{"id":84834,"date":"2019-01-13T15:53:53","date_gmt":"2019-01-13T22:53:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=84834"},"modified":"2019-01-13T15:54:02","modified_gmt":"2019-01-13T22:54:02","slug":"sri-lanka-is-officially-the-best-place-to-visit-in-2019-here-are-15-photos-that-will-make-you-want-to-book-a-flight-there-asap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2019\/01\/13\/sri-lanka-is-officially-the-best-place-to-visit-in-2019-here-are-15-photos-that-will-make-you-want-to-book-a-flight-there-asap\/","title":{"rendered":"Sri Lanka is officially the best place to visit in 2019. Here are 15 photos that will make you want to book a flight there ASAP"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"col-12\"><\/div>\n<section id=\"l-content\" class=\"is-right-rail one-page-view\" data-track-page-area=\"Post\" data-post-content=\"\">\n<section class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-12\">\n<article>\n<section class=\"slideshow-container typography \" data-slideshow-container=\"\" data-post-type=\"slideshow\" data-track-page-area=\"Post\" data-slideshow-type=\"one-page-view\">\n<section class=\"slideshow-intro-content\" data-slideshow-intro-content=\"\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<section class=\"byline-wrapper col-12\">\n<div class=\"byline \" data-e2e-name=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"byline-content\" data-e2e-name=\"byline-content\">\n<div class=\"byline-row\">\n<h2 class=\"byline-author\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><em><a class=\"byline-link byline-author-name\" style=\"color: #0000ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisinsider.com\/author\/tom-murray\" data-e2e-name=\"byline-author-name\">Tom Murray\u00a0 Courtesy<\/a>\u00a0Insider<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<ul class=\"summary-list \">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/sri-lanka?lpaffil=lp-affiliates&amp;awc=4217_1546446934_35ed2cc299ac2a6c26c8143acf196610\">Lonely Planet<\/a>\u00a0named Sri Lanka the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisinsider.com\/lonely-planet-travel-awards-sri-lanka-number-one-country-2019-2018-12\">number one country in the world to visit in 2019<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Vast tea terraces, an abundance of wildlife, and stunning beaches (and much more) make Sri Lanka a truly unforgettable destination.<\/li>\n<li>I had the pleasure of visiting Sri Lanka in 2018 and I can&#8217;t recommend it enough.<\/li>\n<li>Here&#8217;s why you simply can&#8217;t miss it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\">Travel guide company\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/sri-lanka?lpaffil=lp-affiliates&amp;awc=4217_1546446934_35ed2cc299ac2a6c26c8143acf196610\">Lonely Planet<\/a>\u00a0recently named Sri Lanka the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisinsider.com\/lonely-planet-travel-awards-sri-lanka-number-one-country-2019-2018-12\">number one country in the world to visit in 2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The South Asian country was chosen because of a diversity of experiences, incredible food, and burgeoning tourism industry.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">I had the pleasure of visiting this extraordinary country for two and a half weeks last year, and I honestly can&#8217;t recommend it enough.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">During my stay, I was lucky enough to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisinsider.com\/things-to-know-before-going-on-safari-sri-lanka-2018-9\">take part in multiple safari tours<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisinsider.com\/train-ride-experience-through-sri-lanka-hill-country-3-dollars-7-hours-2018-11\">travel through the country&#8217;s central highlands via one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world<\/a>, and much, much more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Scroll down for 15 stunning images and reasons why you can&#8217;t afford to leave Sri Lanka off your bucket list for much longer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-12\">\n<h3 id=\"img-929058\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c3619ac01c0ea18b64ca9e4-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, \" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c3619ac01c0ea18b64ca9e4-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c3619ac01c0ea18b64ca9e4-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c3619ac01c0ea18b64ca9e4-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c3619ac01c0ea18b64ca9e4-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c3619ac01c0ea18b64ca9e4-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c3619ac01c0ea18b64ca9e4-960-721.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c3619ac01c0ea18b64ca9e4-1136-853.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c3619ac01c0ea18b64ca9e4-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Lanka\" width=\"643\" height=\"483\" \/><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Nine Arches Bridge, Ella, Sri Lanka.<\/span><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Shutterstock.com<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"slideshow-inner-content\" data-slideshow-inner-content=\"\">\n<div class=\"slideshow-slide-container\" data-slideshow-slide-container=\"\">\n<div class=\"slide-wrapper\" data-slide-wrapper=\"\">\n<div id=\"it-has-the-highest-density-of-elephants-in-asia-1\" class=\"first-slide slide\" data-slide-number=\"1\" data-slide-anchor=\"#it-has-the-highest-density-of-elephants-in-asia-1\" data-slide-title=\"It has the highest density of elephants in Asia.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-1\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">It has the highest density of elephants in Asia.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-114313\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdfe801c0ea2438513e68-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdfe801c0ea2438513e68-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdfe801c0ea2438513e68-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdfe801c0ea2438513e68-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdfe801c0ea2438513e68-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdfe801c0ea2438513e68-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdfe801c0ea2438513e68-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdfe801c0ea2438513e68-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdfe801c0ea2438513e68-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"It has the highest density of elephants in Asia.