Looking for the most instagrammable places in Sri Lanka? You have come to the right place! This blog post on the 10 best instagram places in Sri Lanka provides all the deets along with the complete travel information and tips you need. Plus, special photography tips and google map location links for each place !
Before starting, here’s a link for all essential travel requirements you will need:
- FLIGHTS: I check flight prices using GOOGLE FLIGHTS and SKYSCANNER.
- VISA: Sri Lanka offers an ETA (Electronic travel authorisation) that can be easily applied online. Click HERE for more details.
- ACCOMODATION: My favourite site for the best hotel options in all budgets is BOOKING.COM
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, take a look at all my Sri Lanka posts to plan the perfect Sri Lanka vacation:
10 BEST INSTAGRAM PLACES IN SRI LANKA (with map links)
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SECRET BEACH: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH IN SRI LANKA
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SECRET BEACH: If you love beaches , Secret beach in Mirissa should be on top of your list ! It has 3 different beaches with their own specialties:
- Blue Lagoon: the small tidal blue rock pool right in front when you enter that’s perfect for swimming safely without worrying about the waves. There are day beds and hammocks on this strip to laze around with a drink.
- Palm Cove: Turn left from the blue lagoon to find palm trees lining the coastline. This little strip where jungle meets the sea is very pretty and presents that tropical beach image. It was my favourite area in Secret beach!
- Shelley Beach: Walk right from the Blue lagoon and keep walking till you come across crystal clear rock pools. This is Shelley beach. This part is more hidden and is perfect for getting away from people on the main strip.
Despite it’s name, Secret beach is actually not a secret anymore, though the number of tourists here is less than the main Mirissa beach, thereby making it a perfect place to escape from the crowds if you are visiting during peak season. If you come here early enough, its possible to have the whole place to yourself! This isolated and secluded beach truly feels like a little island paradise. Apart from this, Secret beach is also known as one of the best sunset spots in Mirissa.
HOW TO REACH SECRET BEACH: Look up ‘Secret beach bar’ on google maps as this is the landmark to visit the beach. Most tuk tuk drivers know the place and they will drop you off at a particular point. Since the road towards the end is bad, you gotta walk 10 mins from the drop point to reach the Secret beach bar. There are clear directions on the way so don’t worry about getting lost. Tuk tuk charges are around 500 LKR from Mirissa main beach. If you are coming via your own moped, make sure to try and park as close as possible.
TIMINGS: Sunrise to Sunset
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Early morning around 7-9 am to have less people; before sunset to take in the stunning views (though there will be more people at that time)
ENTRY FEES: Free. You have to pass through the ‘Secret beach bar’ to enter and they do not charge anything. You can order some drinks and snacks and rent a day bed instead.
WHAT TO WEAR: Bring your swimming clothes as you are definitely gonna get into the water. Don’t forget a towel to dry off, a change of clothes and reef safe sunscreen. There is a small changing room near the beach bar.
COLOUR THEORY: I thought Red look great and stood out in the photo spots mentioned below.
PHOTO TIPS: Photo spots in Secret Beach include
- The small landmass in front of the Blue lagoon with the water on either end is a beautiful spot (pic 1)
- The tropical end of the beach (in the left side-pic 2)
- The shallow rockpools of the Blue lagoon
MY RATING: 10/10
PRO TIP: Bring your Go pro and/or underwater phone case to get some water shots while snorkelling!
If you love Beaches, here are 2 of the best beaches I have visited along with their travel guides:
2. 9 ARCH BRIDGE ELLA: A COLONIAL REMNANT INSIDE A JUNGLE
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT 9 ARCH BRIDGE: The imposing 9 arch bridge in Ella is a beautiful engineering marvel from British colonial times that became famous in instagram thanks to it’s insanely scenic location amidst a lush vibrant jungle filled with tea planatations. The famous ‘Blue train’ shot made it even more famous. Go and witness this epic scenery yourself!
HOW TO REACH 9 ARCH BRIDGE: The easiest way to reach is by tuk tuk which will take 300 LKR and drop you off near the tunnel. You can also walk along the track from Ella town till you reach the tunnel. Walk through it and reach the other side.
TIMINGS: Open always
BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit without crowds is during sunrise/ till 8am. But if you want to see the famous Blue train, look up the train timings for your date. The popular train timings are 9am and 10:30 am, but they are often late so stick around.
