Top Instagrammable spots in Sri Lanka
With white sands, palm trees, and the kind of crystal-clear waters that you usually only see when you’re scrolling on Instagram, Sri Lanka really is a little piece of paradise. But that’s not all it is, not by a long shot. For those looking for more than just a luxury beach destination, it also offers an incredibly rich and vibrant history that’s just waiting to be discovered, from stunning natural beauty, tea plantations and one of the most famous – and most instagrammed – train journeys in the world. You’ll come home with some fantastic memories that will also look amazing on Instagram – No need for a filter.
Here are the top Instagrammable spots you need to visit in Sri Lanka…
Sigiriya rock
It’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka – and it’s not hard to see why. Created from an extinct volcano and rising 200 metres from the surrounding landscape, the rock has a whole host of names; the fortress in the sky, the lion’s rock, and the eighth wonder of the world, and pays testament to the ingenuity of the Sri Lankan people. Climb it, and you will see the famous lion’s paw rock half way up – if you make it to the top you’ll be rewarded with absolutely breath-taking views.
Udawalawe National Park
Enjoy the spectacular experience of being within touching distance of some of the most beautiful and exotic wildlife in the world at this national park in Sri Lanka. You can watch elephants roam free in the natural grasslands, in addition to herds of buffalo, giant squirrels and more. Channel your inner David Attenborough and try and grab a selfie – without getting too close of course.
Kandy to Ella train journey
Known as one of the most spectacular train rides in the world, this is simply an unmissable experience when you visit Sri Lanka. Originally built to transport tea to the capital, the journey is steeped in history. It’s also crowded, dusty and jammed with tourists, so have to wait to get your perfect shot, but it’s also totally worth it. In fact, the whole experience is an absolute delight on the senses – from the smells of the delicious traditional food for sale to the songs and chatter of the local people. Get yourself a ticket asap.
Nuwara Eliya tea plantation
You’ll get a real sense of the history of Sri Lanka when you visit one of the many tea plantations there, and Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful. From taking in the lush greenery of the rolling hills to sipping on a cup of Ceylon and nibbling sandwiches during afternoon tea at the colonial Grand Hotel, it’s old world charm at its very best.
Palm tree swings
The palm tree rope swing at Dalawella Beach in Sri Lanka have become one of the hottest destinations on any aspiring travel blogger’s list – do it at sunset and you really are living like a pro. The only negative of all the hype is that the owners, who really only created the swing as a fun thing for themselves to do, are now charging 500 rupees for the privilege. However, when your pictures turn out looking like they do, it’s hard to argue it’s not worth it.
