Sri Lanka.

Last January we booked a trip to Sri Lanka.

I’d always known of this mysterious island at the bottom of India, because a friend at school went there when we were very young and told us stories of jungle, elephants and tropical beaches. Those stories always remained in my mind.

Getting married in Sri Lanka: busy streets of Colombo. Sri Lanka photographer: Modern architecture among buddha statues. Sri Lanka photographer: tuk tuk ride and ox on the streets of Kandy.

I believe Sri Lanka is a destination that encompasses all the characteristics of its big brother – India into a small island, but yet so unique.

Sri Lanka photographer: colourful ceiling and the walls surround the Buddha statue. Sri Lanka photographer: prayers and givings at the Temple of the Tooth. Sri Lanka photographer: silent prayers under the colourful prayer flags. Sri Lanka photographer: colonial feel at Kandy hotel. Sri Lanka photographer: the orange of the monk and the green around above water. Sri Lanka photographer: couple sat in the shade of a tree with purple umbrella.

The inland trip took us to some of the UNESCO sites and it amazed us to see so many at close proximity! They were so mesmerising in ancient antiquity that the country starts to hypnotise you with its magic.

Sri Lanka photographer: the views from above the green canopy and the path to the rock. Sri Lanka photographer: Ben on top of the rock and with the views above canopy. Sri Lanka photographer: panoramic misty landscape of the lake and majestic mountains. Sri Lanka photographer: steps to the house ruins with stone statues and a dog that owns them. Sri Lanka photographer: walking to the stone statues at the ruins. Sri Lanka photographer: magnificent dagaba stupa covered in small plants. Sri Lanka photographer: enormous brick structure Buddhist shrine and colossal Buddha statue. Sri Lanka photographer: elephant passing on the road. Sri Lanka photographer: reclining Buddha and the cave temple.

We moved around easily on the rail system that is so nostalgic and full of atmosphere as we passed through a lush interior. The tea plantations founded by the British in the 1800s together with the highlands are a patchwork of manicured hillsides and colourful tea pickers.

Sri Lanka photographer: Watawala train station and tea plantations. Sri Lanka photographer: waiting at Great Western train station. Sri Lanka photographer: canopy and the lush with Ben Wyatt. Sri Lanka photographer: waterfalls, trees, rocks and Ben Wyatt. Sri Lanka photographer: bathing surrounded by rocks. Sri Lanka photographer: train bridge over the arches surrounded by trees. Sri Lanka photographer: cute little girl and father at the shop with mud walls. Sri Lanka photographer: cute kids on the streets caught looking at the camera. Getting married in Sri Lanka: beautiful sandy beach in the haze with palm trees. Sri Lanka photographer: Fisherman picking through their catch on the beach. Sri Lanka photographer: lady at her doorway and a girl at someone's doorway. Sri Lanka photographer: street fruit vendor with cart and people sat in the shade. Sri Lanka photographer: colourful shirts and people standing above the sea. Sri Lanka photographer: cows and a bird in the shade with the island and the turquoise water. Sri Lanka photographer: birds on the wire and red lion stone statues. Sri Lanka photographer: tuk tuk and retro entrance to West End Studios. Sri Lanka photographer: retro Agfa sign under the fan and Ben Wyatt.

To the South beaches cleanse the soul from the heat and the bustle of the interior and on reflection, one realises Sri Lanka has a perfect balance to life!

Getting married in Sri Lanka: watching the surf from the sandy beach. Sri Lanka photographer: kids thrilled at a sandy beach with the waves. Sri Lanka photographer: fisherman holding the fish next to the fishing boats.