Join us on an unforgettable 11-day photography adventure through Sri Lanka, where culture, wildlife, and iconic landscapes come alive through your lens.
From the moment you arrive, the journey begins with a relaxing start, allowing time to unwind and ease into the vibrant rhythm of the island.
Capture the energy of coastal life at bustling fish markets, glide along mangrove-lined lagoons in soft afternoon light, and explore the ancient ruins and sacred sites of Sri Lanka’s historic capitals. Experience the iconic Sigiriya Rock at sunrise and visit wildlife-rich parks, photographing elephants, birds, and other native species in their natural habitats.
Venture into Sri Lanka’s lush hill country on a scenic train ride, soaking in rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and charming hill villages. Witness the magic of the Nine Arches Bridge at sunset before heading to national parks for thrilling safaris, where elephants, leopards, and a dazzling variety of wildlife await your lens.
On the southern coast, photograph the timeless stilt fishermen at golden hour and explore the historic port city of Galle, with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant local life. Conclude your journey in Colombo, discovering backstreets, street food, and hidden gems with local insiders, and enjoy a final evening reflecting on the adventure before your departure.
Highlights include:
Sunrise photography at Sigiriya Rock and Nine Arches Bridge
Wildlife safaris in Yala National Park
Cultural explorations of ancient cities and hill-country temples
Iconic stilt fishermen at sunset
Scenic train ride through lush tea plantations
Immersive local experiences in Galle and Colombo
Sunday December 6th, 2026: Colombo – Negombo
Start: Bandaranaike International Airport
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka! After landing, we’ll make a comfortable 45-minute drive to our hotel in Negombo — the perfect place to unwind after the long journey and gently ease out of any jet lag. Set about 20 minutes outside the city center, Jetwing Lagoon is known as one of the area’s best retreats. With a tranquil lagoon on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, it offers a peaceful, refreshing start to our adventure. Designed by the iconic Geoffrey Bawa, the hotel blends tropical elegance with its seaside surroundings. You can recharge by one of the two pools — including one of the largest central pools in Sri Lanka — or simply relax and take in the calm atmosphere. For ultimate relaxation, enjoy a soothing massage, or choose from three on-site restaurants for dinner, indulge in a memorable dining experience in the cellar, or simply savor a meal via room service. Overnight: Jetwing Lagoon
Monday, December 7th, 2026: Negombo Anuradhapura – Sigiriya
Our day begins early at the vibrant Negombo Fish Market, just as the sun rises and fishing boats glide back to shore. The market bursts into motion as the fresh catch is unloaded, sorted, and sold — a perfect opportunity to capture the raw rhythm and color of daily coastal life. After this lively photographic start, we’ll return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by time to relax and enjoy the peaceful lagoon setting. Lunch is on your own, giving you the freedom to dine at your leisure or simply unwind by the pool. In the afternoon, we’ll ease into a scenic boat ride along the Negombo Lagoon. As the light softens and the water turns glassy, the surrounding mangroves come alive with birdlife. Keep your camera ready — this is one of the best times of day to spot herons, cormorants, kingfishers, and other lagoon dwellers in their natural element. Overnight: Jetwing Lagoon. Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Tuesday December 8th, 2026: Negombo- Anuradhapura – Sigiriya
After a leisurely breakfast we’ll drive to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient capitals. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its remarkably preserved ruins, reflecting over two millennia of continuous habitation. Anuradhapura is not only a treasure trove of archaeological wonders but also a living center of Theravada Buddhism, attracting pilgrims to its stupas, sacred buildings, and religious sites dating back to the 3rd century BC. A highlight is the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest living tree in the world with a documented history, said to have been brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta, daughter of Emperor Asoka. This sacred bo tree is a cutting from the Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Over the centuries, generations of monks have protected it, ensuring its survival for over 2,000 years. After our visit and a lunch break, we’ll continue to Sigiriya, where we’ll check into our next hotel and unwind for the evening. The Water Garden Sigiriya hotel offers a luxurious escape in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Surrounded by serene waterways and lush greenery—with breathtaking views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock—this boutique retreat blends modern elegance with traditional design. Spacious villas provide a peaceful sanctuary after a day of exploring. Exceptional service, beautiful landscapes, and a tranquil atmosphere make this hotel a perfect base for photographers and travelers seeking comfort, nature, and inspiration. Overnight: Water Garden Sigiriya. Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Wednesday December 9th, 2026: Sigiriya – Kandy
