What do you get when you put together a dazzling mirage of pristine white-sanded beaches, the endless green rolling hills of tea plantations, and the wildlife diversity of an African Safari? Sri Lanka, or as the locals like to call it, the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka as I was invited to the Cinnamon Travel Blogger Awards. In the ten days I spent in Sri Lanka, I got to see just a small slice of what this magnificent island has to offer. Brimming with jaw-dropping scenery, magnificent wildlife and bucketlist-worthy experiences, it’s easy to see why this country has turned into one of the most up-and-coming tourist destinations… All the more reason to experience Sri Lanka sooner rather than later!

Here are 35 photos that will probably make you want to book a flight to Sri Lanka ASAP:

35 Beautiful Sri Lanka Photos

Exploring the Knuckles Mountain Range, book a day tour from Kandy here

Home for the night at Back of Beyond Pidurangala 

Catching the Train from Kandy to Nuwera Eliya

Watching the sunrise over the mountains in Kandy

If you need help planning your travels in Sri Lanka, check out Olanka travels– they are a tour operator offering tour packages & custom itineraries to make travelling the country a lot easier.  

Exploring the town of Galle

Views out of the window on the train to Kandy

Feasting on delicious Sri Lankan Curry at a local village

Visiting the Mackwood Tea Plantations

Afternoon swims at Unawatuna Beach 

Climbing the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, check here for a day excursion

Elephant spotting at Minneriya National Park, included in this 2-day tour from Colombo

Afternoon tea at Back of Beyond Pidurangala

Cruising along the Mahaweli River

Tea time at the Mackwood Tea Plantations

Exploring the famous Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, check here for a city tour of Kandy

Waterfall discoveries on the drive from Nuwera Eliya to Kandy 

Cocktails by the pool at Cinnamon Citadel Hotel

Watching the fire walkers during a cultural show in Kandy, book a ticket here

Driving through the tea plantations surrounding the Knuckles Mountain Range, book a day tour from Kandy here

Frolicking through the gardens at the Royal Cocoon in Nuwara Eliya

First light over the Kandy Mountain Range, book a day tour from Kandy here

 

A traditional welcome to the Cinnamon Citadel in Kandy

A lazy afternoon by the Mahaweli River in Kandy

Views from the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Watching a local prepare fresh Sri Lankan Curry

Friendly locals on the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya 

Lighting a candle at the Temple of the Tooth

Cruising along the Mahaweli River in Kandy

Sleeping inside a Treehouse at Back of Beyond Pidurangala

Paddling through a lily pond with some locals

Learning to hull rice with the ladies in the village 

Elephant Safari at Minneriya National Park

Relaxing by the pool at Cinnamon Citadel Hotel 

Wandering through local villages in Matale 

Hanging out on the train ride from Colombo to Kandy

If you’re wondering more about my photography, check this post and this one on my camera equipment. I also edit them in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

A massive thanks to Cinnamon Hotels, Sri Lankan Airlines and Sri Lanka Tourism for the incredible trip. I’m already looking forward to returning and exploring this country further!