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Sri Lanka is a small island situated on the south of India. Like every other South Asian countries, Sri Lanka too has something to offer to the travelers. A country with a land area of 25,332 square miles, Sri Lanka has the 53^rd largest population in the world. However, compared to other South Asian countries, the literacy rate is very high; 96%! The country is also famous for its cinnamon and tea.

Here are ten reasons why you should visit Sri Lanka?

1. The Sri Lankan tourism sector is quite developed. I was browsing the tourism websites of Sri Lanka and I found out that they offer few travel packages, such as adventure and eco tourism.

2. Sri Lanka adventure tour has mountain biking, hiking, trekking, rafting, and rock climbing. The main goal of adventure tour is to take the travelers close to the nature and rural folks of Sri Lanka. 

3. Among other facilities there are ayurvedic treatments, and air travel.

4. Sri Lanka is basically a small island. If you are a beach lover, then it is a great place for you. The south western coast of Sri Lanka is suitable for swimmers. Various water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing are available in the beach. The Bentota River is also a great place for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing.

5. Sri Lanka ecotourism has a lot to offer to the tourists.

                                                             i.      Sri Lanka’s forest is very rich in tree and plant species. It is one of the richest forests in Asia, in terms of fauna.  

                                                          ii.      Sri Lanka is home to more than four hundred bird species. Among them there are twenty six types of endemic birds. Besides, birds migrate from Siberia and Western Europe during winter. There are many bird sanctuaries in this small island.

                                                        iii.      Sri Lanka may be a small country but it has fifteen national parks. For detail information you can log on to Sri Lanka.com.  

                                                        iv.      Another great attraction for eco tourists is the waterfalls. Sri Lanka has more than one hundred water falls, many of which are yet unknown. Some of the best water falls are: Bopath Ella, Ravana Ella, Ravana falls, Diyaluma Falls, Devon falls. If you want to know more about Sri Lanka’s ecology and nature you can visit this link.

6. If you are a lover of history and enjoy visiting historical sites, then I would like to inform you that UNESCO has included seven properties of Sri Lanka in the world heritage list. They are: the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (1982), the ancient city of Sigiriya (1982), the golden Temple of Dambulla (1991), the old town of Galle and its fortifications (1988), the sacred city of Anuradhapura (1982), the sacred city of Kandy (1988) and the Sinharaja forest reserve (1988).

7. Another major attraction in Sri Lanka is ‘Kandy,’ the second biggest city of Sri Lanka. It is also known as the ‘Royal City.’ Normally, when we hear the word ‘city’, scenes of crowded roads, noise of vehicles, and tall buildings come in our mind, but Kandy is totally the opposite. The main attraction of Kandy is its beautiful natural landscapes. It is basically a hilly area. The Golden Temple of the heaving Tooth, smells of spices, and village like lifestyle of the locality have made it an ideal place for those, who want to get away from the crowds and bustles of big city.   

8. Sri Lanka has many hotels and resorts for the tourists with all the modern facilities and different services. If you want to know more about Sri Lankan hotels you can visit Sri Lanka.com.

9. Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Christian are the major religions in Sri Lanka. All the year round, numerous festivals are held in the country, but the most popular of them all is the “Kandy Esala Perahera.” This festival lasts for ten days. Dancing, singing, pujas and many other activities are observed during these ten days. Tourists of other countries can also share the joy and excitement.

10.                       Sri Lanka is a melting pot of culture and religion. There are many Hindu and Buddhist temples and mosques. Some of the famous Buddhist temples are: Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Vajiraramaya, Dipaduttaramaya, Gothami Vihapaya, and Purana Viharaya. Among Hindu temples there are: Pettah and Bambalapitiya, and Sri Siva Subramania Swami Kovil. Some of the famous mosques are: Davatagaha mosque and the Afar Jumma mosque.

The Tsunami of 2004 has caused huge damage to Sri Lanka. It destroyed lives and properties. The country is trying hard to make a come back. Tourism is one of the sectors that can contribute to the country’s economy in the short term. Sri Lankan tourism sector has great potentials. If proper measures are taken, the tourism sector can become a very profitable one like that of Singapore. I hope and wish that Sri Lankan government try its best for the betterment of the Sri Lankan tourism sector.

Sri Lankantourism

Information about Sri Lanka: