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Home » Travel » Where to Go in Sri Lanka

Where to Go in Sri Lanka

March 8, 2018 Photo Essays, Travel, Two+ Weeks

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

photo tour of sri lanka - colombo

colombo temple - photo tour of sri lanka

   photo tour of sri lanka - colombo

Kandy

1-2 days

  photo tour of sri lanka - woman in kandy

Train to Ella

1/2 Day

train to ella, sri lanka

  

Ella + Tea Country

3 Days

    waterfall in ella, sri lanka

  

Uda Walawe National Park

1/2 day

  

Southern Beaches: Tangalle and Mirissa

2-3 days

cinnabar resort, sri lanka  tangalle beach, sri lanka

Galle

2 days

galle lighthouse - sri lanka photo

  

Which part of Sri Lanka would you choose to explore first?

 << pin this for later >>

Sri Lanka itinerary and photo essay - learn about the best spots to visit on a 1-2 week trip!

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Winner of Gold and Silver 2019 Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing.

About Anne

Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer based in San Francisco.

After spending a year in the world, she insisted on building a life at home she loved as much as she loves travel. The result was a move to SF, which she affectionately calls her “soul city.” She believes in the balance of and connection between time spent at home and abroad.

Comments

  1. Liza says

    March 10, 2018 at 10:53 am

    Wow! These pictures are incredible. Thanks for sharing. I hope to get to Sri Lanka this year

    Reply
    • Anne Lowrey says

      March 22, 2018 at 4:35 pm

      You should absolutely plan a trip if you can!

      Reply
  2. Stacey Wittig says

    March 15, 2018 at 2:05 pm

    Love your photos! Let me know the next time you go back. I’d love to travel with you again

    Reply
    • Anne Lowrey says

      March 18, 2018 at 9:18 am

      Thank you, Stacey! Let’s plan a trip!! 🙂

      Reply
  3. tripontheside says

    May 7, 2018 at 7:15 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Anne Lowrey says

      May 7, 2018 at 8:22 am

      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?

      Reply

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