Sri Lanka

A common transportation tricycle in Colombo or “taxi” as the locals call it shortly.

Tip: always insist on using taxi meter during your transportation

A traditional morning prayer done inside the Gangaramaya Temple. Artwork all around, on the left the “band” playing the prayer.

Closeup detail portrait of the Gangaramaya Temple morning prayer

Lady visiting the Gangaramaya Temple. View of the entrance statues and the huge artwork

June was the month of weddings, many were held in the Buddhist Temples.

Bride and her bridesmaids

A bridesmaid taking off her shoes before going to the temple

A Bride taking the time to pose for my camera during her photoshoot

Part of the Gangaramaya Temple being cleaned

Captured in the Seema Malaka temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Posing in front of the temple Seema Malaka, part of the Gangaramaya Park Lake, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Police on a Bycible, Environmental Protection department. Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The city’s traffic jam can stop even a Tuk Tuk tricycle.

Inside the train to Pinnawala. This is the second class.

Minimalist shot of Sri Lankan Farmer in the middle of his fields

After drinking the coconut water the next best thing to do is to eat the fresh coconut by opening it up and scooping it with a “coconut spoon”! Delicious, healthy and highly environmental friendly

Notice the giant fruits hanging from the Jackfruit tree. This was at the backyard of a house/restaurant. I had to take the photo to show the disproportion of the size between the tree and the fruit!

Caption of the numerous fruit kiosks that one can find in Sri Lanka roads even at the most distant areas. Offering much needed hydration and vitamins to the travelers.

Enjoying the Maha Oya River view, on an evening light

Happy to be here, this place offers many options for photography. Hotel Elephant Park, Pinnawala.

At the Maha Oya River

Panorama view from the restaurant of Hotel Elephant Park, Pinnawala

Home made delicious Dal offered from a friendly waiter – when he found out that I like this local food. The hotel offers this too but I didn’t order it in advance (need to tell them the previous day. Delicious!

With a small tip to the guard we had access closer to an elephant (normally it’s not allowed). The elephant enjoys some petting before getting in the water for even more fun.

in the morning and the afternoon the elephants from the nearby orphanage center were brought to take their bath in the river.

Although there are signs that prohibit feeding the elephants, the tourists can’t resist the temptation of giving them a snack (and a snapshot)

Huge Granite Buddha Statue from Athugala Temple hill, overlooking Kurunegala Town, Sri Lanka. Compare this statue size to the people standing at the base.

Lunch at Athula Yapagama, a local restaurant offering a variety of curry dishes, from jackfruit and fish to chicken. Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

There is a whole theory behind the benefits of hand food, from satisfying the senses to harmonizing the energy (Chi or Prana). Various cultures have adopted this style. For me it was the first time I ate rice with my hands, and I have to say, it was a great feeling! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-mamas/hand-food-why-eating-with_b_12100382.html

Enjoying some Rice and Curry with our driver and local guide Niro. Of course eating with our hands!

Looking at the Sri Lanka landscape from the Cave Temple hill, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Inside one of the five cave temples in Dambulla. The Reclining Buddha with the feet and toes in equal position indicating that the statue represents Buddha when he is resting (not dead). Thousand of buddha images decorate the ceiling following the curves and irregularities of the rock. I can only imagine how hard is to do art in a cave with no natural light..

Dambulla cave temple painting on the ceiling. The artists were following all the natural formations of the rock, really amazing.

A Stupa with various Buddha statues inside the cave temple, the ceiling is decorated with amazing paintings that keep their colors for a few thousand years…

Another painting on the ceiling, which shows the Buddha in blessing pose.

A Stupa with Buddha statues inside the cave

The cave temples gave nice locations for photos outside as well

This tree was outside the cave temple. Captured by my fisheye lens, due to the huge size and close distance.

Popular dessert in Sri Lanka: Buffalo milk Yogurt with syrup from coconut blossoms

Buddha’s disciple statues in front of a huge standing Buddha statue. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka Buddhist temples you often see these standing statues of the Buddha’s Disciples. Here you clearly spot the Moggallāna (blue colored statue). He was the Second of the Chief Disciples of Buddha, the blue color is due to his dark skin or as the legend has it because he has been through hell.

Signs of a forgotten kingdom, and the Lion Rock at the background, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Thousands of Statues on Sri Muthumariamman Kovil Temple in Matale.

Dressed in Saree is not easy for beginners, thanks to the professional help we were able to have a great outfit for photos in Sri Lanka.

