With the onset of the holiday season, it becomes confusing to decide on a spot. If you want to be close to water, here are the two best options. Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Kerala, God’s own country, are beautiful and worth visiting. Let us find out sri lanka or kerala? which is best for holiday?
Kerala, India’s southern state, and Sri Lanka are popular for many attractions. But both of these are similar yet different in many aspects. This article will help you decide which destination to choose.
Nature and Adventure
For those who enjoy being in nature and want an adventurous holiday, here is what you can expect-
Sri Lanka
Being in the middle of the ocean, Sri Lanka is home to dense forests, wildlife, and national parks. If you are a nature-lover, you will be the happiest in Sri Lanka. Yala National Park and Nuwara Eliya are two of the best places to stay close to nature. Make sure you visit nearby waterfalls for stunning views.
You can trek to Little Adam’s Peak to catch the finest view. On your way, you will get to see some ancient paintings. Strawberries from Sri Lanka are popular worldwide. To make your trip memorable, visit strawberry farms to pluck them on your own.
Kerala
Nature is the reason why they call Kerala God’s own country. The Kerala backwaters are unmissable. The small hill stations and dense forests along the western ghats make your stay memorable.
Whenever you visit Kerala, you will always find it lush and green. Don’t forget to try bamboo boat houses in Kerala. You should book it in advance and make sure you stay there at least for 24 hours. Spend a night at the Periyar National Park Wildlife Safari. This is going to be an amazing moment.
Culture and Heritage
Culturally, both destinations follow varied traditions. Even though their heritage is different, what makes them similar is the influence of colonial architecture.
Sri Lanka
The nation is full of diversity. You will find people of various communities residing together in Sri Lanka. The forts and churches here speak of the colonial influence. The traditions speak highly of Buddhism. And the language has Tamil and Sinhalese backgrounds.
We suggest you visit Anuradhapura. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a lot of stupas and monasteries. The complete place speaks an ode to Sri Lanka’s ancient days. You can also visit Sri Lanka during its cultural festivals. Some of these are Vesak Poya and Poson.
Kerala
On the other hand, Kerala is more on the spiritual side. The two great Indian dance forms, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, originated in Kerala. These two have a base of Bhagavad Geeta. Kochi Fort stands strong as proof of colonial rule. Traditional music, prayers, and temple festivals are part of Kerala.
Visit Kerala to see the Theyyam dance. It is most popular in North Kerala. They pay tribute to Goddess Kali through the dance.
Beaches and Water Activities
Sri Lanka and Kerala, being closer to the ocean, have many beaches. Sri Lanka has more than 30 beaches. Kerala has a few.
Sri Lanka
This island country has so many beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. The golden sand is the best place to relax. At almost every beach, you will find something different. Bentota Beach is popular for its water activities. Whitewater rafting is something that most people try here.
You can try your hand at water skiing. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the most common water activities. If you want to enjoy nightlife at a beach, visit Mirissa Beach. The nightlife here is colorful and vibrant. You get to see the coral reefs at Hikkaduwa.
Kerala
Kovalam Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala. It is big and has so many options for visitors. You can try out local sea food, water sports, and a lot more at this beach. When you visit Kochi Fort, visit the nearby Kochi Beach.
Marari Beach, Varkala Beach, and Lighthouse Beach are some other options. For activities, you should try backwater kayaking. You can try this out at Alleppey. When in Kerala, you should try catamaran sailing. It is done using traditional boats. You will have a lot of fun.
Bamboo rafting, snorkeling, and scuba diving are some common ones. You will find many of these activities at different beaches.
Cost and Accessibility
Let us now come to the last but very essential point. The cost and accessibility of any trip should be considered beforehand.
Sri Lanka
The best thing about traveling to Sri Lanka is that it is affordable. This country has multiple options for people with all budgets. If you are on a tight budget and don’t want to spend much, it is okay. Sri Lanka has a lot of budget-friendly options to stay, eat, dance, and have fun.
Sri Lanka has many airports, so accessibility is not an issue. You can catch direct flights.
Kerala
Kerala is a bit expensive. But there are many cost-effective choices for you. You can book your stay at affordable hotels and make most bookings in advance. Also, make sure that you book your slots for the activities beforehand.
Kerala is connected to all Indian cities through air, rail, and road. But if you are an international visitor, you can take a direct flight to Kerala airport or Chennai airport.
Conclusion
Confused about your next holiday destination? Well, leave it to us. For all the people who love water, we have the two best options. Sri Lanka and Kerala are the most fascinating and often visited tourist places.
While Sri Lanka holds a lot of historical significance, Kerala is spiritually significant. If culture, history, and heritage are your choice, Sri Lanka is worth visiting. But if you want to see the biodiversity, the western ghats are for you.
Now you know which is best between Sri Lanka Vs Kerala, Contact Ceylon Empire Travels to book Sri Lanka packages.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.