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">You have to watch out for elephants on the road.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Tom Murray \/ INSIDER<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">Sri Lanka has around\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk\/travel\/destinations\/asia\/sri-lanka\/articles\/23-reasons-to-visit-Sri-Lanka\/\">5,800 wild elephants<\/a>\u00a0wandering around its national parks. One of the best places to witness these gentle giants is Udawalawe National Park, which is home to about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/sri-lanka\/uda-walawe-national-park\/in-location\/activities\/a\/nar\/a3002fac-ddd9-4c7c-900d-94f5b090391d\/357481\">600 elephants<\/a>\u00a0that roam in herds of up to 50.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">You may even see elephants on the roads, where they often interrupt traffic \u2014 it&#8217;s usually best to let them pass.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong class=\"\">Be warned:<\/strong>\u00a0There are a number of so-called elephant orphanages and sanctuaries that are very popular with tourists. However, some have been\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.peta.org.uk\/blog\/sri-lanka-elephant-abuse\/\">highlighted by PETA<\/a>\u00a0for animal abuse as the elephants are often chained up and controlled by a mahout wielding a bullhook.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Basically, anywhere that allows you to ride the elephants should be a no-go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"views-dont-get-much-better-than-sunrise-over-adams-peak-2\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"2\" data-slide-anchor=\"#views-dont-get-much-better-than-sunrise-over-adams-peak-2\" data-slide-title=\"Views don't get much better than sunrise over Adam's Peak.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-2\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">Views don&#8217;t get much better than sunrise over Adam&#8217;s Peak.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-77910\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-1334-1001.jpg 1334w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c360b8001c0ea0c1316d294-1536-1152.jpg 1536w\" alt=\"Views don't get much better than sunrise over Adam's Peak.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">Sunrise over Adam&#8217;s Peak.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">danilovi \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">I defy you to find a better view than this \u2014 it&#8217;s not possible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Adam&#8217;s Peak (Sri Pada) climbs 2,243 metres (7,359 feet) into the air and is known for its depression at the peak, which Buddhists believe to be the footprint of the Buddha.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The climb itself should take you\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theyoganomads.com\/guide-to-climbing-adams-peak-sri-pada-in-sri-lanka\/\">around 2-4 hours<\/a>\u00a0depending on your level of fitness and is best done first thing for an incredible sunrise view.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This shot was taken from the monastery, which is located right on the top of the peak.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"historic-galle-fort-is-great-for-shopping-and-dining-3\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"3\" data-slide-anchor=\"#historic-galle-fort-is-great-for-shopping-and-dining-3\" data-slide-title=\"Historic Galle Fort is great for shopping and dining.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-3\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">Historic Galle Fort is great for shopping and dining.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-312089\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2ce17301c0ea0e780e7105-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2ce17301c0ea0e780e7105-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2ce17301c0ea0e780e7105-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2ce17301c0ea0e780e7105-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2ce17301c0ea0e780e7105-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2ce17301c0ea0e780e7105-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2ce17301c0ea0e780e7105-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2ce17301c0ea0e780e7105-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2ce17301c0ea0e780e7105-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"Historic Galle Fort is great for shopping and dining.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">The best way to spend the evening in Galle Fort is to walk along its old streets and visit local cafe or restaurant.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Shutterstock.com<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">While the city of Galle now stretches far beyond the ramparts, the fort itself (built up by the Dutch in the 17th century) has been painstakingly maintained and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">There are plenty of historical monuments to visit, but its also a great place to peruse shops at leisure and stop off at caf\u00e9s and restaurants for refreshments.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">It is also home to some of the country&#8217;s best boutique hotels like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teardrop-hotels.com\/fort-bazaar\/\">Fort Bazaar<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lighthousestreet.com\/\">41 Lighthouse Street<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"it-has-a-really-cool-rock-4\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"4\" data-slide-anchor=\"#it-has-a-really-cool-rock-4\" data-slide-title=\"It has a really cool rock.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-4\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">It has a really cool rock.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-288968\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/587f8f17ba58c328198b49c2-750-562.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/587f8f17ba58c328198b49c2-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/587f8f17ba58c328198b49c2-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/587f8f17ba58c328198b49c2-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/587f8f17ba58c328198b49c2-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/587f8f17ba58c328198b49c2-750-562.jpg 750w\" alt=\"It has a really cool rock.