With its golden beaches, lush rainforests, majestic elephants, breathtaking tea plantations, and stunning temples, Sri Lanka has just been named the most beautiful island in the world by global travel platform Big 7 Travel. The island offers a striking range of landscapes, from the white sands and clear waters of Bentota Beach to the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England” for its cooler temperatures, colonial-era buildings, and tea estates. In Kandy, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites, believed to house a tooth of the Buddha.
One of the island nation’s most famous landmarks is Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress rising over 590 feet, dating back to the reign of King Kasyapa (477–495 AD). Chosen as his royal capital, the site features vibrant frescoes on its walls and the ruins of a grand palace built atop the rock, once accessible through the mouth of a massive stone lion carved into the entrance. Today, only the enormous paws of the lion remain, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the original gateway.
Sri Lanka offers various experiences, such as wildlife safaris in Yala National Park, train rides through tea plantations, ancient ruins in Polonnaruwa, and relaxing beach days in Mirissa.
Big 7 Travel wrote: “This teardrop-shaped island off the southern coast of India has it all, from golden beaches to terraced tea plantations.
“Whiling away blissful days beach-hopping along the 833-mile coastline is part of the charm, but Sri Lanka offers much more beyond the shore.
“Itineraries fill up quickly here, between the timeworn temples, colonial towns, misty mountains, and wildlife safaris in Yala National Park, home to tigers and elephants.”
Sri Lanka has just been crowned the most beautiful island in the world, coinciding with the country’s announcement that it will waive 30-day visa fees for visitors from 33 additional countries, including the UK.
The announcement was made by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, on July 25 as part of efforts to boost tourism, though the exact date when the fee waiver will take effect has yet to be confirmed.