Photography Paradise in Sri Lanka

Ceylon – a photographer’s paradise

The island of Sri Lanka offers a tremendous diversity of photographic opportunities for unique, breath taking and authentic captures. So, let’s discover the best of them as we’ll take train rides through lush tea estates, head to the southern coast to enjoy the bustling fishing activity and visit cultural sites and markets for some unique street photography….

What to Expect

16 Nights / 17 Days

This itinerary has been carefully designed to give you a taste of the exciting, endless possibilities and can be tailored to suit your exact preferences.

Day 1 : Route – Airport / Colombo

Drive Time                  : Approximately 1 hour

Accommodation        : Galle Face Hotel, Colombo

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast Included

Arrive in Sri Lanka in the style you deserve, greeted by your chauffeur guide and transferred directly to Galle Face Hotel; an iconic landmark situated in the heart of Colombo along the seafront and facing the infamous Galle Face Green!

Rest & relax in the confines of your dwelling. Gaze at the blue ocean from your room window; the sight itself will soon revitalize you from jetlag.

In the afternoon, meet with a photographer who has contributed many photographs and written articles on Sri Lanka to international and local magazines alike. Your host will also share ideas on some excellent locations to photograph around the island.

In the evening embark on a taste-bud tingling culinary tour starting at the busy Galle Face Green seaside promenade. Try Isso wade prawn fritters, Achcharu pickles and fragrant tandoori chicken; tuk-tuk to The Old Dutch Hospital for some of Sri Lanka’s finest tea and delicious pol roti Kottu; finish with traditional jaggery sweets.

Enjoy a good night’s sleep dreaming of a picturesque journey ahead!

Day 2 : Route – Around Colombo

Accommodation        : Galle Face Hotel, Colombo

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

Rise early for a scrumptious breakfast and prepare your camera gear for an interesting city tour in the morning. With a morning visit to Pettah, you will learn about the many local vegetables & fruits. The colorful vegetables and fruits freshly picked from the garden will surely offer some amusing captures!

Your morning follows having our chauffeur guide introduce you to some of Colombo’s curious sites as the main bus and train terminals, Dutch Church at Wolfendal, Independence hall, Hindu Kovil at Slave Island, Colombo municipal council, Viharamahadevi Park and other city sites which would be of utmost enchantment to a photographer’s eye. It is also best to avoid certain sections of the Fort (high security zone) and military sites of high security in photographing Colombo. (The Guide will help you in this regard).

After devouring to a scrumptious lunch, by 4pm you could opt to visit either Gangarama temple or the Kelaniya historical temple in the suburbs of Colombo.

A visit to Gangarama temple will soothe your mind and soul. The unique architectural designs will be quick to catch your interest! The Kelaniya Buddhist temple is the oldest temple located in close proximity to Colombo which dates back to 6th century B.C. Many devotees in pure white clothes and saffron clad Buddhist monks who visit from around the island can be seen offering flowers, lighting and worshipping at the temple. The aroma of fresh lotus flowers and scented sticks make it heavenly to walk on the white sand; an ideal scene to capture some of the best moments of spirituality.

A relaxed mind intact, gradually proceed to the confines of your hotel by twilight.

Day 3 : Route – Colombo / Anuradhapura

Drive Time                  : Approximately 05 hour drive

Accommodation        : Forest Rock Garden, Anuradhapura

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

Rise early for a delightful breakfast before driving towards the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It is best to leave Colombo by 7.30am as to reach the sites before noon. On the way you will pass many lush green paddy fields and lakes filled with lotuses. Don’t forget to make a quick stop for a refreshing drink of King Coconut – cracked open on the spot for you!

Once in Anuradhapura, enjoy lunch from a simple local restaurant and taste an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry!

In the afternoon, take a drive around the sacred city of Anuradhapura to capture some impromptu moments. Remember you need to be at the bund of “Nuwarawewa” tank before 4.00pm to get a view of the marvelous sunset – the sun going down in between two large dagobas – Ruvanweliseya Dagoba and Jetavanaramaya dagoba.

Tonight, you will be staying at Forest Rock Garden Hotel; an iconic property built in a replica of the glorious ancient kingdom. This place was chosen specially for you, as you will have plenty to capture in your frame!

