Sri Lanka voted as Lonely Planet's number one destination of 2013

Negambo Beach, Sri Lanka

With views like this, it's no surprise that Lonely Planet voted Sri Lanka as the number one destination to visit in 2013.

Statistics from the Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority (SLTDA) showed an 18.1% increase in tourists since September last year, with 71, 111 arriving this September compared to the 60, 219 in September 2011.

The Ceylon Daily News wrote: "Travel experts and voters have predicted that Sri Lanka will be on the top of the hottest new holiday destinations for travelers in 2013. Under the title ‘Serenity returns to Serendib’ the travel guide raves destination Sri Lanka describing the multifaceted experiences the traveler can look for in Sri Lanka, fused with novelty and indulgence."

Rightfully deserved, well overdue and finally emancipated from its painful years of civil war, it's about time this spectacular little gem of an island became recognized for what it truly is.©