Sri Lanka is appealing if only because it is about the same size as the Czech Republic, so in two weeks you can get to know a large part of the island. It is also known by its original name, Ceylon, or by its nickname, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”.
Beautiful tropical beaches, rugged mountains, lovely tea plantations, friendly people, excellent food, colonial architecture and many species of animals.
Besides discovering the beauty of the island, the main focus will be travel photography. We will do long exposures at sunrise and sunset on the beaches, landscape photography in the mountains, try portraits of local people and experience the adrenaline of street photography at the markets. We will also improve our work with telephoto lenses when documenting wildlife in the national parks and on the lagoons.
The tour is aimed both at photography under the guidance of a tutor and at those of you who are not primarily photographers. Everyone will find something in Sri Lanka, and we will be sure to accommodate each other when planning activities (you can go for a massage, yoga, a cooking class or surfing, for example).
- sightseeing tour with photography
- accommodation in twin rooms with breakfast
- flights, and local transport by hired car with a local driver
Day-by-day programme
-
Day 1
Departure from Prague
With one connection in Istanbul or Dubai, arrival at Negombo airport
-
Day 2
Colombo and Galle
In the morning we enjoy Diyasaru Park and then transfer to the south coast of the island. On the way we stop to explore the town of Galle, whose historic quarter is one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in Asia. Walking through the old town, we will feel like the Portuguese and Dutch explorers.
-
Day 3
Traditional fishing
In the morning we go to watch fishermen using the traditional method of sitting on stilts off the coast. We relax on the beaches around Mirissa, where we can snorkel or try surfing the waves of the Indian Ocean. At sunset we try photographing beaches lined with the typical palms leaning out over the sea.
-
Day 4
Dickwella and nearby beaches
Sunrise on the beach will fill us with energy for the journey ahead. On the coast around Dickwella we can watch swimming turtles. We will also visit a small temple on a hill above the sea, and in the afternoon we arrive in Tangalle, where we will spend the next few days.
-
Day 5
Tangalle
The fishing town of Tangalle lies in a picturesque bay on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is famous for its beautiful and still uncrowded beaches. We stay surrounded by a lovely garden, parrots perch in the trees, we look out over a lagoon where herons and kingfishers fly, and the sea is a stone's throw away. The options in this area are truly endless.
-
Day 6
Coastal lagoons
Early in the morning we head to one of the nearby beaches and try long exposures in the soft morning light. Fancy yoga, a massage or a cooking class? All of this is possible in Tangalle. In the evening the photographers will certainly go out to the lagoon again. Sunsets and herons, storks or ibises landing on their nests will let us practise flight shots too.
-
Day 7
Bird reserve
A morning trip to the Kalametiya reserve. Among mangroves and water hyacinths we will watch great egrets, bitterns, kingfishers, cormorants and water buffaloes. Cruising on a catamaran across the calm water in the morning silence is a real experience, almost a meditation.
-
Day 8
Udawalawe safari
This national park is famous for its large concentration of elephant herds. On the morning safari we will of course also find other animals, such as crocodiles, water buffaloes and many birds.
-
Day 9
Ella
Ella is a small mountain village that offers some of the most beautiful views in Sri Lanka. We will not miss a visit to a tea factory, and we can try out what it is like to be a tea picker for a while. There are enough local pickers (mostly women) on the surrounding hills for us to visit them and take some interesting photos.
-
Day 10
By train through the tea plantations
In the morning we go to the station for one of the most interesting scenic journeys in Asia. High mountains, deep valleys, local villages and tea plantations alternate outside the train windows. After a few hours we arrive in the town of Nuwara Eliya.
-
Day 11
Nuwara Eliya and surroundings
It is not for nothing that Nuwara Eliya is called Little England. It lies in the middle of tea plantations and has kept the atmosphere of a colonial hill station. Thanks to its location in the mountains the weather is cooler here, which drew British tea planters to come and relax.
-
Days 12–13
Historic sites
A look into the history of Sri Lanka awaits us. Early in the morning we climb several hundred steps up the Sigiriya rock, where we discover the ruins of an ancient civilisation. On top of that, the climb rewards us with a magnificent view of the surrounding rolling landscape. We continue with a visit to the cave temples of Dambulla and in the afternoon move on to the royal city of Anuradhapura.
-
Days 14–15
Wilpattu
The largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka is called Wilpattu. Its name means “land of lakes”. The area really does have plenty of lagoons, as well as chances to see leopards, bears, water buffaloes, crocodiles and many species of birds. We will spend these two days enjoying nature and sleeping in a tree house.
-
Day 16
Flight home
Our holiday ends with a last night in Negombo, near the airport. In the morning we fly back to Prague with a connection in Istanbul or Dubai.
The programme may change depending on the weather, transport or what the group agrees on.
Price and equipment
The price includes
- accommodation in twin rooms with breakfast
- local transport – car with driver
- admission to national parks and temples
- 2 safaris – admission, driver and guide with a jeep
- Ella – Nuwara Eliya train, 1st class
- professional photo tutor and tour leader
- travel agency insolvency insurance
The price does not include
- flights – booked together, from Prague around CZK 25,000
- food and drinks other than breakfast
- health insurance and trip cancellation insurance (we are happy to arrange both for you)
- single rooms and better seats on the plane – individually by arrangement
Recommended equipment
- lenses of all focal lengths for travel photography
- wide angles (16–35 mm), a portrait lens (85 mm), long focal lengths (300 mm and more) for wildlife
- tripod, spare batteries, battery chargers, lens cleaning kit, filters
- head torch, repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, medication, etc.
Frequently asked questions
Are flights included in the price?
No. We book flights together for the whole group once you have signed up. From Prague they cost around CZK 25,000, with a connection in Istanbul or Dubai.
Can I manage as a beginner?
Yes. There is advice in the field throughout the trip, and the programme also suits those who are not primarily photographers.
How demanding is the trip?
Expect 5–6 km of walking a day. The most demanding part is the morning climb up the steps of Sigiriya rock.
How much will I spend on food?
Breakfasts are included. For other meals and drinks allow roughly CZK 500–800 a day, depending on taste.
Can the programme change?
Yes, depending on the weather, transport or what the group agrees on. In a small group the programme is easy to adjust.
Bookings via Czech Photo Travel. I am happy to answer any questions.
