Why Sri Lanka Is The Travel Destination Of 2025

Is there anything better or more exciting than planning a big trip away? It’s all very well and good taking a staycation here and there, and a weekend exploring the great British countryside is certainly not to be sneezed at… but it’s not the same as packing all your troubles in your old kit bag, getting on a plane and hightailing it outta here for a couple of weeks.

Each year brings with it new, exciting travel destinations - and in 2025 it seems to be the turn of none other than Sri Lanka. Just ranked in ninth place by the BBC in its inaugural guide of the best places to travel to this year, now’s the time to go before everyone else gets in there first!

The island nation is undergoing something of a transformation right now, with new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake working tirelessly to rebrand the country and improve its fortunes after significant civil unrest and its worst-ever economic crisis, the impacts of which are still being felt by millions.

The country's first seven-star hotel will be opened soon in the city of Kandy, while capital city Colombo will see the launch of a $1 billion megaresort. New national airline Air Ceilao is due to start flying any day now (going as far as Australia and Europe), and local sustainable businesses are now being championed by the Good Travel Seal initiative, sure to appeal to all you eco-conscious travellers out there.

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So that’s the backdrop… but what does Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Orient, have to offer to the eager jetsetters among you? Here are our top picks for what to see and do while on holiday in Sri Lanka.

And, of course, if you’ve got any of your own insider tips having been off the beaten track in the country before, make sure you drop us a line to let us know!

Relax in the Keerimalai hot springs

For some serious rest and relaxation, you could do a whole lot worse than dipping a toe in the Keerimalai hot spring waters, found on the northern side of Jaffna city.

It’s thought that the water here has wonderful restorative powers because it flows through the fissures of carbonated rocks… but even just being in the beautiful surroundings of this Sri Lankan metropolis is sure to be all the healing you’ll ever need.

The springs themselves have been enclosed in a stunning bathing pool with just a wall of stone separating the water from the sea. Idyllic!

Discover Gal Oya’s swimming elephants

Make your way to the south-east of Sri Lanka and you’ll find Gal Oya National Park, somewhat off the beaten track… hence the basis for its appeal!

Here, you’ll find an incredible population of wild elephants that have taught themselves to swim between islands on the hunt for food. Book yourself a spot on a boat safari for the best views of these nautical pachyderms and some incredible holiday memories that will last a lifetime.

Pinkies up at the Hatton tea plantation!

You can’t go to Sri Lanka without visiting Hatton, the tea capital of the world, home to some incredibly lush and verdant green tea bushes, all artfully arranged in uniform rows… which you can explore for yourselves on a guided tour.

Learn all about how the UK’s favourite drink is produced at the local tea factory before whisking yourself off on a hike through hills and forests, with many a stunning waterfall just waiting to be discovered.

Hike the Pekoe Trail

Follow the 300km Pekoe Trail, which will take you through the central highlands of Sri Lanka, where you’ll discover some of the most exciting countryside in all of southern Asia, everything from grasslands and tropical forests to mountain ranges and hillsides.

You’ll start in Kandy and then head up to Nuwara Eliya, taking in Haputale, Hatton and Ella along the way, finding out all about the country’s rich heritage, history and culture as you go.

Explore the Sinharaja Forest Reserve

If it’s local wildlife you’re after, then you’ve got to put the Sinharaja Forest Reserve at the very top of your to-do list, which is home to more than 50 per cent of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of butterflies, mammals, reptiles, insects and rare amphibians… so keep your eyes peeled, as who knows what you’ll discover!

It’s advisable to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, however, as you’re also likely to encounter leeches on your travels.

Go dolphin-watching in Kalpitiya

No trip to Sri Lanka is ever complete without a voyage by sea and if you make your way to Kalpitiya, one of the more untouched regions of the country (around four hours north of Colombo), you’re more likely than not to spot dolphins while out and about. You might also spot a few whales if you’re really lucky!

The best time of year to go dolphin watching is between November and May, so if you book your trip over the next few months, you’ll be in for a real treat. Getting up early in the morning for your boat ride will maximise your chances of having fun, as the seas won’t be quite as rough.

Enjoy a yoga retreat

One particularly popular reason for going to Sri Lanka is to book a spot on a yoga retreat, with spirituality and wellness holidays proving especially enticing these days.

Sri Lanka is a hotspot for these types of trips because the surrounding countryside is so peaceful and idyllic… it’s never been easier to anchor yourself in the present moment and really give yourself up to your yoga practice. You’ll come home fully recharged and relaxed, without a doubt!

Check out our student travel discounts

Whether it’s Sri Lanka or somewhere else you’re keen to go to this year, you’ll be able to jet off on your jollies without breaking the bank thanks to our amazing student travel discounts that we’ve got on offer right now.

We’ve partnered up with the likes of Expedia, TUI, Trip, Omio, Holiday Extras, Lastminute.com and many others to help you put together your next big holiday… so have a browse of all our travel offers to see what you can find!