Oct 23, Colombo: Lonely Planet, the world's largest travel guide and the digital media publisher has named Sri Lanka as the number one destination in the world to travel in 2013.

The 2013 travel guide says with the long-running civil war now over Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet's best-value destinations.

The country has been chosen as the number one destination based on the input from travel experts, travellers and other stakeholders, according to the publishers. According to the magazine, the visitor numbers are increasing and it is becoming easier to reach the country due to cheap fares from regional hub Bangkok.

Under the title "Serenity returns to Serendib" the world's most trusted travel publisher says investment is again fuelling the tourist industry in Sri Lanka and visitor numbers are steadily increasing.

"Prices are affordable. Indeed, Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet's best-value destinations," the magazine writes.

The 2013 Travel Guide highlights the emerging new popular places to visit in Sri Lanka, including the newly opened up East coast and less traveled paths in the western coast as well.

Emerging from a three-decade long war that has held off the travelers to the country and a devastating tsunami in 2004, Sri Lanka is beginning to experience the lost splendor again.

With white sandy beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, killer surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea, and flavourful food there is "so much in so little", the Lonely Planet says.