Aug 17, Colombo: The award-winning UK-based Hello! Magazine has listed Sri Lanka as one of the five most exotic, exciting destinations to visit in 2012.

Breath-taking scenery of Sri Lanka's tea plantations is an alluring destination, the magazine says in its online issue.

Hello! recommends to "delve no deeper than the spiritual island of Sri Lanka" for an "eclectic mix of exotic wildlife, culture and scenery".

It recommends the traveler not to miss the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage that is home to over sixty elephants, or the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, boasting over thirty 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 says.