UK’s leading travel magazine Wanderlust has rated Sri Lanka as the world’s “Most Desirable Island” for tourists.
In the latest Rader Travel Awards, Sri Lanka was rated Gold by the Wanderlust whilst Taiwan was ranked as second best with Silver followed by Puerto Rico (Bronze). Other islands ranked were, 4 Tobago, 5 Tasmania, 6 Bermuda, 7 Cuba, 8 Barbados, 9 Masagaskar and 10 Palawan.
Sri Lanka being rated Gold in the global category is noteworthy as the Wanderlust also has “Most Desirable Island” region wise.
Other categories include, Most Desirable Emerging Destination; Most Desirable City; Most Desirable Country as well as tour operators and airlines.
The UK magazine said Sri Lanka has risen from last year’s eighth place to take Gold in one of the awards’ most thrilling turnarounds. Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, the nation’s history comes to life through spectacular monuments such as Sigiriya Rock, the cave temples of Dambulla and the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Elsewhere, its leopard-filled national parks and the jungle-fringed beaches of Tangalle and Trincomalee show off the island’s natural side. But, more recently, it’s the tea plantations and lush highlands of the centre that have caught the eye, with the fresh addition of the Pekoe Trail offering an exciting new way to explore Sri Lanka’s green heart.
(Source: https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/inspiration/wanderlust-travel-awards-2024-the-results/)
FT