Forbes highlights Sri Lanka as ‘bucket-list destination’ for families

Sri Lanka’s fast-reviving tourism sector came under fresh spotlight this week, with Forbes highlighting it as the ‘bucket-list destination’ for families.

Forbes travel writer Judy Koutsky noted that the picturesque and friendly island nation is a must-travel destination, as it offers the full package for adults and children alike.
“Few places in the world can offer families such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique wildlife experiences within such a compact location like the island of Sri Lanka,” writes Koutsky.

The country boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 800 miles of coastline, 15 national parks, showcasing abundant wildlife, miles of lush tea estates and botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls and a culture that extends back over 2,500 years.

Koutsky recommends families kick off their journey in Sri Lanka in the rich cultural city of Anuradhapura – home to ancient temple ruins, some of the largest stupas of the world and palaces dating back to the 10th century BC and then stop to witness the architectural wonder of the rock fortress of Sigiriya – the citadel built by the rebel 
king Kashyapa. 

The writer urges tourists not to miss the Minneriya National Park – one of the world’s largest recorded assemblies of elephants and the Wilpattu National Park – the go-to spot to see Sri Lankan elephants, the elusive leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, buffaloes, sambar, mongoose and over 30 species of animals, exotic birdlife, reptiles and amphibians.

Families should then move on to explore the Ruhuna National Park, where they could come across semi-deciduous and thorn forests, grasslands, freshwater and marine wetlands and sandy beaches, where the only footprints one would see are those belonging to foraging birds and animals.

Apart from Yala and its satellite parks, other nearby attractions include the Great and Little Basses reefs, which is an ideal spot to see blue and humpback whales and dolphins, she adds.
“Sri Lanka will feel like an adventure for the whole family, from animal encounters with elephants, leopards and baby turtles hatching on the shores of the Indian Ocean, to plenty of culture and history thrown in,” noted Koutsky.