According to first laws on light this can happen as we can see Sri Pada from Colombo. I have seen it from school but theory is different from reality. We have often seen things that cannot be seen in reverse though reversibility of light is one of its characteristics. This is due to other factors interfering. Good example is though we can see the moon a person in moon cannot see us but if it is like Great Wall it can be seen.
So it is unlikely that the relatively small buildings could be seen at such a distance even with a very strong telescopic lens. You can see the sea due to its sheer size and reflection due to water. To see a thing and record in a camera or film the light from the object should travel and record in the medium.