There have many tourist attractions in Sri Lanka for both locals and tourists alike. Sri Lanka is the smaller of the two countries in the island nation located off the southeast coast of India.
For tourists, there are sights to see such as historical ruins, monuments, temples, beaches, national parks and reserves, hospitals, clinics.
There are also great options for food including food from all over the world that can be found in restaurants or at street-side cafes.
Why Sri Lanka is Poor?
Sri Lanka is an island nation with a population of 21.7 million people. During the months of December to March, however, that number skyrockets as tourists throng to the island to enjoy its enticing beaches and hilly landscape.
The island nation may resemble a tropical paradise, but poverty remains a major worry in Sri Lanka, which is still recovering from a 30-year civil conflict that lasted from 1983 to 2009.
Sri Lanka has spent the last decade working to rebuild its economy and restructure its wealth distribution.
Although the country has achieved tremendous progress, there are still many major concerns to address in terms of poverty and the rehabilitation process. Here are five facts regarding Sri Lankan poverty.
5 Facts About Poverty in Sri Lanka
Economic Growth and Living Standards:
Sri Lanka’s poverty rate fell from 22.7 percent in 2002 to 6.1 percent in 2013 (excluding the Northern and Eastern provinces). Unfortunately, the country’s living conditions have not improved at the same rate.
In 2013, about 45 percent of the population made ends meet on less than $5 per day. The Sri Lankan economy has risen at a rate of 5.6 percent per year for the past ten years.
Sri Lankan residents’ disposable income is increasing as a result of this strong growth rate, which is expanding the middle class, improving purchasing power, and enlarging the middle class.
As a result, experts predict that Sri Lanka’s living standards will increase in the next years.
Rural Versus Urban Regions:
Sri Lanka has a large rural sector, resulting in unequal wealth distribution across the country. In 2013, rural areas housed 75 percent of Sri Lanka’s overall population and more than 85 percent of the country’s poor.
The wealth of the country is concentrated mostly in metropolitan areas, limiting impoverished, rural populations’ access to resources and producing a linked pattern of economic inequality.
Following the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, the country began to rebuild its economy, focusing on manufacturing and key services.
This emphasis promotes the growth of a city-based economy, which will help to distribute resources and balance out apparent economic disparities.
The Agriculture Industry:
Agriculture employs around 30% of Sri Lanka’s workforce and approximately 50% of the poor. When compared to other industries, the agriculture industry often pays less and offers fewer prospects for advancement.
As a result, poor Sri Lankans in the agriculture sector finds it difficult to enhance their annual income and social status, sustaining the country’s rural poverty patches.
Urbanization helps to combat this issue by allowing rural residents to access resources and opportunities that were previously only available in Sri Lanka’s crowded metropolis.
This structural shift provides a broader range of job and leisure options, as well as encourages poorer individuals working in agriculture to engage in more productive industries, so breaking the poverty cycle in Sri Lanka.
Indicators of Development:
Malnutrition and climate change are two other socio-economic challenges that have a direct impact on Sri Lanka’s poverty rate.
The World Food Programme estimates that 22% of Sri Lankans are undernourished or malnourished, implying that many citizens are deficient in vitamins and minerals.
Climate change is also having a negative impact on Sri Lanka’s poverty rate, as extreme floods and droughts undermine food security and restrict access to safe drinking water.
The Sri Lankan government teamed up with the World Food Programme to give “technical and policy support to create national capacity to secure access to food, reduce malnutrition, and enhance the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers” to tackle these concerns.
In addition, the Sri Lankan government has made tremendous progress in reducing maternal mortality and expanding elementary school availability. In recent years, the number of skilled practitioners attending births in Sri Lanka has expanded considerably.
As a result, the maternal mortality rate in Sri Lanka has dropped from 500-600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010 to 60 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.
Education got priority for the Sri Lankan government, as it is one of the most important components in poverty alleviation. In Sri Lanka, 99.08 percent of children aged 5 to 14 years attend primary school.
COVID-19:
COVID-19 is expected to reduce exports by 25% (or $750 million) in Sri Lanka, according to predictions. Sri Lanka’s export revenues, consumption, and investment have all been hit hard by the global pandemic.
