Robert HardingSri Lanka is a gem that has emerged from the shadows of war and the tsunami. Its pristine beaches, tea plantations, characterful elephants, tasty food and affordable prices have yet to be appreciated by the hoards, making it the perfect time to visit. Here are some of our favourite images.
Buddhist monks watching the Indian Ocean, Colombo (Yadid Levy/Robert Harding)
Light trails on the streets of Kandy (Matthew Williams-Ellis/Robert Harding)
Palm tree at sunset, Mirissa Beach (Matthew Williams-Ellis/Robert Harding)
Hindu temple, Colombo (Robert Harding Productions)
A stilt fisherman in the waves at Midigama near Weligama (Matthew Williams-Ellis/Robert Harding)
Sri Lankan woman sitting on an Asian elephant in festival attire (Kim Walker/Robert Harding)
Three young monks praying at a rock-cut image of the Buddha in the Gal Vihara (Gavin Hellier/Robert Harding)
Bentota beach at sunset (Ian Trower/Robert Harding)
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Matthew Williams-Ellis/Robert Harding)
Sunrise over tea plantations and mountains, Haputale (Matthew Williams-Ellis/Robert Harding)
Reclining Buddha statue Isurumuniya, Anuradhapura (Bruno Morandi/Robert Harding)
Little green bee-eater, Yala National Park (Peter Barritt/Robert Harding)
Ancient city of Polonnaruwa (Jochen Schlenker/Robert Harding)
Tamil woman plucking tea leaves, Dickoya (Kim Walker/Robert Harding)
See more photos of Sri Lanka here