Why this spectacular Asian island is setting all-time tourism records
The fall season can be a slower time of year for travel, but not for this spectacular Asian island. November arrivals topped 151,000 international visitors — a new record for the country.
It’s the best month of the year for this trendy Asian nation full of exciting attractions. With no direct flights here from the U.S., that’s not stopping Americans from the adventure of a lifetime.
Many tourists are flocking from Europe and nearby India, but Americans follow closely behind for a destination incomparable to the U.S.
With wondrous natural sights, stunning beaches, and a new digital nomad visa, Sri Lanka is trending upward heading into 2024.
Incomparable nature
Sri Lanka is a mystical island with never-ending opportunities for nature lovers to explore. With over 800 miles of stunning coastline, tourists can choose from beautiful beaches or go more inland for lush jungles and rolling green hills.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be able to experience exotic animals up close and personal in their own habitat. Wild elephant sightings are a favorite amongst travelers who have ventured all the way here.
For a lucky few, sometimes elephants wander into populated areas for an even more unique experience.
There are awesome natural sights around the country, but perhaps none are more scenic than Sigiriya or Uda Walawe National Park, with 25 more national parks on the island.
Away from the bustling city of Colombo are phenomenal beaches wrapped around the island, but Mirissa is always a hit with picture-perfect sand and crystal-clear waters.
A bustling concrete jungle
A trip to Sri Lanka without exploring the natural wonders should be a crime, but one must at least make a stop in the vibrant capital city of Colombo.
This is where the heart beats for the country while the outskirts and small towns go at a slower pace. Colombo is home to the country’s main airport and provides instant access to this thriving culture in a city of just under a million inhabitants.
Visitors will be enthralled by the beautiful colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century, with a buzzing community throughout the city.
Colombo may not be your main destination, but serves well as a base with a variety of ways to connect where you want to go by bus and scenic trains through the countryside.
Plus, you have to take a tuk tuk at least once for the thrill of traveling like a local.
Visit the southern coast
As Sri Lanka has become one of the trendiest tropical getaways this side of the world, the country has highlighted more stunning regions for tourism.
As one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world, the southern coast of Sri Lanka will blow your mind.
Outside the city of Matara with beautiful temples is the popular small beach town of Mirissa - lined with stunning coastline with intermittent hotels for a perfect stay, along with fun tours, such as whale watching.
Others may want more peace and solitude and head toward Tangelle, another gorgeous beach town with open spaces of golden sand.
Travelers will find their niche along the southern coast where accommodations meet every budget from luxury hotels in Galle to hostels in Mirissa.
An affordable Digital Nomad’s paradise Despite its stunning nature and rich culture, Sri Lanka is a draw for digital nomads for being very affordable and finally issuing a long-awaited clear-cut digital nomad visa.
Remote workers are padding tourism stats by packing up their laptops and calling Sri Lanka their new work home.
Nomads can set up shop at a cafe, picturesque beach, or trendy hostel. Meeting the requirements for the new visa is not difficult with just $2000 minimum monthly income.
However, just applying for the visa will set you back $500 – small price to pay compared the boatloads of money you’ll save in such an affordable destination.
Varying reports claim tourists can easily live on $30 per day or less, depending on their interests. Whether you stay near the beach and spend your downtime surfing or make your base in Colombo for a taste of city life, being a digital nomad here is fun and easily obtainable.
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