Europe is facing its worst drought in at least 500 years. Almost all the European continent is on high alert or warning, reducing inland shipping, electricity production, and yields of certain crops reported Aljazeera.
The August report of the European Drought Observatory (EDO), overseen by the European Commission, said that “47 percent of Europe is undergoing warning conditions, as moisture in the soil dries out and 17 percent of the region is on a state of alert as vegetation is affected.”
And, according to the world economic forum, “more than 18 million people in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya face severe hunger, after four consecutive years of lower-than-average rainfall. Prolonged periods of hot weather and heatwaves are taking their toll on livelihoods in more developed countries as wildfires have scorched swathes of land and crop failure is predicted.”
With these challenging times, the gas price also increased by 140%. And Bloomberg states that “European gas and power prices surged as panic over Russian supplies gripped markets and politicians warned citizens to brace for a tough winter ahead.”
So, with all this high inflation situation there will be a high cost of living this winter. With the big increase in gas prices and the lack of supplies and food because of the drought season, there will be a huge increase in price with all of that. It means triple or more compared to the previous year. But, do you know that you can have a great holiday in Sri Lanka for one-third of the cost?
Why Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a tropical island country in the Indian Ocean with an average yearly temperature that differs from 82.4 °F to 87.8 °F. The lowest and mild climate can feel in the central highlands and the warm and dry climates can feel in the low-altitude areas. There is a vast diversification all over the country that can observe. Most importantly, the smiles and hospitality of Sri Lankans are world-famous. And also the mouthwatering spicy food, exotic fruits, and array of sweetmeats found nowhere in the world.
Besides that, Sri Lanka is a country that has a majestic history of 2500 years and lots of relics remain. The giant elephants, mighty mountains, rising waves, stealthy leopards, giant whales, and lovely tea would make your vacation magical. The series of festivities of the different cultures living with each other can experience for a long-term traveler and it is a lifetime opportunity for anyone.
Below I mention 10 good reasons to travel to Sri Lanka this winter
1. Diversity of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is covered by a beautiful coastal plain rich in lagoons, wetlands, rivers, and wild-life rich jungle. With coming inside the country, the mist-shrouded mountains covered with green forests are breathtaking. Not to mention, the dramatic waterfalls covered in the mountains. hiking through the misty mountains, safari in a tropical jungle, and camping on a jungle beach is three different experiences you can have. Tip: You can visit seven different types of forests in Sri Lanka
2. Adventure and Sports in Sri Lanka
For windsurfing, water-skiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, Sri Lanka is an ideal location. With the 1600km of coast around the island, you can find ideal locations for water sports in the Negombo region of the west coast. Not only that, Waskaduwa, Unawatuna, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Koggala, Thangalle, and Hambantota also you can find ideal places for water sports. Not to mention, there are lots of service providers and professionals (foreign and local) to help you with sports.
However, for trekking and nature trails, there are varieties of landscapes for choosing from. As an example misty mountains like Ella, and Knuckles mountain range. And also, nature trails with lots of wildlife diversity like Hortain plains and Singharaja forest reserve. When talking about hiking, mountains, and upcountry, Ella is the famous tourist hotspot from all of the above. The reason is the diversity that can observe throughout the journey from Colombo to Ella. And also, the train journey with the misty breeze and through the green mountains and forests is one of a kind journey that a traveler should go on.
The beauty of Ella; Things to do
3. Wildlife of Sri Lanka
Not only that, Sri Lanka possesses a high degree of biodiversity. Which includes majestic elephants and stealthy leopards endemic animals such as sloth bear sambur spotted deer, hog, mouse- and barking-deer, wild boar, porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, loris, giant squirrel, and monkeys such as the macaque, purple-faced leaf monkey, and grey langur. The fourteen wildlife-rich national parks are an ornithologist’s paradise. There are over 200 resident species nearly 200 reptiles.
There is full guidance in safari with well-knowledged guides and vehicles without too much rush. The natural lakes and plains in the jungle are well-known places for lots of elephants, deer, and other animals which can be seen in packs in one place. And also, there are facilities provided in many national parks for camping at night with full of security.
4. Cultural Festivals
Sri Lanka is a country consisting of different ethnic groups. And also, most of these groups were established in approximately the fifteenth century. Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims are the main ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. Those groups have their cultural festivals. Some of them are, the Thaipongal festival, New year festival, Vesak Festival, Kandy Esala Perahera, and Christmas.