ENTRY FEES: Free
WHAT TO WEAR: Long pants in case you want to enter into the jungle below the bridge (which is a popular photo spot here) but beware of leeches that are found in abundance. A Good pair of shoes is a must to prevent any slippage. In addition, carry a light jacket as it may be quite cool early in the morning.
COLOUR THEORY: Wearing something in bright red, white or yellow will make you stand out amidst the lush vibrant greenery.
PHOTO TIPS: There are many photo spots here:
- In the jungle under the bridge
- In the surrounding forest area from where you can get an overhead shot
- In the train tracks itself (only if no trains are present, be careful)
- Take a right turn from the bridge towards the forest where a narrow path has a few view points
MY RATING: 9/10
PRO TIP: To save time, you can combine a sunrise hike to little Adam’s peak followed by a visit to 9 arch bridge as there is a clear walking route between them. Also, remember that drones are illegal here.
If beautiful nature is your travel dream, check out Munroe Island in Kerala for the best backwaters and scenery.
3. JAPANESE PAGODA: PEACEFUL AND SERENE
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE JAPANESE PAGODA: Built in 2005 by Japanese monks as part of a project building peace monuments in conflict zones, the stunning white pagoda has beautiful aerial views of the jungle and the ocean below. In fact, India too has a Japanese pagoda in Darjeeling.
HOW TO REACH THE JAPANESE PAGODA: This impressive pagoda is located 2.5 kms from the main Unawatuna beach on its northern end, amidst the Russmala hills. Hop on a tuk tuk to take you there and ask him to wait for the return trip. It should cost 400-700 LKR for the whole thing.
TIMINGS: 7AM TO 9PM.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Morning at opening time itself.
ENTRY FEES: Free
WHAT TO WEAR: As the pagoda is an active religious site, make sure to wear modest clothes covering knees and shoulders and behave appropriately.
COLOUR THEORY: You can pretty much wear any bright colour here to stand out against the white background. AVOID White if you do not want to blend in.
PHOTO TIP: Photo spots in the Japanese Pagoda include
- In front of the pagoda itself
- Go up and go around to the side where you can capture an interesting angle
- Take shots of the aerial view from the stupa
MY RATING: 8/10
PRO TIP: Combine your visit to the pagoda with the jungle beach which is a 10-15 mins hike from there.
4. COCONUT TREE HILL: THE PRETTIEST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT IN SRI LANKA
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT COCONUT TREE HILL: This small hill mound, filled with a clump of tall coconut trees is surrounded by the waters of the Indian ocean on all three sides and offers stunning views of the scenery especially during sunrise and sunset. This is a great place for photography thanks to it’s scenic location thereby making it the best instagram place in Sri Lanka.
HOW TO REACH COCONUT TREE HILL: Coconut tree hill is located around 15 mins walking distance fom Mirissa main beach on its far eastern end. Most tuk tuk drivers know the place and will leave you right outside the gates of the coconut farm. From here, it’s a narrow path to reach the hill. You can also get dropped off on the main road outside the Sunset bar and enter via that way. Walk up a dirt path to reach the top of the mound. Tuk tuk prices are around 200-300 LKR.
TIMINGS: Open always
BEST TIME TO VISIT: To avoid the crowds lined up for a shot, go at sunrise and click your photos in peace. From 9am, people start arriving and it becomes crowded. If you want to visit during sunset, go at 4.30pm to get your empty shots done before it becomes crowded by 5.30 pm.
ENTRY FEES: Free
WHAT TO WEAR: Girls, this is THE place to bring out those pretty flowy dresses that look oh-so-beautiful in instagram! Make sure to wear proper sandals to help you climb the small mound safely. You can also carry an umbrella in case of sudden tropical showers.
COLOUR THEORY: Bold vibrant colours like Blue, Magenta, Yellow, Red and also white will work well here.
PHOTO TIPS: Photo spots in Coconut tree hill include
- The best spot is right in the front with the coconut trees (pic 1)
- Turn right and take shots of the picturesque end of the beach (pic 2)
- Take shots of the hill itself from the beach shack
MY RATING: 9/10
PRO TIP: Make sure to watch out for any coconut that can suddenly fall from a tree and cause injury. After getting your shots and watching the sunrise/sunset, make your way to the small beach shack located on the right and have some fresh coconut water or juices. Also, this particular area of the beach is known for turtles, so keep an eye out for them. You can even snorkel to improve your chances of a sighting!
5. LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK, ELLA: EPIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS ALL AROUND
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK: The best place to hike and see those beautiful mountain views in Sri Lanka is Ella. And Little Adam’s peak is one of the easier hikes to do in the country and see the scenic views!
HOW TO REACH LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK: Take a tuk tuk and ask them to drop you off at the point till which they are allowed. Alternately you can arrive at Flower Garden resort which is near the entry path. From there hike and make your way till the top. The hike is moderate and should take 30-40 mins.
TIMINGS: Open always but avoid after dark.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: For sunrise, aim to reach the top by 6am. For sunset, you should reach by 5-5.30pm.
ENTRY FEES: Free
WHAT TO WEAR: Proper hiking gear: tracks, tees, good climbing shoes and a jacket with cap to help with the chill. Ella sees rain throughout the year so carry a waterproof jacket or bring an umbrella.
COLOUR THEORY: Red, white and yellow jackets/tops will stand out beautifully against the greenery.
PHOTO TIPS: Walk around a bit to find more view points and photo angles.
MY RATING:10/10
PRO TIP: To soak in the views from this epic spot alone, stick around for a bit till 7am. By then, the sunrise crowd has gone down and the sky clears up a bit more too. Also, carry a flashlight if you are doing a sunrise hike to help with the initial darkness.
6. SWINGING AT DALAWELLA BEACH: THE MOST FAMOUS INSTAGRAM SPOT IN SRI LANKA
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT DALAWELLA BEACH: It’s unbelievable how much a single Instagram shot can change a country’s fortunes but that’s what the iconic ‘coconut tree swing shot’ did for Sri Lankan tourism in today’s insta age. This is your chance to replicate that iconic shot for your gram!
HOW TO REACH DALAWELLA BEACH: Dalawella beach is located only 1.5 kms from the main Unawatuna beach and a tuk tuk costs around 300 LKR. After reaching, head to ‘Dream Cabanas’ , a beach shack which manages the swing.
TIMINGS: Open all day
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Best time: mid-morning for proper light or pre sunset for those colourful hues.
ENTRY FEES: Swing Cost: 500 LKR for 3 attempts.
WHAT TO WEAR: Wear a swim suit or shorts with a tee to hang onto the swing and take the shot comfortably.
COLOUR THEORY: Any colour works.
PHOTO TIPS:
- Swing shots during the day will go a clear picture
- Swing shots in harsh light/post sunset can be captured as a silhouette shot
MY RATING: 8/10
PRO TIP: Order some nice cocktails at Dream cabanas and take in the stunning sunset after your insta worthy efforts!
7. MIRISSA LAKE SUNSET: THE MOST SCENIC BOAT RIDE IN SRI LANKA
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MIRISSA LAKE: This was one of our best Mirissa experiences! The boating takes place through an extremely picturesque canal that ultimately opens into Mirissa lake. Along the way, we got to see mangroves, lush plantations, birds resting on trees and even a few monitor lizards crossing the water. It was nature at it’s very best and the beautiful colours at sunset made it surreal.
HOW TO DO THIS BOAT RIDE: We organised our boat ride through D canal House, which was our stay in Mirissa. The property is beautiful and is located right beside the canal from where the boat tour begins.
TIMINGS: Boating takes place twice a day at sunrise (6-8am) and sunset (4-6pm)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: I honestly can’t choose as I feel both times would be extremely pretty and scenic experiences. Personally, we went for sunset and the sky was simply stunning as you can see from the shots.
BOAT FEES: 2000 LKR
WHAT TO WEAR: Wear comfortable clothes as you will be sitting on a small wooden open air boat. As the boat passes through a lot of lush vegetation, you will find mosquitoes to bother you. Slather on some mosquito repellant cream and better still, wear long pants or skirts to cover up your legs. Don’t forget Sandals, sunscreen and an umbrella in case there’s a light drizzle.
