Sri Lanka is characterised by widely varying cultural and natural landscapes, making it ideal for photographers looking for diverse subject matter. Scenes of local life, natural beauty, wildlife and historical sites are within easy reach of each other in this itinerary specially designed for keen photographers. Being a private tour we can easily customise the itinerary to suit your specific photographic interest, such as wildlife, birds, landscapes or historic/cultural aspects of the country. In each location we’ve selected accommodation that makes the most of its surrounds, ensuring plenty of photo opportunities from first to last light.
Keen photographers who want diverse and unique photographic opportunities in Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation on a 40-minute drive. Your accommodation is a Villa located on the wooded shores of the Negombo Lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation and colourful bougainvillaea.
Commence your photography journey early this morning. Visit Sri Lanka’s second largest fish market for interesting life/people-basedphotography. Thereafter go on a boat ride in the picturesque canals and the lagoon.
Depart to the area known as the Cultural Triangle. Visit Dambulla Cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO world heritage sites considered to be the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country with an enviable collection of statues, stupas, carvings and murals. Remainder of your day at leisure at your accommodation, an idyllic hide away set in 40 acres of open space and a natural lake, a photographic paradise
Rise early this morning to capture the sunrise from top of Pidurangala rock with Sigiriya Rock Fortress as the backdrop. Proceed to the medieval Kingdom of Polonnaruwa for more photography of well-preserved ruins, carvings and stupas. Wind off with the sunset photography by Parakarama Samudraya, a stunning large reservoir built by an ancient king.
Rise early this morning to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This colossal Rock Fortress, also known as ‘Lion Rock’, is possibly Sri Lanka’s best-known attraction and one of its biggest drawcards. Thereafter head to Kandy, Kandy, the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings is also known as the hill capital. It belongs to the fabric of legends. While Sri Lanka was under Portuguese and Dutch rule, the Kings of Kandy remained defiant and independent. It was much later during the British rule that the city finally fell to the biggest Empire in the world. Today Kandy still retains touches of its colonial history in buildings along with its lovely centrepiece, the Kandy Lake. On arrival in the city you will visit the Temple of Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage listed Buddhist temple located in the royal palace complex before departing to your accommodation, a beautifully restored 100-year old manor house in the outskirts of the city.
Today discover Kandy with a visit to the local market and Royal botanical gardens.
Head to Nuwara Eliya in the tea country up the verdant mountains covered with tea bushes. Take the scenic train ride to Ella and stay at a beautifully restored plantation bungalow surrounded by a working tea plantation.
Discover Ella today with many photographic opportunities including the nine-arch bridge.
Drive to Yala on a three-hour journey. Your stay here is at an eco-friendly tented accommodation set in a quiet part of Yala bordering the sanctuary. Look forward to an exciting afternoon safari with the camp’s expert rangers. This afternoon discover Yala National park on a jeep safari
Today explore Yala National park on two half a day safari with the in-house rangers. Safaris take place early morning and late afternoon when the wildlife is most active as the temperatures remain most moderate.
Rise early this morning for your last safari into Yala National Park with the in - house naturalist. Return to your accommodation, refresh and drive to Tangalle, a journey of around 2 hours. En route visit Mulkirigala ancient Temple. Tangalle is a busy small town with many photographic opportunities to capture local life.
Full day at leisure. You may want to go on a gentle walk with your camera to capture life around your accommodation.
This morning depart to Galle, a journey of around 2 hours. En route stop by at Mirissa a wonderfully picturesque beach town, for more photography. Upon arrival in Galle check in to your accommodation, a beautifully renovated 17th century townhouse superbly located in the heart of Galle Fort. The port city of Galle Fort in Southern Sri Lanka is a place that speaks of another era of times gone by. An impressive rampart surrounding a small peninsula jutting out to the Indian Ocean, the Fort’s cobbled streets have seen four hundred years of history from Arab merchants to the adventurous Portuguese and the industrious Dutch.
Today explore Galle Fort and the surrounding Galle town with your driver guide to capture this heritage town and local life on photographs.
This morning drive to Colombo, the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo stretches for 14 kilometres along the western shore of the country. Due to its large harbour and strategic position along the East West sea-trade routes, it was well known to ancient traders as long as 2,000 years ago. Today Colombo is a metropolis of over two million people where different ethnic groups, religions and cultures mingle. The contrast between high-rise hotels and colonial mansions, supermarkets and street bazaars, dazzling cars and motor-rickshaws are found everywhere. This afternoon enjoy a guided walk around Colombo city with a historian.
Today transfer to Colombo's International airport for your departure flight, a 45-minute drive
We were very happy with all of the trip, especially our driver who suggested other things for us to do. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. We would use Sri Lanka Unbound again.
Prices are indicative only & subject to change.
Additional inclusions may vary from private tour to private tour. A full list of inclusions and exclusions will be provided with each individual enquiry/quote. For a detailed quote on specific travel dates with full inclusions/exclusions please enquire at mail@srillankaunbound.com.au