{"id":60935,"date":"2023-06-01T02:18:18","date_gmt":"2023-05-31T16:18:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=60935"},"modified":"2025-03-19T22:03:24","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T11:03:24","slug":"sri-lanka-is-back-here-are-6-reasons-to-bump-it-to-the-top-of-your-travel-wishlist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/sri-lanka-is-back-here-are-6-reasons-to-bump-it-to-the-top-of-your-travel-wishlist\/","title":{"rendered":"6 reasons to bump Sri Lanka to the top of your travel wishlist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Thinking about an adventure packed with wildlife, epic beaches, friendly faces and some of the most perfect beaches on the planet. You&#8217;ve come to the right place!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now is the time to discover <a href=\"\/sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sri Lanka<\/a>\u2019s sprawling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/best-beaches-in-sri-lanka\/\">beaches<\/a>, tea-carpeted central mountains, historical temples, elusive wildlife and warm, welcoming people.\u00a0From diverse, delicious cuisine to pulse-racing adventure activities, here are six reasons to travel to Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Active adventures&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This tiny island nation is mostly known for its palm-fringed beaches, but there\u2019s another side to Sri Lanka that\u2019s perfect for adventurous souls. The country\u2019s&nbsp;interior is replete&nbsp;with dense jungles, gushing waterfalls, rivers, paddy fields and mountains. Active adventures abound \u2013 from&nbsp;cycling through the hill country to&nbsp;kayaking along sparkling rivers \u2013&nbsp;and include some of the best ways to explore the island.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you love hiking, take time to watch purple sunsets over the Knuckles Mountain Range. The central highlands are also home to the newly launched Pekoe Trail, a 300-km walking route exploring the heart of tea country. If you are feeling ambitious, hike Adam\u2019s Peak, the country\u2019s most sacred mountain. This 6000-step hike usually begins at 1 am, but you\u2019ll have plenty of company and the food and tea stalls along the way will keep you well fuelled.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Get moving on our <\/strong><a href=\"\/sri-lanka\/sri-lanka-hike-bike-kayak-160370\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike &amp; Kayak<\/strong><\/a><strong> trip<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_cooking_class-scaled.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_cooking_class-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60941\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_cooking_class-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_cooking_class-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_cooking_class-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_cooking_class-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_cooking_class-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_cooking_class-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_cooking_class-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mouthwatering food&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sri Lanka packs a serious punch when it comes to cuisine. From dishes scented with cinnamon to curries coloured vibrant with turmeric, Sri Lankan food is eye-pleasing and full of flavour. An everyday Sri Lankan meal consists of rice and several curries cooked in coconut milk and a few condiments \u2013 think creamy dal curry, fried brinjals (otherwise known as aubergine or eggplant) dressed in vinegar and southern-style fish curry soured with tamarind.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s more to it than curry, of course. Mornings here begin with a glass of kola kenda, a herbal congee found at roadside stalls. And no trip is complete unless you&#8217;ve munched on hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes), often served topped with an egg. Don\u2019t miss the chance to take part in a&nbsp;cooking class to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/eat-like-a-local-in-sri-lanka\/\">learn more about&nbsp;Sri Lankan cuisine from a local<\/a> and try your hand at mastering the ubiquitous steamed rice noodle discs, string hoppers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Get stuck in on our <\/strong><a href=\"\/sri-lanka\/sri-lanka-real-food-adventure-160372\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sri-Lanka_Yala-National-Park-scaled.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sri-Lanka_Yala-National-Park-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60942\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sri-Lanka_Yala-National-Park-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sri-Lanka_Yala-National-Park-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sri-Lanka_Yala-National-Park-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sri-Lanka_Yala-National-Park-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sri-Lanka_Yala-National-Park-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sri-Lanka_Yala-National-Park-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sri-Lanka_Yala-National-Park-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Incredible wildlife&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Surprise! You can go on an incredible wildlife safari in Sri Lanka. The island is home to over 20 national parks and is a fabulous place to spot wild Asian elephants \u2013 in August, they often gather in their hundreds in Minneriya National Park.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yala National Park can be a bit packed with jeeps in the high season but I highly recommend going on a safari&nbsp;there (Intrepid monitors numbers and visits an alternative if necessary). Part of the country\u2019s dry zone, this is where you&#8217;ll have a chance of spotting the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, napping on a boulder or hunting for its next prey. But that\u2019s not all \u2013 you\u2019ll come across slumbering crocodiles, water buffalos in mud holes, solitary bull elephants and much more.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Make it happen on our <\/strong><a href=\"\/sri-lanka\/premium-sri-lanka-depth-160365\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Premium Sri Lanka in Depth<\/strong><\/a><strong> trip<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-scaled.