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Sri Lanka Photography Tour 2025: A Wild & Wonderful Adventure

Introduction: A Rainy But Rewarding Journey

I just wrapped up the 5th edition of my photography tour in Sri Lanka, and as always, this stunning island didn’t disappoint—at least in terms of photo opportunities. The weather? Well, let’s just say it was less than cooperative.

Joining me once again was Lee Starnes, who co-led the tour as we had a “big” group of seven photographers. I always bring in a second photographer when more than six people sign up, which helps us split up in crowded areas like markets and villages.

This year, Lee had the bright idea of adding a friendly competition to spice things up. Thanks to his connections, Think Tank camera bags sponsored some goodies, and we challenged the group not just to create a solid body of work but also to build a compelling photo story throughout the journey. Participation was optional, but it sparked some great conversations about storytelling and narrative in photography.

Lee also introduced a special prize for the best photo featuring crows—because, why not? Naturally, the group went into full “crow-hunting” mode from that moment on!


Day 1: Arrival & A Feast to Kick Things Off

I’ve started including arrival days in my tours to ensure participants land stress-free. Everyone got a SIM card, power adapters, and an airport pickup, so the only thing they had to worry about was capturing great shots.

That evening, we officially met over a delicious welcome dinner, where I walked the group through the itinerary for the next 12 days. More than half the participants were returning students, which made for an easy, friendly start to the trip.


Day 2: Fish, Fishermen & Fresh Perspectives

The day started early at the bustling fish market of Negombo. The sun took its sweet time showing up, but the pre-dawn colors were spectacular. As always, the market was packed with activity—perfect for photography. We spent a good chunk of time capturing two men chopping fish against the soft morning light.

Later, we met a fisherman casting his net into the river, and I even discovered a new spot where fishermen shake their nets to remove tiny fish—a fantastic new location for future tours!

After a well-deserved rest and a seafood-filled lunch, we explored a drying fish area and wandered through a local fishing village. Unlike the usual tourists who just pass by, we stopped to chat with the workers. Just saying “hi” and smiling opened so many doors, making it easier to get natural, storytelling shots.

We ended the day on the beach for sunset, but the weather had other plans—so we made do with fresh seafood and ice-cold beers instead. Not a bad trade-off!


Day 3: The Road to Kandy – Tea, Treats & Torrential Rain

We hit the road toward Kandy after breakfast, stopping at a local tea shop where we tasted some incredible Sri Lankan treats. For lunch, we stumbled upon a hidden gem that served 30+ local dishes in small portions. Easily one of the best food experiences of the trip!

Once we arrived in Kandy, we explored the central market—a vibrant place teeming with colors, textures, and life. Unfortunately, heavy rain decided to join the party, cutting our session short. We made up for it with an unbelievable dinner buffet featuring both Western and Indian cuisine.


Day 4: Markets, Mist & Masala Kottu

The previous day’s rain forced a second visit to Kandy’s market in the morning. It was the perfect chance for participants to grab souvenirs and squeeze in more shots of local life.

On the way to Nuwara Eliya, we stumbled upon a Hindu temple where groups of people were going to. We stopped for a little bit to try and capture some of the action happening there. It seemed that people were really not used to seeing tourists there and they were all very curious about us, making it is quite easy to approach our subjects.

By the afternoon, we reached Nuwara Eliya, where we explored its photogenic market before the rain made yet another appearance. We made the most of it by sipping hot tea in a cozy tea shop and having a photo review session before heading out for an epic dinner featuring Dolphin and Masala Kottu (don’t worry, not the actual dolphin!).


Day 5: A Village Full of Smiles & A Waterfall Worth the Hike

The morning was spent exploring a tea village where the Tamil community was celebrating a special holiday. The people were incredibly welcoming, and the kids were absolutely thrilled to see us. Instead of just taking posed photos, we played with the kids, which led to some of the most genuine and lively images of the trip.

For lunch, we hit a tiny but phenomenal local curry spot—so good that I’m already planning to return next year!

In the afternoon, we took a break from the usual routine and hiked to a breathtaking waterfall before wrapping up the day with a belly full of incredible Indian food.


Day 6: The Train Ride & The Instagram Circus

The morning light in Nuwara Eliya was spectacular, so we took a short walk through the town before heading to the train station.

The legendary Nine Arches Bridge in Ella was, unfortunately, a bit of a letdown—overrun with tourists taking selfies with the train instead of enjoying the actual experience. Still, we found ways to capture the scene creatively.

On our way to Ella for lunch, we spotted tea pickers in the fields and stopped to shoot. Being close to a touristy area, the workers were a bit pushy for money, which is why I usually prefer less commercialized locations. But given our limited time, this was the best chance to photograph them.

The day ended at a luxurious hotel with stunning rice fields. Naturally, Lee and I celebrated with a cold beer at the pool’s in-water table—because, why not?


Day 7: Sunrise, Rice Fields, and Local Encounters

With the sun rising over the lush landscapes surrounding our fancy hotel, we decided to take a morning walk through the nearby village. We were lucky to stumble upon a few farmers working in their vegetable fields, framed beautifully by the golden light and endless stretches of rice paddies.

The walk was more than just a photography exercise—it was an opportunity to slow down and connect with the locals. We practiced our people-photography skills, capturing portraits of eggplant harvesters and friendly villagers who were happy to chat with us (as long as we didn’t trample their crops).

