Overview
Embark on a captivating 6-day Mini Cultural Tour through the heart of Sri Lanka, commencing in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Delve into the rich history of colossal stupas, intricate temples, and the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Continue to Polonnaruwa to explore the remnants of an urban green city, followed by Dambulla and Sigiriya, where natural wonders and ancient marvels await. Journey to the last Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and conclude the adventure in Colombo, the vibrant capital. Indulge in 4-star accommodations, traditional experiences, and luxurious transfers, making this cultural odyssey an unforgettable exploration of Sri Lanka’s heritage and landscapes.
Itinerary
Anuradhapura, city, north-central Sri Lanka. It is situated along the Aruvi Aru River. The old section of Anuradhapura, now preserved as an archaeological park and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, is the best known of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. In the immediate vicinity are huge bell-shaped dagobas (Buddhist commemorative shrines, or stupas) built of small sun-dried bricks as well as temples, sculptures, palaces, and ancient drinking-water reservoirs. The city also contains an ancient pipal tree that is believed to have originally been a branch of the Bo tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar, India), under which Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment. The Bo tree branch was planted at Anuradhapura about 245 bce, and it may be the oldest tree in existence for which there is any historical record.
• Arrival to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, ‘Sri Lanka’ and Warm welcome at the Colombo International Airport by representative
• Leave for Anuradhapura, one of the most ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, which makes it no surprise that it’s gained a UNESCO world heritage site title. This journey will take about 3 hours.
• Check out the awesome Mihintale and climb up via dodgy railing.
• Visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, this is a famous place in Anuradhapura, due to the sacred tree growing out of the middle temple.
• Wander Around The Royal Botanical Gardens
• Check out the Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)
• Overnight stay at Anuradhapura .
Don't miss out
• Seeing how locals pray and generally experience a simple temple
• See glorious Views from the top of Mihintale
• Accommodation: 4 star Hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Travel Time: Airport to Anuradhapura - 3 hours
• Transfer Mode: By luxury vehicle
Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom, Polonnaruwa, became the capital of Sri Lanka following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Built by King Parakramabahu I, this urban green city has seen numerous civilisations journeying through this kingdom including the Cholas, South Indian Hindu and Buddhist Sinhalese, between the 12th and 13th centuries. Brimming with archaeological treasures, the city is dotted with temples, shrines, palaces and ruins. Explore the royal palace from the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186). Once a massive structure with 50 rooms, today impressive walls still stand strong. An impressive collection of ruins forms the sacred quadrangle and in the middle is the vatadage (ancient structure) with four entrances leading to the place where the Sacred Tooth Relic was once housed. Explore the large stupa (hemispherical structure containing relics) Rankot Vihara and the monks’ quarters.
• Leave for Polonnaruwa, the sacred city having best-preserved archeological relics of the world. This journey will take about 2 hours.
• Visit to 2500 year-old remnants in ancient museums.
• Check in at the hotel & refresh.
• Enjoy the sunset by the “Parakrama samudra” (water tank).
• Visit to ancient Polonnaruwa City and Temples.
• Overnight stay at Polonnaruwa.
Don't miss out
• Enjoy Sri Lankan traditional culture at Village experience
• Lake boating in the sunset
• Delicious Sri Lankan curry
• Minneriya wildlife safari
• Accomodation: 4 Star Hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Travel Time: Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa - 2 Hours
• Transfer Mode: By luxury vehicle
Dambulla is an ancient city that offers many natural and spiritual wonders to be discovered. It is one of the most sought-after attractions in our Sri Lanka tour packages filled with dominance and epic grandeur. With its scenic spots such as the ironwood forest, the breathtaking rose quartz mountain, the world-famous Rangiri International Stadium, and the serene landscape of Na Uyana Aranya, the majestic city of Dambulla is sure to be one of your favorites in an adventurous Sri Lanka trip to explore and enjoy the magnificence of this ancient paradise. As you traverse this fascinating city, you are welcomed by the largest and well-preserved cave complex on the island, filled with rich and colorful paintings and sculptures depicting the bold history Lanka. Yes, you are absolutely right! This is your chance to grab the perfect adventurous and fun getaway on this beautiful tropical island.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka. The palace is located in the heart of the island between the towns of Dambulla and Habarane on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above the sea level. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between the nature and human imagination. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains.
• Proceed to ancient cities Dambulla and Sigiriya by luxurious Car/Van. This journey will take about 02 Hours.
