After more than 3 million votes were cast by 168,000 passionate, travel-loving readers, the results for the 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards are now in, and Sri Lanka has clinched a prestigious gold award.
As a symbol of its global appeal, Sri Lanka has been crowned “Most Desirable Island”, representing a turnaround for the destination, which climbed from 08th place last year to take the top spot in the globally celebrated awards.
The journey to #1 hasn’t been easy for Sri Lanka. After it fell from glory in 2022 due to its economic crisis, the country suffered from lower interest among tourists globally. However, 02 years later, the island nation has slowly, yet surely climbed up the ranks. If anything, this award is a crystal-clear reflection of how travellers around the world currently feel about the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”.
Following challenges, including the 2019 Easter bombings, the island worked hard to rejuvenate its tourism. Thanks to strategic travel promotions and improved safety, the world now sees Sri Lanka as a warm and welcoming paradise once again.
In its winning entry, Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, the well-recognised UK-based travel magazine lauded Sri Lanka’s “captivating blend of culture, history and natural beauty”.
“Its leopard-filled national parks and the jungle-fringed beaches show off the island’s natural side and it’s the tea plantations and lush highlands of the center that have caught the eye,” the magazine said in its description of the destination.
Following its promotional efforts, Sri Lanka Tourism recently hosted 30 top influencers, reaching an awe-inspiring audience of over 7 million people worldwide through more than 10,000 social media posts. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reported that over 30,000 visitors arrived on the island nation during the first five days of November.
Top Reasons to Book a Sri Lanka Holiday in 2025
Let’s break down some of the individual aspects highlighted in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards’ review of the destination. Here are some of the top reasons to book a Sri Lanka holiday in 2025.
- Cultural Heritage – Explore ancient cities, temples and colonial architecture, showcasing 2,500 years of history. Sri Lanka is known to let travellers take a step back in time almost effortlessly. Popular highlights fitting this category include Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy and Anuradhapura.
- Tea Plantations – Discover the misty highlands and learn about the destination’s well-recognised Ceylon tea. It’s bound to be an undeniable highlight of your holiday. Popular hotspots fitting this category include Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Haputale.
- Rich Wildlife: Take a walk on the wild side and experience thrilling safaris in Sri Lanka’s national parks. It’s bound to be a journey teeming with leopards, elephants and exotic birds. Popular highlights fitting this category include Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park and more.
- Beachside Bliss: From the golden sands of Bentota to the serene waves of Unawatuna and Mirissa, Sri Lanka offers idyllic beaches perfect for sunbathing, surfing, or snorkelling. This is one of the best ways to experience a sun-kissed retreat. This is one of the most important pieces of the destination illuminated in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.
Conclusion
What do you think about Sri Lanka’s comeback at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards? Do you agree with its win or feel as if another destination deserved it? Let us know in the comments below. We’re also excited to tell you more about our cheapest Sri Lanka holidays for 2025 – so if you’re interested, just get in touch with us for a free consultation with our team of specialists. As an award-winning UK travel agency, we’re ready to help.
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