As a result, major export businesses (apparel, tea, and rubber) have been forced to make drastic job and wage cuts.
Job performance and tourism are still being hampered by social distancing regulations, posing a danger to the economy’s stability and the national poverty rate.
While the country prepares for the economic consequences, the administration is concentrating on controlling the virus’s spread.
To slow the spread of the coronavirus, the Sri Lankan government imposed a 24-hour curfew, grounded all international flights, and boosted coronavirus testing in April 2020.
These approaches aided in the faster and simpler detection of coronavirus cases, preventing thousands of additional deaths and limiting the economic and social consequences.
What is the Important Place in Sri Lanka?
Many people think Sri Lanka is one of the best islands in the world. Sri Lanka has been enticing tourists for centuries. It has a lot of different things to do and is a place you should go to at least once in your life.
On this beautiful island, you will be able to do and see so many different things. From beautiful beaches to ancient ruins, from pretty cities to local temples, and not to mention the amazing variety of its wildlife, this country has a lot to offer.
It’s a good thing that people haven’t been thinking about Sri Lanka for a while. People should get on a plane right now and go there! People who are visiting Sri Lanka for the first time should look at this list of the best places to go. These places will make your trip a life-changing experience.
1 – Sigiriya Rock Fortress
People also call it Lion’s Rock because there are two big claws sticking out at the entrance. Sigiriya was built on a rock and was named after the huge claws because they look like big lion’s feet.
Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is often called the eighth wonder of the world. Take one of the day trips from Colombo to Sigiriya to see this beautiful place.
There is also a very interesting story behind this beautiful woman from the 5th century, but that’s not all. King Kashyapa, the son of King Dhatusena who was not his real son, took over the throne after he was killed.
It was because he was afraid that Moggallana, the rightful owner of the throne, would return. He built his fortress and pleasure palace on top of the Sigiriya rock. Because of his beautiful gardens and amazing architecture, this is a place every traveler should see at least once in their lives.
2 – Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
The second-largest city in Sri Lanka and the last capital of the ancient kingdom. Kandy is in the heart of the island, hidden away between beautiful green hills and a river.
Among the world’s most important Buddhist temples is one in this city called the Temple of the Tooth. This is a great place to visit.
Visit Kandy and its many beautiful places. Find out how to get there and how to enjoy your trip. There are private tours, day trips from Colombo, and many other things to choose from!
If you visit between July and August, you’ll see a colorful religious procession with elephants, drummers, fire eaters, dancers, and stilt walkers.
The Festival of the Tooth is called the “Kandy Perahera.” Check it out! Kandy is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
3 – Adam’s Peak
There is a mountain in the middle of Sri Lanka called Adam’s Peak, or Sri Pada for the locals. It is 2.243 m high. This beautiful peak has been a place of pilgrimage for the last two thousand years.
If you believe in the Buddhist tradition, this is a footprint made by Lord Buddha. After being banished from the Garden of Eden, it is Adam’s first move. They also think that that is Lord Shiva’s footprint.
Start walking at night so that you can get there just in time for the sun to rise. Something you won’t forget! The trail is very difficult, and it takes most people 2-4 hours to reach the top and 1-2 hours to get back down.
But going to this place is worth it. Without a doubt, this is one of the best places to go in Sri Lanka to visit. It’s important, though, to avoid the crowds.
It’s better to avoid the Sri Lankan New Year (mid-April), the full moon, and even the weekend, which are all busy times.
4 – Yala National Park
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia to see wildlife. Indeed, in the country’s most famous Yala national park, you will be surrounded by a wide range of species. You can go on a safari from Colombo to see this amazing wildlife up close.
Yala is in the southeast part of the island, and it has the most leopards in the world. Also, it has a lot of other animals, like buffaloes and crocodiles, as well as a lot of different birds.
If you are a fan of animals and nature, this is one of the best places to visit.
5 – Arugam Bay
It doesn’t matter if you want to surf or just relax on the beach. This is the right place for you. In Sri Lanka, this beautiful bay is in the dry part of the country.
It’s known for being one of the best places in the country to surf. But there’s even more: a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed vibe that’s very different from the more touristy and crowded southwest coast, which is full of people and noise.
