This photography holiday will take you on a wonderful journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you will have exciting encounters with wildlife, visits to historic attractions and plenty of delicious cuisines!
Meet the smiling fisherfolk in the town of Negombo and sample the freshest seafood; capture the monkeys in action in the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa and unravel their mysteries of Sigiriya; witness sacred rituals in Kandy and explore a world famous botanical garden; take long exposure landscape shots and learn the art of the perfect brew in the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya; zoom into the eyes of a leopard as it stares back at you in the jungle; capture the mesmerising landscape on your train ride up the hills to Ella; and experience the multi-cultural smorgasbord of cuisines, arts and architecture at Galle Fort and Colombo city!
Read MoreWe have picked an interesting set of Hotels, with good views & food and character for you to enjoy this tour to the fullest.
Ideal for:
Professional and amateur photographers who are interested in a mix of wildlife, landscape and street photography. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Friends / Families and Small groups of up to 6 pax.
Highlights at glance
- Engage in street & portrait photography in the vibrant streets of Negombo, Kandy, Galle and Colombo.
- Examine the amazing architecture and capture the world of primates in the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
- Encounter ancient engineering marvels and breath-taking panoramas at the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Add to your portrait photography collection as you explore busy markets filled with fresh produce, spices, grains and fish.
- Capture age-old Buddhist rituals in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kandy
- Stroll through the 650-year-old Royal Botanical Gardens, featuring more than 4000 species of plants and add photos of rare flowers to your collection.
- Explore the historic caves in the Dambulla Cave Temple, which contain paintings, statues and relics accumulated over a period of 2,000 years.
- Get amazing close-up shots of Leopards and other wildlife in Yala National Park.
- Stay at a Tented Safari Camp bordering the Yala National Park, experience guided safaris and a delicious BBQ dinner served by a roaring campfire.
- Expand your landscape photography collection when you journey into the hills. Go on a train ride, visit a tea plantation, interact with the local community and tour a tea factory.
- Relax on golden sandy beaches and capture the vibrant marine life of the South Coast.
1st Night - Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to your photography holiday to Sri lanka. Your first night will be spent at the camera friendly, coastal fishing town of Negombo, which is a short distance away from the airport. Although your time here will be brief, there are umpteen photo opportunities in this town, so feel free to explore, either on your own or with your trusty personal chauffeur. With hundreds of multicoloured fishing boats, golden beaches, churches and buildings influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisation, art galleries and a fascinating mix of cuisines, Negombo is a great place to get lost in, make memories and take lots and lots of pictures!
The first day of your photography tour of Sri Lanka can be enjoyed at your own pace. You will be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and taken to your hotel. If you arrive during the day you could grab your camera and explore the town or get great pictures of birds at the Muthurajawela Wetlands (a National Sanctuary) or go on a relaxing boat ride along the famous Dutch canal. At night, the best place to visit is ‘Hotel Road’, which is packed with bars, seafood restaurants and hotels. You can do all of these activities by yourself or accompanied by your chauffeur.
2nd & 3rd Nights - Sigiriya
Your photography adventures continue in legendary Sigiriya! The drive down to Sigiriya is quite scenic, and along the way you are likely to spot many birds and animals, including the iconic Sri Lankan wild elephant. Your destination, Sigiriya, is the home of the famed Sigiriya Rock fortress. Complex water features, landscaped gardens, amazing 360 degree views and many mysteries await you here. The marvels continue at Polonnaruwa too, which is great for architecture and nature photography. This sprawling ancient city is dotted with palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds, lakes and numerous tribes of monkeys.
An early morning start will see you heading to the fish market to watch the day’s catch coming in, experience the process of wholesale fish trading and also to learn about the process of drying fish. After you’ve clicked away to your heart’s content, you will return to your hotel for breakfast. There’s lots to photograph on your way to Sigiriya – from lush green scenery to people working in the fields to wildlife – so feel free to stop whenever you want to capture anything that catches your interest. After reaching your hotel, the rest of the day is left free for you to relax or explore your surroundings.
After breakfast, your photography holiday continues at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa. The site of Disney’s award winning movie ‘Monkey Kingdom’ presents excellent opportunities to photograph wildlife as well as pilgrims, ancient architecture, art and sculpture. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress is surrounded by a forest and is full of animal and birdlife. Take your time capturing the beautifully landscaped gardens, gravity driven fountains, and architecture before heading up the rock to see the famous Sigiriya Frescoes. The climb to the top is quite rewarding and is timed to catch the glorious sunset and the fantastic panoramic views.
