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Lonely Planet names SL as best to visit in 2013

22 October 2012 11:12 am - 75     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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World’s most renowned and largest travel guide book and digital media publisher –“The Lonely Planet” has named Sri Lanka as number one destination in the world to visit in year 2013.

The travel experts and the voters have predicted that Sri Lanka will be on the top of the hottest new holiday destinations for the travelers in year 2013. Under the title  ‘Serenity returns to Serendib “  the travel guide raves destination Sri Lanka describing the multi-faceted experiences the traveler can look for in this small Island , fused with novelty and indulgence :

“Dubbed Serendib -the origin of the word serendipity “ by seafaring Arab traders centuries ago, Sri Lanka has been anything but serene in recent decades. …South Asia's most compact country have remained off limits to even the most intrepid traveller. .…investment is again fuelling the tourist industry and visitor numbers are steadily increasing. Prices are affordable. Indeed, Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet's best-value destinations.

The travel guide book highlights the emerging new popular places to visit in Sri Lanka including the newly opened up East coast and less travelled paths in the western coast as well : “North of the capital Colombo, on Sri Lanka's west coast, Kalpitiya and the Puttalam lagoon are eco-tourism hotspots with bird watching and kayaking. Near Dondra Head, on the south coast, mighty blue whales are regular visitors from January to April while land-based wildlife thrills include the leopards and elephants of Yala National Park, and the more rugged and remote Wilpattu National Park, open once more after being closed for more than two decades “

Being famous for pristine sandy beaches from the begining, the Lonely Planet remarks that the total experience in Sri Lanka is truly a life changing experience for any traveler:  

“The gloriously arcing beaches of the nation's east coast are now challenging traditional southern favourites. Arugam Bay's sandy crescent is one of Asia's best surf spots and further north, Uppuveli and Nilaveli near Trincomalee stretch for several pristine kilometers….Explore the glorious labyrinth of Galle's 17th-century Dutch fort. In past centuries, the Unesco-listed colonial town was a prosperous hub of global trade and now boutique hotels and an emerging arts scene instil a cosmopolitan allure. Further north, you can discover Sri Lanka's imposing ancient cities, emerging from a verdant landscape. All around the country, tuck into great-value local cuisine including grilled seafood, spicy kottu (roti chopped and mixed with vegetables) and multi-course mini banquets of different curries at family run guesthouses. Indian and Thai cooking may be world-renowned, but Sri Lanka's time in the global gourmet spotlight can't be far away.”

The country is becoming easier to reach due to cheap fares from regional hub Bangkok said Lonely Planet.

The annual Lonely Planet lists are compiled based on unbiased views of the staff, writers and travel community. Spokesman Adam Bennett said that the choices are not based on where travellers are already going but rather are "our pick of where we believe travellers really should consider visiting in 2013." He said that destinations make the list for a variety of reasons, including special events, recent developments or buzz, or that the destination is up-and-coming and worth visiting before the crowds get too big.

This achievement is certainly a boost for the Tourism industry of Sri Lanka which keeps on breaking its own records through out the past years and strategically targeting  2.5 million tourist arrivals by year 2016.

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  Comments - 75

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  • I.O.Sull-Lee Tuesday, 23 October 2012 07:10 AM

    i really think people read news just to enjoy the bad things. whenever there is a good news published they make snide remarks. whats up with you? did you have a troubled childhood?

    Trehan Munsinghe Tuesday, 23 October 2012 10:22 AM

    Why don't you do something more productive than wasting your time with STUPID comments.... Remember this land prospers means everyone will proper not only the Sinhala.... !! So get that into your head... If you are really concerned about the people of this land its time you actually did something for them....

    Democracy Tuesday, 23 October 2012 09:41 AM

    be aware of pradeshiya saba chairman's, dont stay alone with your partner in hotel's...
    be aware of white vans...
    stay at your own risk.

    Saskia Tuesday, 23 October 2012 09:32 AM

    We also have white vans which will bring you to your destination for free.

    Saskia Tuesday, 23 October 2012 09:26 AM

    Do u know how many complaints that Lonely Planet has received so far from all over the world because of this announcement?
    The current number of complaints is about 293.628. This will sure go up in the coming days.
    Check it at Lonely Planet. Note that only signed-in people can view these statistics.

    CHANDI Tuesday, 23 October 2012 09:29 AM

    You must be representing LTTE.

    Oshanda Tuesday, 23 October 2012 08:46 AM

    Spokesman Adam Bennett said that the choices are not based on where travellers are already going but rather are "our pick of where we believe travellers really should consider visiting in 2013."
    It means number one in new destinations.

    Mohamed Tuesday, 23 October 2012 07:51 AM

    This is awesome, proud to be a sri lankan

    Hamza Tuesday, 23 October 2012 07:25 AM

    I think you are not a Sri Lankan.

    Weerasinghe Tuesday, 23 October 2012 06:59 AM

    Sri Lanka should provide a first class first impression ensuring the continuation of the business.

