Sri Lanka is slowly getting back on its feet. The country suffered 20 years from a civil war, and back in 2004, it was devastated by a tsunami that almost destroyed the whole country. But now, it's an up and coming tourist destination some visitors think could be the next Bali or Thailand.

Sri Lanka is a tropical island located on the southern tip of India. If you're wishing for an unforgettable vacation filled with pristine beaches and beautiful culture, then this country is the place to be. Here are some reasons why you should visit Sri Lanka his year:

The food. Travel writer Lou Blair shared to News.com.au how the Sri Lankan cuisine has captured her heart. Its cuisine is mostly shaped by its history and culture, with some dishes so inherently unique you wouldn't find them anywhere else in the world. In Lou's words, "Coconut sambal, roti, dried fish and chilli-cakes for breakfast? Thank you."

It's an up and coming surfing destination. The Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka is slowly making a name for itself in the surfing world because of its high waves fit for surfing leisurely or for sport. If you want to catch the best waves, make sure to visit between the months of April and October. And according to the Standard UK, if you crave for a more high-end surfing experience, then check out Soul and Surf at the country's southern coast.

Genuine Sri Lankan hospitality. Sri Lanka is not a hostile country; the locals are friendly enough to make you feel at home. According to Lou, there a number of local hosts who are more than happy to share their culture and food with you. Also, compared to India, you'll find that Sri Lankans quite grasp the meaning of personal boundaries, meaning you won't be really that hassled in the street when locals are trying to sell you goods.

The abundance of cultural heritage. The country's culture and history are so beautiful that there are a number of world heritage sites guests must visit in their spare time. The country is colonized by a number of countries back in the day, including Britain, Netherlands, and Portugal, and the influence of these countries to Sri Lanka are evident today. Try visiting the fortified town of Galle, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, and the Sacred City of Kandy.