Cultural show in Kandy

Background is the Tooth Relic Buddhist Temple in Kandy

The view from a high point is showing exactly how beautiful Kandy city is. Plus the Saree and sunset colors are complimenting the scene.

Me standing in front of a Buddha statue sitting in lotus position in meditation. This one was overlooking the city of Kandy. The size of these statues I saw in Sri Lanka was impressive…

Palm trees that give a great subject for photography. Located in Royal Botanic Gardens in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Botanic Gardens don’t always mean flowers and congested spaces. Here is a huge open space ideal for my minimalist shot. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy, Sri Lanka

A natural frame can be found anywhere. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Seeking for shade on a hot day, found it! Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Portrait surrounded by flowers. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy, Sri Lanka

After a day under the sun in Sri Lanka it’s time to be hydrated by nature… King Coconut offers all the necessary electrolytes!

A worker arranging the Tea Leaves inside a dryer. Tea factory, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Traditional Tea Leaf Rolling Machine with wooden blades. Tea factory, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Those are some huge Bags of Tea! Tea factory, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

The Tea Factory had a store, but before any purchase you are adviced to taste each of every major variety of tea. Tea factory, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

A different percpective. Besides the optical effect that makes the person small, you can see that the tea plants are kept short to give Tea Collectors easy access.

Delicious curry variety from plant based food.

An excursion to a Tea Producing country can’t be complete without a visit to the Tea Fields. The fragrance and the green color were overwhelming. Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Panorama of the Tea fields, to give a better understanding of the tremendous view. Stitched from five vertical photos.

The fruit availability is such a pleasant surprise in Sri Lanka. they don’t do it only for the tourists, they actually eat a lot of fruits. What a healthy habit. Here is one of the many fruit stands in the city of Nuwara Eliya, elevation of 1,868 metres above sea level.

One of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka. The Tudor-style two-storey red-brick building with a clock spire, was constructed in 1894 by the British [wikipedia]

Nuwara Eliya’s lake and park for fun activities or just a walk (as you can imagine I used it for my photoshoot). Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Hair flip in a sea of flowers. Gregory Park, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

No English sign, what to put where? I’m guessing the recyclables go to the Green. Gregory Park, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

District Engineer’s Office building, I chose it for the background, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Lady in Saree walking on the side of a Restaurant decorated with Buddhist Flags. Nanu Oya Station, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

An abandoned (or just standing by) typical train wagon at the Nanu Oya Station, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Cleaning the railways from the vegetation is a constant battle, plants grow so fast here. I think this worker was posing a little (while taking a break). Nanu Oya Railway Station, Sri Lanka

Inside view of the train, notice the fans on the ceiling, no Air Condition. 2nd Class Train from Nanu Oya to Ella

Train portrait is a classic shot here. Plenty of photographers were attempting to have similar shots during the train ride. What makes it difficult is that the train is under way (although not going very fast). Somewhere between Nanu Oya and Ella, Sri Lanka.

Reviews and local guides say that the scenery is fantastic on this Train Ride. I guess they were right. Somewhere between Nanu Oya and Ella, Sri Lanka.

Back portrait on a Train Bridge in the middle of the wild vegetation. By the way, I’m pretty sure this is a warning sign of some sort… Somewhere between Nanu Oya and Ella, Sri Lanka.

Since Nanu Oya to Ella is a train ride famous for the scenic views it’s very popular to the photographers/tourists. Here is a photographer leaning out of the window (as I am) taking my photo during a stopover while a local passenger is looking from the train window. One of my favorite travel photos!

Portrait from the door on a running train during the ride, the train speed was not more than 50km/h. Somewhere between Nanu Oya and Ella, Sri Lanka

Railway station Ella, Sri Lanka

We all know garbage has to be segregated when disposed (right?). I’m happy that they are serious about it in the city of Ella, Sri Lanka.

My Kind of food. Variety of local Curry with Rice, Papadam and fresh papaya juice. What a Combo! Chill Restaurant, Ella, Sri Lanka.

When told it was only one kilometer distance, we decided to walk all the way to the Nine Arch Bridge. Nobody said it was easy. Ella, Sri Lanka.

Train Brigde framed by the tropical forest in Sri Lanka. What a sight.

One of my favorite minimalist shots of this trip. Nine Arch Bridge, Ella, Sri Lanka.

