Tourism in Sri Lanka

In the twelfth century, the explorer Marco Polo wrote that Sri Lanka was the finest island in the whole world. For centuries it had been a tourism destination, particularly for European travelers. Recently, the Sri Lankan Civil War that spanned over 25 years and ended in 2009 has had a negative impact on tourism and the growth of the industry stagnated, however following this era a resurgence in Sri Lanka as a tourist destination has been evident. In 2012, post office worldwide holiday costs barometer named Sri Lanka as the best valued destination for holidays. Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka exceeded 1.5 million in 2014.

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the past civil war have reduced tourist arrivals but Sri Lanka received over half a million tourists in 2006.

The International media reports published about the improvements in industry of January 2008 by 0.6%, March 2008 by 8.6% when comparing to last year's (2007) figures. It was reported that in the year 2011, total revenue from the tourists arrival to the country is $830.3 million from 850,000 tourists inflow.Further, the tourism board expects over 1 million tourists in 2012 with revenue of more than $1 billion.

The number of arrivals from the Meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions (MICE) sector is also growing, in particular from India. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau is targeting a 20% growth rate for MICE arrivals from India.

Beaches in Shrilanka

West Coast

• Negombo (35 km north of Colombo)
• Mount Lavinia (12 km south of Colombo)
• Kalutara (42 km south of Colombo)

South Coast

• Bentota (62 km south of Colombo)
• Ambalangoda (Approx 85 km south of Colombo)
• Hikkaduwa (98 km south of Colombo)
• Roomassala (119 km south of Colombo)
• Unawatuna (120 km south-east of Colombo)
• Weligama (143 km south-east of Colombo)
• Mirissa (151 km South east from Colombo)
• Matara (160 km south of Colombo)
• Tangalle (195 km south-east of Colombo)

East Coast

• Arugam Bay (315 km east of Colombo)
• Pasikudah ( Batticaloa)

North East Coast

• Nilaveli (280 km north-east of Colombo)
• Uppuveli (280 km north-east of Colombo)
• Trincomalee (257 km north-east of Colombo)

North Coast 

• Casuarina Beach

Religious sites

Famous religious sites in Sri Lanka that attract a large number of tourists,

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy
• Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu, Mannar
• Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple,J affna
• Gangarama Temple, Colombo
• Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Colombo

Heritage Sites

• Anuradhapura - Ancient Kingdom
• Sigiriya - Ancient Kingdom & fortress
• Polonnaruwa - Ancient Kingdom
• Kandy - Ancient Kingdom with temple of tooth relic
• Galle - Fortress
• Dambulla - Rock cave temple

Wildlife parks

• Yala National Park - Most visited, and second-largest in Sri Lanka
• Udawalawe National Park - Famous for Elephant watching
• Kumana National Park - Famous for Bird watching
• Bundala National Park - Famous for Bird watching
• Wasgamuwa National Park - One most attractive national park
• Wilpattu National Park - Largest in Sri Lanka, famous for leopards
• Minneriya National Park - Famous for Elephants
• Horton Plains National Park - Only national park in hill country and famous for sambar
• Mullaitivu National Park - Proposed for Elephant watching
• Nilgala Herbal Garden - located 11 km away from Bibile. (Bibile - Ampara Road) also best place for bird watching
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
• Udawalawe Elephant Transit Centre