Sri Lanka is a country that has a little something for everybody. If you are looking for a break from the traditional hackneyed destinations of the world, this might be the next country for you. The advantage of the country lies mainly in its size. With a population of just 21 million, Sri Lanka is a mere 700km long between its northernmost and southernmost points and just 400 km at its widest borders. However, despite Sri Lanka’s small size, it boasts a diverse variety of terrains and climates. For example, this would mean that you can travel from the cool climates of the central mountains to the sweltering Northern provinces by taking a 3 hours car ride. Sri Lanka is also a conservative country steeped in Buddhist values and traditions. While it is accepting of all cultures, ethnicities and ways of life, it is always prudent to exercise a measure of caution in certain areas of the country with regard to progressive values.
Throughout history, Sri Lanka has been revered for many reasons. Its lush forestry, amazing biodiversity, rich culture and heritage; but one reason has always towered above the rest: the beaches. The island’s pristine, almost legendary beaches lay claim to 70% of the countries tourists. Families will be drawn to the calm, seclusion and tranquillity of beaches on the eastern side of the country. From the secluded powder blue beaches of Trincomalee to the nightclubs of Mirissa, to the calm shores of Arugambay which was voted the number one surfing location in South Asia; there is a beach to fit your every need. The east coast is also popular for being home to the largest pod of Blue Whales in the world. So let’s see who should go to Sri Lanka.
Family Travellers
Boasting of having a morality-driven culture, Sri Lanka is highly recommended for families looking forward to having a memorable time in Sri Lanka. The country is very safe for families. It’s very easy for families that travel together to find hotels or travel packages with special discounts. This is mostly because families bring in larger revenue to local businesses and are less likely to cause inconveniences. The pristine beaches across Sri Lanka’s coastal lines, numerous options of family accommodation, the botanical gardens in Peradeniya and Hakgala, the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, the national parks at Yala, Kumana, Wilpattu and countless more locations are welcoming locations suitable for families.
Wedding Travellers
Sri Lanka is also a budding wedding destination. With exotic locations, fantastic facilities, professional services and unbeatable prices, your wedding day will be everything you dreamed of on this island paradise. The most famous weddings locations thus far are Galle, Tangalle, Bentota, Negombo and Nuwara Eliya. Each destination offers something unique for couples. If you are planning a wedding for a large crowd, there are numerous hotels that fit the bill. If you prefer a more intimate affair, you have the option of some breathtakingly beautiful villas strewn across the Lankan countryside. Sri Lanka also incorporates a lot of culture and tradition into its ceremonies. It is a common sight to see couples incorporating the intricate traditions of Sinhalese and Tamil marriages during their own ceremonies. It is a lovely union of cultures and a fantastic display of the communal nature of human beings.
Honeymooners
Another advantage of having your wedding in Sri Lanka is that you won’t have to travel very far for your honeymoon. Visitors can have their pick of decadent luxury hotels that will make your honeymoon a truly memorable one. If colonial hotels are more your style, Sri Lanka is home to the largest concentration of colonial and world heritage hotels in all of Southeast Asia. Start your journey on a train through the lush green tea fields, take a hot air balloon ride above the historical sites of the north and end your journey on the soft warm sands of the South. You are not likely to meet someone who can compete with your honeymoon anytime soon.
Yoga Lovers
As a country closely associated with India both by territory and history, yoga was brought to Sri Lanka from the neighbouring sub-continent many centuries ago. At present, there is also a lot of interest displayed in Yoga by the general population. Hotels and the tourism industry have taken many steps to help and develop yoga retreats across the country. Yoga instructors are available on request from most hotels. However, if you prefer seclusion and privacy, you have a plethora of options at your disposal. Of late several new establishments have been opened for exactly this purpose. Several prominent yoga retreats such as Ulpotha are not only great hideaways from busy towns but also perfect for the peace-seeking yoga enthusiast.
Surfers & Golf Fanatics
If however you have already celebrated your honeymoon and you simply wish to get away from the hardships of your work life, you might consider holidaying at one of Sri Lanka’s unique golf resorts. Sri Lanka has a total of 4 premia 18 hole golf courses throughout the island. The Victoria Golf Club and Resort located in the central province will take your breath away with its breathtaking views and challenging greens. The golf course has become so famous that it was voted the most picturesque golf course in the whole of South Asia. If you prefer a colder climate, the gorgeous Royal Golf Club in the mountains of Nuwara Eliya is the course for you. Nestled in the misty tea fields of the highest Sri Lankan mountains, this golf course is as dreamy as its surroundings. The cool weather and the peaceful environment will keep you coming back for more.
The clubhouse itself has taken extreme care to preserve its fantastic colonial heritage with old-fashioned fireplaces and plush studies filled with books. The latest addition to the country’s list of Golf courses is the Shangri La Golf Resort in Hambantota. This modern gold course has sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness and the ocean side. If you are however pressed for time, and you are in need of a quick game of golf before heading to the airport, you have the option of playing at Sri Lanka’s first ever golf course located within the busy cityscape of Colombo. Each course offers something new to travellers and is sure to meet your every expectation.