Day 4 : Route – Anuradhapura / Sigiriya

Drive Time                  : Approximately 1.5 hour drive

Accommodation        : Water Garden Resort, Sigiriya

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

After a hearty breakfast leave your hotel by 7.30am to make a visit to the Sacred Bo-tree; the oldest living tree of the whole world with a written history. Legend tells us that this ancient tree grew from a branch taken from the holy Bodhi tree in Bodhi Gaya India, under which Buddha became enlightened. The Bo Tree is located in a huge open-air temple and an abundance of pilgrims visit the temple daily to worship and meditate under its protection. Appreciate and capture the gentle Buddhist monks surrounding the sacred Boo tree as they chant melodious prayers and recite pali mantras.

A shot from the entrance of Ruwanweliseya with the flower bearing devotees in the background, will make a wonderful capture!

Anuradhapura is rich with a collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas (brick stupas), royal palace pools and historical temples. As time permits, make quick visits to few other sites that pique your interest!

By mid-afternoon, proceed to Mihintale; the “cradle of Buddhism” in Sri Lanka which is declared the earliest sanctuary (declared in 247 B.C.) in the world and remains still a sanctuary. The wide staircase with 1840 steps, shaded with temple trees (Plumeria Rubra), is a beautiful site for a photographer especially with a Buddhist Bhikkhu in yellow robes climbing the steps.

HINT: Capture the large white pagoda & Aradhanagala in the foreground and the large reservoir of Mahakanadarawa in the background along with the dead trees in the tank.

A Photography tour in Anuradhapura will not be completed without a capture of “Aukana; a magnificent granite Buddha figure. The name ‘Aukana’ translates as ‘sun-eating’. It is a delightful sight when the sun’s rays light up the statue’s finely carved features. The Buddha’s stance signifies blessings, whilst the burst of fire above his head represents the power of total enlightenment. We also suggest you take a peek at the lily-filled rock-cut pond at the edge of the site! This will surely be a picture perfect moment.

By twilight, stop at a small hut shop for a crunchy coconut roti and spicy Sambol before arriving at your lavish dwelling in Sigiriya for the night’s stay. Your hotel is overlooking the lion’s rock and an afternoon view is just amazing while having a swim in the pool!

 

Day 5 : Route – Sigiriya

Accommodation        : Water Garden Resort, Sigiriya

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

Enjoy a breakfast on dhal and hoppers and leave the hotel by 8.00am to ascend the infamous Sigiriya Rock Fortress (before it is too sunny!). Drive to the bund of the lake filled with pink lotus and photograph the rock with its shadow in the water. Then, walk down to the entrance and admire the view of the beautiful well-maintained gardens. As you slowly ascend the steps, you will witness many caves, some with remains of paintings.

TIP: No flash photography is allowed at the pocket where the frescos are. Bring high speed film with normal cameras as the frescos are covered with a light mesh to stop sunlight falling on the paintings.

Admire the mirror wall that shines even today! More than 700 graffiti have been written on the wall. TIP: Have micro lens to photograph some of the graffiti.

Don’t forget to admire the beauty of the lion’s paws with the stairs built inside the body and the remains of the royal palace with large water tanks on the summit. Take your own time for some brilliant camera shots. Ensure you take the shot from the hotel front garden for that perfect capture.

A free afternoon (around 3.00pm) gives you the option of visiting an authentic Sri Lankan village where you would discover beautiful frames to capture. Walk across scrub lined mud paths and enjoy the cool breeze along with the spectacular views. Take a sunset boat ride in the lake across the serene water blanketed with lily pads. The local boatman will make a nice hat with a lily pad and decorated with lotus flower which you would love to wear for the rest of your tour. Enjoy the magnificent view of Sigiriya in far and you will see a few unique species of birds flying away as the boat is being paddled across the water. Upon reaching the shore you can walk within the paddy fields & vegetable cultivation.

Climb a tree house which is used by the local farmers to keep a watch of their crops and scare aware any elephants that come to attack it. Then you will be escorted to the house of a village local to taste some local snacks and sweets. For a photographer, these are the real life moments that must be captured from a Sri Lankan village life!

Day 6 : Route – Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Minneriya

Drive Time                  : Sigiriya > Polonnaruwa (Approximately 1.5 hour drive – one way)

Polonnaruwa > Minneriya (Approximately 40 minute drive -one way)

Accommodation        : Water Garden Resort, Sigiriya

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

After a hearty breakfast, by 8.00am leave your hotel to make a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa; home to the Sinhalese kings and queens of old with monuments from medieval capital including the royal palace and the audience hall. The significant pagodas including Thuparamaya, Lankathilaka, Pabaluvehera, Rankothvehera Kirivehera dagobas, Vata-da-ge, Ata-da-ge and Heta-da-ge Shrines are worth a visit as your time permits. Do not forget to capture images of the beautiful 4 rock-cut Buddha statues at the Gal Vihara temple!

