There are those places you visit and there are those that visit you.

Sri Lanka is one as it offers an amazing number of diverse experiences, from misty mountains to golden beaches, from fascinating history to delicious local cuisine.

We, its locals, may be used to our surroundings, but for a visitor, Sri Lanka can appear as a multitude of very different countries rolled into one.

Whether you're looking for wildlife, relaxing beach holidays or something that combines both, along with history and an array of unique experiences, here are 10 reasons why you should consider Sri Lanka your next holiday destination.

1. Sri Lanka is Small and Full of Experiences

Sri Lanka is a fairly small island, but its size offers many opportunities to experience a variety of destinations in a short space of time.

See an ancient rock fortress, take a scenic drive through the tea country and enjoy the view from a beach all within just a few days as it is close enough to travel around.

From forests and mountains to waterfalls and national parks; from bustling cities to rural villages and hot coastal areas, you can have the best of two worlds in one place.

2. Experience Wildlife

Sri Lanka offers much to the wildlife enthusiast, as its national parks are home to many animals.

See herds of wild elephants roaming across the horizon, take a closer look at the crocodiles and birds living their lives in the lakes and rivers and perhaps spot a leopard lounging nearby.

Especially famous are the large gatherings of wild elephants around Minneriya and Kaudulla, where hundreds of them may be seen drinking and feeding at the waterholes; a truly unforgettable experience that no camera can capture.

In addition to the variety of wildlife found here, you can also enjoy a Sri Lankan safari.

3. Beaches are Great for Taking It Easy

After seeing some of the unique ancient ruins or climbing a few mountains, sometimes there is nothing better than to kick back and relax.

With a huge variety of beaches to choose from in our south and east coasts, you can find somewhere that suits the image you have of the perfect holiday.

Whether learning to surf, enjoying a good seafood meal or simply watching the sunset, a beach holiday in Sri Lanka is a great way to recharge your batteries.

On the southern coast, be sure to make time for a visit to Galle with its lovely colonial buildings.

4. Sri Lankan Food Can Become an Adventure of Its Own

Ask any local what a visitor should try while here and they will most likely give you a lengthy answer.

While Sri Lankan staples such as rice and curry are a must, there are many more delicacies to sample.

Crispy hoppers with egg, spicy kottu roti, exciting string hoppers, dhal curry, pol sambol and fresh seafood are just a few.

And for those with a sweet tooth, be sure to save room for the traditional wattalappam and coconut desserts.

Sri Lankan cuisine is a highlight of any trip here as it is not only a variety of exciting and spicy dishes, but it is part of our culture.

Spending time with Sri Lankan families over a home-cooked meal can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

5. Sri Lanka Has Ancient History Everywhere

Sri Lanka boasts a long and rich history spanning thousands of years and you only have to take a short drive or walk to see some of it first-hand.

The Cultural Triangle is the place to go if you wish to uncover some of this history, as it is home to ancient cities, temples and the rock fortress of Sigiriya.

Waking up early to climb Sigiriya, taking a look around an ancient ruined city or simply visiting a centuries-old temple is a wonderful way to see a different side of Sri Lanka.

But the rich history of Sri Lanka is not just something that you can see in museums or ancient ruins - it takes part all around us in our daily lives, reflected in our buildings, customs, religious sites, food and more.

6. Discover a Cool Hill Station

Leave behind the hot climate of our tropical coast and head to the central highlands to enjoy a more temperate climate.

Cooler temperatures, scenic drives, beautiful mountain views and endless green tea plantations all await you in places such as Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

Make sure to enjoy the journey there, especially if you take a train as the views are spectacular.

Take a walk in some of the tea plantations or a guided walk in the forest, or simply relax somewhere with a view over the mountains with a nice hot Ceylon tea in hand.

7. Sri Lanka Offers Great Adventures

If you enjoy an adventurous getaway, Sri Lanka can offer many exciting experiences.

Enjoy the thrill of the surf along our southern coast, take a challenging hike up a mountain or one of our ancient rock fortresses, go white-water rafting, discover cascading waterfalls, take a biking tour or even go on a safari adventure.

Sri Lanka can do it all and, as an added bonus, you do not have to be an extreme adventurer to enjoy the challenges on offer in our country.

There truly is something for everybody in Sri Lanka.

8. Hospitality in Sri Lanka is Uniquely Heartwarming

One thing you may notice right away when visiting Sri Lanka is that many people smile.

As a nation, we value our culture and it shows in the way that we treat our visitors.

Whether enjoying a fine, local meal at one of our boutique hotels or simply stopping somewhere for a meal or a chat on your way around the country, you will most likely be treated like family.

In fact, you may find yourself making new friends as you are welcomed so warmly and enthusiastically wherever you go.

Sometimes it is the unexpected conversations with locals, recommendations or opportunities to try something different that can become your favourite memories of a trip.

9. Experience Life in Local Villages

Sri Lanka has much to offer in the way of classic attractions, but if you wish to be a little different and discover what life is like for many Sri Lankans, our villages offer a wealth of experiences.

Visit a village and discover traditional ways of cooking, meet local people and enjoy some of the unique experiences we have to offer.

Take a trip on one of our train systems with the locals and sample some of the unique produce and cuisine that can be found at roadside stalls.

These are some of the best ways to uncover the hidden Sri Lanka and make your own adventure.

10. Each Journey Can be Entirely Different

Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Sri Lanka is that there really is something for everyone and every journey can be as unique as you wish to make it.

Whether planning a two-week adventure, a romantic honeymoon break, a slow meander through this beautiful island or simply a cultural getaway combined with some relaxing beach time, Sri Lanka is the place for you.

You can wake up in the jungle, spend the day discovering ancient history and end the day watching the sunset over the ocean.

Your journey awaits.

Discover Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is small enough to be able to explore, yet large enough to surprise you at every turn.

Whether chasing wildlife adventures, mountainous adventures, coastal adventures or simply a different kind of holiday to your everyday one, this island is waiting for you.

At Travel Trails, we believe the best journeys are the ones designed around you.

From planning out your itinerary to making sure you have comfortable transport, we can enable you to discover Sri Lanka at your own pace.

Your journey begins now.

Let us create your trail through Sri Lanka