• Climbing the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress and see frescoes early in the morning
• Safari Jeep tour to see elephants in the evening
• Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple, Largest and Best Preserved Cave Temple UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Overnight stay at Sigiriya
Don't miss out
• Enjoy Sri Lankan traditional culture at Village experience
• Best cuisines in the island
• Trying out Sri Lanka wood carvings
• Traditional boat ride through the village
• Surprising ancient irrigation technology and beautiful Frescoes at Sigiriya Rock
• See glorious Sigiriya Lion's Entrance
• Accommodation: 4 Star hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Travel Time: Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya - 2 hours
• Transfer Mode: By luxury vehicle
The last Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy is central to the history of Sri Lanka and is home to many of the island’s cultural gems. Meaning ‘hill’, Kandy once stood as an impenetrable fortress against invading colonial powers, withstanding all attempts of invasion until the British finally deposed the king in 1815. Kandy houses the world-famous Temple of the Tooth, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, which was built to protect the sacred tooth relic thought to belong to Lord Buddha, which has been enshrined in Sri Lanka for hundreds of years. As well as a host of other temples, visitors to the city can wander along Kandy Lake, stroll through the stunning Botanical Gardens – created by the British in the 19th century and still one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia – and visit Kadungannawa Tea Factory. Kandy is one of the best places to explore the art history of Sri Lanka and travelers should take the time to see a Kandyan cultural show.
• Leave for Kandy, the well-praised site among those of the Buddhist faith. This journey will take about 2 hours.
• Check in at the hotel & refresh.
• Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Visit to the Botanical Garden of Peradeniya which is famous for its collection of a variety of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees.
• Overnight stay at Kandy
Don't miss out
• Evening Experience the Cultural Show
• Experience Sri Lanka Spice Village Trip
• Walk around beautiful Kandy Lake
• To enjoy true Sri Lankan cuisine
• To enjoy relaxing mildly cool weather
• Accommodation: 4 Star hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Travel Time: Sigiriya to Kandy - 2 hours
• Transfer Mode: By luxury vehicle
Situated in the western province of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the island’s capital. Diverse and vibrant, the city is the administrative and economic centre of the country. Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city, home to around a million people and is also one of the busiest ports in South Asia. Colombo was the capital for over two hundred years until the capital was shifted to nearby Sri Jayawardenepura, but remains the hub and heart of the city. The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, fine dining, vibrant nightlife and lots of shopping. Its architecture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonisation and is very visible in the buildings surrounding the city. The New Parliament is situated at Sri Jayawardenapura on the outskirts of Colombo, while the Old Parliament on Galle Road is now the Presidential Secretariat.
The Galle Face Green promenade is currently a 5 hectare ribbon strip of land between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean, which is now the largest open space in Colombo. There are many large hotels that border the strip and its surroundings have been earmarked for city development including many more 5 star hotels. The city is also cluttered with temples, mosques, and churches catering to the diverse population that enrich the culture of the city. With many boutiques filled with international brands and local art and fabrics Colombo is the best place to do the last minute shopping and then it’s best to retire to Galle face, Colombo’s playground for some Kottu or Wade.
• Leave for Colombo City, the capital of Sri Lanka. This journey will take about 3 hours.
• Visit to Pinnawala elephant orphanage enroute.
• Enjoy City tour in Colombo.
• Shopping in the best shopping malls in Sri Lanka.
• Visit to the charming Gangarama Temple.
• Visit to Colombo National Museum.
• Overnight stay at Colombo.
Don't miss out
• Enjoy Sri Lankan Ayurveda spa session
• Nightlife in Colombo
• Walk on the Galle-face green and watch Beautiful Sunset.
• Accommodation: 4 Star hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Travel Time: Kandy to Colombo - 3 hours
• Transfer Mode: By luxury vehicle
Drop at the airport
The Trip Cost Includes: - section
- Accommodation in a double room / Twin room on sharing basis in with breakfast throughout the tour
- Price Based on two Paying Pax
- 04 Star property accommodations
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Airport pick up & Drop / Transportation throughout the tour
- Services of an English-speaking chauffeur throughout the tour.
The Trip Cost Excludes:
- Cost of lunch & dinner throughout the tour
- Entrance tickets for the sites
- Early / Late check-ins & Checkouts
- Port rage & tips
- Video & camera permits
- Cost of optional tours
- Expenses of personal nature etc.
- Visa & other charges (Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details / submit your individual visa application)
- Anything not specified above