Photography locations in Sri Lanka

This fifth-century fortress rises 200 meters above the surrounding plains and contains ancient gardens, frescoes and water pools.

The summit reaches 1041 meters in elevation and provides views over the mountains and tea plantations of the highlands.

This stone railway bridge from 1921 spans 90 meters and features nine granite arches across a deep valley.

This Buddhist complex from the 16th century contains a tooth of Buddha stored in a golden shrine with ceremonial offerings.

This 16th century Portuguese fortification contains historic buildings, churches and a lighthouse overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The nature reserve sits at 2100 meters altitude and houses sambar deer, clouded leopards and numerous endemic plant species.

The 2243-meter mountain hosts religious ceremonies throughout the year, with steep stairs leading to a footprint at its summit.

The bay offers optimal conditions for surfers with consistent waves from May to October and an extended sand beach.

The Buddhist sacred site from the 1st century BC contains 157 statues and wall paintings covering 2100 square meters.

This coastal area offers blue whale watching opportunities between November and April, with a 2-kilometer stretch of sandy shore.

This facility provides medical care, food and a protected environment for abandoned and injured elephants from across Sri Lanka.

The largest national park in Sri Lanka provides a habitat for leopards, elephants, crocodiles and over 200 bird species.

This granite formation stands next to the ancient Sigiriya fortress, providing a 360-degree view across the surrounding region.

This Buddhist reliquary chamber from the 2nd century BC reaches 103 meters in height with a diameter of 290 meters.

Historic columned building constructed in 1948 marking the transition from British colonial administration to national sovereignty.

This national park contains lagoons and mangroves providing habitat for flamingos, pelicans and over 200 different bird species.

This 308-square-kilometer nature reserve provides habitat for wild elephants, birds, crocodiles and water buffaloes in grassland landscapes.

The waterfall drops 25 meters over several rock formations, surrounded by tropical vegetation and mountain slopes.

Portuguese fortification from the 17th century featuring six-meter walls and a deep moat near the Indian Ocean.

The coastal stretch contains coral reefs where visitors can snorkel and observe marine life in clear waters.

This medieval capital contains Buddhist temples, statues, palaces and a sophisticated irrigation system dating from the 12th century.

This mountain range contains 34 peaks between 900 and 2000 meters in elevation and hosts more than 1000 plant species.

This water body spans 75 square kilometers where visitors can take boat rides and fish while watching sunsets.

The waterfall drops 97 meters over multiple rocky ledges and stands among the large tea plantations of the region.

The largest Hindu temple in Jaffna features red and white stripes on exterior walls and four entrance gates.

The royal complex from the 14th century houses the Temple of the Tooth with an important Buddhist relic and the National Museum.

Buddhist temple complex from the 12th century featuring four monumental statues cut directly into a granite rock wall.

The garden displays a collection of tropical plant species in different sections with paths and benches.

Located at 1970 meters elevation, this observation point stands above tea plantations and takes its name from former tea estate owner Sir Thomas Lipton.

The three kilometer coastal strip north of Colombo displays daily life of fishermen with their boats and nets.

The thermal area contains seven stone wells with groundwater from underground springs at 42 degrees Celsius. The minerals in the water have traditional medical applications.

Green space with grass areas, century-old trees and several lakes in central Colombo.

This mosque features alternating red and white stripes on its facade and stands in the commercial Pettah district of Colombo.

This tropical rainforest houses numerous endemic plant and animal species and holds UNESCO Natural Heritage status.

A coastal region with marine mammals where visitors can observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

This coastal area offers swimming, surfing and jet skiing along a 3-kilometer stretch of sand near the mouth of Bentota River.