Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka is a UNESCO World Heritage site (Image: Getty Images)
Popular destinations for UK holidaymakers such as parts of Spain, Italy, and Greece have recently been hit by a wave of anti-tourism protests. Activits argue the constant flood of visitors to their home towns and cities is making house prices unaffordable for locals, as well as having seriously damaging consequences for the environment.
As a result, some may be looking further afield for somewhere to go on holiday. Travel money provider Eurochange has reported a huge surge in demand for currency for a number of long-haul destinations. The company’s head of digital and engagement Laura Evans Fisk said: “With overtourism impacting many parts of Europe, including Mallorca, Ibiza, Venice, and Santorini, it’s not surprising we are seeing a trend in travellers opting for less ‘typical’ holiday destinations.”
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One of the spectacular beaches in Sri Lanka (Image: Getty)
Among these is Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean, off the southern tip of India.
According to Eurochange, demand for the Sri Lankan Rupee has increased by a massive 409% year-on-year, suggesting a massive spike in people travelling to the South Asian nation.
Laura said: “Sri Lanka has a little bit of everything, from golden beaches to incredible wildlife and bustling cities.
“Mirissa and Unawatuna on the south coast, and Arugam Bay on the east coast are some of the most popular and stunning coastlines the country has to offer.
The Sigiriya fortress in Sri Lanka is spectacular (Image: Getty)
“If you’re a tea drinker, the hill country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is a must-visit. Here you’ll find some of the world’s finest Ceylon tea, and you can hop on a train that goes right through the plantations.”
Return flights can be booked from London Stansted starting at £334, while hotels in Colombo, one of the country’s two capitals, can be booked for as little as £11 per person per night. According to MakeMyTrip, the country has a lot to offer tourists.
The website said: “Sri Lanka is home to a plethora of tourist attractions, ranging from ancient cities and temples to breathtaking beaches and wildlife reserves.
“The country offers a variety of experiences for visitors, catering to history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts alike.”
Nuwara Eliya tea plantation in the highlands of Sri Lanka (Image: Getty Images)
Among the top tourist sites in Sri Lanka, according to MakeMyTrip, are Colombo, which boasts landmarks including the Old Parliament Building and promenade Galle Face Green, an ideal place to watch the sunset from.
Also popular is Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England” for its British-style bungalows, gardens, and golf courses.
The city of Kandy is home to the Buddhist Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses a tooth of the Buddha.
It also hosts the annual Esala Perahera, a colourful procession featuring traditional dancers, musicians, and decorated elephants.
In the north, the ancient city of Anuradhapura dates back more than 2,000 years and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka, holds one of the teeth of the Buddha (Image: Getty Images)
The 5th-century rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its frescoes, mirror wall, and Lion’s Paw gateway. The rock’s summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
In the south, the coastal city of Galle features a UNESCO World Heritage-listed fort and preserved Dutch colonial architecture. The city is also famous for its beautiful beaches.
Other popular sites include the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the town of Dambulla—both also UNESCO World Heritage sites—and the small highlands town of Ella.
Boys fly a kite as tourists visit Galle Fort on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
MakeMyTrip said: “Sri Lanka is a diverse and enchanting destination that offers travellers a wide range of experiences. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the tranquil beaches of Mirissa, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.
“With its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable holiday.”
Laura added that Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and Colombia are other countries where currency demand has spiked.
“For Brits, these are long-haul destinations, but their currencies all hold a strong exchange rate against the pound,” she said. “This means they can be a great option for a low-cost holiday.”