Sri Lanka’s unique landscapes and extraordinary locations incite Instagram envy everywhere. Whether you are chasing that perfect golden sunset, misty peaks, dramatic cliffs, vibrant markets, scenic summits or pristine wilderness, Sri Lanka offers it all in one astounding treasure trove. Get ready to discover iconic spots of raw beauty that need no filter to leave you and others in awe.
Pidurangala Rock
About 2.5 Km from the famous Sigiriya Rock (Lion Rock) is Pidurangala Rock, which affords a spectacular view of Sigiriya from its summit. The 200m tall rock also gives you a stunning 360-degree view of the jungle plains below. The hike to the top is a bit more challenging than the ascent to Sigiriya, but it is worth it. Pidurangala is the place King Kashyapa chose to evacuate the Buddhist monks living at Sigiriya before he built his fortress there. A monastic complex is said to have existed here. Today, however, a more modern temple is found at the base. The view of Sigiriya from the summit of the rock is truly remarkable.
Sigiriya (Lion Rock)
The most recognisable ancient site of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, is as photogenic as you are. Snap a picture framing it in the background in the symmetrical water gardens or at the top with the setting sun evoking the past glory of its palatial ruins, encircled by the 360-degree jungle canopy and mountains silhouetted in the distance. You will feel like you are on top of a long-forgotten world you have just rediscovered. It’s the Machu Pichu of Sri Lanka, except with unending sweeping views as far as the eyes can see.
Nine Arches Bridge (Bridge in the Sky)
This colonial-era railway bridge conquers a 9-degree curve and steep gradient in the hills. The 90m-long viaduct is an ingenious engineering feat achieved with local knowledge and colonial determination. Made of bricks, cement and stone, the lack of steel was due to WWI, which made it difficult to source it from Europe. The bridge connects the beautiful Highland town of Ella to Demodara. It is one of the most photographed places on the island. The surrounding verdant forest cover, the undulating terrain and plantations give it a scenic setting that magnifies its beauty.
Coconut Tree Hill
It is dubbed the most Intagrammed place in Sri Lanka. Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa is a hillock headland by the Indian Ocean. Its dome shape puts each coconut tree on it at varying levels, creating a unique coconut tree sky dome. It offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding jungle headlands. After a day at Mirissa, surfing, whale-watching, turtle-watching and beach bliss, you can end the day here watching the sunset and taking the most amazing photographs.
Palm Tree Rope Swing & Wijaya Rock
Swing over the crashing waves on a rope swing tied to a lofty coconut tree that leans towards the ocean at Dalawella Beach in Unawatuna. With the setting sun on the horizon, you could take the most epic pictures of a carefree self, hurtling through the air above the waters. A few hundred metres east is an upward-pointing rock jutting onto the ocean. Climb the edge for a sunset silhouette embellished by an ocean-leaning palm tree top. And what’s more? You may even see turtles swimming in the waters near the rock. Dalawella Beach is famous for its turtles swimming in the crystal-clear waters. The Lagoon’s waist-deep waters are also a relaxing place to chill.
Stairway of Yapahuwa
This ancient kingdom, built on a granite rock rising above the jungle plains of the northcentral province, flourished in the 13th century. What remains of the citadel built on the 300ft high rock is the steep ornamental stone stairway to the top with its stone doorway. Although a lesser-known site, you could be the one to make it Instagram famous.
Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations
Being amidst an expansive tea plantation, among the endless rows of tea bushes against a backdrop of misty mountains, rolling hills, and lush greenery, is so Instagram-worthy. Nuwara Eliya is in the heart of the Highlands, where Ceylon tea is grown at the highest elevations. There are tea plantations on every mountain and hill slope. Dotted with waterfalls, streams, rivers and lakes, picturesque spots here are countless. So, find that perfect spot for all the bragging rights on Instagram.
Ethical Photos with Asian Elephants
Sri Lanka has one of the highest densities of wild Asian elephant populations. You can see them on safari visits to national parks across the island. While you can capture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and even get a chance to take a selfie with a photo-bombing elephant, you cannot take up-close pictures with them safely.
Millennium Elephant Foundation is a charity that takes in and cares for mistreated captive elephants. The 15-acre estate, located 10km northwest of Kegalle, offers visitors an Elephant Walk Experience. Visitors can interact with elephants safely and responsibly. You can feed them fruit, bathe them in the river, walk with them for 30 minutes and take up-close photos to cherish the memories. They also run the only mahout training program on the island accredited by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife.
Ambuluwawa Tower
The crooked spiral staircase to the top of this gorgeous tower almost makes it look like something out of a fantasy novel. Situated within the ecologically rich Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex in Gampola, the 55-metre tower affords 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, hills, rocks, forests, rivers and towns. Each spot on the staircase gives you a stunning viewpoint.
Lunuganga and Brief Garden
Created by the Bawa Brothers, every inch of the country estate and garden is Instagram-worthy. Lunuganga estate, skirting Dedduwa Lake in Bentota, contains a tropical modernist country house and 15 acres of Renaissance gardens designed by Geoffery Bawa, the most celebrated architect of Sri Lanka. The exquisite gardens have sculptures, frangipani trees, lush courtyards, pathways, lily ponds and pavilions.
Just 10 Km from Bentota town is Brief Garden, created by Bevis Bawa, the landscape architect brother of Geoffery Bawa. The garden is a lush tropical paradise with quirky sculptures and serene water features. The 5-acre garden has many paths that lead you to discover surprising hidden sights. The bungalow at the centre offers a glimpse into the eccentric personality of Bawa and the old-world charm long lost to history.
Making picture-perfect memories with Blue Lanka Tours
There is a plethora of Intagrammable locations in Sri Lanka. From award-winning sunsets to impressive ancient ruins, tell your travel stories in hypnotic pictures you can flaunt on social media. Unleash your inner photographer and capture that perfect shot for the memories or a prize.
Blue Lanka Tours custom-caters to all travel whims, from clicking that rare shot to experiencing the moment in carefree glee. We combine responsible tourism with comfort, luxury, variety and singularity. Travel with us and discover Sri Lanka in the most authentic way possible.