4th & 5th Nights - Kandy
On the way to Kandy, a short distance from Sigiriya, is the town of Dambulla. Although it is an innocuous looking town, it has enormous economic and religious significance, so there is much to see here. The 2,000 year-old Dambulla Cave Temple, and the massive fresh produce trading hub, are a couple of the major highlights in this area. The colourful city of Kandy, surrounded by mountains and full of mediaeval palaces and sacred temples, is quite picturesque and presents excellent photographic opportunities.
On your morning drive to Kandy you will visit the colourful Dambulla fruit & vegetable market, a massive hub for fresh produce trading. After touring the market and sampling various produce, you will head over to the adjacent Dambulla Cave Temple. You can explore the 5 sacred caves of this World Heritage Site and also climb the gently sloping Dambulla Rock to get some great panoramic shots of your surroundings. On the way, you will also get to visit and photograph a community that makes Sesath, a device used as a fan and sunshade that dates back to ancient times. You will arrive in Kandy, just in time for a glorious sunset.
After breakfast you will head out on a walking tour of Kandy. From the colourful vegetable stalls to the historic buildings to arts & crafts to the lifestyle of the people, there’s plenty to take in here and photograph. The hills around Kandy are also excellent for nature and landscape photographers. In the afternoon you will head to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, where the sacred relic of a tooth belonging to Lord Buddha is kept. Here the architecture, historic artefacts, art and temple pilgrims present excellent photographic opportunities. Later on in the evening, you will get to witness and photograph a daily sacred ritual known as Thewawa.
6th & 7th Nights - Ella
It’s time to switch up the mode of travel and hitch a ride on a train to your next destination – Ella! The ride is wonderfully scenic and will give you the opportunity to chat and connect with locals, and add to your portrait and landscape photography collection. The Ella region is perched on a cliff and is filled with views for days, spectacular waterfalls, a cool climate, and warm, welcoming people. Be prepared for amazing hikes, waterfall bathing, great nightlife, awesome street food and filling up your memory card with loads of shots!
After breakfast, your chauffeur will drop you at the Kandy railway station. The train will take you all the way to Ella and the ride is wonderfully scenic so keep your camera primed and ready. Your chauffeur will be waiting to pick you up at Ella railway station and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is left free for you to explore your surroundings. Ella has some great hiking trails and all of them have amazing views, so don’t forget to take your camera gear along. In the night you can check out the vibrant nightlife and enjoy the varied cuisines and local cocktails.
An early morning start will let you catch the gorgeous sunrise from Ella Rock (a famous lookout point) and watch the light illuminate Ella Gap (a spectacular cliff drop that opens up to the lowlands). Your first stop after breakfast will be the highly Instagrammed Nine Arches Bridge. Occasionally, the train pauses on the bridge to give visitors a special photo opportunity, so keep your fingers crossed for that. From there, you’ll be taken for a hike up Little Adam’s Peak where you can see more spellbinding scenery over the highlands. After the hike you can whizz down the mountain on a zip line and cool off with a bath at a waterfall.
8th & 9th Nights - Yala
With zoom lenses in hand, it’s time to head off to the land of the leopards, Yala National Park! Although it is most famous for Leopard sightings, Yala has a fantastically diverse population of animals including Elephants, Crocodiles, Sambar, Wild Buffalo, Eagles, Peacocks and more. With rocky coasts, mountains, vast lakes and plains, the landscape of Yala is a treat for the eyes and extremely camera friendly! During your Private Safari you will travel with well-trained vigilant jeep drivers in rear-elevated, front-faced safari jeeps that have ample space for cameras, tripods and other supporting equipment. Your comfortable glamping accommodation will also offer up some great sightings too, as it is situated right on the border of the Park.
After an early breakfast, your drive down to Yala will include a stop at Ravana Falls and at a pottery workshop for you to try your hand at turning out a pot. In Yala, after resting from the drive, you will head out on an afternoon safari in a private jeep, along with a professional and experienced naturalist and tracker. The excursion will offer plenty of encounters with wild animals, so make sure that you have extra batteries and memory cards to get all of your shots. At night you will be treated to a romantic, alfresco candle light dinner experience under the stars, and partake in a night walk along the borders of the Park!