The afternoon is free for some wild life photography at the Minneriya or Kavdullah National park (Elephants roam in Minneriya or Kaudulla parks taking turns and your ranger will know where elephants are roaming on that particular day). Although July, August and September are the months of the annual gathering, even during other months you could see a large number of wild elephants roaming in groups to drink water in the back drop of a large lake. You can capture a huge gathering in one frame especially with their natural movements of walking, drinking and playing with each other. Also, you will see numerous species of birds, Langur, crocodiles and wild boars.

Day 7 : Route – Sigiriya / Dambulla / Kandy

Drive Time                  : Hotel > Dambulla (Approximately 20 minute drive)

Dambulla > Kandy (Approximately 2 hour drive)

Accommodation        : Villa Rosa

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

Today you will be taken to the Hill capital of Kandy; a countryside hamlet with cool breezes, leafy green landscapes and misty mountains gathered around a mesmerizing lake.

En route make quick visit to the Dambulla historical cave temple to photograph more than 21,000 Sq. feet of paintings on the walls, ceilings of the 5 caves, more than 150 Buddha statues and statues of Kings and gods. You could see few yogis meditating on the top of the rock under the shade of trees as well.

Before reaching the borders of the city, break your journey at one of the many Batik factories in Matale to learn the craft of Batik. You will learn that the batik work is the art of using wax on fabric when dyeing and the wax is dripped in a pattern using a spouted tool called a ‘canting’ or a preset design using a copper stamp called a ‘cap’. Admire the colorful and unique designs and take a souvenir back home.

Before dusk sets in, reach the rolling hills of the Buddhist capital! End the evening with a small hike to the Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue located atop of the Bahirawa Kanda hill which can be seen from the entire city of Kandy that sprawls out before it! Capture the sunset, when the city is bathed in a golden glow as the sun drops behind the mountains in the distance.

Day 8 : Route – Kandy

Accommodation        : Villa Rosa

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

After a scrumptious breakfast, take the upper lake drive for city views. Also, explore the Kandy market area and other local gatherings for authentic local life and nature photography.

Gradually, make your visit to the Temple of the tooth relic to capture some authentic moments, join locals and walk bare footed to feel the cool soil. Devotees of all ages carry nicely fragranced flowers and scented sticks to offer to Lord Buddha. Capture images as they light a lamp with coconut oil. If interested, the other places for good photography would be the front garden, the audience hall, the remnants of the royal palace in the central courtyard, the island in the lake and the bathing pavilion.

If you are looking for some nature based photographs, you should make a visit to the Peradeniya botanical garden. This royal garden is full of pretty flora and fauna. The beauty is heightened as the garden is bounded on three sides by a loop of river Mahaweli (Great Sandy River); the largest river of Sri Lanka. You’ll share the gardens with thousands of wing-flapping fruit bats, hundreds of monkeys and colorful butterflies.

As the evening sets in, by 1700 hours watch a colorful Kandyan dance performance showcasing a range of vibrant dances.

TIP: Ensure you arrive well in advance to find a suitable place for your photography.

Day 9 : Route – Kandy / Nuwara Eliya

Drive Time                  : Approximately 2.5 hour drive

Accommodation        : Oliphant Bungalow

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

After a delectable breakfast by 9.00am, venture to the famous tea country via a scenic route passing tea plantations, small and big factories, tea pluckers clad in flashing colored saris, flower vendors and silvery waterfalls.

TIP-Tell your guide to speak to the “Kangani” and arrange few pluckers for photographing the plucking of “two leaves & the bud” and for a close up as well, for which you have to pay a little tip.

If interested, stop at the Glenloch or Labookele tea factory to see and photograph the processing of tea.

As you ascend the winding tea country roads you will be amazed by the array of beautiful waterfalls. Break your journey near the picture perfect Ramboda falls!

As you reach the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya, you will find a miniature little town of England with colorful houses, mansions with pretty flower gardens and back yards filled with vegetable patches adorned with small natural streams.

End the day with an afternoon walk at the Victoria Park, where you can see local fruits, vegetables and flowers for sale and kids having a wonderful time riding horses and taking boating trips!

