After visiting Sri Lanka a few months a go I was not surprised to see Sri Lanka on the top of the list on Lonely Planets best countries to visit in 2019.
Already notable to intrepid travellers for its mix of religions and cultures, its timeless temples, its rich and accessible wildlife, its growing surf scene and its people who defy all odds by their welcome and friendliness after decades of civil conflict, this is a country revived.
With beaches, jungles, ancient cities and a rich history all coupled with friendly, accommodating people and some of the best food you'll eat anywhere on the planet.
One of the great things about Sri Lanka is that you can chase the summer and good weather around it. Mid-year is best in the east, with the surf spot of Arugam Bay being a favourite. It's a long strip of golden sand lined with relaxed hotels, yoga spots and good restaurants. In the south, Unawatuna and Mirissa are renowned surf spots, and the smaller beach of Talalla is touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia.
This is a country that takes a long time to navigate by road, so the train network is a lifeline for many locals. It's also very handy for tourists when travelling to certain areas. The trains are cheap and packed to the rafters - if you're after a fully authentic experience, don't miss a train ride.
Sri Lanka is fascinating to explore for its variety of religions and cultures. Over two-thirds of the population is Buddhist, with a large proportion of the remainder of Hindus, plus an even split between Muslims and Christians.
The most famous of all the religious artefacts in Sri Lanka is one of Buddha's teeth, housed in a beautiful temple in the royal palace complex of the bustling city of Kandy. Whilst you don't actually see the tooth, many religious people travel to Sri Lanka for this one experience. While your here check out a traditional Sri Lankan story telling show
Sigiriya, often called the 'eighth wonder of the world', is an ancient rock fortress situated in the centre of the country, which served as a Buddhist monastery for centuries. Beware of the lunch stealing moneys and if heights art your thing the Sigirya climb may not be your ideal activity
There are multiple National Parks in the country, each with its own unique grouping of animals and landscapes. You can spot elephants, monkeys, water buffalo, a huge variety of birds and even leopards, if you're lucky. Although you will notice some parks are packed with tourists the government is currently working with locals to provide safe and sustainable experiences for tourists.
Some of my favourite dishes include hoppers, which are paper thin rice pancakes with various meat or vegetable filling and Dhal, I ate dhal almost every day when I was there. Dhal is an umbrella term used for lentils beans and peas. It's also a great idea to take a cookery class and learn how to make them for when you get back home and have those flavour cravings.
I highly recommend Sri Lanka as a holiday destination. There’s now more than ever for families, adrenaline junkies, eco-tourists, wellness seekers and foodies of all budgets. Even the north and east, including areas previously off limits, difficult to reach or lacking in services, deliver new discoveries.
There's a multitude of flight options from New Zealand - most with only one stop in Australia or elsewhere in Asia - so it's fast becoming very accessible for Kiwis.
If you’re thinking about exploring Sri Lanka get in contact with Bryce to lean more about his trip.