    I.O.Sull-Lee Tuesday, 23 October 2012 07:08 AM

    no surprise that this country gets nowhere thanks to retards like you,

    Eagle Eyes Tuesday, 23 October 2012 06:56 AM

    Those of us who live in the country always new it was beautiful and hospitable. This is the reason we have lived through war, political repression, corruption, economic stagnation and decline of quality of life and the lack of rule of law. This is a great country with a lot to offer. The people are nice, if not a bit naive. There is so much history, archaeology, architecture and natural beauty to gaze and be lost in. Truly a paradise island.

    John Tuesday, 23 October 2012 06:07 AM

    What about north part (Jaffna)? Will Mahinda allow Tamils to build hotels? Will Mahinda reduce army camps in north and east? Then only tourists go to those parts.............

    Zam Tuesday, 23 October 2012 06:00 AM

    Please mr gotabaya ...over to you , there are some cheats who sell imitation stones.they call themself government institutions.its very sad those people do unethical business,
    Names go as bureau

    ase Tuesday, 23 October 2012 06:10 AM

    oh sorry, those who travell with lonly planet forget, do not bring a cent to us. back packers, aiyoooooo pau sri lanka.

    Lankan Tuesday, 23 October 2012 04:08 AM

    paradise ???

    Lankan Tuesday, 23 October 2012 03:57 AM

    To come to hambatota you need to get visa from china
    and to come to batticalo you need to get visa from india

    Nodrog Wednesday, 24 October 2012 03:08 AM

    What a childish comment saskiam.......but then what more can you expect from a retard?

    Thimira Thursday, 26 January 2017 04:51 PM

    Proud to be us.......

    Sim Sunday, 27 January 2013 06:32 AM

    An Indian living here for last 3 years and I m yet to get over SL.... Travelled most of southeast Asia and the hospitality of the lankans is commendable. .... Fabulous country tourism wise awesome people resident wise. Those who disagree are welcome to go to hell please !! Cheers SL ...

    Carrol Friday, 02 November 2012 12:40 AM

    This great news. This lovely Gods' Country has been in need of a life for so long.

    Anu perera Thursday, 01 November 2012 05:22 PM

    No Need to Argue ,No matter whether East or West ,Sri Lanka is the best !!! :-])

    vidura Thursday, 01 November 2012 11:07 AM

    best in the world ... SRILANKA

    Sulesh Coorey Friday, 26 October 2012 07:49 AM

    SL is a beautiful country and I am sad that I am yet to visit many places in this gorgeous island. Beaches, ancient capitals/ruins, breathtaking upcountry can be experienced if you take the train from Colombo to Badulla. A drastic change in weather can be experienced just 180Kms away from Colombo where temp. goes to around 10C and even lesser in Dec/Jan. Obviously Sri Lanka is an amazing place to visit. The main things that should be developed are roads/highways and more hotels to accomadate tourists......

    Lucky Wednesday, 24 October 2012 01:49 PM

    Good news. We still have undiscovered treasures to market. big or small have them all.

    Malcolm de Silva. Wednesday, 24 October 2012 07:03 AM

    what ever said and done remember that this lonely planet is our own mother land.what ever the way possible we'll have to contribute in making ours a beautiful destination for all mankind.

    Susa Tuesday, 23 October 2012 03:25 AM

    They absolutely correct. SL is best to VISIT!!!
    But not to LIVE!!!!

    Nodrog Wednesday, 24 October 2012 02:52 AM

    ....so says Raja Perera the half-wit.

    Nodrog Wednesday, 24 October 2012 02:50 AM

    Dumb comment by a dumb person.

    Nodrog Wednesday, 24 October 2012 02:48 AM

    mail-guy....are you working as a post-man abroad you pathetic moron?

    Lobo Wednesday, 24 October 2012 02:45 AM

    Saskiam...so glad this accolade for our country is irritating you.

    sam Wednesday, 24 October 2012 01:27 AM

    Lonely planet has not heard about the murder and rapes of tourists and the white vans, I think!!!

    ind Tuesday, 23 October 2012 10:51 AM

    No, now Praba is no more for you to support.

    ind Tuesday, 23 October 2012 10:50 AM

    Only LTTE remnants are worried about army camps in North.

    sarath Monday, 22 October 2012 12:14 PM

    yes. as long as you guys live in Sri Lanka

    kumara Monday, 22 October 2012 01:48 PM

    to Visit, yes..
    to live in? .. hmm.. Question Mark..

    senavi Monday, 22 October 2012 01:35 PM

    however the powerful are doing their best to destroy it by illegal trades like cutting forests, sand removal and dumping industrial and other waste without regard to environmental laws.

    wd Monday, 22 October 2012 01:35 PM

    Build More 3 -4 Star resorts with affordable prices. definitely we can go pass the Target of 2.5 Million tourists.

    lalitha Monday, 22 October 2012 01:26 PM

    the dollar is so weak in sl that its one of the cheapest places to travel for foreigners but ppl in sl are so poor to travel within our own country

    Fusion Monday, 22 October 2012 01:31 PM

    This is a pleasant surprise.

    sucker Monday, 22 October 2012 01:17 PM

    Sri Lanka deserves this..
    I'm dying for Sri Lankan beaches nuff said.

