Around Sri Lanka by train

Wild Elephant at sunset in Sri Lanka. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Digital Imaging Ambassador

Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth looking over Anuradhapura's temples at sunrise, the Ancient capital of Sri Lanka.

“most beautiful train ride”

Feet hanging out of the train passing through the mountains and overlooking tea plantations. It is by far the most beautiful train ride I’ve ever been on. I landed and left in darkness, took the first train from the capital city Colombo into the mountains. I didn’t miss much, Colombo, a stock standard developing country city. It was only the first day, first sights and I was blown away.

Tropical seaside train views in Sri Lanka. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Train going over Demodara Nine Arch bridge near Ella in Sri Lanka. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Tea Picker walking home through the fog of the Sri Lanka mountains. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Driving over Udawalawe National Park on a Land Rover safari searching for Elephants. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth driving over a swing bridge in Sri Lanka

Elephant in Udawalawe National Park on a Land Rover safari. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

I had no plan but to simply follow my eyes around the country. Each train stop I watched people scramble on for their seats, amongst them were 4 females and one looked familiar. Turned out in the middle of Sri Lanka we had a lot of friends in common and met before. Also heading to the east we ended up traveling together.

Girls surfing at sunrise in Sri Lanka. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Sri Lankan farmer with his cows at sunset. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Tea Picker working in the Sri Lankan plantations. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Tea plantations in the mountains of Sri Lanka. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Stefan Haworth's view of the best waterfall in Sri Lanka, Shot on Sony Action Cam

Fishing boats along the coast of Sri Lanka. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

I expected Sri Lanka to be the same as India, to my surprise it was very different. Within a day I knew it was now one of my favourite countries. People were the biggest impact, so much more friendly and less money hungry. Genuine people, I hope that doesn’t change. I had a horrible experience in China and their people to which further cements my least favourite culture. Only for themselves, Sri Lanka was very different. I miscalculated the payment for a tuk tuk, for him to later return that extra money. Many people went out of their way to help and share experiences with us. A good laugh is mentioning the NZ cricket team the ‘the black caps’ which they are nuts about, little did they know I think its the most boring sport and don’t know much about our team.

Chris Benterman surfing in Sri Lanka. Photo by Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth

Massive waterfall and unvisited waterfall in Sri Lanka

Sony Ambassador Stefan Haworth walking through tea plantations of Sri Lanka

My last night I took another train ride into the mountain once more for a morning train ride back before my flight out of Sri Lanka. It was my favourite area, figured I might as well for a few dollars. Sadly the returning morning train didn’t happen as there was a problem with the train lines. Instead a long and busy bus ride back. At least I got out of the city for my last night