Sri Lanka - North to South Photo Tour - full itinerary

Our photographic journey through Sri Lanka encompasses the island's remarkable diversity, from ancient sacred Buddhist kingdoms to historic colonial fortresses. We witness mist-shrouded mountains and golden beaches, offering unparalleled visual opportunities in a compact tropical paradise that is rich with vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.

Beginning in coastal Negombo, we capture traditional authentic fishing culture before exploring the magnificent ancient city of Anuradhapura. Here, massive gleaming white dagobas, sacred ancient Bo trees, and colonial architectural remnants provide both stunning architectural grandeur and captivating scenes of living devotion against Sri Lanka's remarkably varied landscapes.

The cultural heart reveals itself through Sigiriya Rock Fortress rising majestically from Habarana's expansive plains, sacred Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, and Nuwara Eliya's distinctive colonial charm. Picturesque Ella's mountain setting offers absolutely breathtaking opportunities to photograph famous blue trains crossing historic scenic viaducts against lush verdant highlands.

Our adventure end where Ahangama's iconic stilted fishermen create striking silhouettes against spectacular dramatic sunsets, historic Galle Fort's beautifully preserved colonial streets transport us through time, and vibrant Colombo's urban energy showcases the island's rapidly evolving culture through compelling street photography and architectural documentation.

Day 1:
Arrival in Colombo — Negombo
We will arrange for you to be picked up from the airport and taken to our beachfront hotel in Negombo. Nathan runs an optional pre-tour technical workshop from around 3-5pm for those new to travel photography or who feel they would benefit from a refresher course (please confirm your interest). There’s a meet ‘n’ greet with Nathan at the hotel starting at around 6pm, followed by drinks and dinner with the group.

Day 2:
Negombo
Early this morning, we visit the famous fishing beach of Negombo to get a glimpse of the action. We watch the fishermen pull their nets out of the water with their loud chanting. Later we join the locals as they gather together for the fish auction at the wet market. 

In the afternoon, we set out on a boat ride along the Negombo lagoon keeping a close eye on the birdlife since this is the best time for spotting them. We will also pass through the mangroves which is yet another eco system of shrubs and trees unique to coastal intertidal zones. In the late afternoon light, we watch and capture a local fisherman throwing his net as the sun sets.

Day 3:
Negombo — Anuradhapura — Mihintale
Early this morning, we discover a different side of the Negombo Fish Market with a visit to the dry fish area. Neatly arranged rows of fish drying under the sun offer striking visuals, textures, and insight into a traditional local trade. We then return to the hotel and enjoy breakfast together.

Later in the morning, we check out of our hotel and set off on the drive to Anuradhapura, which takes around four hours, allowing time to stop along the way as and when photographic opportunities present themselves.

In the afternoon, after our arrival visit Mihintale, a remarkable religious site for Sri Lankans, as it marks the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This is believed to be the meeting place where Mahinda Thero from India met with King Devanampiyatissa and preached the doctrine of Buddhism. It is also said to have occurred on a Poson (June) Full moon poya day. Mihintale literally translates into “Plateau of Mihindu.”

The great stairway leading up to the rock is absolutely picturesque, shaded by queues of frangipani trees and their blossoms adorning the path. After the interesting climb up the stairs, take some time to photograph the ancient stupas, the resident monks and enjoy the breath-taking bird’s eye view of the skies above and the greenish platoons below. Afterwards we return to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

Day 4:
Anuradhapura - Habarana
We begin our day with a visit to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a place continuously inhabited for over two millennia and the seat of power until constant invasions forced a move further south. This is not just an archaeological site; pilgrims still visit the sacred Bo tree, while the dagobas stand as majestic as they did during the reign of King Tissa.

In the late morning, we head to Habarana, and check in to our hotel, which boasts wonderful, relaxed organic vegetable gardens and a lovely swimming pool. After lunch, we head out to a local elephant safari, where we are confident that we’ll see many elephants that are free to roam in a natural environment.

Day 5:
Sigiriya Rock & Village Walk
Before sunrise, we visit the magnificent rock fortress of Sigiriya — known locally as Lion Rock, this is a rare jewel among Sri Lanka’s many treasures. The site was originally the domain of King Kashyapa, whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and, within it, a heavenly abode. Rising over dry plains, the challenging climb of 1200 footsteps up this flat-topped monodon ends with the most scenic birds-eye view of the emerald plains and leafy villages below. 