    This is something that I always say : Sri Lanka can be easily developed unlike india and many other developing countries but the problem is politicians (through the people , sadly), nothing else.

    Give Monday, 22 October 2012 12:19 PM

    Good

    lankan Monday, 22 October 2012 12:16 PM

    Love You Sri Lanka

    Jeffrey Monday, 22 October 2012 12:11 PM

    Hope for the best...good times ahead

    Jungle boy Monday, 22 October 2012 01:47 PM

    Can sell all my fruits at a higher price

    MR Monday, 22 October 2012 12:02 PM

    Good reason to rise cost of living

    Lion Heart Monday, 22 October 2012 11:50 AM

    This is great news..Hope no conspiracy.We can look forward for a posperous year ahead.People lets not see a bad side of this also.Since it has been given rating by a reputed guide. Lets hope and pray that we see a boom in our Country.

    Firaz Anver Monday, 22 October 2012 11:35 AM

    Beware of White Vans.

    true sri lankan Monday, 22 October 2012 11:28 AM

    Wow.... Good news for Sri Lanka... lets work hard & build economy...

    Saskia Monday, 22 October 2012 11:28 AM

    Oh! there is a mistake in the sentence. It should be " Best to avoid" country.

    gdj100 Monday, 22 October 2012 11:36 AM

    This is indeed great news for the Sri Lankan economy. We sincerely hope tourism would grow from strength to strength in the years to come!!!!

    Tourist trader Monday, 22 October 2012 11:22 AM

    After decade of suffering,there is light end of the tunnel
    Hopefully they will open up all the roads in fort.
    Money exchangers
    Fort

    mail_guy Monday, 22 October 2012 11:27 AM

    lonely planet may have known that Lanka will be a lonely island in 2013

    ramesh Monday, 22 October 2012 03:36 PM

    haha....bad news for Ranil fans

    Ruzaick Tuesday, 23 October 2012 02:55 AM

    Sounds great.

    Ajith Tuesday, 23 October 2012 01:00 AM

    Obiviously, Lanka would be the choice of "Lonely Planet"! (That's how other see it)

    SL Monday, 22 October 2012 04:23 PM

    Sad isn't it!! To see all your money spent on campaign to boycott Sri Lanka is in vain.

    Raja Perera Monday, 22 October 2012 04:14 PM

    Build the economy on the beach sand dear.

    Dipu Monday, 22 October 2012 04:03 PM

    Hey great news for a great country!!!!!Pack your bags and head to the island nation for a holiday of a lifetime. Book your holidays with Abans Tours, Sri lanka.

    Buddhi Kasun Monday, 22 October 2012 03:51 PM

    Awesome!

    gugi Monday, 22 October 2012 03:32 PM

    good but lankans are becoming poor...cant afford to buy a car...99% on lease...very good economy...

    Shams Monday, 22 October 2012 03:28 PM

    God bless Srilanka

    ind Monday, 22 October 2012 11:27 AM

    Good luck Sri Lanka !

    janaka Monday, 22 October 2012 03:04 PM

    මේ මගේ මව් බිම

    siribiris Monday, 22 October 2012 02:59 PM

    including Tangalle?

    Vimal Monday, 22 October 2012 02:47 PM

    I just hope Sri Lanka stays affordable.. Prices of things keep sky rocketing.. We might loose in the game due to this. I mean places like Thailand are unbelievable cheap.

    Ranasinghe Monday, 22 October 2012 02:47 PM

    Avoid the White vans

    Be deaf to 'western conspiracy'

    Basic rights that may westerners enjoy in them countrues need to be promoted (not just tourist money) and enable any one to rise to the top, not just Sinhala paddy farmers (of one brand), its not paddies tourists come to see.

    Jaliya Senavirathne Monday, 22 October 2012 02:37 PM

    Everybody welcome to our little paradise. There are 20 million plus multi ethnic multi-cultural people are waiting with big smile to welcome u throughout the year. From Jafna to Hambantota, from Colombo to Batticaloa the country has united and opens for entire world to visit.

    ben Monday, 22 October 2012 02:33 PM

    Now that we got it !! lets get the maximum use out of it. Lets make this paradise be on the top of the world for a long time. No matter which race or religion we are, lets think as One Sri lanka! Good luck Sri lanka!!

    Leslie Trimanne Monday, 22 October 2012 02:08 PM

    I worked for over 40 years as the English Speaking Senior Tourist Guide Lecturer, lets air our views positively, it is not only the country, many individuals and groups who provide conventional services to tourists across the country from all corners will be benefited economically and so the ancient and historical sites and worship places for restorations and phase shifts. I may not be there to get or see that benefit, but I will be that most happiest person if more and more Eco- friendly new sites are shown with utmost hospitality to the visitors of Sri Lanka.

    Sinha lay Monday, 22 October 2012 01:48 PM

    This country is better to avoid...most of the tourist will be dirty Chinese and Indians....


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