After a stunning breakfast at the hotel, we hit the road toward Mirissa. Civilization was calling, and so was the promise of an epic seafood feast. But before indulging in that, we made a detour to Weligama’s fishing harbor, where we photographed fishermen in action. A sudden rain shower forced us to seek shelter in a small fish market, which, to our delight, turned into another perfect photo opportunity.

Later, we headed to one of my favorite hidden beaches, where we encountered an unexpected surprise—a group of traveling monks from Colombo enjoying a well-deserved holiday. These guys weren’t your typical solemn monks; they were doing backflips into the ocean and laughing like teenagers on spring break. We spent an hour chatting with them, learning about their journey, and capturing some truly unique images. Before parting ways, we exchanged contact details to send them their photos—a small way to repay their kindness.

The day ended as it should: toes in the sand, cold beer in hand, and another delicious seafood dinner.


Day 8: Monsoon Rains and Moody Market Scenes

Sri Lanka wasn’t about to let us off easy. We woke up to heavy rain, but that didn’t stop us. Armed with umbrellas and waterproof camera covers, we braved the elements and headed to the bustling Mirissa Fish Market.

I’ve shot this market many times before, usually bathed in golden sunrise hues, but this time, the rain added an entirely different atmosphere. The wet pavement reflected neon lights from the boats, fishermen moved through the mist like ghostly figures, and the whole scene felt straight out of a noir film. If ever there was proof that bad weather makes for great photos, this was it.

After an intense morning session, we dried off at the hotel over a hearty breakfast. With a late check-out planned, everyone had time to rest before we drove to Galle. Once there, we wandered through the historic fort, switching gears from documentary-style photography to street photography. The mix of tourists, locals, and colonial architecture provided plenty of storytelling opportunities.

To reward ourselves for a job well done, we indulged in a feast of Indian food. Because when in doubt—eat curry.


Day 9: Fish Markets, Sweet Tea, and Sunset Hunts

Today was one of those perfect photography days. We set out early to visit one of my absolute favorite locations in Sri Lanka—a vibrant fish market by the beach. There, we watched fishermen unloading their catch, negotiating deals, and preparing seafood for the market. Every corner had a story to tell, and we captured it all.

Nearby is where the most photogenic tea shop in the world is located. Think rustic wooden interiors, old men sipping sweet tea, and light filtering through the doorway like something out of a painting. Naturally, we took turns shooting and drinking—because priorities.

After lunch, we reviewed photos back at the hotel, always one of the most rewarding parts of the tour. Seeing how each participant interpreted the same locations differently was inspiring.

As the sun started to dip, we explored Galle once more, strolling through the markets and winding streets before ending up at a beach for sunset. The sky didn’t quite cooperate, but that didn’t stop us from capturing interesting street scenes. Lee, ever the food scout, led us to a tiny, unassuming curry buffet that turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip. Safe to say, it’s now on my list for next year’s tour.


Day 10: Trains, Tuk-Tuks, and Timeless Colombo

We kicked off the morning with a scenic train ride from Galle to Colombo. The train station itself provided some fantastic photo ops—commuters rushing, trains arriving and departing, and the warm morning light hitting just right.

Once in Colombo, we checked into our hotel before heading back to the station for more street photography. From there, we grabbed a tuk-tuk and made our way to Galle Face Green, a seaside park buzzing with life. Kids flying kites, couples taking selfies, old men debating politics—it was a goldmine of candid photography moments.

To wrap up the day, we treated ourselves to a cold beer at the historic Galle Face Hotel, where we soaked in the colonial charm and ocean views.


Day 11: The Final Challenge—Pettah Market & Photo Reviews

For our last full day, we explored Colombo’s chaotic and colorful Pettah Market. The morning light in the narrow alleys was pure magic, highlighting the textures and energy of the place.

Halfway through our session, the rain decided to make one final appearance. But by now, we were pros at shooting in any conditions. Instead of hiding, we embraced the downpour and kept capturing the energy of the market. Or we sat down and had some tea, which also ended up being good for photography!

The afternoon was all about reflecting on our journey. Each participant selected their top 10 images from the tour, as well as their photo story and, of course, their best crow photo (yes, the crow challenge was still going strong!). We handed out prizes for creativity and storytelling, and it was inspiring to see how everyone had grown over the past 12 days.

To celebrate our last night together, we did what any respectable group of photographers would do—we had a few drinks while reminiscing about the trip, rain pouring outside, and laughter filling the room.


Day 12: Farewells and Airport Goodbyes

And just like that, it was time to say goodbye. After a final breakfast together, I made sure everyone had a smooth airport transfer, ensuring a stress-free departure.

As always, the end of a tour is bittersweet. But looking back at the images we captured, the friendships made, and the experiences shared, it was clear—Sri Lanka had once again delivered an unforgettable photography adventure.


Final Thoughts: See You Next Year, Sri Lanka!

Despite the unpredictable weather, this year’s tour was a massive success, filled with unforgettable moments, incredible food, and fantastic photography.

Already thinking of joining the next edition of my Sri Lanka Photography Tour? Stay tuned—2026 is going to be even better!

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Etienne

Founder of Pics of Asia, Etienne is a teacher with a photography habit.

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