Photograph the best of Sri Lanka: from historic & religious sites, to wildlife & tea plantations
Sri Lanka, often called the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean,' is a vibrant island nation defined by its incredible geographical and cultural diversity packed into a relatively small area.
This diversity is reflected in our exciting itinerary, which visits a variety of landscapes from lush forests, unspoilt beaches and rambling tea plantations, explores over 2000 years or history and religion, delves into the culture of a number of significant towns, experiences the remnants of the colonial era, and seeks out some of the incredible wildlife and birdlife.
This itinerary represents a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka, which forms a perfect introduction, but also offer enough detail for those who have visited before. It will also include extensive photography support from professional travel photographer, Steve Davey, countless photo opportunities and the company of fellow photography enthusiasts.
We will start in the coastal town of Negombo, which is fringed by perfect beaches and noted for the Lellama Fish Market - hailed as the largest in the country. It is also the close to the international airport, making it a perfect start for the trip.
The fish market is a fantastic location for photography, and we can also photograph fishermen landing fish on the beach in the earlt morning.
We then will drive to Negombo, which will be our base for exploring the local area. In the afternoon, we will head to the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya, which is perched on top of a vast volcanic plug.
Today is devoted to exploring Anuradhapura. As the island’s first grand capital, this UNESCO World Heritage site is dominated by colossal dagobas—massive brick stupas like the Ruwanwelisaya and the Jetavanaramaya—which were once some of the tallest structures in the ancient world, rivalling the pyramids of Giza.
Although the site comprises of many ancient ruins, they are still active pilgrimage sites, and ring to the soft sound of Buddhist chanting. This is especially the case at the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple – home to a sacred bodhi tree planted in 236, believed to be the oldest human-planted tree in the world, from a cutting of the tree under which thhe Lord Buddha gained enlightenment,.
Our next stop on the Sri Lankan Cultural Triangle is Polonnaruwa, which was the Sinhalese and Chola capital in the 10th century, where we will explore well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in Polonnaruwa’s Quadrangle complex.
We will also visit the remains of the seven-story palace built by King Parakramabahu, the rock temple of Gal Vihara, the giant stupa of Rankot Vihara and the ancient Buddha image house of Lankatilaka, covered in intricate carvings and housing a towering statue of Buddha.
Today, we will also visit the Minneriya National Park, which is arguably the best place in the country to see Asian Elephants in the wild. The park contains an artificial reservoir which was constructed by King Mahasen in the 3rd century.
Dambulla is home to an incredible Cave Temple, which comprises of five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. A modern and vast golden image sits at the entrance of the complex.
Our next stop will be the thriving city of Kandy, which is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a relic of Lord Buddha, and is still attracts many pilgrims and is witness to regular pujas of chanting and drumming.
The original purposeIn Kandy we will also go birdwatching in the Royal Botanical Gardens. This originated as 14th-century royal pleasure grounds before being formally established by the British in 1843. Home to over 4000 plant species, we will also hope to spot Yellow Fronted Barbets, Layards Parakeets and Sri Lankan Hanging Parrots.
In Kandy we will also have a private traditional dance display at the home of a local dancer.
After Kandy, we will catch the famous scenic train to the high hills town of Nuwara Eliya, at 1800 metres, where we will stay at the atmospheric Grand Hotel, which dates back to 1891, and was the previous home of a British Governor during the colonial era.
In Nuwara Eliya we will enjoy an atmospheric hike to the scenic Single Tree Hill Viewpoint and the Single Tree Temple, before visiting a tea plantation to see the tea making process. As we drive around the area, we will also keep a look out for scenic areas of tea plantations, which are often planted in ornate shapes, and local tea pickers.
We will also have a lunch at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club – one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia, founded in 1889.
On our way South, we will visit the town of Ella, home to the scenic Ella Gap, which has breathtaking views out to the plains. Our destination is Tissamaharama, which is conveniently located for the quieter back gate of Yala National Park.
Yala is Sri Lanka's premier wildlife reserve, comprising of open grasslands, lush forest and lagoons. There is a good chance of spotting crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and buffalo and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a leopard – the park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these elusive big cats.
We will have two 4WD safaris in the park, before having the chance to visit the Kataragama Temple, which is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the minority indigenous Vedda people.
The historic town of Galle represents the Dutch influence in Sri Lanka, and at is core is the iconic Fort, which is surround by the ocean on three sides. We will have time to explore the atmospheric streets and markets.
Our final stop is the capital city of Colombo, which is vibrant mix of colonial-era buildings, bustling markets like Pettah, and modern landmarks like the Lotus Tower. We will visit the market and the adjacent Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque Red Mosque, which is the oldest in town.
This tour is currently being finalised, and we will be posting the dates, prices and full itinerary soon. In the meantime you can see a gallery of images from the last time we ran the trip, and express an interest below.
