time.

Yala National Park is the most renowned wildlife area in Sri Lanka, boasting diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species. It's the go-to place for leopard sightings and its location is quite central, making it an easy addition to visiting the famous tea plantations and beautiful coastline.

Besides animals, there are lots of other natural wonders to see in Sri Lanka. Some are easy to visit, like the lush green mountains surrounding Ella and Nuwara Eliya, and some take a little more effort, like Sigiriya Rock. This is one of Sri Lanka's prime hiking destinations, and it's a rewarding one for sure, climbing all the way to the top of the viewpoint. 

2. It's a surfing mecca

The east coast of Sri Lanka is an absolute must-visit for surfers. It's all of the paradise, and none of the polished, touristy environments that you often see elsewhere.

Sri Lanka as a country is slightly more raw, and the surfing culture reflects that. However, the people and their local culture more than make up for that in the numerous surfing villages on Sri Lanka's southern and eastern coasts.

Each place has its own unique charm and waves that cater to surfers of all levels. Let's give you some suggestions:

• Arugam Bay, often hailed as the crown jewel of Sri Lankan surfing, is a hotspot for both beginners and experienced surfers. Known for its long, peeling point breaks and consistent swells, Arugam Bay provides perfect conditions for those seeking to ride epic waves. The laid-back surf culture here adds to the charm, creating a welcoming atmosphere for surfers from all walks of life.
  
  
• Pottuvil Point, located just north of Arugam Bay, is a favourite among advanced surfers. Its powerful, barreling waves make it an ideal spot for those looking for a thrilling challenge. The breaks at Pottuvil Point are renowned for their consistency and can deliver exhilarating rides for adrenaline junkies.
  
  
• For a more chilled and beginner-friendly experience, head to Whiskey Point. Named after the nearby distillery, this spot offers mellow, rolling waves that are perfect for those looking to learn or simply enjoy a relaxed session. The picturesque surroundings with coconut palms and golden sands make it an excellent place to soak up the sun and surf.
  
  
• The best location for surfing on the southern coast is Ahangama with beautiful beaches and home to one of the best surf camps in Sri Lanka. It's the perfect place to learn, chill and meet fellow travellers. It's a great beginning or end to a trip around Sri Lanka, as it's connected by train to the capital of Colombo.

Check out our surf camps in Sri Lanka

3. The Local Cuisine

Sri Lanka is a foodie's dream come true, offering a mouthwatering range of dishes that'll wake up all of your taste buds. From hot and spicy to creamy and sweet, the options here are as diverse as the island itself.

One must-try is deviled chicken, a sizzling dish with a fiery kick that'll wake up your taste buds. For a cooler option, dive into coconut milk-infused curries, which are creamy, rich, and oh-so-delicious.

But it's not just about sit-down meals – Sri Lanka's street food scene is where the real fun begins. You can't visit the country without sampling hoppers, crispy-edged, bowl-shaped pancakes perfect for scooping up curry. Then there's kottu roti, a stir-fried mix of shredded roti, veggies, and your choice of protein, served up with a symphony of spices.

And let's not forget the humble samosa, which has been transformed into a local delight with unique fillings. Last but not least, for the sweet tooths among us, try kokis! This fried ''cookie'' with roots in the Dutch colonial era, is made with rice flour, eggs and coconut milk. It's often used as an appetiser or dessert during celebrations like the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Whether you like it spicy or prefer something milder, Sri Lanka's food offerings are an epic journey for your taste buds. 

4. Cheap but epic train and bus journeys

We could have included the standard picture here of the bright blue train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, crossing through green tea plantations in the countryside. Don't get us wrong, this is definitely a journey you should make, as both the train ride and the destination are more than worth it.

But there are so much more scenic rides to do in Sri Lanka, and most of them are really, really cheap. And no, the buses don't take you to every single village, but the Sri Lankan tuk tuks are the perfect last-mile transportation to complete your journey, if needed. 

Local buses cost mere pennies for hour-long journeys. If you want to visit the incredible Yala National Park, we recommend doing so from Ella, which is the most southeastern stop on the train from Kandy to Badulla. From Ella it'll take you 3 to 4 hours with a change in Tissamaharama, and the ride couldn't be more local. You'll see lots of villages, stunning landscapes and much more.

Be sure to pack enough drinks and snacks for the ride, and some earplugs if you want to get a little peace and quiet, as these buses can be unbelievably loud! At the stopover in a suburb of Tissa you can often buy some fruits and water from local salesmen, but don't expect anything fancy. 

Another train ride that's worth the few pennies is the one taking you back to Colombo along the coast. Unfortunately, you'll have to return to Colombo for the airport at some point, and while taking a taxi is quicker, the train is much cheaper and more fun. The line starts (or ends) in Matara, but there are several towns on the line that are well-connected with buses and could be your hop-on point, like Galle, Ahangama and Mirissa. Sit beside an open window, enjoy the view and take in the Indian ocean for one last time, before moving on. 

5. The colourful local festivals and celebrations

If you've been to Asia you know that the local hospitality is not a myth, but actually true. If you get to know some locals, be prepared to get dinner invitations and the like. Sri Lanka is no exception here. If there are local festivities and celebrations going on, joining these is a surefire way to make a connection with the welcoming and happy locals. 

One of the most iconic events is the Esala Perahera in Kandy, a festive procession that takes place in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country. The Esala Perahera, held annually, showcases the country's religious and cultural diversity. It features traditional dancers, fire dancers, drummers, and the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha paraded through the streets of Kandy. The atmosphere is buzzing, and if you time your travels right you'll get to see these festivities, where thousands of people come together to celebrate and pay homage to their heritage.

The Esala Perahera is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Sri Lankan festivities. Throughout the year, the island is alive with various celebrations that offer an authentic glimpse into local customs and traditions.

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, celebrated in April, is a time of colourful rituals, traditional games, and a massive amount of delicious sweets.

Vesak, which marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha, is another notable festival where streets are decorated with lanterns and devotees light oil lamps, creating a magical ambience.

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Sri Lanka's Tamil community complete with fireworks and the exchange of sweets.

As a traveller, joining these celebrations allows you to connect with the warm-hearted Sri Lankan people and gain a deeper appreciation for the country's rich cultural traditions. It's a chance to be part of something truly special and make memories that will stay with you long after you've left the island.