Three reasons why Sri Lanka is worth visiting

I would like to begin the answer to the question “Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?” with one honest disclosure. I am partial in this matter, as Sri Lanka stole my heart the minute I set foot on this wonderful land.

Are you here to get my opinion with a short yes or no? I can spare you some reading time and say a big-time YES! Sri Lanka is most definitely worth visiting!

If you have the time, means, and desire to travel, please visit Google Flights, your travel agent, Expedia, or any other trusted flight-booking website. Book your one-way (or return 😉) ticket, get the visa (or visa-on-arrival), travel insurance, pack your things, and go. Just go, without a second thought. In my opinion, you will not regret it.

Now, that being said being written, if you want to know why I love this island so much, and why Sri Lanka is worth visiting, please stick with me for a bit longer.

Get yourself a nice cup of coffee, tea, or juice, and enjoy the read.

Here are the three reasons why Sri Lanka is worth visiting:

Warm and Hospitable People

The number one reason that makes Sri Lanka worth visiting and so loveable is its lovely people. One can find a true magicians amongst them and the ones who just come along and let me do the bargaining.

with our kindest host Rassika and her beautiful family + my mum and Jelena back there hiding 🙂 – search for

They are the kindest, most generous, compassionate, and willing to help—the best humanity has to offer. You might say I exaggerate, but I really don’t. Yes, I understand that I was a tourist. The treatment might be different for me than it is for themselves. However, I’ve been a tourist in many other countries, and in my opinion, nothing beats the Sri Lankan vibes.

The warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people are truly remarkable. From the bustling markets of Colombo to the small villages in the countryside, you’ll find locals who are friendly, welcoming, and eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

Whether you’re enjoying a home-cooked meal with a local family or receiving travel tips from a friendly shopkeeper, the genuine kindness of the Sri Lankan people will make your trip unforgettable.

The warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people are truly remarkable. From the bustling markets of Colombo to the small villages in the countryside, you’ll find locals who are friendly, welcoming, and eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors. Whether you’re enjoying a home-cooked meal with a local family or receiving travel tips from a friendly shopkeeper, the genuine kindness of the Sri Lankan people will make your trip unforgettable.

They are very curious, wanting to know a lot about you yet not being invasive. Sri Lankans try to make business and sell you whatever they are offering, yet they are not pushy. They are hospitable and go above and beyond to meet your needs yet know how to draw boundaries. They are grateful for tourists and the business that comes with them, yet they have self-respect and set boundaries when necessary. Sri Lankan people are the most wonderful hosts who sincerely care about you.

There are no heavy grudges or pitiful badmouthing if the service offered is not bought. This can not be said for neighboring countries (yes, I’m looking at you, tuk-tuk drivers in India 😉).

surrounded by curious schoolkids

There is no eye-rolling from locals if someone tries to pose for a perfect Instagram photo. Yes, one can do it freely in front of a tourist attraction (yup, Slovenians, I’m looking at you). Genuine help comes if needed, even though there is nothing expected in return. So, people and interactions with them are the number one reason why Sri Lanka is worth visiting.

Now, let’s jump to the second reason why it is worth to visit Sri Lanka:

Stunning Natural Beauty

While I was sitting in a small aircraft departing from India, approaching the land of Sri Lanka, and observing the landscape unfolding beneath me, I knew I wouldn’t regret my decision for a second. It was this thick green jungle with palm trees deep inland on one side and the deep blue ocean on the other.

Later on, having time to explore Sri Lanka by car, train, and bus, I was as mesmerized as I could be.

one of the many pristine beaches on the south coast

foggy jungles in Ella

From pristine, divine golden-sand beaches of the southern and eastern coasts to the thick lush jungle in the central part. From hilly central highlands of Nuwara Eliya with majestic waterfalls to numerous fresh ponds scattered throughout the island. Flooded well-maintained paddy fields stand in opposition to wild free natural parks such as Yala or Wilpattu. Later are full of wild creatures that are not to be met on a casual stroll through European woods.

It was just one long pleasant experience after another, and my eyes couldn’t thank me enough. I’m not kidding.

impressions from the train

in the middle of the majestic waterfall

I still vividly remember my very first train ride from Colombo to Anuradhapura that started quite stressful as I found myself in a locked hotel, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences I have had in my life. The ride started at dawn, so I got to experience sunrise behind these ever-changing landscapes and peisages passing by in front of my eyes. It was about five hours of pure joy and happiness. I felt like a child, totally immersed in the observation of the beauty unfolding in front of me. Occasionally I would click photos or take videos, hoping not to miss a single thing on that journey.

sunset in Sigiriya

sunset in Nuwara Eliya …

So yes, nature would be the second reason why Sri Lanka is worth visiting.

Let’s move to the last, third reason why it is worth to visit Sri Lanka:

Rich Cultural Heritage

Sri Lanka boasts a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. It is one of the oldest Buddhist lands, permeated with practical and theoretical aspects of the Dhamma from as early as the 3rd century BCE when Buddha’s teachings were brought to the country with the arrival of King Aśoka’s son, the Arahant Mahinda, from India.

in Anuradhapura in front of a Abhayagiri Vihāra

people paying respect inside a Tooth Temple in Kandy

The architecture of the ancient Buddhist cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient Buddhist Sri Lankan civilization.

The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the Sacred Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, offer a glimpse into the island’s spiritual traditions.

Additionally, the vibrant festivals, traditional dance performances, and local crafts reflect the country’s deep cultural roots and diverse influences.

+ one gratis reason

Well, this is my own addition to the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, but if you find yourself there, do try and travel by bus – but do so on your own risk! It just might be the craziest experience you have experience over there and can be the source of the special story youll tell you freinds and family after you are back and safe in their arms.

with all the love

T.

Let me know in the comments below if these were enough reasons for you to consider visiting Sri Lanka? Were you already there and there is a reason I did not mention? Don't be shy and leave the comment bellow...