An early morning start will see you set off on a full day safari with packed breakfasts, lunches, and refreshments. Full day safaris are the best when it comes to getting the most sightings in, as it allows you to be inside the park for an extended period of time. Yala is also culturally significant and you will come across the ancient temples and monasteries of Situlpawwa, Magul Vihara and Akasa Chaitiya during your time there. A significant part of Yala borders the Indian Ocean and your picnic-style lunch on this day will be served in a safe location by the beach, where Park visitors are permitted to disembark from their vehicles.
10th & 11th Nights - Galle
It’s time to continue your photography holiday, and journey to the coastal town of Galle. Undoubtedly, the most prominent feature of this town is the culture-rich Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese colonists, and modified by the Dutch and British, during their respective colonisations. Today, the Fort is a photographer’s dream with a beautifully eclectic mix of subjects consisting of historic buildings, cosy homes, cafes with fusion cuisines, intriguing stores, quirky hotels, and art galleries to be captured. The best way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site would be to stay within the Fort, and that is precisely what you will be doing!
The drive to Galle is initially bordered by rice paddy fields and then hugs the coast the rest of the way. Feel free to ask your chauffeur to stop along the way and start clicking, especially in Koggala, where you will see the unique fishing style of the Stilt Fisherman. On the way, you will also stop to meet a Buffalo Curd Maker to observe the process of making delicious Buffalo Curd and sample the wares. After reaching Galle Fort, the rest of the day is left free for you to explore your surroundings, but we do recommend that you head to the ramparts in the evening to catch the sunset and enjoy some street food.
After breakfast you will embark on a walking tour of the Galle Fort. On this tour, you’ll get an insight into the colonial history, architecture, legends and mysteries of the Fort. As it is a walking tour you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and get the perfect composition for all your photos. You’ll also meet members of the local community and enjoy a traditional home cooked meal. In the evening you will head out on a photography oriented cycling tour of the town to explore its other highlights and encounter local communities, fisherman bringing in their evening catch, and street food vendors.
12th & 13th Nights - Colombo
We’re heading to the bustling city of Colombo next! It’s intensely packed with subjects to be captured from historical and religious sites to beaches, art centres and lively nightlife! The impressive cultural sights, grand colonial era buildings, malls, cafes, vibrant markets and bazaars are all filled with character and colour, and it’s a great place to end your photography journey in Sri Lanka. Being a melting pot of cultures, it is also home to a variety of cuisines that range from finger-licking-good street food to eclectic fine dining.
On your way to Colombo, you will make a few stops. The first will be at the Tsunami museum which commemorates the tragedy that befell the island in 2004. Thereafter you will move on to encounter Toddy Tappers, who harvest sap from the tops of coconut trees to make the alcoholic Coconut Toddy and use tightropes to travel between the trees. A stop in Kaluthara will allow you to get some great shots of the Kalutara Bodiya (a sacred Buddhist temple) and its devotees. The schedule upon reaching Colombo is left free, so that you can explore the city at your leisure.
After breakfast, you will set off on a walking tour of Colombo, which is ideal for getting the best photos. You will visit Colombo Fort, Fort Railway Station, the busy streets of Pettah, historic buildings such as the Red Mosque, Wolvendaal Church, Gangaramaya temple, Hindu Kovils (temples) and Town Hall theatre. You will also encounter modern architecture on this walk, including the impressive Nelum Pokuna Theater and the Lotus Tower. In the night, you could head to Galle Face beach for a nighttime stroll, and experience a chilled out atmosphere full of street food vendors and families having picnics.
We’ve reached the end of your 13-night photography tour of Sri Lanka and it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Checkouts (organised upon confirmation of your flight schedules).
- Additional nights in any of the locations.
- Additional Safaris in Yala National Park (requires an additional night stay).
- Additional nights in Galle (beach stay).
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 3,185
1-2 persons
$ 2,639
3-4 persons
$ 2,477
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Morning Star Guest House
Set in Negombo, this property is a 2-minute walk from the Negombo beach.
BOB Pidurangala
This retreat, which the villagers themselves have named "Kurulu Uyana" or Bird Park, is tucked away in 4 acres of forest at the base...
Viyana Boutique Kandy
Overlooking Kandy, Lake Viyana Boutique Hotel is the ideal starting point for excursions to interesting sites in and around Kandy, or simply to unwind...
Ella Flower Garden Resort
Ella is a salubrious town in Sri Lanka’s hill country, known for its breathtaking scenery, amazing horticulture and rustic village atmosphere. Flower Garden Resort...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
Mango House Galle Fort
Mango House, a spacious Dutch colonial-style home in the centre of the famed Galle Fort, combines traditional elegance with a modern, edgy vibe.
