History of Ceylon Tea

Sri Lanka is a tourist destination waiting to be discovered by travelers from all over the world. The island country has been evolving its reputation globally as a tourist destination for those desiring beaches, adventure, safari, culture, etc. For those visiting from the U.S., a Sri Lanka visa is required for US citizens. You can easily apply for one online at srilankavisa.org, and once approved you can get to planning your trip!

Apart from it being referred to as the gem of the Indian Ocean, here are 8 reasons to visit Sri Lanka:

1. Be one with nature in Yala National Park

Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, you’ll find Yala National Park. It is the most famous wildlife park in Sri Lanka.

Fun fact: Yala National Park is also Sri Lanka’s number one leopard sanctuary.

2. Elephant Adventures

The elephants in Sri Lanka are a major draw for visitors. However, it is important to look out for the ethical and humane ways to see and interact with the elephants. For example, you can volunteer at an elephant sanctuary and be part of their care or head to Uda Walawe National Park to see them roaming wild.

3. Caving

There are caves in Sri Lanka that are worth seeing, as they are unlike anything else. The Dambulla Buddha caves, for example, are home to precious paintings as well as Buddha statues.

4. Take a Train Ride

A train ride is a wonderful way to see the beauty of Sri Lanka. A popular route is the 5-hour journey from Kandy to Ella, where you’ll see tea planation, villages and scenery changes that will leave you speechless. Bonus: the ticket for this route costs $1.50. You can also catch the train from Colombo to Jaffna for a scenic route.

5. Surf & Turf

Seafood is of plenty in Sri Lanka, so you can taste fresh seafood that is caught that day. Add the ‘turf’ option of your choosing, and you have yourself a Surf & Turf!

6. Beach Bouncing

Sri Lanka is home a number of stunning beaches, so you can bounce from beach to beach depending on what you are looking for. For more secluded beaches, for example, you can visit Uppuveli and Nilaveli. If you want a lively beach, head to Unawatuna Beach on the south n coast.

7. Visit the Tea Planation in Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, and Nuwara Eliya is the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. There are tea estates throughout that you can visit, including that of Sir Thomas Lipton of Lipton Tea. This is also a great way to sample tea here and see which types you like!

8. Go on a Safari

A Safari is a classic experience while in Sri Lanka and with an array of national parks throughout the island country, you have your choice of where you’d like to explore. Uda Walawe National Park is the most popular, though there is also Minneriya National Park, Yala National Park and more. You can book ahead for an open-top jeep jungle cruise, see plenty of wildlife as you go, and immerse yourself in the nature of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a paradise waiting to be discovered for any travel event, whether it be honeymoons, family vacations, or just a because trip! Take your wanders and curiosities to Sri Lanka for your next vacation.