Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia and it is one of our favorite new destinations. While trying to think about the top 10 reasons to visit Sri Lanka, many things come to mind. This island paradise boasts stunning sea and landscapes, and is home to some amazing wildlife. The island is also regarded as a biodiversity hotspot and teems with birds, reptiles, amphibians, and many plant species found nowhere else on Earth.
While there, you can also experience the misty highlands, and in tea country enjoy a cup of the world famous Ceylon Tea. Of course, one of the highlights of any trip to Sri Lanka is meeting the locals. Sri Lanka boats a rich multi-cultural and multi religious society. The warm hospitality and friendly nature of Sri Lankans will make anyone feel welcome. Read on to learn more about what we included in our top 10 reasons to visit Sri Lanka.
1. Incredible Megafauna
The diverse habitats of this lovely island are home to some incredible megafauna that is relatively easy to spot during even a day or two on safari. Get your binoculars and cameras ready as you search for some of the more than 120 mammal species found in Sri Lanka. Maybe you will get lucky and spot a Sri Lankan Leopard (an endemic subspecies) stalking a young water buffalo through the grass, a herd of Asian Elephants (Sri Lankan Elephant is the subspecies) feeding among the trees, or a Sloth Bear digging for food at the edge of the forest. Asiatic Wild Buffalo, Chital, Sambar Deer, and Indian Muntjac are just a few of the incredible large ungulates found here.
Though we set out to write specifically about Sri Lanka’s megafauna, we would be remiss not to mention some of the other, smaller mammals found here. The massive Indian Flying Fox can be seen on its day roost, where hundreds (or even thousands) of individuals seemingly drip from the trees. If you visit a roost site at dusk, you will get the chance to see them gracefully release themselves from the tree branches and fly off into the darkening sky.
Primates also abound here, and two of our favorites are the lovely Purple-faced Langur and the the Tufted Gray Langur. Of course, there is also the cute but mischievous Toque Macaque, a Sri Lanka endemic. Golden Jackals, and Ruddy Mongoose are just a few more of the many other mammals one can see and photograph while on a trip to Sri Lanka. It is also home to some lovely smaller wild felines and nocturnal critters, but you will be able to read about them further down on our list.
2. Whale Watching
Though whales are also considered megafauna, we decided to write about them separately, since a whale watching experience is quite a bit different than searching for the other mammals on this list. When done right, and with the well-being of the animals as a top priority, searching for cetaceans off the coast of Sri Lanka can be a rewarding experience. One of the best areas to do this is in the southern coastal town of Mirissa.
Some species that can be seen include the largest mammal to ever live, the spectacular Blue Whale. Other whales that can be found here in the right season include Sperm and Bryde’s Whales, Orcas, and more. Spinner Dolphins are also seen often, as well as other dolphin and porpoise species. Apart from searching for these magnificent creatures, a day on the water may reward you with a few pelagic bird species, and the sights of local fisherman angling for their catch from colorful boats. It is a fabulous way to spend a day in Sri Lanka.
3. Endemic Birds
Another of the fabulous reasons to visit Sri Lanka is all of the endemic bird species! Scientists and birders have recorded just under 500 bird species here, with around 110 that are migratory. Of the total bird species found on the island, 34 are endemics, meaning you must travel to Sri Lanka if you hope to see these amazing birds in the wild. Some of them are adorned in spectacular colors. The brilliant Sri Lanka Blue-Magpie is one of our favorites! Not to mention the aptly-named Red-faced Malkoha, or the flashy Sri Lankan Shama! We cannot forget the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot – a small but brightly colored bird engulfed in bright greens, reds, and oranges.