We begin the morning photographing the majestic Sigiriya Rock as it glows in the soft early light—one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and rewarding scenes to capture. After a relaxing breakfast, we head to Hurulu Eco Park, a sanctuary known for its rich wildlife and excellent opportunities to photograph elephants, birds, and other species in their natural habitat. After our brief lunch stop, we continue our journey to Kandy, where we check in at the Jetwing Kandy Gallery, a boutique hotel that blends contemporary design with local artistry. Nestled amidst the lush hills of Sri Lanka’s hill country, the hotel features thoughtfully designed rooms, peaceful gardens, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape—making it the perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Overnight: Jetwing Kandy Gallery. Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Thursday December 10th, 2026: Kandy
After an early breakfast, we’ll begin our morning with a cultural exploration of Kandy’s historic temples. Visiting the Royal Palace, along with Embekke, Gadaladeniya, and Lankathilake Temples, you’ll discover intricate carvings, centuries-old architecture, and the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country. After lunch and some time to relax at our hotel, we’ll wander through Kandy’s bustling local markets, where vibrant stalls overflow with fresh produce, colorful spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Capture the lively rhythms of daily life as we explore the charming streets of this legendary city. Once the stronghold of Sri Lanka’s last independent kingdom during Portuguese and Dutch rule, Kandy today beautifully blends history, legend, and local life, with colonial touches like the elegant 19th-century Queen’s Hotel. Then we’ll head to the evening highlight—the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Located in the heart of the city, this sacred temple has long been the spiritual center of Sri Lanka. In ancient times, guardianship of the relic symbolized the right to rule the island; today, it remains one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. We’ll experience the temple during the evening prayer ceremony, when the space comes alive with chanting, rituals, and the rhythmic beat of drums.This day offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and spirituality in Sri Lanka’s hill-country capital. Overnight: Jetwing Kandy Gallery. Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Friday December 11th, 2026: Kandy – Nanu Oya – Ella
After breakfast, we’ll depart for Nanu Oya, enjoying a scenic drive of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Along the way, we’ll visit a picturesque tea plantation, where rolling emerald fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Take in the fresh mountain air, watch skilled tea pickers at work, and capture the quintessential Sri Lankan hill-country landscape. Next, we’ll embark on one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting experiences—a train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella, lasting approximately 3 hours. This iconic route winds through lush tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls, and charming hill villages. Along the way, locals wave from their doorsteps, and the rhythm of the train offers the perfect opportunity for photography and reflection. Our chauffeur-guide will meet us at Ella Railway Station with our luggage, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition. In the evening we’ll head out to capture the stunning views of the Nine Arches Bridge, one of Sri Lanka’s most photographed landmarks. Surrounded by emerald-green forest and framed by graceful stone arches, this vantage point is magical at sunset—when soft light illuminates the landscape and passing trains create unforgettable photo opportunities. Overnight: EKHO Ella . Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Saturday December 12th, 2026: Ella – Yala National Park
After a leisurely breakfast we will transfer to Yala National Park. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous National Park and with good reason it is home to an amazing range of wildlife. This afternoon, we will set out on half-day safari . Yala is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and stunning scenery, where the dry forest meets open plains, rocky outcrops, and serene lagoons. As we journey through the park, we will keep an eye out for majestic elephants, colorful peacocks, sloth bears, water buffalo, and an incredible variety of birdlife. With luck, we may even spot one of Yala’s elusive leopards, which are among the most famous residents of the park. While leopard sightings are a highlight, Yala offers so much more — from the thrill of encountering wild herds to the quiet beauty of its natural landscapes. As with any safari, patience is key; each drive unfolds its own surprises, and every moment brings a deeper connection to the wild heart of Sri Lanka. After our adventure, we will return to our lodge in the early evening to unwind and share stories of the day’s discoveries.
