The Best Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small island nation in South East Asia which is known mostly for its political turmoil amongst other things. The tourism industry in Sri Lanka has however seen a steady growth since the end of the civil war and the country has now become one of the most visited in the Asian continent. The picturesque beauty of the country and its landscapes has led to many describing their trip as "embracing the divine".

The most important tourism attractions of the country are located in the eastern and southern part of the country. There are many historical sites that are located in the interiors of the country; and for those of you, who love luxury, there are many ostentatious resorts located in the mountainous regions of Sri Lanka.

However, your tour of the country should ideally start from its beaches. The Unawatuna Beach, a picturesque beach off the coast of Galle is one of the most famous beaches of the country. This beach is an absolute paradise for those of you who enjoy the silence of the sea and the deep-sea diving. The beautiful reef that protects the beach makes it a safe place for bathing and swimming activities. The beach has also been voted as one of the world's top 10 beautiful beaches. Another famous beach location is the Arugam Bay. This bay is located on the Indian Ocean in the south-eastern coast of the country. The bay is very famous for its surfing activities and should be a must visit if you want to have quality time on a minimum budget.

Once you are done with the beaches it is time to embrace history! Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals. It is famous all across the world for its well-maintained ruins of Sri Lankan civilizations. The city is considered to be a sacred center for Buddhism and is surrounded by monasteries. Interestingly, it is also considered to be the capital of Ravana's kingdom in the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. The next stop in your tour of Sri Lankan history can be Beruwela. This is a small, sort of resort town, which is located on the south-western coast of Sri Lanka. It marks the beginning of Muslim settlement in Sri Lanka. The Msjid-ul-Abrar which is a famous mosque here offers a panoramic view of the peninsula that will take your breath away.

The next major attraction in Sri Lanka is its wildlife. The country is home to various kinds of birds and animals and its developed tourism industry ensures these wonders of nature are exhibited to you in their respective habitats. Begin your wild journey with the Bundala National Park that is situated to the east of Hambantota. This park is heaven for birdwatchers and also protects Sri Lanka's rare and endangered wetlands. The wildlife here includes crocodiles, elephants, flamingoes, turtles and lots more. The ideal time to visit this place is the dry season when you will be able to enjoy the African Safaris to its hilt. Another famous park in Sri Lanka is the Horton Plain National Park which is located at about 200 meters and provides a refreshing change from the tropical heat of the Sri Lankan lowlands.