Day 10 : Route – Horton Plains

Drive Time                  : Hotel > Horton Plains (Approximately 40 minutes – one way)

Accommodation        : Oliphant Bungalow

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

Today catch a glimpse of the hill country beauty by a walk on the eminent Horton Plains National park. The park is in an elevation of 7200 feet above sea level and is called a “cloud forest”. It is the only national park in the country where visitors are allowed to walk in the jungle to observe wildlife. Look for the birdlife here. Most famous ones are yellow-eared bul-bul, Ceylon hill white eye, dusky blue fly-catcher,wood pigeon, ceylon warbler, spotted-winged thrush, whistling thrush (arrenga), blue magpie, layards parakeet, green-billed coucal and the orange-billed babbler.

Proceed to ‘World’s End’ and “Little World’s End” for the fantastic view. Also, look for the ‘bear monkey'(purple-faced leaf monkey), Sāmbhar (more than 3000 in the plains), and other animals. An early morning photo of a samber deer against a back drop of the grassy plains is a lovely shot. Further, the stunted trees, the jungle cover interspersed with the Patna grasslands, the crystal clear streams, and many of the uncommon yet pretty flowering trees will of course be interesting for photography.

The afternoon is free to be spent at leisure sipping a freshly brewed tea. End the day with some fascinating captures of the stunning hotel gardens. Alternatively if you wish, you can walk to the Nuwara Eliya city on the little pathways adorned with pretty flowers and bushes. The city delights will be some interesting moments to be framed.

 

Day 11 : Route – Nuwara Eliya / Ella / Yala

Drive Time                  : Nanu oya > Ella (Approximately 3 hour train journey)

Ella > Yala (Approximately 2.5 hour drive)

Accommodation        : Jetwing Yala, Yala

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

Enjoy a breakfast on dhal and hoppers before heading to the Nanu Oya station by 11.45am (8km away) and taking the train on the old British-built railway through the mountains, plantation and lush forests of the Tea Country. (Your chauffer guide will drop you at the station to take the train departing by 12.30 noon). As the train moves, you will pass through the most scenic views of dense forest, long stretches of tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, tunnels carved out of rock, gigantic mountain ranges, and picturesque valleys. Don’t forget to try some street food in the train which is mostly freshly cut pineapple slices or deep fried vades!

TIP Recommend you take the second class carriage as you can open the windows to capture the best moments.

The highlight of the journey is the Nine Arch Demodara Bridge and the mesmerizing 441 feet long Demodara Loop. The railway track passes under itself and appear from the tunnel .This journey will surely be filled with happy moments of WOW! Awesome! Unbelievable and Out-of-this-world!! – All complemented by a memorable photography session.

As you descend to the Ella station, your chauffer guide will pick you and drive around the Ella city to present to you the breath taking sceneries amidst the rolling mountains.

If you wish, make a visit to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge as this photograph would surely be at the top of your wish list! Also don’t forget to walk down to the Rawana falls and frame her cascading prettiness in your lenses.

After a couple of civilized days in the hills, proceed to explore the wildlife in the lush green jungles of Yala.

 

 

 

Day 12 : Route – Yala

Accommodation        : Jetwing Yala, Yala

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

Embark on a wildlife adventure over an early morning jeep safari (6.30am – 9.30am) accompanied by a naturalist guide. TIP: Please ensure you leave the hotel by 5.00am as you have to arrive at the park entrance before 6.00am.

Visit places frequented by leopards (Panthera Pardus Kotiya) in the park, including visits to “Koti gala”, “Kottamba-gas-wewa”, “Pandi-kema”, “Wepandeniya”, “Meda para” and “Wal-mal-kema”. Stay patiently in one of the places recommended by the tracker to get an award winning photograph of a Sri Lankan leopard.

Continue your search for wild elephants and other wild creatures who are spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, crocodiles, sambhur, jackal, and the birds including Sri Lanka jungle fowl, brown-capped babbler, stone curlew, great thick knee, black-necked stork, (the largest bird in Sri Lanka) lesser adjutant, painted stork, sirkeer malkoha, blue-faced malkoha, brahminy myna, orange-breasted green pigeon, grey hornbill, malabar pied hornbill, cormorants, darters, herons, bitterns, and lapwings .

Try a dawn safari first and if the animals aren’t playing ball, have a contingency dusk tour set up from 3.00pm -5.00pm.

 Alternatively you could opt to visit the paddy field covered village in Tissamaharama area (approximately 30 minute drive from the hotel) for a scrumptious village lunch and walk. Learn the intricacies of chena plantation and its history. Watch a field fresh meal get cooked, relish a delicious traditional lunch in a Chena hut amongst the fields and learn more about the local culture – all whilst capturing these authentic moments. At the village, you will meet with a local farmer who will take you around the fields explaining how chena plantation occurs and the seasons of planting. While speaking to the farmer, you will also be able to take some great photos with the fields as a backdrop!