To get a break from the sun and sea air, you can visit the town’s old temples or the Kumana National Park, which is just a short drive away from the town.
So close your eyes and listen to the sound of the ocean. Breathe deeply, too. You’ve found the right place!
6 – Galle and his Dutch Fort
This amazing city, which is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, is full of beautiful Dutch-style villas and beautiful views of the sea.
Galle is a great place to explore on foot, and most people who visit are amazed by its beauty and fascinating atmosphere. There are a lot of things to do in Galle to make the most of this city.
It has another Unesco World Heritage site, the Galle Dutch Fort, which has walls and is surrounded by the ocean on three of its four sides. Building started in the 16th century with Portuguese help, and the Dutch finished it in the 17th century. This fort is very well-known.
7 – Mirissa
You can let the days go by without having to think about anything. You can’t get bored in Mirissa, which is a small beach town with a lot to do. Many people have found their paradise here. It’s one of the best beach towns in the country.
A lot of things are good about this place, and you will love it. Here, you’ll find beautiful, clean beaches, watersports, great food, and good nightlife, so come. But most of all, you’ll have the chance to go Whale Watching while you’re here! It’s hard to believe that you didn’t see this place.
8 – Nuwara Eliya and Tea Plantations
Sri Lanka’s Nuwara Eliya is better known as “Little England,” and it’s a city in the north. They have different climates, landscapes, and architecture in this area than in other places.
The best place to grow tea in Sri Lanka is in this area because it is cooler there. Area: There are waterfalls, hills, tea plantations, and Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala, in this area. This is a must-see place in Sri Lanka, and once you get there, don’t forget to drink some tea!
Nuwara Eliya is in the middle of Kandy and Ella. If you want to get there, you can take the train ride that is known all over the world. A ticket from Kandy will set you back about $2.50. Takes about 4 hours from Kandy. It has been called one of the world’s best train routes.
9 – Polonnaruwa
People lived in Polonnaruwa 800 years ago when it was a great place for business and religion. The kings of Sri Lanka lived there.
There are archaeological treasures that still give a good idea of how the city looked in its prime. The glory of that time can be found there.
\Hundreds of ancient structures, like tombs and temples, statues, and stupas, are all in a small area in the park that you’ll enjoy. It’s a great place to go to if you like history and walking around old buildings.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a lot of interesting history. We think you should go to the Polonnaruwa Museum, the Quadrangle (in the heart of the ancient city), the walls of Lankatilaka, and the unique Gal Vihara.
In the middle of the cliff, there were four beautiful Buddha statues that were made by unknown people. In the center of everything is the 14-meter-long reclining Buddha.
10 – Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
The Dambulla temple was named one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1991. It has five caves and 157 statues of the Lord Buddha, as well as many paintings on the ceilings and walls that show how talented artists were in the past.
Over the years, different kings added to and changed cave art. Buddha images were first made here more than 2,000 years ago.
The Royal Rock Temple complex is about 160m above the road in the southern part of Dambulla. It’s very beautiful and worth a visit. From the caves, you can see a lot of the countryside. Sigiriya, which is about 20 kilometers away, is clearly visible.
11 – Colombo
A lot of people live in Colombo, which is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and the largest city there. In the past few years, it has become a good place to start or end your Sri Lankan adventures.
Being the gateway to Sri Lanka for most people, it made many people want to just pass through this very diverse and interesting city. Do not make the same mistake again. Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, is one of the best places to visit.
The Sri Lankan capital has a lot of history, a lot of different cultures, and a lot of interesting food. It should be more than just a side note to the rest of the country.
Find out about all the things to do and see in Colombo. People should go to the National Museum, get in a tuk-tuk, go to the spectacular Gangaramaya Temple, and go to the Beira Lake in this order:
If you want to visit this beautiful and controversial city, these are just a few things you can do.
Which Part of Sri Lanka is Beautiful?
As one of our closest neighbors, Sri Lanka is full of wonders and interesting places to visit. There is a lot to see and do in every part of the country, whether you want to go camping, go on safaris, visit pristine beaches, or learn about the history of big cities.
Once Indians have applied for a Sri Lanka visa, it’s time to plan a fun trip. Here are some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka to get ideas for a trip in the future.