The most tourist-oriented festival is the Kandy Esala Perahera. It lasts nearly ten days and ends with the Esala poya day every year in August. Furthermore, this magical festival is held at night with glamourous cultural dancers, drummers, whip crackers, lighting, and most importantly, elephants with robes. The leading elephant carrying the reason for the festival, the casket of the tooth relic of Buddha.
Another is the new year festival held every year in April. Which includes Sinhalese and Tamils to celebrate their new year. However, this is a festival that celebrates all over the country, starting with the calling of the koel bird. And also, loads of rituals and customs starting from that. This is a new experience for one that came from outside and it is a remarkable event that one should experience. Not to mention, lots of sweets are prepared for this festival and served with milk rice.
5. Food that can taste in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has one of the most unique food cultures in the world. If you are visiting Sri Lanka, you will soon understand that people around the world don’t do food as Asians do. Our food culture has some similarities to other Asian countries but highly distinctive. However, there are some foods that a traveler must try, Hoppers, Coconut roti with chili mix, Kottu, Rice & Curry with lots of spices are some of them. This is all for the best reasonable price!
But also, there are some other food festivals held from time to time. With that people can enjoy the Sri Lankan spicy food culture. Besides that, some street food festivals organize from time to time in major cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle.
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6. Marvelous hotels to stay
Sri Lanka has an assortment of accommodation options. Colombo features not only a host of modern five-star hotels but also iconic colonial-era hotels with the charm and romance of a bygone era.
This country is blessed with a variety of hotels situated in stunning settings. However, from Colombo to the southern coastal line there are innumerable resort hotels, where package tourists mostly stay. Furthermore, several are designed by Geoffrey Bawa, one of the 20th-century foremost Asian architects. And also, the upcountry like Kandy, Ella, and Bandarawela featured colonial-era hotels. Not to mention most of them includes tea and rubber plantations, Jungle cabins, and tree-houses.
7. Ayurveda & Spas
Sri Lanka has been a center for spiritual and physical healing for over 2000 years. With that influence, Sri Lanka now has many Ayurvedic programmes consisting of herbal treatments, Ayurvedic baths, and massages. And also, there are some yoga and meditation sessions that visitors can join.
8. People of Sri Lanka
As I mentioned earlier Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-religious society. The main ethnic groups are the Sinhalese and Tamils, both originally from the Indian subcontinent. Then there are Muslims, who settled on the island from the time it became an ancient trading center. Similarly, Malays and Chinese were also attracted to the island.
Whatever the situation, Sri Lankans are friendly and warmly welcome visitors with smiling faces and are alway/s ready to help anyone. Not to mention, you will be surprised by their hospitality and their warm welcome.
9. Shopping
Sri Lanka is famous for its Gems and Jewellery. Besides that, there are many forms of shopping like small stores with arts and crafts or fruits and vegetables. And also, small huts with food and smoothies. Or else, there are luxury shopping complexes in the cities.
There are lots of small shops containing souvenirs, Bathik garments, and traditional masks you can collect near the tourist attraction locations like Pinnawala elephant orphanage, Galle fort, and National parks.
10. Cultural Heritage of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s cultural depth is recognized by UNESCO, which has declared six archaeological World Heritage Sites in the country:
- The sacred city of Anuradhapura
- The ancient city of Polonnaruwa
- The golden temple of Dambulla
- The ancient city of Sigiriya
- The sacred city of Kandy
- The old town of Galle and its fortifications
The country is full of cultural heritage from north to south. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa cities famous for ancient “Dagabas” – dome-shaped structures. And also, other ancient buildings that were built many centuries ago. Not only that, Sigiriya is a masterpiece of ancient architecture which build on a giant rock. Furthermore, the giant lakes and irrigation works built by ancient engineers
However, in the central mountains of the country laying the Kandyan kingdom, remains almost the same. Not to mention, the famous Temple of tooth relic stays there. And also, almost all of the town consists of well-preserved old buildings.
When talking about Galle, you can experience the colonial heritage of the country by heading south to the mid-17th c. Dutch fort at Galle, the best preserved in Asia. With 14 massive bastions, a grid system of streets, and some original Dutch bungalows, the fort bustles with life just as it did when Galle was the country’s main port. It’s simply one of the most unique attractions in Sri Lanka.
Yes, it is all in one package for a great tour that will never forget in your lifetime!
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