Called "the Pearl of the Indian Ocean" and the "Teardrop Island", Sri Lanka is a tiny island with a big reputation in South Asia. Revered for its cultural heritage and natural wonders, the country has earned its place on the world stage as a leading beach travel hub for the masses. From some of the island's best-known attributes to some of its more unique features, here's a look at why Sri Lanka is a country that the world seems unable to take its eyes off of.

Ceylon Tea - Image via Flickr

As the home base of world-renowned Ceylon Tea, it's difficult to deny Sri Lanka's position in the global tea market. As one of the island's chief exports, Ceylon Tea in all its forms is enjoyed in far flung corners of the planet where its unique flavour is appreciated by die-hard teetotalers. Although tea cultivation is an industry that British colonialists introduced to the island, the country has made its own stamp on the tea trade over the decades with innovative new products including White Tea or Silver-Tip Tea. Cultivated in the southern regions of Sri Lanka, away from the tea estate-laden mountains of Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Kandy, White Tea is known to have a higher concentration of antioxidants than its darker variety.

As one of 4 countries responsible for producing 99% of the cinnamon required by the world market, Sri Lanka is also intrinsically linked with this aromatic and flavourful spice. As a plant that's native to the country, local legends contend that cinnamon originated from Sri Lanka. Known for its medicinal value, cinnamon is not only used for flavouring food but also for treating headaches, sore throats and other conditions including arthritis. Cinnamon Island is a well-known travel hotspot in Sri Lanka that's occupied by a single cinnamon-cultivating family that has been growing this precious commodity for generations on an otherwise uninhabited island.

With a rich history and culture that dates back over 2500 years, Sri Lanka is home to some of the world's most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other ancient landmarks. With centuries-old cities such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa boasting a vast majority of the country's palaces, monasteries, temples and royal ponds, some of the island's best-known cultural sites include the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple. The Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Tooth Relic, is another iconic Buddhist attraction in Kandy that draws thousands of visitors weekly. Containing the dental remains of Lord Buddha, it is one of the holiest sites for Buddhist pilgrims the world over. Cultural points of interest are not limited to the heart of the country as touring the Old Parliament Building or Independence Square is among best things to do for tourists based at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo and other hotels in the capital.

Ranked among Asia's finest beach holiday destinations, Sri Lanka's pristine seaside hamlets are not just concentrated along the southern coastline. In fact, enjoying a day trip to West Coast beaches such as Negombo is one of the best things to do near Colombo. The northeastern fringes of Sri Lanka are also home to stunning beaches including Pasikudah and Arugam Bay while Jaffna which occupies the northernmost tip of the island also boasts its own share of white, sandy beaches.

As the only Asian nation with such a high elephant density, Sri Lanka is also famed for its game parks and wildlife sanctuaries. With more than 25 national parks to its name, these vast wildernesses offer visitors the opportunity to spot elephant herds, sambar deer, wild boars, buffaloes and even leopards during a safari tour. The Yala National Park and the Udawalawe National Park are arguably the most well-known game parks in Sri Lanka with Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla National Park also counted among the island's best reserves.