For the best beaches: Southern Sri Lanka
In 2020, Condé Nast Traveller readers voted Sri Lanka the second-best island in the world. One of the factors was the country’s beautiful beaches, which were a big part of the vote.
All of the things you need to have the best vacation possible can be found in southern Sri Lanka. Palm-lined promenades, white beaches, surfing spots, and more are all there.
Colombo to Galle: Take a break in the middle of your journey and enjoy Induruwa’s peaceful beaches. They’re a welcome break from the bustle of the capital.
Mirissa is a small town about an hour outside of Galle. It’s known for its clear waters, Ayurvedic massages, and wildlife-watching opportunities, among other things.
Visit the village of Koggala if you want to have a truly unique experience. If you’re looking for Sri Lanka travel brochures, Koggala is the place to go. It has cinnamon plantations, fancy hotels, and a famous stilt fisherman who appears in many of them.
For stunning nature, beautiful gardens, and tea plantations: Central Sri Lanka
Central Sri Lanka is full of emerald-green tea plantations and nature, as well as a lot of popular tourist attractions.
A trip to Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy, is a good place to start. There are Sri Lanka’s largest botanical garden (the Royal Botanic Gardens), blue waters at Kandy Lake, and an idyllic bird sanctuary (Udawattekele Sanctuary).
Further north is the famous Sigiriya Rock, a natural wonder that rises almost 200 meters above the ground. Take a two-hour hike up to the top of the rock, and you’ll be amazed by the view and feel like you did something great.
So, of course, one can’t forget the rolling hills of green in Nuwara Eliya.
You won’t find anything like it anywhere else in the country. In fact, it looks more like an English village than a typical city in Sri Lanka. That’s why it was called “Little England.”
People in Sri Lanka make tea there because of its high altitude and cool climate. Nuwara Eliya is the most important place to make tea in Sri Lanka. There are a lot of places to stay in Sri Lanka that has great views of the luscious green hills outside your window.
You can also hike through a tea plantation and learn more about how Sri Lanka makes one of the world’s most popular drinks!
For heart-racing safari adventures: East Sri Lanka
Although the lion is Sri Lanka’s national animal, another big cat lives in the eastern part of the country. The leopard is one of them.
Yala National Park is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, and it’s also the most popular place to visit. To see wild leopards, people go to Yala.
It has the highest density of wild leopards in the world, which is a big deal because there are less than 1,000 of them left in Sri Lanka.
They can hire a driver and guide who will take groups of people through the national park.
Besides elephants, bears, jackals, crocodiles, and deer, Yala is also home to more than 40 types of mammals.
Do you like to go to the beach? People who visit Sri Lanka’s east coast can see more than a dozen kinds of dolphins and whales when it’s at its best in March.
One of the best places in Sri Lanka to see blue whales is in the city of Trincomalee, which is in the northeast. It’s also a great place for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Why Sri Lanka is Famous for Tourism?
There are many reasons to put Sri Lanka on your list of places you want to visit. The country has a tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and great food. Visit the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, see a huge gathering of Asian elephants in Minneriya National Park, or go surfing in Arugam Bay or Hikkaduwa on this island country in the Indian Ocean called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
If you like water sports and wildlife, Sri Lanka is the place for you. It is also a great place for history lovers. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of places to stay in Sri Lanka.
If you don’t want to think about planning your own trip, you could join Culture Trip’s specially curated 12-day Sri Lanka tour, which is led by a local expert.
A tropical climate all year round
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, which happen at different times of the year in different parts of the country. A sunny place can be found on the island at any time.
If you visit in May or July, the southwest monsoon is over, which means the north is dry. The northeast monsoon is over in October or January, so the south is ready to be seen.
Amazing food
Spices from all over the world make Sri Lanka’s food unique and tasty. The famous rice and curry spread is made up of a spicy lentil and chicken or fish curry with rice and vegetables on the side, as well as a lot of rice.
The fish curry is very popular with people in the area. You can get this street food in many places, and it’s made with chopped roti flatbread, usually eggs, meat, and vegetables as well as salna – a spicy sauce on the side. Keep in mind that you should also try egg hops.
Rare land animals
In Sri Lanka, there are 26 national parks and two sea parks. The most well-known park, Yala National Park, has the highest density of leopards in the world, 215 types of birds, mugger crocodiles, and other reptiles.
