By Noeli Jesudas
After a few quiet years, Sri Lanka is back and not just quietly. The island has been making headlines once again as one of the world’s top travel destinations, blending ancient culture, lush landscapes, and a lifestyle that’s effortlessly warm and welcoming. From golden beaches and misty tea hills to bustling markets and centuries-old temples, this small country packs in more variety than most continents.
Rising in the Ranks
In 2025, Sri Lanka earned its spot among BBC Travel’s 25 Best Places to Visit, while Lonely Planet and Conde Nast Traveller praised its perfect mix of nature, history, and hospitality. It’s clear that travellers and travel writers alike have fallen in love with the country’s balance between adventure and serenity. Tourism numbers support this, as arrivals have been steadily increasing, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Board reports that the island is once again attracting visitors from all over the world, particularly from Europe and Asia. The return of international flights, boutique resorts, and community-based travel experiences has helped Sri Lanka reclaim its reputation as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”
Top Sights That Tell Sri Lanka’s Story
1. Sigiriya (The Lion Rock): This ancient rock fortress rises dramatically out of the jungle and is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights. Climbing its 1,200 steps rewards you with views that make every drop of sweat worth it, plus the famous frescoes and 5th-century gardens along the way.
2. Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth: At the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country lies Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. The city comes alive each year during the Esala Perahera, a colourful parade of dancers, drummers, and elephants carrying sacred relics.
3. The Tea Country: Take the slow train from Kandy to Ella and you’ll pass through rolling hills, misty valleys, and rows of tea bushes that seem to go on forever. Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England,” is ideal for exploring colonial-era bungalows and savouring freshly brewed Ceylon tea at its source.
4. Galle Fort: On the southern coast, this 16th-century Dutch fort is a charming maze of cobblestone streets, chic cafés, and boutique shops. Watching the sunset from the old ramparts as waves crash below is one of those simple yet unforgettable moments.
5. Wildlife Wonders: Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia for safaris. Yala National Park is famous for its leopards, while Udawalawe offers incredible elephant encounters. Birdwatchers can head to Bundala, and whale-watchers will find magic off the coast of Mirissa.
6. Beaches for Every Mood: From the surf breaks of Arugam Bay to the golden sands of Bentota and the relaxed vibe of Mirissa, Sri Lanka’s beaches suit every kind of traveller, surfers, families, or those who simply want a hammock and a good book.
A Lifestyle that Slows You Down
Sri Lanka’s charm lies not only in what you see, but in how it makes you feel. The pace of life is unhurried, and that’s the point.
Getting around: Take the train when you can. It’s slow, scenic, and soulful, the kind of journey where you lean out the window, wind in your hair, as tea fields blur into jungle. Tuk-tuks are perfect for short hops, and local drivers are storytellers as much as guides.
Food and drink: Sri Lankan cuisine is bold, colourful, and unforgettable. Expect fragrant curries, fiery sambols, and seafood fresh from the morning catch. Try hoppers, kottu roti, and the island’s legendary crab curry. And don’t leave without sipping tea where it’s grown, preferably on a misty afternoon in Nuwara Eliya.
Where to stay: You can sleep in a family-run guesthouse where breakfast is served under a mango tree, or a luxury villa where waves lap at your doorstep. Many new boutique hotels blend traditional design with modern sustainability, a reflection of Sri Lanka’s growing eco-conscious spirit.
Travel with Heart
What makes Sri Lanka special isn’t just its scenery; it’s the way everything feels alive. Sri Lanka isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place that visits you long after you’ve left. It lingers in the rhythm of drums, the sound of temple bells at dusk in Kandy, the smell of cinnamon and cardamom on a hill-country breeze, waves in Mirissa, and the endless shades of green that colour your memories. These details stay with you long after your trip ends. For a small island, Sri Lanka leaves a big mark. Whether you’re chasing history, hiking trails, or just a good cup of tea, it’s easy to see why the world has fallen for this island all over again. The “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” isn’t just a travel destination; it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best journeys come from the smallest places.
Fun Facts You’ll Love to Know
- Sri Lanka is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from ancient ruins to sacred cities and rainforests.
- The island produces some of the world’s finest tea, exported globally under the iconic name “Ceylon Tea.”
- You can surf, go on safari, and sip tea all in one day; few countries can offer that kind of variety.
- It’s one of the most biodiverse nations in Asia, with elephants, leopards, blue whales, and over 400 bird species.
- Sri Lanka was the world’s first exporter of true cinnamon, still hand-harvested using age-old traditions.
Stepping onto Sri Lankan soil is like unlocking a compass; it points you in a dozen different, beautiful directions at once. Whether you’re drawn to history, wildlife, or pure relaxation, there’s something unforgettable around every curve of the road. For a small island, Sri Lanka has a big heart, and it’s beating stronger than ever.
