Sri Lanka is an enticing destination because of its never-ending beaches, ancient ruins, warm and friendly people, wild elephants, rolling waves, low costs, exciting trains, world-famous tea, and delicious food.

Sri Lanka has been “hiding in plain sight,” as the saying goes. Many people have flown overhead on their route to other destinations, but for many years, the island of Sri Lanka was not on their map. But now, everything is different. As more and more people learn about this country’s many advantages, it is rapidly developing. Sri Lanka’s location between more traveled portions of India and Southeast Asia, as well as the country’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, make it an irresistible tourist destination. This is the one location on your list that you have yet to visit but really should.

It is one of the few spots with as many World Heritage Sites (eight) as close together. Some of Sri Lanka’s oldest landmarks, including renowned temples with stunning detailing despite taking refuge in caves or perching on conspicuous slopes, date back more than 2,000 years. Colonial fortifications such as Galle and Trincomalee date back to the island’s more recent history.

An elephant wandering across the island in search of its favorite watering hole might account for the mysterious noises. On safari in Sri Lanka, you could see leopards, water buffaloes, a variety of birds, and monkeys.

The world’s longest live human-planted tree may be seen in its holy city of Anuradhapura in the morning, and hundreds of elephants can be seen congregating in the afternoon, all within a day’s travel (Minneriya). Find a new favorite beach, practice mindfulness at a temple dating back two thousand years, make new friends as you wander through a sleepy town, see an abundance of avian and floral life, and see how many side dishes you can eat with your rice and curry. You may go on a sightseeing tour of Colombo’s historic buildings and then hit some killer waves.