For many people, when they think of an exotic holiday, they immediately think of Bali. And that’s nothing to wonder about. Bali has beautiful beaches, luxurious villas and a rich cultural heritage. Bali has been a very popular tourist destination for decades now. Perhaps it has become a little too popular – there are often hoards of holidaymakers covering the beaches, and restaurants and bars tend to be very crowded. While numbers can create a nice vibe, too many people can take away from the charm of a place.
Now we’re not saying that you should not visit Bali – regardless of the crowds it is still amazing! What we would like to do is to recommend a place that is as stunning and as awesome, a place we think is fast becoming the next Bali: Sri Lanka.
A Land of Endless Wonders
What is it that you are looking for in a holiday? Beautiful beaches? Rolling mountains? Historic sites? Traditional arts and crafts? Wildlife? Rainforests? We are not exaggerating when we say that, whatever it is that makes a good holiday, Sri Lanka has it.
Natural Beauty Across the Island
Sri Lanka may be a tiny speck on the world map, but its geographical diversity is truly awe inspiring. The island has some of the most gorgeous beaches you will come across. Places like Mirissa, Unawatuna and Nilaveli are perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Then there are the misty mountains of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, which are blanketed with tea plantations. Get yourself to a vantage point and you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views. Iconic landmarks like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurutalagala and Adam’s Peak make the country a hiker’s dream.
Cultural Heritage and History
Sri Lanka’s history spans over 3,000 years and there’s plenty of evidence of it. The former kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have sacred temples and ruins that are centuries old. The city of Kandy, home to the world famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, is the heart of Buddhist tradition. The Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is great for viewing colonial influences.
Diverse and Delicious Cuisine
If you are a foodie, then you are going to absolutely love Sri Lankan cuisine! The local fare is as divergent as it is flavourful. Each meal is a treat: hoppers or pittu for breakfast, rice and curry or biriyani for lunch, and kottu roti or string hoppers for dinner. And these are just the tip of the gastronomical iceberg – there are so many different dishes and preparations to choose from. Sri Lankan food is so good that even non-foodies will definitely relish each snack and meal.
Wildlife and Adventure
Are you a wildlife enthusiast? Then you must visit at least one of Sri Lanka’s safari parks. Yala, Wilpattu and Udawalawe offer jaw-dropping sightings of animals like leopards, elephants and bears. You will also be able to spot a wide array of exotic birds. If you are the outdoorsy adventurous sort, you can try surfing in Arugam Bay, whale watching in Mirissa and trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range.
Is Sri Lanka the next Bali?
If you think about it, Sri Lanka and Bali are analogous in many ways. The beautiful beaches are perhaps the most striking similarity. Just as Bali is known for its yoga and wellness retreats, Sri Lanka is a growing hotspot for wellness travel. From meditation retreats in the hill country and spiritual pilgrimages to places like Ruwanwelisaya, to Ayurveda wellness spas and curated wellness retreats, Sri Lanka is renowned for being the perfect location to realign, rejuvenate and reground. The food in both Sri Lanka and Bali is simply delicious. Whether it be traditional dishes or fusion fare, your tastebuds are in for a treat.
These links make Sri Lanka and Bali seem very much alike, don’t they? Here’s the kicker: Sri Lanka offers so much more than beaches, wellness retreats and food. To begin with, the island has an unusually diverse landscape – there are beaches, mountains, wetlands, jungles, rivers, waterfalls and more. The hill country boasts several vantage points with picture postcard views. There are also many destinations that are calmer and quieter. Places like Pasikuda and Jaffna are not so crowded and give travellers some breathing space. Sri Lanka is not just the next Bali, it is so much more.
The Perfect Escape
While you are in Sri Lanka, we would be thrilled to have you as our guest at Mount Havana. Our luxury villa is nestled among the hills of Gampola. Here you have the perfect balance of comfort and sustainability. The very design of our villa is eco-friendly, with plenty of ventilation, natural light and breathtaking views of the surrounding greenery. We grow our own vegetables which means you get the freshest food nature can offer. You can curate your own meals so that you get to enjoy the best Sri Lankan fare.
Unlike large resorts, Mount Havana delivers a bespoke experience, making you feel right at home. Our warm and attentive staff are the epitome of that legendary Sri Lankan hospitality that visitors gush about. Come stay with us and you will enjoy that quintessentially exotic holiday you’ve been looking forward to.
