Sri Lanka is also known to locals as the ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’ which is in reference to its outstanding natural beauty, rich biodiversity and export of exquisite gemstones including precious sapphires and rubies. Sri Lanka has the highest biodiversity per unit area of land amongst Asian countries and is one of the 34 identified biodiversity hotspots in the world! Home to 227 species of birds,123 species of mammals, 178 species of reptiles and 122 species of amphibians, this fascinating country is a diverse paradise for wildlife lovers. From safariing in Yala National Park to whale watching in Mirissa or Trincomalee, there are thousands of amazing outdoor experiences to be had in Sri Lanka.
The country is also home to a staggering eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With 2 natural sites and 6 cultural sites, Sri Lanka has an unbelievable 2000 years of culture to be unpacked with these otherworldly locations. The standout options would have to be the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa and the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. The marvels of ancient engineering can be seen at both awe-inspiring locations. Anuradhapura, was the Sinhalese capital of Sri Lanka that flourished from the 4th century up until the 11th, when invasions from South India shifted the capital to Polonnaruwa. What remains of Anuradhapura is ancient rock carvings, ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist monasteries and temples and even ongoing archeological excavations! Whereas the Polonnaruwa site is similarly jaw-dropping and showcases the remains of a once luscious garden city. All these UNESCO locations have so much to explore that you could spend weeks at every individual world heritage site in Sri Lanka.
As well as exporting gemstones, Sri Lanka has been celebrated for its tea for over 150 years. Tea is Sri Lanka’s largest export and they are one of the biggest and best tea exporters in the world with their iconic Ceylon tea considered to be the cleanest tea in the world by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization). Verdant tea plantations are often only a brisk walk away from lush green rainforests and world class beaches. Sri Lanka is also the birthplace of Cinnamon which was discovered by the Egyptians over 4000 years ago! A whopping 80% of the world’s cinnamon is still produced in Sri Lanka.
All these spellbinding stories are only ever a short distance away from one another as the country is so small yet brimming with adventure. This makes journeying around Sri Lanka a carefree and efficient trip with something waiting to allure you at every corner. For those Sri Lanka bound, make the trip that much easier and unforgettable by booking unique experiences through Gifting Owl. Alternatively, if you happen to know friends/family visiting or living in the endless beauty of Sri Lanka, Gifting Owl is inundated with priceless real world experiences that your special giftee will never forget.
Ditch the lousy annual gifts and make your giftee’s day extra special with a Gifting Owl experience. With over 115 unforgettable Sri Lanka options, Gifting Owl will have an experience that is perfectly tailored to your giftee. An experience bound to leave your giftee speechless is the Private Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour. With this tour, your giftee will have the chance to completely delve into Sri Lanka’s first kingdom mentioned previously. Complete with an expert local guide the tour will include stops at
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world), Brazen Palace and Ruwanweliseya Dagoba, rock carvings of the "Lovers" in the Isurumuniya Rock Temple, Samadhi Statue of the Buddha & Royal Pleasure Gardens and so much more. This jammed packed day will be sure to have your giftees amazed by Sri Lanka's ancient origins.
Alternatively, for a more fast-paced action tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, try the Anuradhapura Cycling Tour. Gifting Owl also has a variety of tours that visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom.
For the outdoor adventurous among us, the Colombo Rainforest Walking Tour is an extensive tour that takes place in yet another spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja Rain Forest. As a designated Biosphere Reserve, there is just so much natural beauty to uncover in this forest reserve, from spotting a purple-faced langur or even a leopard (if you’re lucky) to passing enchanting waterfalls, this is definitely one to bring a camera with you!
For wildlife enthusiasts, consider gifting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Tour. A full-day visit to this world-renowned orphanage will have your giftee meet and greet some of the friendliest creatures in the animal kingdom. Ever since it opened four decades ago, the refuge has been at the forefront of conservation projects and there are now 17-times more animals in the shelter, where they are fed, bathed and allowed to roam freely.
If you happen to be buying for a self proclaimed foodie, the Authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine With A Grandmother is truly a once in a lifetime experience. This tour revolves around meeting and cooking with an incredibly lovely ex-baker who has turned her passion for Sri Lankan cuisine into classes she teaches from home.
Leave your worries behind this year when planning gifts this year. Gifting Owl has got you covered for unforgettable Sri Lankan experiences no matter what kind of giftee you are buying for. All Gifting Owl vouchers are fully interchangeable so your gift can't go wrong. Happy gifting!