On the way down, we can observe the smoothly glazed ‘Mirror Wall’ located a few steps away, which has sealed the expressions of ancient visitors inspired by the vibrant frescoes of the voluptuous, wasp-waisted maidens bearing flowers amidst the wilderness and ancient ruins. From here, we can arrange for a shoot with a local elephant in the foreground looking back to the majestic rock

Later in the afternoon, we take a tuk-tuk to visit a local village to some local snacks such as ‘Pol Roti’ and lunu miris being prepared in traditional kitchens before embarking on a village walk to glimpse the local people’s day-to-day life.

Day 6:
Habarana — Dambulla — Kandy
We set off very early today with a packed breakfast, heading towards Kandy and stopping at Dambulla to visit the interesting cave temple located up the little hill. The temple, also known as the ‘Golden Temple of Dambulla,’ is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered to be the most significant and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country. It features an enviable collection of statues, stupas, carvings, as well as breathtaking paintings packed together in a small space. 

We can explore a more modern Buddhist complex at the bottom of the hill before visiting Dambulla’s wholesale vegetable market. We stop for lunch en route to Kandy and make one or two photo stops along the way, as and when opportunities present themselves. On arrival in Kandy, we check into our hotel and, later in the evening, we visit the Temple of the Tooth in time for the pooja ceremony before returning to our hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 7:
Kandy
This morning, we take a short drive from the bustling city centre to a small inner village, where we set off on a walk that connects the legendary three temples of Embeke, Galdaladeniya, and Lankathilake, all hidden gracefully in the hills of Kandy. In between temples, we can enjoy rewarding walks along the rice fields that border the neighbouring small villages. With views of the greenery, we can watch the locals working in their gardens and the rice fields. Covering our knees and shoulders is compulsory when visiting the temple premises, so we should take a sarong or a shawl to cover ourselves.

Late this afternoon, we explore the charming lakeside district and the local market area, before visiting the extremely charming Helga’s Folly: an eccentric and eclectic hotel that’s covered from floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall with artistic folly indeed.

Kandy remained independent while Sri Lanka was under Portuguese and Dutch rule, and it was only much later, during the British government, that the city finally fell to the most extensive empire in the world. Today, Kandy is a big city that retains touches of its colonial history in buildings such as the Queen's Hotel, a 19th-century neoclassical beauty. 

Day 8:
Kandy — Nuwara Eliya
Today, we take a leisurely drive to Nuwara Eliya, a city in the centrally-located tea country hills that offers stunning colonial architecture and misty tea plantations staffed with local tea pickers. We stop en route to take in some landscape shots and, after checking in to our hotel, we visit a tea plantation and photograph workers both in the factory and in the field towards sunset.

Day 9:
Nuwara Ellya — Ella (by train)
Today, we take a picturesque train ride from Nanu Oya station to Ella, using second class tickets so that we can shoot from the window. Later in the afternoon, we can walk back to the famous Nine Acre bridge in the hope of photographing a later train crossing the bridge. Our hotel is well placed to explore Ella, and its roof gives us a great viewing point of the surrounding hills.

Day 10:
Ella — Ahangama — Galle Fort
After breakfast this morning, we check out from our hotel and set off on a four-hour drive to Ahangama, stopping en route as usual as and when photo opportunities present themselves. After a late lunch, we embark on our first attempt to photograph the famous stilted fishermen, before driving on to Galle where we should arrive at the local fishing beach for the full sunset.

Day 11:
Galle Fort
After breakfast this morning, we head directly to the magnificent Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 16th century. This well-preserved colonial stronghold features a labyrinth of cobbled streets, imposing ramparts and elegant red-tiled colonial homes where the local people continue to live and work.

As evening approaches, we position ourselves near the iconic whitewashed lighthouse, using its silhouette to provide compelling foreground interest for some spectacular sunset compositions. You might even want to bring a drone with you.

Day 12:
Galle — Colombo
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Colombo, the country’s largest city and capital, where there is a rich world to discover beyond the busy avenues. We check in to our luxury seaside hotel and, later in the afternoon, an interesting personality from Colombo joins us on a walk through the back roads of Colombo, bringing a special twist on the local street food.

We stroll through the Galle Face Green and the inner roads of Slave Island, which is a perfect destination for street photography. Here we meet many local people and experience how they spend their daily lives. Now is the time to experience all the city has to offer, as many of its architectural gems will probably be gone in a couple of years. We return to our hotel for drinks and dinner with the group in the evening.

Day 13:
Departure from Colombo
Today, you have free time until our driver transfers you to the airport for your flight home, unless you have chosen to spend another day or two in Colombo.

We hope you will have had an enjoyable and memorable experience, and we look forward to seeing you again on another photographic adventure!