Last month, I spent two weeks in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is a lush, tropical island located next to the southern tip of India, right near the equator. So much amazed me there; below are pictures that showcase the beauty and kindness of the country.
Around 70% of the population of Sri Lanka practices Buddhism. Gorgeous temples criss-cross the entire country, and people of all faiths are welcome to visit.
Across the country, the natural resources and environment are well protected. “King Coconuts” are native to Sri Lanka and are sold nearly everywhere for a very low price. It’s the norm to drink these straight out of the coconut as a quick refresher from the hot weather. After drinking the water, the vendors take the coconut back and either repurpose them as decorations or dispose of them in a sustainable way. Animals are also given special care. Kandy, a city about three hours inland, is home to orphaned elephants who receive constant care and nourishment from experts.
I couldn’t help but notice the explicit drug policy. These signs were hung up all around Colombo International Airport. Security in general was tight all over Colombo–all hotels had a body scanner and all vehicles were inspected before entering. It’s a result of the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in the capital earlier this year.
Despite being monsoon season the parks, streets, and infrastructure were in pristine condition. Sri Lanka is a very clean country; the people value recycling and sustaining what their country has to offer, and the state of their capital definitely represents that.
Perhaps what I miss the most about Sri Lanka were the amazing sunrises and sunsets. Every day the sky looked slightly different, but it was always a picture-worthy moment.
Sri Lanka showed me what a country with strong social and ethical values looks like. All the local people I interacted with were genuinely kind, educated and friendly. Colombo alone has so much to offer: culture, food, history, and more. And on top of all that, the beauty of the island is prominent no matter where you go. This was an unforgettable trip and definitely somewhere I will return to.