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?

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The post Where to Go in Sri Lanka appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.