Local ladies crossing the bridge, the train is not passing often, and it’s so slow that they can go to the side as soon as they hear it. Nine Arch Bridge, Ella, Sri Lanka.

Travelling in Sri Lanka brought us to this magnificent example of engineering and architecture. Nine Arches give this Train Bridge a superb view. I asked my muse to sit there carefully, for a minimalist portrait. Ella, Sri Lanka.

Crossing the bridge, to give a different view. Ella, Sri Lanka.

Close to the Nine Arch Bridge there is a tunnel, ideal for portrait framing (when the train is not around). Ella, Sri Lanka.

On our way back from the bridge we had an unexpected friend. Ella, Sri Lanka.

Some times the country road has unexpected (and interesting) color contrasts. My camera was ready. Ravana Falls, Sri Lanka.

Nature Minimalist Portrait (there is also a little dog). Ravana Falls, Sri Lanka.

Minimalist photo of a tourist couple that returns from admiring the Granite Rock Carvings. Buddha is of 18m height standing among other Buddhist teachers or disciples. We went there barefoot because the shoes are not allowed and we literally felt our feet sizzling from the hot dark stones. I believe the locals have more tolerance, as they are used to walk barefoot.

Lightouse under the Sunset light, combined with a portrait. Galle Fort, Sri Lanka.

A view of the Indian Ocean from the Fort corner, Galle, Sri Lanka.

This place is usually full of tourists during the day. Early in the morning is almost empty, and the light is ideal for dramatic photos. Waking up early was worth it. Galle, Sri Lanka.

Morning Portrait looking at the Indian Ocean, from Galle Fort, Sri Lanka.

Sunrise light has ulimited possibilities for landscape photography. In this stitched panorama you can also see the beach below the Fort Wall. Galle, Sri Lanka.

Approaching the lighthouse, walking portrait. Galle, Sri Lanka.

These trees at the Galle Fort are so dense, I think they have their own ecosystem!

Totally handmade / analog display. Interesting way to make a time table. Railway station, Galle, Sri Lanka.

I just found this label interesting. This is the office of the Inspector of Signal and Telecommunication. Railway station, Galle, Sri Lanka

Street photography, while waiting for the train at the Railway Station, Galle, Sri Lanka. (at the background you see my next photo, a Tuk Tuk Lady driver)

It’s rare to see a Tuk Tuk lady driver. Most of the drivers are men, and all of them in sandals or barefoot. I think Sri Lanka people hate shoes as much as I do! hahaha…

If I had to choose my best street photo, this would be it. A Bus Conductor lighting a cigarette while the bus is under way, the driver is also visible. Galle, Sri Lanka.

Tricycles and their drivers waiting for passengers outside the Railway Station. They appear of similar built, but in our short stay we have see all shorts of colors and shapes of Tuk Tuks. Galle, Sri Lanka.

Bicycles, Tricycles, Motorcicles were vastly used in the streets of Sri Lanka. I’m sure they enjoy the fresh air and avoid the traffic jams at the same time. Galle, Sri Lanka.

A usual sight in the streets, families (all in helmets) riding motorcycles. The kid was looking at me, although they were under way and I was 50m away from them. Galle, Sri Lanka.

Kids in their uniforms and teachers. I took this candid shot while waiting for the train at the station platform. They were on the opposite platform obviously waiting for their train, coming from school. 26 people, 26 different expressions. What a variable group portrait! Galle, Sri Lanka.

Another statue of Standing Buddha, looking West. Photo taken from the train, close to the coast, near Dodanduwa, Sri Lanka

Getting on and off the train at each station (obviously not from the proper platform), these street sellers were having snacks and water. Induruwa, Sri Lanka.

A photo to demonstrate that in some areas the houses were so close to the Railway. On the way from Galle to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Bridge Portrait, on a very little island Gangaramaya Park Lake, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Seema Malaka Temple, Gangaramaya Park Lake, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Variety of the very much used sandals. My kind of shoes! Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Telephone-shaped Statue in the city center. Colombo, Sri Lanka

Stupa or “pagoda” located in Sri Sambuddhaloka Vehara, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

My favorite subject, although I didn’t have the chance to take many photos. The flow of the Sarees when a woman is walking is unique. Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Entering a building in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Street traffic in Sri Lanka is insane some times. Police officers standing inside a crossroad triangle in City Center, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Kids enjoying a bike ride in the city, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is saying good bye with a beautiful smile, the lady at the Airport Canteen (of course in Saree). Negombo, Sri Lanka.

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