Overnight: Jetwing Yala. Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Sunday December 13th, 2026: Yala National Park- Koggala/Ahangama – Galle
We begin our day with an early-morning safari in Yala National Park, setting out at first light to catch the wilderness at its most active. The cool morning hours offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities, as elephants, deer, birds, and even elusive leopards emerge to feed and move across the open terrain — an ideal time for photography and quiet observation. After this unforgettable morning, we return to our lodge for a well-earned breakfast before continuing our journey toward Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coast. In the late afternoon, we make our way to Koggala and/or Ahangama to photograph Sri Lanka’s iconic stilt fishermen. As the sun sinks toward the horizon, the fishermen take their positions, creating striking silhouettes against the shimmering Indian Ocean. The golden light, gentle waves, and timeless rhythm of this tradition come together to form one of the most evocative photographic moments of the entire journey. It’s the perfect way to close the day before we settle in for the night. Overnight: Jetwing Lighthouse. Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Monday December 14th, 2026: Galle – Colombo
Early the following morning, we return to the same stretch of coastline for a fresh perspective. With soft dawn light illuminating the water and shoreline, we capture a completely different mood — serene, quiet, and beautifully atmospheric. This back-to-back sunset and sunrise shoot offers a wonderfully rich visual study of one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic scenes. After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore Galle on a guided walking tour. As we wander through the sun-washed, cobblestone streets of this UNESCO-listed port city, its vibrant history begins to unfold around us. Muslim gem traders, Portuguese explorers, Dutch merchants, and British colonials all passed through these lanes, leaving behind a fascinating blend of architecture, culture, and legend. The fort’s massive ramparts — standing strong for over 400 years — protect a world that feels delightfully suspended in time. Lace-trimmed verandas, pastel-hued townhouses, quirky boutiques, and ocean-battered bastions create an irresistible setting for photography. Yet beneath its historic calm, Galle buzzes with local life: schoolchildren in crisp uniforms, fishermen mending their nets, cafés perfumed with cinnamon and fresh-roasted coffee. It’s a place where every corner holds a story, and every turn reveals another picture-perfect moment. From Galle, we continue our journey onward to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital, ready to experience the city’s vibrant energy, modern charm, and rich cultural tapestry. Overnight: Shangri-La or ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Tuesday December 15th, 2026: Colombo
After breakfast, we begin our day in Colombo with a local insider who will take us beyond the usual sights to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and unique culinary scene. We stroll through neighborhoods, uncover fascinating stories, and see how Colombo’s past and present collide in unexpected ways. Along the way, we savor a Kottu Roti at a beloved local street food spot, Sri Lanka’s iconic everyday meal best enjoyed in the heart of the city. After our city exploration, we return to the hotel for a break and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, we continue our journey through Colombo’s back streets, including the lively Galle Face Green and the inner roads of Slave Island. This is a city on the move—modernization is rapidly changing its landscape, so this is our chance to see its architectural gems and authentic neighborhoods before they transform. In the evening, we come together for our final dinner—an opportunity to reflect on the memories, photographs, and experiences we’ve shared throughout the journey. It’s a special last evening in Colombo before our adventure concludes the following day. Overnight: Shangri-La or ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Wednesday December 16th, 2026: Colombo
After breakfast at the hotel, we have a final morning to relax and savor the last moments of our Sri Lankan adventure. When it’s time, we check out and are transported to Bandaranaike International Airport for our onward flights, carrying memories, photographs, and experiences from this unforgettable journey.