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">That&#8217;s a big rock.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/sigiriya-lion-rock-523787728\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of Sri Lanka&#8217;s most formidable attractions. The delights of the 660-foot summit require a vertigo-inducing stair climb to the top.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">You&#8217;ll also have to walk through a colossal stone gate, carved in the likeness of lion&#8217;s paws \u2014 no wonder King Kasyapa (477 &#8211; 495 AD) didn&#8217;t get many visitors&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"the-train-journeys-are-among-the-most-scenic-in-the-world-5\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"5\" data-slide-anchor=\"#the-train-journeys-are-among-the-most-scenic-in-the-world-5\" data-slide-title=\"The train journeys are among the most scenic in the world.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-5\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">The train journeys are among the most scenic in the world.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-651559\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdd4301c0ea070827a778-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdd4301c0ea070827a778-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdd4301c0ea070827a778-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdd4301c0ea070827a778-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdd4301c0ea070827a778-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdd4301c0ea070827a778-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdd4301c0ea070827a778-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdd4301c0ea070827a778-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c2cdd4301c0ea070827a778-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"The train journeys are among the most scenic in the world.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">Nine Arches Bridge is one of the top things to see in Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Tom Murray \/ INSIDER<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">Sri Lanka is famous for its train journeys, which can take you pretty much anywhere in the country for the price of a coffee in the US or Europe.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Perhaps the best in terms of scenery, though, is the trip between Kandy and Ella through Sri Lanka&#8217;s central highlands.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">During the journey, you&#8217;ll climb over 4,000 feet, and gaze over verdant tea terraces, vast valleys, tunnels, bridges and villages.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">You may recognise the scene above \u2014 a train crossing over Nine Arches Bridge near Ella \u2014 from innumerable sepia-toned travel blogs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><em class=\"\"><strong class=\"\">Read more:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisinsider.com\/train-ride-experience-through-sri-lanka-hill-country-3-dollars-7-hours-2018-11\">\u00a0I took a $3, 7-hour train ride through Sri Lanka&#8217;s hill country \u2014 and it was unlike any travel experience I&#8217;ve ever had<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"there-are-literally-hundreds-of-amazing-hotels-6\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"6\" data-slide-anchor=\"#there-are-literally-hundreds-of-amazing-hotels-6\" data-slide-title=\"There are literally hundreds of amazing hotels.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-6\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">There are literally hundreds of amazing hotels.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-667113\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36117a01c0ea0cdf698217-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36117a01c0ea0cdf698217-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36117a01c0ea0cdf698217-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36117a01c0ea0cdf698217-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36117a01c0ea0cdf698217-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36117a01c0ea0cdf698217-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36117a01c0ea0cdf698217-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36117a01c0ea0cdf698217-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36117a01c0ea0cdf698217-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"There are literally hundreds of amazing hotels.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">Gal Oya Lodge Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Gal Oya Lodge<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">Luxury hotels are opening in Sri Lanka at a rate of knots. From the chic boutiques in Galle Fort, to the sprawling resorts on the west coast \u2014 there&#8217;s a hotel for everyone on the island.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">There&#8217;s also plenty of eco-luxury offerings like\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.galoyalodge.com\/\">Gal Oya Lodge<\/a>(pictured), which forgo the modern trappings of things like WiFi and flat-screen TVs to offer a truly elemental but relaxing experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"its-a-great-alternative-to-africa-for-safari-drives-7\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"7\" data-slide-anchor=\"#its-a-great-alternative-to-africa-for-safari-drives-7\" data-slide-title=\"It's a great alternative to Africa for safari drives.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-7\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">It&#8217;s a great alternative to Africa for safari drives.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-447976\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36138201c0ea16b808efd3-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36138201c0ea16b808efd3-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36138201c0ea16b808efd3-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36138201c0ea16b808efd3-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36138201c0ea16b808efd3-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36138201c0ea16b808efd3-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36138201c0ea16b808efd3-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36138201c0ea16b808efd3-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36138201c0ea16b808efd3-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"It's a great alternative to Africa for safari drives.