Tourism Sri Lanka

If golden beaches, rising waves, misty mountains, mighty elephants, stealthy leopards, giant whales, a majestic past, lovely tea and warm smiles could sum up a country, it would be Sri Lanka.

 It’s no wonder that Marco Polo said it was “Undoubtedly the finest island of its size in the world”

Travel destinations in Sri Lanka provide an array of holiday experience from sun kissed beach holidays to a wildlife watching, adrenaline pumping adventure sports and pilgrimages to some of the oldest cities in the world which have over 2550 years of History. Its spicy food, exotic fruits and array of sweetmeats are found nowhere in the world. With so many cultures living next to each other, life in Sri Lanka continues among a series of festivities throughout the year, an ideal recipe for fun and leisure.

Sri Lanka is recognised as one of the 34 world biodiversity hot spots in the world. There are nearly 16% of the animals and 23% of plants that are found endemic to the country and birds are the wonder of Sri Lankan wildlife. Sri Lanka has the highest amphibian species density in the world with a high concentration in the Sinharaja rainforest, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 13% of Sri Lanka conserved as national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and jungle corridors. Safari in the 14 national wildlife parks offers the chance to see some of Sri Lanka’s 91 mammals.

With a history expanding over 2550 years, Sri Lanka holds some of the world’s significant ancient cities. Sri Lanka’s cultural depth is recognized by UNESCO, which has declared six archaeological World Heritage Sites in the country enriched with ancient engineering marvels including enormous dagobas and remains of ancient buildings in the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Awesome stairway to the temple at Dambulla and the sensual frescoes at the rock of Sigiriya exhibits the talents of historic artists in Sri Lanka.

Global Recognitions

Sri Lanka was endorsed by many global media brands as one of the best destinations to visit.

  • The Lonely Planet ranked Sri Lanka as the `Best Destination` to travel in 2019.
  • National Geographic identified `Sri Lanka among the 15 best Spring List in 2018 and Galle, Sri Lanka for the warm weather under Best Winter Trips in 2017.
  • com noted Sri Lanka as “Top emerging Asian travel destination for 2019”.
  • Bloomburg Pursuits ranked Sri Lanka among the 20 hottest luxury tourism destinations under Where to Go in 2017.
  • Independent recognized Wild Coast Tented Lodge Boutique Hotel, Yala, Sri Lanka as one of the hottest hotels to be opened in 2017.
  • Rough Gide, UK revealed Sri Lanka as one of the top 10 destinations to travel in 2017.
  • Vogue Magazine, UK recognised the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka as one of the 10 hottest travel destinations of 2017.
  • National Geographic Traveller Cool list 2018 recognized of Sri Lanka “Number one spot to offer a better all-round travel experience.
  • The most sought-after destination in Asia”: Eurasia Review of Virtuoso Report

With the launch of National Tourism Strategy 2020, Sri Lanka Tourism is focussed to be Sri Lanka’s second biggest net foreign exchange earner with a target of US$ 5.5 billion earned in 2020. Also, Tourism and its supporting industries to employ 600,000 Sri Lankans with women accounting for 10% of the workforce is planned. Also, this strategy drives towards an increase of the daily spend per tourist to US$ 210.

While concentrating on a new vision “To be recognised as the world’s finest island for memorable, authentic and diverse experiences” Sri Lanka Tourism work towards a definite mission “To be a high value destination offering extraordinary experiences that reflect Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage; are socially inclusive and environmentally responsible; and drive economic benefits to communities and the country” in 2020.

Guidelines for Travellers https://immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=373&Itemid=196&lang=en