Ceylon Sri Lanka Collection

Inauguration of the Ceylon Railway: East End of the Banquet Bungalow, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Inauguration of the Ceylon Railway: East End of the Banquet Bungalow, 1858. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. Parting. The centre of attraction was, of course, the magnificent bungalow

Turning the First Turf of the Ceylon Railway, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Turning the First Turf of the Ceylon Railway, 1858. Engraving from a photographs by Mr. Parting, of a ceremony performed...by his Excellency Sir Henry Ward, the Governor of the Island

The Magellan Gallery, Ceylon Railway, 1876. Creator: Unknown
The Magellan Gallery, Ceylon Railway, 1876. Train travel in what is now Sri Lanka. The Ceylon Government Railway was founded in 1858. From "Illustrated London News", 1876

Arch at Colombo, Ceylon, on the occasion of the Royal Visit, from a sketch by one... 1876. Creator: Unknown
Arch at Colombo, Ceylon, on the occasion of the Royal Visit [of the Prince of Wales], from a sketch by one of our special artists, 1876

Butter trade in Ceylon, 1785-1786. Creator: Jan Brandes
Butter trade in Ceylon, 1785-1786. Woman and butter seller. With explanatory inscription. Part of Jan Brandes sketchbook, dl. 1 (1808), p. 9

Kelaniya Stupa in Ceylon, 1785. Creator: Jan Brandes
Kelaniya Stupa in Ceylon, 1785. The Kalyani Dagaba or Stupa of the Buddhist monastery Kelaniya Rajamahavihara, with houses on either side. With inscription

Ceylon squirrel, (Atlantoxerus getulus), 1785. Creator: Jan Brandes
Ceylon squirrel, (Atlantoxerus getulus), 1785. With inscription. Part of Jan Brandes sketchbook, dl. 1 (1808), p. 57

Lovebirds, 1785-1786. Creator: Jan Brandes
Lovebirds, 1785-1786. Dwarf papagaaai from Ceylon in various poses on a stick. With inscription. Part of Jan Brandes sketchbook, dl. 1 (1808), p. 85

Dhoni, fishing boats in the Bay of Galle, 1786. Creator: Jan Brandes
Dhoni, fishing boats in the Bay of Galle, 1786. The different types of fishing boats used by the inhabitants of Ceylon. With various inscriptions. Part of Jan Brandes sketchbook, dl. 2 (1808), p

Bird's eye view of elephant corral, 1785. Creator: Jan Brandes
Bird's eye view of elephant corral, 1785. Huge trap and all the fences in which elephants were caught. No. 1 in the series about the elephant catch. With inscription

Buitenhuis of the Governor on the Grote Pas at Colombo, c.1750. Creator: Anon
Buitenhuis of the Governor on the Grote Pas at Colombo, c.1750

View of a ferry house at the Grote Pas at Colombo, c.1750. Creator: Anon
View of a ferry house at the Grote Pas at Colombo, c.1750. View of a river with buildings. Two boats on the water, one of which, the ferry, with the Dutch flag

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at Ceylon, 1835, 1886. Creator: H Hammal
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at Ceylon, 1886. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume 33. January to June, 1886"

Palm grove in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 1858. Creator: Joseph Selleny
Palm grove in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 1858

Path to the gate in Point de Galle on Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 1858. Creator: Joseph Selleny
Path to the gate in Point de Galle on Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 1858

Point de Galle in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 1858. Creator: Joseph Selleny
Point de Galle in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 1858

Harbour of the Point de Galle; Four Months in Ceylon, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Harbour of the Point de Galle; Four Months in Ceylon, 1875. [Port city in the south of what is now Sri Lanka]. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates

Temple in Ceylon; Four Months in Ceylon, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Temple in Ceylon; Four Months in Ceylon, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London] Belle Sauvage Works.London E.C

Map of Ceylon, c1891. Creator: James Grant
Map of Ceylon, c1891. From " Cassells Illustrated History of India Vol. I.", by James Grant. [Cassell Petter & Galpin, London, Paris and New York]

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and ancient ruins, this island nation offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the tranquil tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Ceylon. The history of Ceylon dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlements dating back to prehistoric times. The island has been ruled by various kingdoms and empires over the centuries, including the Sinhalese kingdom of Anuradhapura and the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial powers. One of the most iconic landmarks in Ceylon is Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers breathtaking views from its summit. Visitors can also explore ancient cities like Polonnaruwa and Dambulla Cave Temple to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating country. In addition to its historical sites, Ceylon is also known for its vibrant wildlife. Yala National Park is home to leopards, elephants, and hundreds of bird species while Mirissa Beach offers opportunities for whale watching.