The Most Photogenic Places in Sri Lanka (and When to Shoot Them)

Sri Lanka's landscapes change every few hours of driving — beaches, misty tea estates, ancient cities and jungle. Here are the most photogenic places on the island and the best time to be there with a camera.

Nine Arches Bridge, Ella

The colonial-era stone viaduct in a jungle valley is Sri Lanka's most famous photo. Check train times at Ella station and arrive 20 minutes early. Morning light is soft, and the café terraces above the bridge give an elevated view. Nine Arches Bridge.

Sigiriya from Pidurangala

The classic shot of Sigiriya rising from the jungle is taken from the top of Pidurangala Rock. Sunrise gives mist and soft light behind the rock; sunset lights it up in gold. See Sigiriya vs Pidurangala.

Galle Fort

Galle Fort's lighthouse, ramparts and colonial streets are beautiful at golden hour. Shoot the lighthouse from the ramparts at sunrise, and watch local cliff divers at Flag Rock in the afternoon.

Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa

A small headland covered in coconut palms above the sea. Go at sunrise to avoid crowds or at sunset for warm colour. Mirissa.

Lipton's Seat and Haputale

Tea estates fall away below you towards the plains. Arrive before 8 a.m. — clouds often cover the view later. Tea pluckers start work early in the morning on the estates below. See Haputale.

Horton Plains and World's End

Misty grasslands, cloud forest and the 800 m drop of World's End. You must arrive at dawn — by 10 a.m. the view is usually lost in cloud. Horton Plains.

The hill-country train

Leaning out of the door as the train winds through tea estates is an iconic shot (hold on firmly). The stretch between Nanu Oya and Ella is the most scenic. See our train guide.

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

The golden roof of the temple reflected in Kandy Lake at dusk, and the drummers during the evening ceremony. Photography inside the shrine rooms may be restricted. Temple of the Tooth.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Painted ceilings and rows of Buddha statues in the cave light. Photography is generally allowed, but never pose with your back to a Buddha statue. Dambulla Cave Temple.

Stilt fishermen, south coast

The stilt fishermen near Koggala and Ahangama are a famous image. Today, most fishermen at the roadside spots pose for photos and expect payment. Agree an amount first, or photograph from a distance at sunset without a staged pose.

Wildlife

• Elephants at Minneriya in late afternoon light during the Gathering. See our elephant guide.
• Leopards at Yala — a telephoto lens (300 mm or longer) is ideal. See our leopard guide.
• Whales off Mirissa — use a fast shutter speed on a rocking boat.

More ideas

• Sunrise at Elephant Rock near Arugam Bay.
• The giant stupas of Anuradhapura at sunset.
• Golden-hour colours at Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee.
• The colourful gopuram of Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna.

Photography etiquette

• Ask before photographing people, especially monks, worshippers and children.
• Never photograph with your back to a Buddha statue or pose disrespectfully with religious images.
• Drones require permission from the Civil Aviation Authority and are banned over many heritage sites, national parks and sensitive areas.
• Follow photography rules at temples and museums; some charge a camera fee or forbid photos inside.

See our culture and etiquette guide.