Other endemics are not so flashy. But they are amazing just the same. The Sri Lanka Thrush, the Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill, and the Sri Lanka Drongo come to mind. One of the more common of Sri Lanka’s endemic bird species is the lovely Yellow-fronted Barbet. Listen for its sure-to-become familiar call echoing through the forests! While here, you will also search for the Green-billed Coucal, the aptly-named Crimson-backed Flameback, a stunning woodpecker, and the diminutive Sri Lanka Swallow, among many others. Sri Lanka is also home to 2 endemic owl species, but we will talk about them further down on this list.
4. Cultural Sites
On a trip to Sri Lanka, you can certainly enjoy its modern, vibrant culture. But no trip to this country would be complete without a visit to its splendid ancient cities. Enjoy the amazing architecture and incredible feats of engineering found here. Many of these monuments are linked to the origins of Buddhism in the country. They boast magnificently constructed stupas and the remains of ancient kingdoms. Some of the more spectacular sites include Sigiriya – a splendid rock fortress, which is unmistakeable due to a massive column of granite that rises about 180 m high from the ground. For fans of 80s pop music, this site was featured in Duran Duran’s “Save a Prayer” music video.
Another of many important sites is the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, which was Sri Lanka’s second capital city. Today, one can stroll the ruins of this incredible garden city. Other notable sites include the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a World Heritage Site. This temple is the largest cave-temple complex in the country and contains incredibly preserved paintings, murals, and statues. Here you can explore the five different cave temples and learn more about the history of this fascinating site. Another amazing temple is the Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, because it houses the relic of the Buddha’s tooth. Here, you can view the intricate wall paintings, stunning architecture, and museum.
5. Spectacular Scenery
En route to the ancient cities, temples, museums, and monuments scattered throughout the nation, you will be able to enjoy the incredible, and ever-changing landscapes of Sri Lanka. However, traveling to different locations specifically in search of amazing scenery is a fabulous way to spend your time. Dotted with lakes and rivers, tropical rainforests, mangroves, and coastal lagoons, misty highlands and dry zone scrub jungles, Sri Lanka’s scenery will not disappoint. One way to fully enjoy this nation’s amazing landscapes is to sit back, relax and enjoy a train ride through tea country. Along the way you will pass by emerald green forests and verdant tea plantations, as well as get an opportunity to catch a glimpse of rural life along the way.
Another great way to explore the landscapes is to take a hike through Horton Plains National Park, where Sambar deer, leopards, and other incredible wildlife roam. The park encompasses unique ecosystems from stunning montane grasslands, cloud forest, high peaks, waterfalls, and a host of endemic vegetation. A misty morning can make from some particularly stunning views. Another wonderful activity is to take a safari drive through the open grasslands, dry forests, and lagoons of Yala or Wilpattu National Parks. Don’t forget to spend a moment along the sometimes rugged, sometimes smooth, but always beautiful coastlines, adorned with pale sand beaches and the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
6. Eleven Species of Owls
Sri Lanka is an important destination for any owl lover. Eleven species of owls reside here and 2 of them are endemic – the Serendib Scops-Owl and the Chestnut-backed Owlet. Another lovely and unique owl found here, though not an endemic, is the Sri Lanka Bay Owl. All three of these owls can be spotted in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a lovely preserve that protects some of Sri Lanka’s last remaining primary tropical forest. A visit to this area alone is worth a trip to this amazing country. Another great area for owling is Wilpattu National Park, particularly for the Brown Fish-Owl which can be seen in the park during the day, or hunting alongside the flooded rice fields that surround the park at night.
A visit just outside Yala National Park can yield at least three owl species in a short period of time. Jungle Owlet, Indian Scops-Owl, and Brown Boobook can often be found in residential areas not too far from the park. As an added bonus, there is also a great spot to watch thousands of Indian Flying Foxes just before sunset as they take off from their roosts and fly off for their evening feedings. On our most recent trip to Sri Lanka, we were lucky enough to see four owl species in one day.