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">You&#8217;ll be really lucky to get a view like this.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Shutterstock.com<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">While it doesn&#8217;t boast Africa&#8217;s famous Big Five, Sri Lanka&#8217;s Big Four (leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and blue whales) are becoming an increasing draw for nature tourists from around the world.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Most recent estimates put Sri Lanka&#8217;s leopard population at just 700-950, making it &#8220;vulnerable&#8221; in the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.iucnredlist.org\/details\/15954\/0\">IUCN Red List<\/a>. However, if you go to one of the big parks like Yala or Kumana, the big cats are a little more accustomed to human contact and thus more likely to wander out in front of you.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">We found that the best safari experience, though, was off the beaten track in Gal Oya, where the tourist-crammed Jeeps are few and far between.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"it-has-stunning-beaches-too-8\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"8\" data-slide-anchor=\"#it-has-stunning-beaches-too-8\" data-slide-title=\"It has stunning beaches too.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-8\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">It has stunning beaches too.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-247737\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34d76301c0ea062a092858-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34d76301c0ea062a092858-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34d76301c0ea062a092858-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34d76301c0ea062a092858-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34d76301c0ea062a092858-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34d76301c0ea062a092858-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34d76301c0ea062a092858-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34d76301c0ea062a092858-1136-852.jpg 1136w\" alt=\"It has stunning beaches too.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">Aerial panorama of the tropical beach in the town of Mirissa, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Shutterstock.com<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">Believe it or not, this beach is not found in the Caribbean or Hawaii, it is in fact on the southern tip of Sri Lanka in the town of Mirissa.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Sri Lanka might not be known outright for its beach scene yet, but that will soon change. While Lonely Planet&#8217;s top recommendation is only likely to send a spike in visits to the island, tourism is still young enough in Sri Lanka that you can find that empty stretch of sandy beach, if you look hard enough.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The west coast, in particular, is being increasingly built up by resorts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"it-has-a-sprawling-ancient-city-9\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"9\" data-slide-anchor=\"#it-has-a-sprawling-ancient-city-9\" data-slide-title=\"It has a sprawling ancient city.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-9\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">It has a sprawling ancient city.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-365608\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34de6601c0ea07b6387632-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34de6601c0ea07b6387632-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34de6601c0ea07b6387632-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34de6601c0ea07b6387632-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34de6601c0ea07b6387632-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34de6601c0ea07b6387632-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34de6601c0ea07b6387632-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34de6601c0ea07b6387632-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34de6601c0ea07b6387632-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"It has a sprawling ancient city.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">Exterior of the entrance to the Isurumuniya rock temple in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \"><span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Shutterstock.com<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">Anuradhapura, the capital city of Sri Lanka&#8217;s North Central Province, is a place of great archaeological and cultural significance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lanka.com\/about\/destinations\/anuradhapura\/\">Thought to be settled in the fourth century<\/a>, it was Sri Lanka&#8217;s first capital and many of the relics of the ancient Sinhalese residents remain. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone interested in religious history.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"the-country-is-obsessed-with-cricket-10\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"10\" data-slide-anchor=\"#the-country-is-obsessed-with-cricket-10\" data-slide-title=\"The country is obsessed with cricket.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-10\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">The country is obsessed with cricket.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-917708\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34dec601c0ea07b6387635-750-562.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34dec601c0ea07b6387635-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34dec601c0ea07b6387635-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34dec601c0ea07b6387635-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34dec601c0ea07b6387635-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34dec601c0ea07b6387635-750-562.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34dec601c0ea07b6387635-960-719.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34dec601c0ea07b6387635-1136-851.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34dec601c0ea07b6387635-1334-1000.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"The country is obsessed with cricket.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">There are much worse stadiums than Galle International.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Stu Forster \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">Sri Lanka is even more obsessed with cricket than the Brits are.