With more than 240 km of beautiful coastline and luxurious beaches, Sri Lanka is a paradise for sun lovers. This exotic destination is filled with nature, wildlife, culture, and delicious food. This country is blessed with Beauty and no wonder why it’s called the pearl of the Indian ocean. If you have planned to visit this incredible country for your upcoming vacation, here’s a list of the 10 most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka that you shouldn’t miss visiting. Checkout the best Sri Lanka tour packages with us!

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10 Most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka

Galle Fort
Unawatuna Beach
Kandy to Ella Train
Kandy Market
Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations
Knuckles Mountain Range
Arugam Bay
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Minneriya National Park
Sri Lanka from above

1. Galle Fort

Toping the list of the 10 most Instagrammable places in Srilanka is the Galle Fort. Galle Fort is just a two-hour drive south of Colombo. Built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch in the proceeding years, the Galle is Fort is alluring, exotic, and totally loveable. This is definitely one of the places you shouldn’t miss visiting when in Sri Lanka. The Galle Fort boasts beautifully preserved colonial architecture and quirky cobblestone streets. The idyllic views of the ocean from the walls of the Fort, make the whole place a photographer’s dream.

Photo Tip: The best time for an Insta-worthy photo is during Sunrise or Sunset when the lighting is at its softest. This makes the picture more aesthetically pleasing and splendid. Avoid taking a picture at noon, as this is when lighting is at its harshest.

2. Unawatuna Beach

Second on the list of the 10 most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka is the Unawatuna Beach, a beach lover’s paradise. Unawatuna is a major coastal town in Sri Lanka that lies just 6 km away from Galle. This is one of the Hot Spots in Sri Lanka that flaunts photogenic palm-lined beaches and turquoise waters, making it the perfect place for sundowners.

Beach at sunset in Sri Lanka — Source: Unsplash

Photo Tip: The golden hours (just after sunrise or right before sunset) are the best time to click pictures, however, the daytime is not bad either. Make sure to go for an external flash while clicking your pictures. This helps you to fill in the light and avoid shadows. Use a flash diffuser for the best results.

3. Kandy to Ella Train

This iconic train ride will take you past the dazzling emerald tea plantations and endless rolling hills. I’m pretty sure that this train ride will become your absolute favourite Sri Lankan experience.

Train ride in Sri Lanka — Source: Unsplash

Photo Tip: While shooting from a fast-moving body or vehicle it’s important to keep your shutter speed in mind and set it right. If you are finding that your shots are coming out blurred, make sure to increase your shutter speed.

4. Kandy Market

Visiting the local markets is one of the best ways to understand the culture of a place. Warmed with locals, the Kandy market is located just a few away from the Train station. This is the best place to pick up some fresh produces and understand the culture and lifestyle of the locals. If you are a trekking lover, then trekking in Kandy is the best choice.

vegetable market in Sri Lanka — Source: Unsplash

Photo Tip: The market is really photogenic. It’s important to be respectful of the locals and shopkeepers and so politely ask them if you can take a picture of them. You can even show them once the picture is taken. Trust me seeing their happy faces is a great feeling.

5. Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations

One of the most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka is Nuwara Eliya. Called ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya will make you feel like you are in the middle of the British countryside. The main attraction of the Nuwara Eliya is its Tea Plantations.

Photo Tip: The colour of the outfit you were is very important when it comes to places surrounded by greenery. Ensure to wear an outfit that is in contrast to your surrounding. For example, whites, pinks and yellows go best with Tea plantations.

6. The Knuckles Mountain Range

The Knuckles Mountain Range will take you through the grasslands, over streams, and past the cascading waterfalls. These rugged peaks offer sweeping vistas, with the range covering an area of 18512 hectares.

women posing in mountains — Source: Unsplash

Photo Tip: It’s always best to have some in the frame. This gives a sense of scale and also adds more interest to the photo. If you are solo traveller, use a tripod and self-timer to get your shot, instead of a selfie.

7. Arugam Bay

Named as one of the Top surfing spots in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is also one of the best Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka. Even if you aren’t a fan of surfing, a stroll around this moon shaped palm fringed bay is worth your time.

the moon shaped beach — Source: Unsplash

8. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Fortress is one of the most fascinating tourist spots both visually and historically. Built in 3rd century BC, this fortress served as a religious retreat.

couples relaxing in Sigriya — Source: Unsplash

Photo Tip: The fortress is often crowded and people love its view from the top. Once you reach the top, patience is your key to the perfect click. Wait for the crowd to move, click the picture at the right angle and at the right time.

9. Minneriya National Park

There’s no doubt that Sri Lanka is a great place to ethically interact with elephants. The Minneriya National Park gives you a chance to visit these magnificent beasts up-close in their natural habitat. While driving in here you may also spot deers, buffaloes, toque macaques, crocodiles and even leopards if you are lucky!

Photo Tip: While going on a safari, Telephoto Lens is the best option. However, you can also you the all-rounder 24-70mm lens. You can focus on your shot and then later crop the unwanted image. Make sure you are shooting on RAW in the highest quality as possible so that you lose as little image data as possible.

10. Sri Lanka from above

You must have seen to capture the land right before your landing. One of the best ways to get this shot picture perfect is by using a circular polarizer that screws on the front of your lens. This will help to cut out the reflections. You can also use a lens hood as an alternative and place your lens as close as possible to the window, switch to manual focus and turn off your flash.

Hope you found the article 10 Most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka useful. Keep reading Pickyourtrail Blogs for such interesting articles or book a vacation to Sri Lanka honeymoon packages today.