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60950\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-425x283.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_nuwara-eliya-train-_travellers-smiling_2-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">TikTok-worthy train rides&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sri Lanka is known for its iconic train rides. Taking the train is rarely the fastest option, but it&#8217;s a great way to observe Sri Lanka\u2019s everyday life and meet local families, who\u2019ll share home-cooked food with you, if you\u2019re lucky.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there are many scenic train routes \u2013 like the coastal train from Colombo to Galle with Indian Ocean views \u2013 the one that stands out is the train from Kandy to Ella. The journey takes about six or seven hours, but the views of rolling hills, tea plantations and British-era railway stations are so stunning that you&#8217;ll have plenty to keep you occupied.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ride the rails on our <\/strong><a href=\"\/sri-lanka\/essential-sri-lanka-160371\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Essential Sri Lanka trip<\/strong><\/a><strong> for 18-35-year-olds<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-Sri-Lanka-Sigiriya-scaled.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-Sri-Lanka-Sigiriya-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60943\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-Sri-Lanka-Sigiriya-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-Sri-Lanka-Sigiriya-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-Sri-Lanka-Sigiriya-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-Sri-Lanka-Sigiriya-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-Sri-Lanka-Sigiriya-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-Sri-Lanka-Sigiriya-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-Sri-Lanka-Sigiriya-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ancient history and culture&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sri Lanka\u2019s history spans over 2000 years, and relics of ancient civilisations that once thrived in its fertile plains are still visible today. Pair this with a rich Buddhist tradition and other religious influences from Hindu, Islamic and Christian communities and it\u2019s easy to see why people&nbsp;describe the country as a cultural melting pot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be ready to marvel at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/sri-lankas-most-fascinating-historical-sites\/\">historical landmarks<\/a> \u2013 from the UNESCO-listed Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka\u2019s first kingdom, to Kandy, the last kingdom before Sri Lanka was taken over by European colonial powers. Kandy also houses the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most sacred place of worship for the nation&#8217;s Buddhists. Other highlights include hiking up to the ancient citadel of Sigiriya and strolling the quirky, vibrant streets of Galle Fort, which were forged during Portuguese and Dutch colonial rule.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Climb to the top of Sigiriya rock on our <\/strong><a href=\"\/sri-lanka\/best-sri-lanka-160367\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Best of Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/a><strong> tour<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-scaled.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60948\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-1920x2880.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-1170x1755.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-585x878.jpg 585w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Intrepid-Travel-sri-lanka_colombo_cooking-class_instructor-scaled.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local encounters&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes Sri Lanka truly special is the hospitality of locals. Wherever you go, you\u2019ll find always-smiling, friendly people who are ready to offer a helping hand. Locally-based Intrepid guides have a vast knowledge of the country, so they can facilitate immersive, cultural experiences where you often get to interact and connect with locals in a meaningful way. Some Intrepid trips even include the opportunity to dine with a local family in their own home. Trust me, local encounters will be some of your most cherished memories from the emerald island.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Receive a warm welcome from\u00a0locals on our <\/strong><a href=\"\/sri-lanka\/sri-lanka-family-holiday-160336\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sri Lanka Family Holiday<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tempted by the teardrop isle? Browse all of our <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/sri-lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sri Lanka itineraries<\/strong><\/a><strong> to find your perfect trip.&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After a few difficult years, Sri Lanka is emerging as a travel hotspot once again. Here&#8217;s why you should choose the teardrop isle for your next adventure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16302,"featured_media":60939,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3109],"tags":[52],"class_list":["post-60935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-good-trips","tag-sri-lanka","ipf_theme-active-adventures","ipf_theme-cycling","ipf_theme-food","ipf_theme-walking-trekking","ipf_theme-wildlife","ipf_region-sri-lanka"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>6 reasons to put Sri Lanka at the top of your travel wishlist | Intrepid Travel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"After a few difficult years, Sri Lanka is back. Here&#039;s why you should choose the teardrop isle for your next adventure.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/sri-lanka-is-back-here-are-6-reasons-to-bump-it-to-the-top-of-your-travel-wishlist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"6 reasons to put Sri Lanka at the top of your travel wishlist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"After a few difficult years, Sri Lanka is back. 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