Sri Lanka

Embraced by the spice-scented trade winds of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has been crowned the Pearl of the Indian Ocean—and rightfully so. While the nickname comes from the island’s rounded shape, the picturesque beaches, expansive mountains, and thriving rainforest only seem to back it up. Don’t be deterred by Sri Lanka’s island status; it has it all. Those who come find endless sweeps of golden sand, grasslands teeming with leopards and wild elephants, tea plantations painting the hills in emerald swirls, and the towering ruins of ancient Buddhist kingdoms, all easily accessible from the colonial-era cities dotted around the shoreline. Explore the diverse terrain and hike to the top of Bambarakanda Waterfall to see Sri Lanka from a different point of view. Immerse yourself in the May Full Moon Poya Day, or celebrate the Sinhala-Tamil New Year festival in April. Come let Sri Lanka be your beach-lined oasis.