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">You&#8217;ll struggle to find a patch of grass that doesn&#8217;t have a bowling green lurking on it somewhere.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Even if you&#8217;re not into cricket, there are far worse ways to while away an afternoon than watching the sunset over the picturesque Galle International Stadium.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"it-has-an-ancient-cave-network-full-of-buddha-statues-11\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"11\" data-slide-anchor=\"#it-has-an-ancient-cave-network-full-of-buddha-statues-11\" data-slide-title=\"It has an ancient cave network full of Buddha statues.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-11\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">It has an ancient cave network full of Buddha statues.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-143388\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34df5801c0ea07e2671b87-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34df5801c0ea07e2671b87-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34df5801c0ea07e2671b87-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34df5801c0ea07e2671b87-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34df5801c0ea07e2671b87-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34df5801c0ea07e2671b87-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34df5801c0ea07e2671b87-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34df5801c0ea07e2671b87-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34df5801c0ea07e2671b87-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"It has an ancient cave network full of Buddha statues.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">Dambulla Cave Temple has five caves under a vast overhanging rock and dates back to the first century BC.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Shutterstock.com<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">Located in the island&#8217;s centre is Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/561\">largest and best-preserved<\/a>\u00a0cave network.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Thought to date back to the first century BC, this cave monastery is a sacred pilgrimage site with five caves and 157 statues of the Buddha.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"it-has-a-trippy-elephant-festival-12\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"12\" data-slide-anchor=\"#it-has-a-trippy-elephant-festival-12\" data-slide-title=\"It has a trippy elephant festival\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-12\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">It has a trippy elephant festival<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-13350\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36165001c0ea0e684ca745-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36165001c0ea0e684ca745-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36165001c0ea0e684ca745-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36165001c0ea0e684ca745-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36165001c0ea0e684ca745-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36165001c0ea0e684ca745-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36165001c0ea0e684ca745-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36165001c0ea0e684ca745-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36165001c0ea0e684ca745-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"It has a trippy elephant festival\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">The Kandy Esala Perahera is one of the biggest dates in the Sri Lankan calendar.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \"><span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.istockphoto.com\/photo\/temple-of-the-tooth-of-buddha-kandy-srilanka-gm485792212-64179999\">LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI \/ AFP \/ Getty Images<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">If you&#8217;re visiting Sri Lanka between July and August then you might just be lucky enough to witness the Kandy Esala Perahera \u2014 AKA the Festival of the Tooth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This Buddhist pageant pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic for which Kandy is famous and is notable for its elephants, which proceed through Kandy wearing lavish garments and lights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"the-food-especially-hoppers-13\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"13\" data-slide-anchor=\"#the-food-especially-hoppers-13\" data-slide-title=\"The food \u2014 especially hoppers.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-13\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">The food \u2014 especially hoppers.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-881357\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34e06101c0ea2f761557c4-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34e06101c0ea2f761557c4-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34e06101c0ea2f761557c4-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34e06101c0ea2f761557c4-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34e06101c0ea2f761557c4-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34e06101c0ea2f761557c4-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34e06101c0ea2f761557c4-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34e06101c0ea2f761557c4-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c34e06101c0ea2f761557c4-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"The food \u2014 especially hoppers.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">Traditional Sri Lankan breakfast with egg hoppers.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Shutterstock.com<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">Sri Lanka has what might just be the most versatile snack on the planet: the hopper.