Sri Lanka is quickly becoming a hot spot travel destination for Aussies, and it’s easy to see why! A culture-loving backpacker’s dream, there is so much to do and see in Sri Lanka. With some of the most breath-taking scenery, delicious local cuisines to chow down on, mountains to trek, beaches to explore and wildlife all over the place!
Only an 11-hour journey to Colombo, Sri Lanka has identified itself as a must-do attraction on your travel bucket list, and STA Travel’s Sri Lanka on a shoestring G Adventures trip this month is offering you the opportunity to see Sri Lanka from under $2,000 – return flights included! STA Travel is this month highlighting why you should make Sri Lanka your next overseas adventure!
1. SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL SITES + CULTURAL HISTORY
Sri Lanka has some of the most beautiful ancient cities and sacred sites that have been World Heritage listed by the UNESCO. The Ancient City of Sigiriya, for example, is one of those. Recognised by its incredible cultural significance, having been occupied by Buddhist monks, a King AND dating back to prehistoric times. Be sure to research each city you’re travelling to, because guaranteed there is something of cultural significance right around the corner.
2. THE MOUNTAIN TREKS
There are so many beautiful treks and trails to take while exploring Sri Lanka, with each one offering something new and unique to that specific region. Ella, situated in the middle of Sri Lanka, is home to PLENTY of hikes and treks for the avid mountaineer (or the wannabe). There’s St Catherine’s Division; which hikes through tea plantations and small villages, reaching 2000m above sea level at its highest point, Ella Rock; a popular 10km hike that can be difficult to navigate with little to no signage…but persevere – because the views are phenomenal, and Little Adam’s Peak; a more leisurely stroll in the Ella region, with breathtaking views of the lush mountains, and stunning views of Adam’s Peak.
3. THE BEACHES
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be found in Sri Lanka. They haven’t been built up like similar holiday destinations Thailand and Bali – with tourists instead basking in the raw, natural beauty of the coastline and surrounding villages. The beachfront area of Hikkaduwa features stunning beaches, offering plenty to see, do, eat and experience. Found at the very bottom of the island about 2 and a half hours from Colombo, the beaches provide endless fun – with palm-fringed beaches, snorkelling (there’s sea turtles AND a stunning coral sanctuary!), surfing (waves reach up to 3m in peak season), fresh seafood curries, Buddhist temples and exotic massages ALL available in this region. Tuk tuks are available as the main mode of transport, and their drivers double as tour guides, so wave one down and get moving!
4. THE WILDLIFE + NATIONAL PARKS
Sri Lanka is home to beautiful creatures you wouldn’t dream of finding in the wild here in Australia. The National Parks and surrounding oceans of Sri Lanka are home to threatened or endangered species such as the large sloth bear, Asian elephants, Dugongs, Loris’, Langurs, Blue Whales and many, many more! National Parks can be found all over the country, and most play host to majestical creatures, where they are free to roam freely in the wild. Most Parks do some form of safari or tour, so be sure to find the nearest one to your travel destinations.
5. THE CUISINE
There’s so much variety in Sri Lanka in regards to cuisine. Whether you’re into hot foods or looking for something mild, Sri Lankan food is unique to their culture, and even more unique to each region.
Curries, spices, seafood, soups, lentils and veggies, sweets, breads…the list goes on (drool!). Sri Lanka is also known for its tea – there are tea bushes and plantations EVERYWHERE and tea production is one of the main sources of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka.
There is so much to see in Sri Lanka, that it can be daunting to know where to start. Luckily, STA Travel and G Adventures this month has their Sri Lanka on a Shoestring tour on sale, meaning you can see Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Digana, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Galle and Hikkaduwa all from just $1,999 – including return flights! If the things to do and see in Sri Lanka above weren’t enough to convince you, this price surely will.
Head to : https://tours.statravel.com.au/trip/sri-lanka-on-a-shoestring-gaasnc now for further information on how and when to book!
SRI LANKA ON A SHOESTRING – G ADVENTURES
− 12 Days + return flights
− WA, SYD, QLD prices start from $1,999
− VIC, SA prices start from $2,099
− Book before: 31 August
− Select Travel dates between: 9 Jul 18 – 15 Sept 18 or 1 Oct 18 – 22 Nov 18
Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
To book your next adventure, visit an STA Travel store, www.statravel.com.au or call 134 782.
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