If you have not visited Sri Lanka before and it’s your first; a must visit archaeological site is the 1st capitol of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura.
The visit should include the Sacred Bo-tree, Ruvanweliseya, Thuparama dagoba, few other monuments to photograph the architecture of Sri Lanka as well as to include devotees offering flowers. For a breathtaking view in the afternoon go to the bund of Nuwarawewa Tank to get a marvelous sunset- the sun going down in between 2 large dagobas – Ruvanweliseya Dagoba and Jetavanaramaya dagoba.
A must visit to Mihintale, the “Cradle of Buddhism “ in Sri Lanka, which is the earliest declared Sanctuary (declared in 247 B.C.) in the World and still a sanctuary. The wide staircase with 1840 steps, with the flowering Temple Trees (Plumeria Rubra) is a beautiful site for a photographer especially with a Buddhist Bhikkhu in yellow robes climbing the steps.
Also visiting Kantaka Cetiya for its beautiful frontispieces with the best stone sculpture of animals, creepers and human figures. The Ambastala Dagoba, with the circle of beautiful pillars, and the Maha Thupa on top of the mountain are beautiful monuments for a photographer. From the last monument you can look down and take shots of Kantaka Cetiya and Girihandu dagoba, like aerial shots. Walk round and look for other interesting sights like people offering flowers, hawkers selling various items etc.
A very good location to take the most beautiful photograph of Mihintale is Et-Vehera, from where you will see the large white dagoba and Aradhanagala in the foreground and the large reservoir of Mahakanadarawa in the background with the dead trees in the tank bed a beautiful thing for inclusion in a photograph.
Finally a visit to Mahakanadarawa tank bund at Mihintale to see a well preserved, beautiful stone bridge 100 feet long, 10 feet wide and 8-9 feet high constructed in the 4th C.A.D. connecting Anuradhapura with Trincomalee Harbour.
You will need one full day to cover the above most important places in the ancient city of Anuradhapura which will take you back to memories of how the now developed Sri Lanka was during the ancient era.