UK’s Hello! mag picks Sri Lanka as an exciting destination to visit

The award-winning UK-based Hello! Magazine has named Sri Lanka as one of the five most exotic and exciting destinations to visit in 2012.

The breathtaking scenery of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations is an alluring destination, the magazine says in an article titled ‘Idyllic retreats for the perfect exotic adventure’ in its online issue.

Hello! recommends: “Delve no deeper than the spiritual island of Sri Lanka” for an “eclectic mix of exotic wildlife, culture and scenery”.

It tells travellers not to miss the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage that is home to over 60 elephants, or the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, boasting over 30 shrines and beautifully preserved buildings.

“Following a trip to Colombo’s treasure trove markets, you can unwind on the heavenly stretch of Unawatuna Beach. Palm trees tower over the silk-like sand and the aqua sea breaks rhythmically as you relax with a cocktail or traditional Sri Lankan tea from the hillside plantations,” it adds.