Why Sri Lanka Is Considered as the Most Visited Destination for Travelers – Sigiriya – By Dr Harold Gunatillake
Whispers of Sri Lanka
In the heart of the Indian Ocean blue,
Lies an island with wonders, old and new.
Where lush tea gardens kiss the sky,
And golden beaches spread wide and high
The Allure of the Island Nation
Hello viewers,
I reside in Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka, and often visit the Oak Ray Regency Hotel in Getambe, a suburb of Kandy, for my cool glass of beer. I am astonished by the number of travel coaches filled with tourists from various countries, such as Russia, Germany, France, and India, gathering mainly for the popular lunch before their next journey.
Kandy is a city in central Sri Lanka. It is the country’s second-largest city, surrounded by tea plantations and mountain ranges. The name “Kandy” originates from the Sinhalese word “Kanda”, which means “hill”.
When Kandy was first established around 1480 CE, it was known as “Kanda Uda Pas Rata”, which translates to “Palace on Five Hills”.
In the February 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, Teryn White writes that Sigiriya is the most welcoming Asian destination—often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World.
Booking.com recently released its 13th annual Traveler Review Awards, unveiling the “Most Welcoming Places” worldwide to visit in 2025. Ratings for the list were derived from each destination’s volume of Traveler Review Awards, based on a three-year average of more than 360 million verified customer reviews on the company’s website and app.
Topping the list as this year’s most welcoming destination is Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.
Travel Guide to Sigiriya
- Distance from Colombo: 3 hrs 43 min drive via Ambepussa, Kurunegala on Trincomalee Hwy/Kandy Rd/A6.
- Taxi Cost from Colombo Airport: Typically $60 to $120, depending on the type of vehicle and service provider.
Accommodation: Fresco Water Villa, Sigiriya
- A cozy 4-star villa providing excellent service to travelers.
- 10-minute drive from Sigiriya Rock.
- Luxurious and serene retreat with stylish rooms, a tranquil pool area, and excellent service.
- Particularly praised for its well-maintained gardens and attentive staff.
Sri Lanka, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, has captivated the hearts of travelers from around the globe. Given the multitude of attractions and experiences it provides, its reputation as one of the most visited destinations in the world is not unfounded.
Now, let’s return to Sigiriya’s Majestic Crown, voted as the 8th Wonder of the World.
The Legend of Sigiriya
In a land where tales and legends entwine,
A fortress of ancient design rises.
Sigiriya’s rock is majestic and grand,
And King Kasyapa rules the land.
High above the emerald plains,
This monolith, where grandeur reigns.
Gardens and frescoes of dreams,
Where the past and present blend in streams.
Lush gardens carved with skill and grace,
Water gardens mirroring heaven’s face.
Lion’s Gate, a guardian proud,
Welcomes visitors from the crowd.
In extraordinary chambers, the frescoes glow,
Maidens of beauty in delicate flow.
Their painted smiles, whispers of yore,
Echo through halls of ancient lore.
Sigiriya’s walls are a testament to might,
Hold tales of triumph, of days and nights.
King Kasyapa’s legacy, etched in stone,
A throne in the sky, forever known.
Come, behold this marvel of the past,
Where time stands still, memories last.
Sigiriya’s rock, a beacon of pride,
In Sri Lanka’s heart, an eternal guide.
So, viewers, climb this historic rock during your next dream visit to Sri Lanka.
Older visitors may climb as far as the Lion’s Paw, while younger ones can ascend the narrow steel stairs to the summit, where they will witness the splendid elephant-infested jungles and explore the ruined palace of King Kasyapa.
With no hesitation, you would enjoy the visit to this historic rock and take away happy memories.
So, until we meet again on the next venture—goodbye for now.
