Looking for locations to take your photography skills to the next level? Well, here are some of our very own favorites, right here in Sri Lanka ..
Sri Lanka, also known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", has a diversity and cultural signature that, unique to its own right. It is a beautiful and photogenic island filled with mesmerizing landscapes, lush tea plantations and waterfalls, palm-fringed beaches, architectural marvels, busy streets, and friendly locals all the way up from the North to the South. Not only offering diversity, cultures, and experiences to anyone that would like to visit, but it also opens up photography opportunities around every corner, for every kind of photographer.
Whether your interests, career, or passion circles around the areas of Wildlife and Nature Photography, Street Photography, Architectural, Real Estate, and Interior Photography, Travel Photography, Wedding Photography, Drone Photography. Portrait Photography, Commercial Photography, or you are just starting out your journey and still figuring things out; or maybe, you would just like to take some pretty pictures to remember your vacation or a spontaneous long weekend getaway, here are some of our top recommendations for Photography Locations in Sri Lanka.
Ella - Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak, Ella Rock, Lipton Seat, Diyaluma & Ravana Falls
When you think of Sri Lanka, this would easily be one of the most iconic, enticing, and memorable locations; not only just visit, but to take photographs of too! The lush greenery and mesmerizing landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding pre-shoots with the golden hour around the sunrise and sunset providing the perfect light for photography. Not to mention the stunning aerial views provide the perfect opportunities for drone photographers to capture some amazing pictures.
The Galle Fort, Lighthouse, and Dutch Hospital Complex
Forged in the past, standing in the present, and preserved for the future, the iconic locations down South in the heart of Galle is perfect for Street and Architectural Photography because of the symmetry, leading lines, and the old rustic vibe that comes with the influences from the Dutch era.
The Wetlands of Greater Colombo - Beddagana Park, Diyasuru Park
Located in the hidden heart of Greater Colombo, these wetlands provide the perfect backdrop of nature for your photoshoots and sightseeing. It's popular among nature and wildlife photographers for its birds and other wetland species, but also among photographers as a location for their wedding pre-shoots and portrait photography.
The Southern and Eastern Coastline - Mirissa, Weligama, , Unawatuna, Arugambay, Pasikuda, Nilaveli
The Coastal lines of Sri Lanka are on the absolute must-visit list on any tourists' travel itinerary for one reason - its the views and the waves! These sights have mesmerizing views that could take anyone's breath away, and you should definitely consider them for your next photoshoot! Also, the aerial views are amazing and you should definitely take a drone with you when possible and do so with the necessary permissions of course :)
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Jaffna - Nallur Temple, Delft Island, Casuarina Beach, Point Pedro, Dambakola Patuna
Sri Lanka's very own city in the great up North - Jaffna, is a land of its own kind with culture and diversity that is unique to its people and places. With many photography opportunities for niches ranging from Architectural, Portrait, Wedding, Nature, Travel, etc.; while popular among many tourists, it still could use some eyes and lenses from our own people too! So definitely when possible, do consider this wonderful city when you're planning for your next shoot!
Kandy - The Dalada Maligawa, The Kandy Lake, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
The land in the Central Hills of Sri Lanka provides great photography opportunities for everyone. While most known for its great historical and cultural importance, the city of Kandy has quite a few locations that make great additions to your list when you are scouting for locations for your next photo or video shoot. For commercial projects, just be sure to obtain the necessary clearances and permits before your shoot day as each location has its own regulations which you would need to adhere to.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pidurangala Rock Summit
These two massive rock formations located in central Sri Lanka have some amazing 360-degree views surrounded by nature at a height that makes you feel like you are on top of the world. The sunrise and sunset during the golden hours provide the best light for those dreamy photo-ops, and the rock summit stands out as a huge plateau among the surrounding jungle which gives you endless angles to work with.
The Streets of Pettah, Floating Market, Red Mosque, Fort Railway Station, and Galle Face Green Colombo
The busy streets in the heart of Colombo are the perfect playground for any photographer looking to sharpen their all-around photography skills. You have many photo-ops in the niches ranging from street photography, portrait, fashion, wedding pre-shoots, architecture, landscapes, night-life, and so on. The 50mm 1.8 lenses is definitely recommended as a good starting point for general street photography, as well as a wide-angle lens for capturing tall buildings and landscapes.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Wilpattu, Yala, Sinharaja, Kumana, Udawalaweh, Minneriya
The Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in various parts of Sri Lanka provide ample and even very rare photographic opportunities for wildlife and nature photographers of every kind. The main thing to remember here is that you take a fairly good DSLR camera, with a Telephoto lens that has at least 300mm or above; and some spare memory cards and batteries. Close enough to observe the animal without disturbing its habitat and capturing that split second - and possibly that once in a lifetime photo op as sharp as possible is a crucial thing to keep in mind when you're out there; so preparing it as much as you can with the means that you have would be for the best. Not to mention that most sites now have villas and lodges so you can even use them as locations for your lifestyle photoshoots as well.
Nuwaraeliya - Horton Plains, World’s End, Waterfalls, Tea Estates
Sri Lanka's very own Little England and the Hill Country - Nuwara Eliya, is known for its serene landscapes, lush greenery, mesmerizing waterfalls, and scenic locations. It's a popular destination that known to be considered by many photographers, videographers, and media networks as a prime location for their shoots of different kinds. Since it's a place with high humidity, rain, and altitude, be sure to bring adequate protection to keep your camera gear safe from the elements.
The Arcade & Racecourse at Independence Square in Colombo
And finally, after a trip through the island, we circle back to the heart of the Colombo Metropolis - The Independence Square Complex. Surely, it goes without saying that this location is probably the most popular destination among the local community when it comes to all things photography. From the armatures to the professionals, there is something for everyone that walks into the building.
Feel free to reach out to us, to see how we can help you with your photography in Sri Lanka and videography-related content requirements. Clear Srilanka a well-known Video Production house provides Documentary Production Services like Documentary film Srilanka.