7. Rhino-Horned Lizard
Arguably one of the coolest lizards in Sri Lanka (or the world?), the endemic Rhino-horned Lizard lives in a few areas across the country. This beautiful and unique lizard is arboreal, meaning it spends quite a bit of its life in the trees, though it does go down to the ground at times to catch prey. The lovely green, yellow, brown patterns across their backs help them blend in well with their habitat. However, their pointed “horn” and bright orange gape (which they reveal when they open their mouths if they feel threatened), make them unmistakeable. Because they are slow moving and often hang out low on tree trunks, these make great subjects for wildlife photography. One of the best places to see these unique creatures is in Horton Plains National Park.
8. Photography Opportunities
Leopards lazing in high tree branches, fishing cats strolling along a wide stream at dusk, “tusker” elephants pulling tall grass from swampy waters, Sambar Deer grazing in the mist are a few iconic wildlife shots possible here. Endemic amphibians, insects, and birds also abound. For those who are interested in capturing plant life, Sri Lanka is also home to nearly 950 endemic flora species. Large feathery ferns, rainforest lichens of many different colors, and colorful, flowering plants all make for beautiful and unique subjects. Of course, there are many things to photograph besides flora and fauna. With Sri Lanka’s incredible beach scapes and landscapes, its intricate temples, stupas, and monuments, and its colorful fruit and spice markets create endless photography opportunities. Be sure to bring extra memory cards for your camera!
9. Delicious Food
Sri Lankan food is known for its unique and rich flavors, variety of spices, incredible textures, and fresh ingredients. Seafood, curries, rice, coconut, and other local fruits and vegetables blend together into tasty dishes that will satisfy any palate. For breakfast, or any meal of the day, treat yourself to a Hopper. Hoppers are thin pancakes that can be eaten filled with eggs, stuffed with curry or relish, or even with something sweet as a dessert.
String Hoppers ( Idiyaapam) are often made of roasted rice flour and then, using a mold, pressed into tasty, thin noodles that can be topped with a host of different ingredients and eaten during any meal. Sambar and Dhal are delicious dishes made with a lentil base. Jackfruit curry, rice or fish with curry are also delicious staples of many locals’ diets. If you enjoy a meal full of colors and flavors, and eating dishes made with fresh ingredients, you will truly enjoy the culinary experiences Sri Lanka has to offer.
10. Nocturnal Wildlife
Not long after the sun sets and twilight turns to darkness, Sri Lanka’s nocturnal creatures come to life. While, of course, leopards, elephants, and ungulates can all be seen at night, Sri Lanka really stands out as one of the best places to see three harder to spot wild cats, including the Jungle Cat, the Fishing Cat, and one of the world’s smallest wild felines, the Rusty-spotted Cat. These critters are best seen during the dry season.
Other incredible nocturnal critters we can find during a night walk or night drive include the unique and wide-eyed Gray Slender Loris, the agile Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, and the endemic Golden Palm Civet. Of course, night walks can be great opportunities for spotting owls, other roosting birds, reptiles, and amazing insects. Sri Lanka can also be a great place to spot sea turtles as they amble up the nation’s sandy beaches to lay their eggs. We can find 5 species of sea turtles here, including Hawksbill and Leatherback sea turtles.
Planning your Trip to Sri Lanka
One can visit Sri Lanka any time of the year. Depending on your interests, however, some months are better than others. For terrestrial mammal watching plan a visit during July to September. This time of year is particularly good for the large and small cats. For Cetaceans, February and March are the best months, though the season usually runs from November through April. Thankfully, any time of the year is good for birding. Peak of migration occurs sometime between November and February. You can see some lovely bird species, including the gorgeous Indian Pitta.
Sri Lanka is ideal for solo travelers or small groups. The distance between India and Sri Lanka is quite short (by plane that is). And flights are relatively inexpensive and run often. Consider combining a trip that includes both of these spectacular countries. Read our list for the Top 10 Reasons to Visit India. To plan your next trip to Sri Lanka, or to get more information, please contact us at any time. We will be happy to work with you to put together a customized itinerary just for you.