Lake Lodge Colombo
Located right in the heart of Colombo tucked away close to the Beira Lake a lurid green waterway home to pelicans and the Seema...
Plush
Accommodation
$ 3,620
1-2 persons
$ 3,074
3-4 persons
$ 2,912
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Goldi Sands Hotel
Your chance to laze and luxuriate directly on the shore of the Indian Ocean and let balmy ocean rhythms lull you at any time...
Sigiriya Jungles
Escape to a world where you can live luxuriously and embark on explorations to learn more about Sri Lanka's fascinating history.
Fox Resort Kandy
Built atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful hill capital of Sri Lanka, Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts offers picturesque views of the verdant hills...
98 Acres Resort – Ella
Experience peace and tranquillity while luxuriating in the opulence of an exclusive boutique hotel.
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
The Fort Printers
The Printers building, which dates back to the 18th century, has operated as a college and then as the site of a conventional printing...
Colombo Court Hotel
The 32-room upscale Colombo Courtyard is a stylish, contemporary, and environmentally friendly hotel that works well as an affordable option in Colombo for leisure...
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 7,253
1-2 persons
$ 6,708
3-4 persons
$ 6,546
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Villa Hundira Negombo
Villa Hundira is a private and unique lagoon side villa nestled in the back roads of the Negombo lagoon, located just 20 minutes from...
Water Garden Sigiriya
Explore secret gardens, meditate by a serene lake, or relax in a private plunge pool and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient...
Kandy House
With all of the rooms named after Sri Lankan Butterflies, The Kandy House is a great place, aesthetically pleasing with individually designed rooms adorned...
Nine Skies Ella
This elegantly renovated five-bedroom tea bungalow-hotel is serenely situated on a tea-fringed hill close to Ella, promising expansive hill country views.
Mahoora Yala by Eco Team
Part of the Mahoora Camp portfolio by Eco Team, Mahoora puts you closer to Katagamuwa, the less-used entrance to Yala National Park, and on...
Galle Fort Hotel
A trip to Sri Lanka isn't complete without spending a few days (or more) in Galle. Galle Fort Hotel is 6 minutes’ walk from...
Uga Residence
This Victorian townhouse once welcomed governors, maharajas, nobility, and the cream of Ceylon’s colonial society.
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- Accommodation for 13 nights (BB), except at Big Game Camp Yala (HB) / Nine Skies Ella & Mahoora Camp Yala (All inclusive). All accommodation is on a Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation via air-conditioned car / micro van with an English speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Chauffeur’s accommodation, meals and fees.
- Jeep Safari in the Yala National Park in a rear-elevated, front-faced exclusive safari jeep including a private guide. Only two persons will be taken in the jeep to ensure ample space for camera & equipment.
- Entry permits to Yala National Park, camera & video permits and all relevant fees.
- Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Cost of the train ride from Kandy to Ella.
- Service charges at the hotels & applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fee.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Cost of optional activities / sites.
- Tips to the staff.
- Any mandatory supplement by the government.
- Any expenses of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.).
- Any other expense, other than those mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
5 - 6 Hours
Explore Negombo
Engage in an exciting series of activities in the fishing town Negombo, famous for its golden sandy beaches and lagoon, located just a few...
Negombo
Colombo
4 hours
The Human Family Meets The Monkey Family
Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.
Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya
Dambulla
3 hours
Watch Acres of Sky and Land Fill With 20,000 Birds – Bundala National Park
Birdwatching at Bundala National Park lets you explore 6000 hectares brimming with bright-eyed birdlife – with close to 200 species inhabiting the skies, trees...
Yala
2 - 3 Hours
Galle Fort with a Storyteller
Discover world heritage Galle Fort with a one-of-a-kind host.
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast
Bentota & West Coast
3 - 4 hours
Colombo City Walk… From the Fort to the Crocodile Gate
Colombo, a city with a soul, is the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital city. Experience its warmth and grandeur through a fascinating day tour...
Colombo
Negombo
3 hours
Colombo Street Food Experience
Experience Colombo through its colourful, aromatic, multicultural cuisines on this 3-hour evening walking tour.
Colombo
Negombo
3 - 4 Hours
Ceylon Tea Experience at a Working Tea Plantation
Experience the art of renowned Ceylon tea-making by visiting a beautiful tea garden and an award-winning factory.
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Ella
Knuckles