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Hoppers have been described by Indian Chef\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk\/travel\/destinations\/asia\/india\/12038905\/Madhur-Jaffrey-No-restaurant-can-ever-compete-with-home-cooked-Indian-food.html\">Madhur Jaffrey<\/a>\u00a0as the love child of a cr\u00eape and a crumpet and can host anything from a baked egg to curries and spicy coconut relishes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">&#8220;They&#8217;re like a healthy burger &#8211; for those who don&#8217;t mind a bit of dribble,&#8221; Emily Dobbs, who serves the pancakes at her street food stall, Weligama, at London&#8217;s Druid Street market, told\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.telegraph.co.uk\/food-and-drink\/features\/move-over-crepes-sri-lankan-hoppers-are-the-hot-new-pancake\/\">The Telegraph<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Oh, and don&#8217;t get me started on the curries&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"theres-more-tea-than-you-can-shake-a-stick-at-14\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"14\" data-slide-anchor=\"#theres-more-tea-than-you-can-shake-a-stick-at-14\" data-slide-title=\"There's more tea than you can shake a stick at.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-14\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">There&#8217;s more tea than you can shake a stick at.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-903697\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c35fedd01c0ea083f4986c5-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c35fedd01c0ea083f4986c5-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c35fedd01c0ea083f4986c5-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c35fedd01c0ea083f4986c5-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c35fedd01c0ea083f4986c5-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c35fedd01c0ea083f4986c5-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c35fedd01c0ea083f4986c5-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c35fedd01c0ea083f4986c5-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c35fedd01c0ea083f4986c5-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"There's more tea than you can shake a stick at.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">Tea factories are omnipresent in central Sri Lanka.<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \">\u00a0<span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Shutterstock.com<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">It&#8217;s hard to believe that the sweltering beaches of the east and the south are even part of the same country as the temperate climates of the island&#8217;s central highlands, which are dominated by verdant tea terraces.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Sri Lanka is one of the biggest tea exporters in the world \u2014 it accounts for\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.srilankabusiness.com\/pdf\/industrycapabilityreport_tea_sector.pdf\">2% of the country&#8217;s GDP<\/a>\u00a0and employs around\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/in-pictures-43629707\">5% of the population<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">This means stunning views and plenty of tea factories, which you can visit, learn about tea and drink cup after delicious cup.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"surfing-15\" class=\"slide\" data-slide-number=\"15\" data-slide-anchor=\"#surfing-15\" data-slide-title=\"Surfing.\" data-slide=\"\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-15\">\n<div class=\"slide-layout clearfix\">\n<div class=\"slide-title clearfix\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-title\">\n<h2 class=\"slide-title-text\">Surfing.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media-arrow-wrapper\" data-e2e-name=\"slide-arrow-media-wrapper\">\n<figure id=\"img-574530\" class=\"figure image-figure-image postload\" data-type=\"img\" data-e2e-name=\"image-figure-image\" data-media-container=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36093201c0ea0ba0480044-750-563.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) 480px, (min-width: 980px) and (max-width: 1239px) 640px, (min-width: 1240px) 960px, (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) 50vw, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36093201c0ea0ba0480044-160-120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36093201c0ea0ba0480044-320-240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36093201c0ea0ba0480044-480-360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36093201c0ea0ba0480044-640-480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36093201c0ea0ba0480044-750-563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36093201c0ea0ba0480044-960-720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36093201c0ea0ba0480044-1136-852.jpg 1136w, https:\/\/amp.thisisinsider.com\/images\/5c36093201c0ea0ba0480044-1334-1001.jpg 1334w\" alt=\"Surfing.\" \/><figcaption class=\"image-caption\" data-e2e-name=\"image-caption\">Surfer surfing at sunset at Mirissa Beach, South Coast, Sri Lanka<\/figcaption><span class=\"image-source-caption \"><span class=\"image-source\" data-e2e-name=\"image-source\">Matthew Williams-Ellis \/ robertharding<\/span><\/span><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"\">When you think of Sri Lanka, you might not think &#8216;surfer&#8217;s paradise&#8217;, but how wrong you are.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Arugam Bay on the east coast is positively awash with boarders who come for the waves, which are great for all abilities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Even the likes of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.redbull.com\/gb-en\/events\/red-bull-my-wave-sri-lanka\">Red Bull<\/a>\u00a0have held events there in the past.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"post-content-more slideshow \">\n<section class=\"see-also\" data-e2e-name=\"see-also-wrapper\" data-track-event-label=\"see-also\">\n<h3 class=\"see-also-header\">SEE ALSO:\u00a0<a class=\"see-also-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisisinsider.com\/things-to-know-before-going-on-safari-sri-lanka-2018-9\" data-e2e-name=\"see-also-link\">12 things I wish I&#8217;d known before going on safari in Sri Lanka<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"post-content-bottom slideshow \" data-track-page-area=\"Post Bottom\"><\/section>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tom Murray\u00a0 Courtesy\u00a0Insider Lonely Planet\u00a0named Sri Lanka the\u00a0number one country in the world to visit in 2019. Vast tea terraces, an abundance of wildlife, and stunning beaches (and much more) make Sri Lanka a truly unforgettable destination. I had the pleasure of visiting Sri Lanka in 2018 and I can&#8217;t recommend it enough. Here&#8217;s why [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-84834","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-business"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84834"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84834\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}