Top 8 Most Instagrammable Places in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka boasts numerous beautiful places, yet many are often crowded with tourists. Here, I'll share some of my favourite places for capturing stunning pictures, along with insights into the perfect times to visit.

1. MIRISSA COCONUT TREE HILL, SOUTH SRI LANKA

One of my favorite places to capture breathtaking pictures was, without a doubt, Coconut Tree Hill during sunrise. It was remarkably empty in the morning, and the colors were absolutely perfect! Finding the location is also quite easy – just type 'Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa' on Google Maps, and it will lead you right there.

Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa, Sri Lanka

2. PARROT ROCK & MIRISSA BEACH

If you're already there during sunrise and enjoy capturing content with a drone, Parrot Rock is definitely worth a shot. Additionally, Mirissa Beach in the morning is both empty and beautiful!

Mirissa Beach & Parrot Rock, Sri Lanka

3. SWING IN AHANGAMA BEACH (NEAR CACTUS CAFE)

You've likely come across numerous pictures of swings on the beaches in Sri Lanka. Well, there are several spots where you can find these iconic swings. One is located at the end of Mirissa, near Coconut Tree Hill. Additionally, swings can be found on Dalawella and Wijaya beaches. This picture is taken in Ahangama Beach, but close to Cactus and Marshmellow restaurant - you will see the swing from there!

Ahangama Beach, Sri Lanka

4. PIDURANGALA ROCK, SIGRIYA

Pidurangala Rock is located in the central part of Sri Lanka, near the ancient city of Sigiriya. It is situated just a few kilometers north of Sigiriya Rock. Type in Google Maps “Pidurangala Rock” and you will find it easily.

It takes around 30 minutes to climb to the top of Pidurangala Rock, where you'll be rewarded with amazing 360-degree views of Sigiriya, including the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock.

This spot is a definite favorite among influencers, and visiting during sunrise or sunset is highly recommended, as it tends to be crowded during the daytime.

Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee of around 2000 LKR per person, approximately 6 euros. Also, when entering the temple area, it's required to cover your legs and shoulders. No worries if you're not appropriately dressed; they provide scarves for that purpose.

5. SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT, SIGRIYA

The perfect spot to see Sigiriya Lion Rock without many people and enjoy a clear view was definitely the restaurant Soul Food. There is a rice field right in front of the rock, making it perfect for drone shots. Additionally, the food and coffee there were very good, so what could be better than capturing amazing pictures along with delicious food.

Soul Food Restaurant, Sri Lanka

6. LION ROCK, SIGRIYA

Sigiriya Lion Rock should definitely be in your bucket list - it’s an ancient rock fortress, listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will find a lot of cool picture spots there and there are monkeys. However, it's important to note that the climb to the top involves a series of steep staircases and can be challenging for some visitors.

Lion Rock, Sri Lanka

7. PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

We visited Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on our way from Colombo to Sigiriya. Honestly, you get to witness a lot of elephants bathing in the river, and I adore watching them. However, what might not be evident in all the pictures is that they are chained in the water and also within the sanctuary. Additionally, the place is quite crowded with tourists, and at every step, locals ask for more money. You pay for the entrance ticket 3000 LKR, around 9 euros, and then there are additional charges for touching them, taking pictures, and getting close to feed them. So, this is my honest review.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage , Sri Lanka

8. ELLA NINE ARCH BRIDGE

Ella's Nine Arch Bridge is arguably one of the most Instagrammable places in all of Sri Lanka. Keep in mind that this location tends to be very crowded, as is the train ride from Kandy to Ella. While you're there, consider taking a short walk down to find a spot for a picture without many people – that's what we did. To reach the bridge, you have two options: a 20-minute walk (don't worry, many people are headed there, making it hard to get lost) or take a tuk-tuk, which will cost you around 800 LKR, approximately 2 euros.