Partygoers
Young travellers will prefer the amazing nightlife offered along the southern coast. From Hikkaduwa to Unawatuna to Mirissa, southern Sri Lankans know how to throw a wild party. Surfing fanatics simply cannot miss out on the consistent crescent waves of Arugambay and Weligama. While Arugambay is more suited for the party going surfer, Weligama is a calm quiet town with friendly locals and cheap accommodation perfectly suited for extended stays.
Corporate Retreats
It is worth noting that Sri Lanka is a fantastic location for corporate retreats. With its large commercial hotels, modern telecommunication facilities and overall safety and convenience, many of the world’s largest corporations have chosen the island for their getaways. Corporations have a pick of retreats from seaside to cultural to the wilderness and adventure retreats to wellness retreats, there is something for everyone.
Eco-Consciousness
It is also worth noting that many Sri Lankan hotels have taken firm steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Sri Lanka is a country blessed with natural beauty and forestry, which is why the government has provided numerous incentives and subsidies for hotels that have taken up eco-initiatives. Perhaps the crown jewel in Sri Lanka’s efforts at sustainable tourism is a hotel by the name of Heritance Kandalama. The hotel stretches more than half a mile and is ostensibly made out of the forest itself. Overhead the hotel looks like a camouflaged insect perched on a mountainside. At night the walls of the hotels are covered with insects from the surrounding wilderness. The hotel also has several natural rock pools, spread across the property. Every time you wander through this elegant establishment you are sure to discover something new. It is truly a sight to behold. Apart from the commercial hotels, there are also numerous small to medium hotels that offer eco-friendly stays. Each of these hotels has taken up the responsibility of protecting and conserving the magnificent ecosystem that we have been blessed with. Finally, there is a bunch of private holiday properties that are also offering “green” experiences to its guest and take care of the environment.
Relaxation, Spa & Wellness
Another aspect of Sri Lanka that is gaining popularity is its traditional medicine. Sri Lankan knowledge of medicine has been well documented for many a century. Many ancient manuscripts detail how ancient kings from adjoining countries would cross the Indian ocean in the hopes of receiving treatment in Sri Lanka. To this day many people opt for traditional medication over modern medicine due to its effectiveness and its organic application. Being an island that is rich in herbal flora, Sri Lanka offers an array of treatments and medications that are sure to appeal to the health buff in you. Apart from medicine, Sri Lanka also offers a wide range of retreats for the weary traveller. Pairing aesthetic calmness, peaceful surroundings and the extensive knowledge of meditation and Ayurveda possessed by locals, Sri Lanka is easily one of the best wellness retreats in the world. Many travellers spend months, exploring the various facets of wellness offered throughout the island. Since Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, much time has been dedicated to researching and perfecting the art of meditation. There is an array of temples, monasteries and forest retreats that cater to divulging this knowledge to travellers
New Year retreats
New Year’s Eve in Sri Lanka is always eventful. The capital of Colombo is abuzz with activity as foreign DJs and bands perform throughout hotels in the city. The annual firework display at Town Hall is not to be missed. The beaches in the south will be alight with fireworks and parties that will continue on to the early hours of the morning. It is accustomary for hotels to host lavish gala dinners for its guests. Needless to say, wherever you will find yourself, you will not be disappointed with the way your new year is brought up.
Nomads & Digital Nomads
More and more writers, entrepreneurs, developers and many more choose Sri Lanka as their next nomad destination. Resorts, coffee shops and homestays have a lot to offer to digital nomads. If you like working on your laptop or notebook while enjoying a pleasant climate with a great view, Sri Lanka has a multitude of options to choose from. The most famous spots for the digital nomad community are Colombo, Galle Fort, Kandy, Tangalle, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Ella and Nuwara Eliya deserve a special mention as many resorts and hotels in these areas are calm, serene and, most importantly, have epic views of mountain plains, all of which are perfect for the passionate nomad.
Romantic Couples
Sri Lanka is increasingly in the spotlight for romantic getaways mainly due to its recent fame in the wedding and honeymoon crowd. From walks in the beautiful botanical gardens acting as the perfect romantic backdrop to hotels offering candlelight dinners on the beach, there is much to do for couples in Sri Lanka.
Some of the most popular activities that couples go for are taking a boat ride along the Madu river, walking throughout the colonial Galle Fort and taking a hot air balloon ride in the countryside. Many young couples love to go snorkelling, especially in the Pigeon island’s turquoise waters with rich coral life. Kirinda and Weligama are also famous for snorkelling. Sailing on the blue waters of the Indian ocean is gaining much-deserved popularity among the sentimentalists as it genuinely resembles a romantic scene straight out of a movie.