I’ve been to Sri Lanka numerous times over the past 28 years, and I’m impressed by the variety this small country offers – from beautiful beaches, to ancient cultural sites, tea plantations, wildlife and excellent hotels. I’ll never forget witnessing the Minneriya Elephant Gathering nor attending a puja ceremony in Trincomalee.

Girls in a wedding party posing for photographs in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock in Sri Lanka.
Wedding party taking photos at the ruins of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Drone photo of Galle, a city founded by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in the 16th century.
Market vendor in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Dambulla cave temple, Sri Lanka
Dambulla cave temple, Sri Lanka
Monks posing at Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka.
Market vendor in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Drone view of Cape Weligama Hotel, Sri Lanka.
Dance performer in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Drone view of Mirissa beach, a popular surf spot on Sri Lanka's southern coast.
Drone view of Taprobane island on Sri Lanka's southern coast.
Buddha statue in Dambulla cave, Sri Lanka.
Stone buddha statues at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.
Snake charmer on the streets of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
An elephant strolls by at Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan kids on the Galle Face in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The road leading the the center of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka.
The beautiful beach at Amanwella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka.
Sunset at Nilaveli Beach, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
A charismatic Sri Lankan man I encountered driving to Kandy.
Tea pickers in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.
Large stupa in Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka, near Yala National Park.
A fisherman in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
A boy dressed for a wedding party in traditional Sinhalese clothing.