Heritage & Cultural
Anuradhapura
Day 1
Airport to Anuradhapura
(Transfer time: Approx. 4 hrs.)
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura – The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia’s most evocative sights. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas (brick stupas), ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka. Today, several of the sites remain in use as holy places and temples; frequent ceremonies give Anuradhapura a vibrancy that’s a sharp contrast to the museum-like ambience at Polonnaruwa. Visit Anuradhapura Dinner and overnight stay at selected hotel.
Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya
Day 2
Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa
(Transfer time: Approx. 2 hrs.)
After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa – Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious center. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday. You’ll find the archaeological park a delight to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues and stupas – in a compact core. The Quadrangle alone is worth the trip.
Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya
(Transfer time: Approx. 2 hrs.)
Evening Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning.
Dinner and overnight stay at selected hotel.
Dambulla and Kandy
Day 3
Sigiriya to Dambulla
(Transfer time: Approx. 30 min.)
Breakfast at Hotel
Today leave to Kandy, on the way visit Dambulla cave temple – Dambulla’s famed rock cave temple is an iconic Sri Lankan image – you’ll be familiar with its spectacular Buddha-filled interior long before you arrive in town. Despite its slightly commercial air, this remains an important holy place and should not be missed.
Dinner and overnight stay at selected hotel.
Dambulla to Kandy
(Transfer time: Approx. 3 hrs.)
Reach Kandy – Some days Kandy’s skies seem perpetually bruised, with stubborn mist clinging to the hills surrounding the city’s beautiful centerpiece lake. Delicate hill-country breezes impel the mist to gently part, revealing colorful houses amid Kandy’s improbable forested halo. In the center of town, three-wheelers careen around slippery corners, raising a soft spray that threatens the silk saris worn by local women. Here’s a city that looks good even when it’s raining. Evening witness of the cultural show. Dinner and overnight stay at selected hotel.
Kandy and Colombo
Day 4
Dambulla to Kandy
(Transfer time: Approx. 3 hrs.)
After breakfast, Morning visit Temple of the tooth relic.
Proceed to Colombo – Although it’s unlikely it will reclaim its 19th-century moniker ‘the garden city of the East’, Colombo has nevertheless emerged as a must-see stop in Sri Lanka. No longer just the sprawling city you have to endure on your way to the beaches, it has become a worthy destination in its own right and makes an excellent start – or finish – to your Sri Lankan adventures.
Leave to Airport for Departure
Day 5
Breakfast at hotel
Proceed to airport for departure