Come with me as we visit Sri Lanka in pictures.
Looking back at my time in Sri Lanka, I am still amazed at the variety of experiences you can have on just one small island.
In just two weeks time I was able to….
- hike mountain trails
- sip fresh coconuts on tropical beaches
- encounter elephants in the wild
- shop the swarm at chaotic city markets
- make temple offerings alongside local worshippers
- go watching for blue whales
- embark on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys
- wander in gardens, sip tea in tea estates
- eat curry on the street.
And that’s just in the southern half of the island!
While an itinerary is still to come, I wanted to share a photographic journey of my time in Sri Lanka. From the capital Colombo we traversed to Kandy, its cultural heart, and on to tea country by train — one of the most beautiful journeys in the world, with stops in Nuwara Eliya and ultimately, the mountains of Ella. Next, we safaried in Uda Walawe before continuing on to the scenic beaches of the Southern Coast. An oasis of calm awaited on Tangalle Beach, followed by days in the sun of Mirissa and Unawatuna, wrapped in a beautiful trip finale in the colonial town of Galle.
I liked Sri Lanka very much, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back. Though I do admit: I think my impression of the country suffered a little from the number of times travelers told me I would “love” it. I believe expectations are the enemy of enjoying a place or even a moment…Still, it’s an incredibly beautiful place full of warm-hearted people, so as I process my trip, I’ll let photographs do the talking. <3
Colombo
1-2 days
Kandy
1-2 days
Train to Ella
1/2 Day
Ella + Tea Country
3 Days
Uda Walawe National Park
1/2 day
Southern Beaches: Tangalle and Mirissa
2-3 days
Galle
2 days
Which part of Sri Lanka would you choose to explore first?
<< pin this for later >>
<< see more photo essays >>
Wow! These pictures are incredible. Thanks for sharing. I hope to get to Sri Lanka this year
You should absolutely plan a trip if you can!
Love your photos! Let me know the next time you go back. I’d love to travel with you again
Thank you, Stacey! Let’s plan a trip!! 🙂
These fabulous photos capture everything that is great about Sri Lanka. I visited last year and I was surprised at how many different experiences I had while travelling around the country. My favourite place was Ella – so beautiful. And the train ride was the most scenic I’ve ever experienced. Would definitely return!
Ella was my favorite of the trip too! It still amazes me how much you can do in just the one country. I’d love to go back and see the north as well! Did you make it up there?