In this series of "Photographer's Quick Guide", I offer my learnings from shooting a place from a travel photographer's perspective.
In here I brief about planning, photo hot spots (and unique ones too), timings and tips about shooting at these destinations in a bid to help the travel photography community.
This one features - Srilanka (yeah, the times might not be the best to visit the place, but more power to this sweet nation and hoping we'll be able to travel there soon again).
1. Gangaramaiya Temple, Colombo
Reason to visit :
To spend a serene evening right in the heart of the city at this perfect fusion of Buddhist installations against city skyline.
Photo Tips :
1. Architecture shots of multiple installations
2. Sunset compositions against the city skyline
2. Red Mosque, Colombo
Right in the heart of the capital city, this place offers unique architecture from the outside and a peaceful spiritual sojourn from the inside.
And the street hustle bustle outside, calls for endless frame possibilities too.
3. Colored Tuktuks (all over...)
Tuktuks ‑ the cute autorickshaws serving the commute needs, come in all colors one can imagine.
They always make a unique subject.
4. Ella Tea Estates
Morning, mist and tea factories tucked in between. A must do is the hike up the Little Adam's Peak.
5. Nine Arches Bridge, Ella
An architectural marvel in the tea countryside of Ella, the viaduct bridge acts as a scenic spot hosting the iconic blue train plying between the Demodara and Ella stations.
Fog and tea estates all around make it a much sought after hotspots.
Tips :
‑ Do check out the local train time table !
6. Sigiriya Countryside
There are two rocks in the Sigiriya countryside offering amazing sunrise views and 360 degrees vistas.
Pidurangala is what I suggest - One with the lesser fees to hike up (😉) and view of it's famous neighbour Sigiriya rock.
‑ You can't miss the gigantic sleeping Buddha on the way up to the peak.
7. Cave Temples, Dambulla
The largest and most preserved cave temple complex in the country, depicting Buddhist statues and paintings.
Photo Tips :
1. A wide angle or a fish eye with wide max aperture, to enable hand held indoor shots
8. Galle Area
A quaint coastal town known for its strong winds, cricket stadium and Portugese style city centre.
Best Time :
Mornings and evenings perhaps to beat the heat.
Photo Tips :
‑ Multiple vantage points to frame the light house from coast side
‑ A sturdy tripod mandatory !
- The Dutch quarters with vintage house and cars !
9. West Coast - Weligama Beach
Life by the sea side, quintessentially.
It's also the hub for wave surfing clubs.
9. West Coast - Mirissa Beach
One of the most scenic in the entire coastline. The sunsets are glorious indeed.
Early mornings best to beat the sun and the crowd.
Don't miss the iconic pigeon hill right on the beach.
10. West Coast - Coco Tree Hill
A killer place offering 180 degrees vista from a mini coconut tree jungle.
Lovely place to spend a sunset and twilight after that.
11. West Coast - Stilt Fishing Scenes
Signature fishing culture which is more of a tourism magnet now, than its glorious practical past.
Lots can be spotted still, around Welligama beach. And are a sight to behold indeed with the fishermen on it (though you might have to pay for it 😊).
12. Kandy
A beautiful hill station with amazing weather and vibes. Lots of goempas to explore and yes, the railway station serves as the hub for the iconic "Pondi Manike" aka "The Blue Train" that takes you through the all encampassing tea countryside.
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