As a well-travelled Scot, I’ve been fortunate enough to have found myself in many cities, countries and continents across the globe – with just a backpack in tow.

Some countries I’m content with having only seen once; while others I pine to set sights on again. Sri Lanka falls into the latter.

Positioned on the Indian Ocean, it’s everything you’d hope for from a small island: vibrant, cultural and home to some of the most amazing wildlife in the world. Which is why when Lonely Planet announced that Sri Lanka was the top country to visit in 2019, I nodded in agreement.

Yes, its lack of infrastructure can make travelling around the country a little difficult at times, but its infectious charm more than makes up for it. And as you go from one city to the next, you’ll cross paths with few tourists at every train station, all making the same tracks as you.

In the past, the people and place have been scarred by a long civil war arising from ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the Tamil minority in the northeast, but it was brought to an end in May 2009. You can still feel its aftermath; but you can see the people’s optimism for the future, too.

Not only does the country offer up a coastline that is beyond beautiful, but the train journeys around the land are the best you’ll ever experience in your lifetime.

But in case you needed more reasons to immediately book a flight to the trendy destination then take a look below at some of the best experiences on offer around the beautiful country.

Why everyone needs to take a trip to Sri Lanka in 2019