You will find the food being cooked on open wood fires and consumed on clean lotus leaves or banana leaves, laid over woven trays. The meal will consist of traditional rice, obtained from Chena plantation and vegetables of the season from the fields; all cooked to perfection to create a delicious local cuisine. There will also be fish, freshly caught from the lake nearby and cooked. Eat at ease all whilst enjoying the great views of the fields and the plenty of fresh air.

By dusk retreat to the hotel and end the day with a walk to the beach (when the moon is up) and look for some of the five species of sea turtles staggering to the beach to lay eggs.

Day 12 : Route – Yala

Accommodation        : Jetwing Yala, Yala

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

Embark on a wildlife adventure over an early morning jeep safari (6.30am – 9.30am) accompanied by a naturalist guide. TIP: Please ensure you leave the hotel by 5.00am as you have to arrive at the park entrance before 6.00am.

Visit places frequented by leopards. Meda para” ,“Kottamba-gas-wewa”,  “Koti gala”, “Pandi-kema”, “Wepandeniya”, “and “Wal-mal-kema” are most famous.  For you to capture these precious moments, stay quietly in a place recommended by the tracker as to get a cherished photograph of a Sri Lankan leopard.

Continue your search for wild elephants and other wild creatures who are spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, wild buffalo, crocodiles, sambhur, jackal, and the birds including Sri Lanka jungle fowl, brown-capped babbler, stone curlew, great thick knee, black-necked stork, (the largest bird in Sri Lanka) lesser adjutant, painted stork, sirkeer malkoha, blue-faced malkoha, brahminy myna, orange-breasted green pigeon, grey hornbill, malabar pied hornbill, cormorants, darters, herons, bitterns, and lapwings .

Try a dawn safari first and if the animals aren’t playing ball, have a contingency dusk tour set up from 3.00pm -5.00pm.

 

Alternatively you could opt to visit the paddy field covered village in Tissamaharama area (approximately 30 minute drive from the hotel) for a scrumptious village lunch and walk. Learn the intricacies of chena plantation and its history. Watch a field fresh meal get cooked, relish a delicious traditional lunch in a Chena hut amongst the fields and learn more about the local culture – all whilst capturing these authentic moments. At the village, you will meet with a local farmer who will take you around the fields explaining how chena plantation occurs and the seasons of planting. While speaking to the farmer, you will also be able to take some great photos with the fields as a backdrop!

You will find the food being cooked on open wood fires and consumed on clean lotus leaves or banana leaves, laid over woven trays. The meal will consist of traditional rice, obtained from Chena plantation and vegetables of the season from the fields; all cooked to perfection to create a delicious local cuisine. There will also be fish, freshly caught from the lake nearby and cooked. Eat at ease all whilst enjoying the great views of the fields and the plenty of fresh air.

By dusk retreat to the hotel and end the day with a walk to the beach (when the moon is up) and look for some of the five species of sea turtles staggering to the beach to lay eggs.

 

 

Day 13 : Route – Yala / Talpe / Galle

Drive Time                  : Yale > Thalpe (Approximately 2.5 hour drive-via highway)

Thalpe > Galle (Approximately 25 minute drive one way)

Accommodation        : Era Beach, Thalpe (Suite Room is best recommended)

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast & Dinner Included

After a couple of civilized days in the hills, you may be ready to explore the island’s sun and surf. Leave the hotel by 09.00am to make serene captures along the coastal belt. Take the highway and make quite a comfortable drive to your beautiful beach boutique resort.

Having refreshed yourself, make a drive to Weligama to photograph the most famous photographic shot of Sri Lanka; the stilt fishermen. It is an age old traditional way of fishing by sitting on a pole fixed to the shallow bottom of the sea where the fishermen sit to make their daily catch.

After devouring to a scrumptious lunch, continue down the southern coastline until you meet the historical city of Galle – a perfect combination of Blue Ocean, history and culture. Arrive at the Galle Fort by 3.30pm, so you would not miss the best sunset moments in the evening. Interestingly, Galle is a living world heritage site that you can explore by a leisurely walk in the afternoon. Explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums, stylish cafes, quirky boutiques, impeccably restored hotels and cafes serving yummy food and cold beer. Don’t forget to walk down to the market place and the iconic lighthouse as well.

