Colombo / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots around Colombo
Colombo combines oceanfront walks with lakes, wetlands and historic commercial courtyards. Several spots lie outside the centre, so allow time for a separate journey and follow local photography signs.
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Photo spots on the map
6 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Galle Face GreenApproximate area
- Beira LakeApproximate area
- Viharamahadevi ParkApproximate area
- Colombo RacecourseApproximate area
- Diyatha UyanaApproximate area
- Beddagana Wetland ParkApproximate area
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Galle Face Green
This long coastal green is a place to walk and fly kites beside the Indian Ocean. From the public promenade, use the curve of the shore and the open sky to make a simple frame over the water.
Search Google MapsBeira Lake
The central lake has tree-lined walks near the water. Frame a stretch of water through the foliage from the lakeside path, keeping the walkway open for people passing.
Search Google MapsViharamahadevi Park
Trees and a long rectangular pond give this central park several layers of greenery. From an open path, photograph the pond lengthwise and use the trees to frame its far end.
Search Google MapsColombo Dutch Hospital
The former hospital is now a shopping precinct with two courtyards. Look for the rhythm of the old roof and windows from a visitor area, and ask staff about the current rules before arranging a shoot.
Search Google MapsPettah Market
Pettah is a busy market area with stalls selling spices and other goods. From a place where pedestrians can pass, photograph a small display after asking the seller for permission.
Search Google MapsColombo Racecourse
The former racecourse combines a white historic building with a modern sports and shopping setting. From a permitted public area, compose a close study of the pale façade rather than a crowded wide view.
Search Google MapsDiyatha Uyana
Diyatha Uyana is a waterside park in Battaramulla, outside central Colombo. Use planting near a permitted path to add a foreground to a quiet water detail.
Search Google MapsBeddagana Wetland Park
This wetland park in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte protects ponds and waterside vegetation. From a visitor trail, focus on layers of reeds or reflections and leave room for wildlife to move undisturbed. Admission is charged. Check the operator’s booking and fee requirements before arranging a photo shoot.
Search Google MapsUrban Wetland Park, Nawala
The smaller wetland park at Nawala follows part of Kirulapone Canal. Look for a path-side view that puts vegetation beside the water. The operator lists separate arrangements for organised photo shoots.
Search Google MapsMount Lavinia Beach
Mount Lavinia lies south of central Colombo and has a long beach. From a dry part of the shore, use a little sand in the foreground and leave most of the frame to the horizon.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Sri Lanka Tourism: Galle Face Green
- Sri Lanka Tourism: Photography, Restrictions and Permits
- Sri Lanka Tourism: Beira Lake
- Sri Lanka Tourism: Viharamahadevi Park
- Sri Lanka Tourism: Travel Habits
- Urban Development Authority: Dutch Hospital, Colombo
- Sri Lanka Tourism: Pettah Market
- Sri Lanka Tourism: Colombo Racecourse
- Sri Lanka Tourism: Diyatha Uyana
- Urban Development Authority: Beddagana Wetland Park
- Urban Development Authority: Urban Wetland Park, Nawala
- Sri Lanka Tourism: Mount Lavinia
- Urban Development Authority: Beddagana Wetland Park Fees and Reservations