34 Reasons Sri Lanka Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

The scenery in Sri Lanka makes a hard case for an early wake-up when sunrises look like this. Watch the early morning mist burn off as the sun makes its way up for the day. Who needs extra sleep when you've got a real-life postcard to see?

With or without the impromptu rainstorm, this infinity pool overlooking the tea country highlands is a refreshing relaxer after a day of hiking. Where can you take this mountainside edge dip? The Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge provides this pool-with-a-view experience and an obvious reason to swim as much as possible.

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a history-lover's playground and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's riddled with monument ruins, and you can wander the impressively intricate structures. If you plan to enter some of the temple areas, make sure to bring something to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect.

The historical port fishing city of Galle on the southern coast of Sri Lanka is like stepping back in time. It's one of the oldest surviving living forts in Southeast Asia. Browse the market with local artisan goods in the main square, or wander the cobblestone streets and pop into restaurants and shops. Walking the fort's wall will gift gorgeous views of both the city and the sea.

The beach is a huge draw, of course. Beautiful blue waters and a relaxed vibe with options for surfing or yoga are abundant in the south. Whether you're a pro or novice or you just want to relax in the ocean breeze, there's one thing for sure: the sea is calling your name.

You don't have to be an avid birdwatching enthusiast to appreciate the diverse bunch of feathered friends in Sri Lanka. This little guy stood out with his bright green feathers in Yala National Park. The green bee-eater is just one of numerous interesting birds you're likely to see. Pack your binoculars to get peepin'.

Perhaps the cultural heart of the country, Kandy was the last kingdom in Sri Lanka and is home to the famous Temple of the Tooth. The deep-rooted history and concentration of ancient, sacred sites makes the time spent in the city a serious bang for your buck. Get swept up in the bustling energy, try some street food, and visit some temples to get a feel for Kandy's vibe.

Luxury glamping perched at the top of the highlands, surrounded by tea fields with your own deck overlooking impossibly picturesque beauty, is quite the way to wake up . . . and go to sleep. Stepping out onto your private patio as the sun rises above the clouds and villages below is a memory for the books.

Hiking through Campbell's Lane Forest Reserve on the edge of the Knuckle mountain range gifts a diverse trek complete with tea fields, forest, and even a waterfall overlook. If you depart directly from the Madulkelle Tea Estate with a guide, you may be lucky enough to have the resident pups accompany you, too.

Reaching the elephants that inhabit local islands in Gal Oya National Park to observe their morning routines at sunrise is easily one of the highlights in the REI itinerary. The team at Gal Oya Lodge can arrange for this small group excursion that will have your sleepy eyes wide open in no time.

When traveling through Sri Lanka, there are almost always snacks available. The roadside fruit stands are quick, cheap, and as fresh as it gets. With the hot weather, a king coconut or watermelon is just what the road trip ordered.

And they are cheeky. The mischievous monkeys of Sri Lanka are a constant comedy routine, but make sure to watch your back and your belongings. They may try to snag your goods, especially of the food kind. Maybe you'll even meet a monkey with a toupee for a dash of added humor, like this guy.

One of the most well-known sites in the country, Sigiriya (Lion's Rock) is a must see in person. To get to the top, you just need to climb a mere 1,217 steps. The comically impressive views from the top of the rock fortress are one gazillion percent worth it, though. Tip: embark on the trek to the top early in the morning to avoid the heat.

One of the main forms of transportation, riding in a tuk-tuk is a really fun experience. Each vehicle is decorated with its own personality, and it's an enjoyable, open-air, affordable way to get around. Taking a tuk-tuk tour through a small village outside of Colombo is an awesome way to learn about local life and industries like farming and weaving.

From Gal Oya Lodge, a nature walk takes you through serene landscape, with mountains, a lake, and numerous species of birds. These wonky trees add to the whole scene as you're greeted by the farmland cows and a stunning sun-tuck.

An idyllic cycle through countryside villages is a great way to pack in a lot of scenery while getting some exercise, too. The flat dirt paths skirting the river through local life is one of the highlights of visiting rural Sri Lanka. Stop for a riverside picnic, watch fishermen at work, and wave to local children.

It's clear that the cuisine is a solid reason for visiting Sri Lanka, and what better way to really immerse yourself in the culinary culture than through a cooking class . . . in someone's home! Cooking with local market produce, learning the methods and recipes, and then enjoying the fruit of your labor in a large meal is truly an unforgettable experience.

This isn't a standard picnic by any means. Try a breakfast picnic on an island while taking a break from elephant spotting on a sunrise safari with fruit, quiche, granola, and delicious buffalo curd. You'll have to pinch yourself as it's the picnic dreams are made of.

The street food scene is legit in Sri Lanka, and wildly affordable to boot. Grabbing a snack on the go has never tasted so good. These spicy vegetable doughnuts (ulundu vadai) are the perfect marriage of savory and sweet. You just have to try them!

Beauty in the natural details is highly appreciated throughout the country. Being surrounded by these gorgeous flower bowls is relaxing by default. Each one is artfully crafted and unique in their colorful design.

Perhaps the most famous temple in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must see. It's home to the relic tooth of Buddha, in the city of Kandy. Locals visit the temple before big life events (graduation, marriage, etc.) for blessings. There are three ceremonies a day, where offerings are made to Buddha, something worth timing your visit around to witness.

Yes, seriously. If you've ever dreamed of this kind of wildlife encounter, then Sri Lanka is the place to be. The opportunity to view elephants in their natural element abound here. The best way, of course, is to embark on an elephant safari where you have a solid chance of observing them. Head to Minneriya National Park for a Jeep safari or to Gal Oya National Park for a boat safari. Fun fact: there are over 8,000 wild elephants in Sri Lanka.

Browsing the local Kandy market is a fantastic way to get a feel for the city and culture and snag some goods! Purchase spices at reasonable prices to bring home (saffron, cinnamon, etc.) or for souvenirs, or just chat with the local stand owners. Since this is a true local market, you won't encounter too many tourists, giving you a genuine feel for everyday life in the city.