End the evening with a capture of the most famous sunset scene with the Fort in the foreground and the sun going down between the lighthouse and the minaret of the mosque!

Day 14 : Route – Talpe

Accommodation        : Era Beach, Thalpe (Suite Room is best recommended)

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today will be a day of perfect relaxation on the beaches!

With beautiful views and a tranquil environment, unwind listening to the therapeutic sounds of the Indian Ocean. This outstanding place, offers pure relaxation and luxurious understated elegance and comfort. You will find enough to capture in the resort architecture and along the pristine stretch of the beach adorned with golden sands and turquoise seas.

If you are up for some adventure, I suggest you enjoy a cycle ride exploring the lush countryside around Galle. Commence the cycle ride around 3.00pm (Duration; 2 hours) passing lush green paddy fields, electric blue kingfishers, brilliant white egrets, big black buffalo, inland lakes, tea hills, cinnamon fields and the ever smiling and vibrant local village life – you can of course stop to capture all the favorite moments. If it the end of harvesting period, you will see local kids playing cheerfully on the empty paddy field grounds and waving away as you pass by. Don’t; forget to quench your thirst with some “Thambili “(king coconut) and fruit stops along the way!

Day 15 : Route – Thalpe / Mirissa / Negombo

Drive Time                  : Thalpe > Mirissa (Approximately 40 minute drive)

Mirissa > Negombo (Approximately 2.5 hour drive)

Accommodation        : Jetwing Beach, Negombo

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast Included

If you haven’t gotten your fill of wildlife, set off on an early morning expedition to encounter the activity of Whales and Dolphin watching (Whale watching season in Mirissa is from November to April). If you are in Sri Lanka during the season, wake up early and leave the hotel by 5.00am to catch the boat departing from the Mirissa Harbor by 6.30am. Sri Lanka is a home to some of the best whale and dolphin watching in the world! Photograph the magnificent creatures while being on a safe and comfortable boat. Make friends with these lovely whales!! (This whale journey will take approximately 5 hours)

Back from the sea, enjoy some free time to rest and relax from your morning exploits. Alternatively you could take a little drive from the harbor, to arrive at the “Coconut tree hills “- a picture perfect location!

End your day in the modern beach town of Negombo: a coastal city which is famous for fishing.

Take an evening walk to visit the vibrant and bustling streets. You will find yummy freshly made food, seashell ornaments, creamy ice creams and many more surprises while walking the streets. There are plenty of memories here for you to capture the town’s fishing life!

 

 

 

Day 16 : Route – Around Negombo

Accommodation        : Jetwing Beach, Negombo

Meal Basis                  : Breakfast Included

Negombo is an excellent place for a photographer. Take enough rolls of films with you!

If you love to get the first hand experience of fishing, wake up at 4.00am and drive to the “Lellama” (a 5 minute drive from hotel) where fish brought from the sea are auctioned on the beach or in the building. You can see large fish, small and colorful ones, lobsters, crabs, prawns and many other fish brought by boats for sale. You will see “Vallam”; a boat made with several logs tied together with an outboard motor using a small net clearing the silver herrings from the nets on the beach. The fish are shining and jumping as they are still alive. All this happens during the early morning hours and you will miss “Lellama” if you visit later in the day.

In the market, look for elderly ladies, smoking cigars, selling fish or live lagoon crabs with their claws tied to save their fingers.

After taking plenty of captures, walk along the beach up to the ‘watersmeet’ where the lagoon water meets the sea for fishing boats – outriggers boats with sails in hundreds coming home from the sea.

Your afternoon is free for a visit to the Dutch Fort of Negombo, the Dutch church inside the Fort and a stroll exploring the nearby area. You can also take a Dutch Canal boat ride to capture shots of the livelihood of the local fishing community who will happy to smile for you whilst going about their day to day activities.

It has been a brilliant photo journey around this beautiful island with insights of varied and colorful experiences!

Day 17 : Route – Negombo / Airport

Drive Time                  : Approximately 25 minute drive

With a camera memory card full to the brim of your photographic memories, your chauffeur guide will return you by way of a scenic drive to the international airport for your departing flight and a safe journey home.

Where to Stay

Learn more about the luxurious properties available for your trip.

One of the oldest hotels East of the Suez, the Galle Face Hotel was established in 1864.

The hotel lies nestled among the palm trees, along a beautiful sunkissed beach in the coastal town of Negombo.

Jetwing Yala

Akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes, Jetwing brings a truly one-with-nature concept to a more refined and elegant form with Jetwing Yala.

Sri Lanka Tailor-made