MY RATING: 10/10
GOOGLE MAPS LINK (to the hotel from where boat can be booked)
PRO TIP: Keep an eye out for monitor lizards that live in these backwaters and are often found swimming. We spotted three!
Looking for more dreamy sunset boat rides? Check out these 2 for a surreal experience!
8. TEA PLANTATIONS, HAPUTALE/ELLA
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: The area in and around Ella is Sri Lanka’s tea country. The surrounding hills that are filled with tea plantations and shrouded with mist and fog provides an intensely moody and scenic picture. This is nature at it’s very best!
HOW TO REACH HAPUTALE: Hire a tuk tuk or taxi or rent a car to drive from Ella to Haputale. The distance between the two is 22 kms. Make pit stops once you start seeing some plantations on the roadside.
TIMINGS: Any time of the day.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Morning before the afternoon fog comes rolling in.
ENTRY FEES: None
WHAT TO WEAR: Bring along a jacket to deal with the chill. Plus proper shoes are a must.
COLOUR THEORY: Again, bold reds, white or yellow will look beautiful in the pictures here. So bring along a jacket with those hues.
PHOTO TIPS: Stop your vehicle roadside and go a bit further into the fields to get epic views and photos.
MY RATING: 9.5/10
PRO TIP: If you go to Haputale, make sure to visit Lipton’s seat, the highest point in Ella with amazing views all around. It is named after Sir Thomas Lipton who used to run his tea empire from here. It is better to go in the morning when the skies are clear rather than in the afternoon when fog is commonly occurs. The ticket fees to enter his estate costs 200 LKR pp.
9. GALLE FORT LIGHTHOUSE: PICTURE PERFECT POSTCARD MOMENT
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT GALLE LIGHTHOUSE: This iconic lighthouse is the BEST thing to see in Galle. Surrounded by palm trees and the blue waves of the ocean crashing below, the lighthouse stands tall and the whole scene looks picture perfect. This is the image that has been used most often to represent Sri Lanka in their tourism campaigns and postcards since decades. Suffice to say, it’s a must visit place!
HOW TO REACH GALLE LIGHTHOUSE: From Unawatuna, it’s only 6 km AWAY and a tuktuk is the best option to reach in 15 mins. From Mirissa, Galle is 42 kms and it takes an hour by tuktuk/bus.
TIMINGS: Open 24 hours
BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to photograph it is during sunset.
ENTRY FEES: Free
WHAT TO WEAR: It’s gonna be HOT so comfort is the key. Loose comfortable cotton or linen clothes with good walking shoes is a must. Plus, remember the sunscreen and a hat to protect you from sun rays.
COLOUR THEORY: Bright colours will stand out more in the daytime.
PHOTO TIP: Go towards the lighthouse (keeping some distance) and get your shots with the full lighthouse in the background.
MY RATING: 8.5/10
PRO TIP: Climb up the walls and take a walk along the perimeter of the fort. You can get to see many different vantage points to get some good views and photos. The whole walk is around 2-3 kms and it’s a good way to get different perspectives of the Galle fort.
Also, don’t forget to try some delicious food in the amazing restaurants located in the fort like Poonie’s kitchen (with their insta famous thalis!), Sugar bistro, Peddler’s inn and Amangalla.
Asia has many colonial towns with a history of British past along with local cultures. These towns are a delight for culture lovers with interesting museums, architectural styles and fusion cuisines. If you love such places, i have 3 recommendations for you with the complete travel guides:
10. PARROT ROCK IN MIRISSA
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT PARROT ROCK: ‘Parrot Rock’ is the name given to a large red mound, sitting amidst the waves in the eastern part of Mirissa beach. The view from above is beautiful and it’s a popular place for viewing sunsets.
HOW TO REACH PARROT ROCK: Depending on the tidal conditions and water level, it Is possible to walk from the beach to the rock and then climb it via some rickety steps.
TIMINGS: Open 24 hours
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Sunrise for a peaceful moment without too many people, sunset for a beautiful view.
ENTRY FEES: Free
WHAT TO WEAR: Wear proper shoes and not just flip flops to be able to climb the dodgy stairs properly and avoid cuts and injuries.
COLOUR THEORY: Anything works
PHOTO TIP:
- Photos on the beach with Parrot rock in the background.
- Aerial shots of the beach from Parrot rock itself
MY RATING: 8/10
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