5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka right now

View from the climb up Sigiriya

Colombo, and Sri Lanka in general, used to be a hidden gem but thanks to the explosion of social media and travellers on the lookout for their next great Instagram, Sri Lanka is becoming a must-visit for everyone. While it may require a bit more planning than a road trip, the experiences you can have are well worth it. How many countries can you watch a sunset and a sunrise without travelling for ages? Explore a rich history spanning 35,000 years? Navigate from sensational beaches, to highlands where the world’s best tea is grown, to a city where the nightlife is more than what it seems? There’s no place quite like Sri Lanka and in case you needed a push to book your next ministay, here’s 5 reasons why you need to add Sri Lanka to your bucket list.

1. The beaches are pristine

For an island nation, Sri Lanka has an endless number of beaches that cater to all tastes. From adventure-seekers who love to surf to the pleasure-seekers who just want to lay back on the beach and be served cocktails all day.

2. It’s a fabulous mix of culture, history and experiences

I’ve done my fair share of travelling and nowhere comes close to having this perfect combination of history and culture. You can see ruins that were once part of an ancient kingdom, a rock fortress built by a king (with a few too many wives) or a holy temple that’s meant to house a part of Buddha’s tooth. All this while also being close to Colombo, which has rooftop bars with views of the Indian Ocean, quite a few cafes for all the coffee lovers and so many hotels to suit any budget or lifestyle.

3. Shopping is affordable and great for souvenirs

Which leads me to my next point, shopping. For most visitors, you’re going to LOVE the exchange rate. The local currency is Sri Lankan Rupees and $1 AUD is roughly Rs. 100. While you’ll probably find that most of the branded things cost around the same as it does back home, if you know where to find outlet shops or boutiques, you’ll be able to score a sweet deal. Leave a comment below if you’d like more information about shopping in Colombo.

4. The food & the tea

Easily one of the things I miss about Sri Lanka, the food. With influences from all over the globe, a Sri Lankan menu rarely ever disappoints. Prepare to up your spice tolerance though, we’re known for loving chilli and will find any excuse to add a little extra to any dish.Another big part of Sri Lanka is the tea. One of the top five producers of tea in the world (and easily the best), Sri Lanka is world famous for their different blends with exquisite flavours.

5. The people

While I may be a teeny bit biased about this, I will say that Sri Lankans tend to be some of the most welcoming in the world. With award-winning hospitality and some of the best hotels in the world, Sri Lankans are willing to show you a good time. You just need to ask.Do you need more reasons? Check out Skyscanner or Kayak for cheap flights to Sri Lanka.If you have your own reasons for visiting or why you love Sri Lanka, let me know in the comments below.