The coast near the park is home to five types of sea turtles. It’s right next to Yala, and it’s home to elephant herds and rare birds like the changeable hawk-eagle and serpent hawk-eagle.
Pigeon Island draws a lot of people who want to see the marine life around the island. The reef off the island is home to about 100 types of colorful corals and up to 300 types of reef fish. Snorkeling in these waters is a great way to see the corals and fish up close.
Beautiful beaches
Sri Lanka has some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. There are many undeveloped sandy beaches with palm trees and turquoise waters in Sri Lanka.
Make Mirissa your first stop if you want to enjoy the sun alone. Unawatuna is better for people who want to party. A place with water activities like kitesurfing and para-cycling is the best place for adrenaline junkies.
Whales and dolphins
A species of elephant and blue whale can be seen together in Sri Lanka, which is likely the only place in the world where you can see both.
Five types of whales, including the blue whale and the minke whale, can be found in the waters of Kalpitiya. They can be found there every day. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to see the spinner dolphins. There are a lot of whales to see in Kalpitiya during the months of January and March.
Gorgeous landscapes and hiking trails
Sri Lanka has a lot of plants and animals, which means there are a lot of beautiful nature trails. There are waterfalls, misty mountains that rise into the sky, paddy fields, and tea estates on the hillsides, as well as the occasional peacock or deer.
Take a trip to Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s tea country hills to see some beautiful waterfalls. At Alamy Stock Photo, this picture is by Jaromr Chalábala.
For people who are just starting out, the Demodara Rail Hike in Ella is a good choice. It takes people past the Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era bridge.
More experienced hikers should think about going to Kirigalpotha or the Knuckles Mountain Range, which is widely thought to be the best trail in the country.
Super surfing
Sri Lanka has become a popular place to surf because it is easy to get to the waves, there are a lot of sand-bottom breaks, and the waves always come.
Arugam Bay is thought to be one of the best places to surf, and it often hosts international competitions like Red Bull Ride My Wave.
Not only does it have the best swells, but because there are so many options, both beginners and experts can find a way to enjoy the waves. Many other places on the coast, like Hikkaduwa, are great places to surf.
Millennia of Buddhist heritage
Buddhism has been a big part of Sri Lanka for a long time, and there are a lot of old temples all over the country. These ancient places of worship often have beautiful architecture and designs that were very different from what people thought at the time.
It’s a good idea to visit the Temple of the Tooth, but also the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (a sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura) and the Ruwanwelisaya stupa.
Intriguing colonial history
Nuwara Eliya is a small town in the hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country. People call it “Little England.” It is full of colonial-era buildings and bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, and well-kept hedges and gardens.
Even though it’s small, it has a lot to see and do. During your trip, you can stop by the huge Gregory Lake for water activities and a lakeside barbecue. Or you can visit Horton Plains, which is a beautiful grassland with rolling plains, waterfalls, and the dramatic cliff known as “World’s End.”
An elephant get together
During the months of May to September, the banks of a 1,700-year-old reservoir look like they’re going backward.
There are about 400 Asian elephants at Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka. They come together by the lake to eat, socialize, and play in the water.
A lot of these kinds of elephants are thought to be there. This isn’t the only thing you can see in the park. There are deer, purple-faced langur monkeys, and a lot of different birds to see.
The Triangle of Culture
The Cultural Triangle is a treasure trove of ancient cities, relics, and religious monuments that show how Sri Lankans lived in the past. The triangle is made up of three cities: Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa. It is the area between them.
Visitors can find Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress, the cave temples of Dambulla, and Mihintale, which is the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Other culturally important places to visit in Sri Lanka aren’t as well known, but they’re still worth a visit. Yapahuwa, a medieval citadel built in the 13th century and briefly the capital of Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
The old and new tourist attractions in Sri Lanka are a testament to the country’s rich history and heritage. One can only imagine the adventure that awaits those who visit these locations with an open heart, mind, and camera.
If you’re interested in visiting Sri Lanka, the places highlighted in this article hold some of the most beautiful destinations on earth. Be sure to check out Sri Lanka’s old and new tourist attractions to ensure a memorable vacation!
