Explore Sri Lanka’s captivating history and diverse heritage on our curated Culture & Heritage Tour. From ancient temples to colonial architecture, uncover the soul of this enchanting island.
Overview
Route: 1N Negombo – 1N Anuradhapura – 2N Sigiriya– 2N Kandy – 1N Nuwara Eliya – 2N Galle
Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Start Point: Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo)
End Point: Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo)
Transfer Included
Stay Included
Meals Included
Sightseeing Included
Tour Highlights
- Dutch charm, bustling markets: Negombo's colonial legacy.
- Beneath the ancient canopy, enlightenment whispers.
- Ascend Sigiriya's Majestic Rock, where artistry meets wonder.
- Explore Kandy's cultural legacy at the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, witness traditional dances, and unwind by tranquil Kandy Lake.
- Experience 'Little England' with tea plantations, colonial architecture, and cool climate.
- Ride the rails through misty mountains and tea estates.
- Discover UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a tribute to Dutch colonial heritage and maritime legacy.
Itinerary
Travel Distance: 17 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 10 Minutes
- When you arrive at the airport, you will be picked by our local representative upon your arrival and transferred to Negombo.
- Once you reach Negombo, check-in at your hotel and complete the formalities and freshen up.
- In the free afternoon, head out to explore the historic Dutch Fort, marveling at its sturdy walls and impressive architecture that reflect Negombo's colonial past.
- Visit St. Mary's Church: Continue your exploration with a visit to St. Mary's Church, where you can admire the beautiful Dutch architecture and vibrant stained-glass windows, gaining insights into the city's religious heritage.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and fresh seafood dishes.
- Overnight stay at Negombo Hotel
Travel Distance: 170 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 3 Hours & 30 Minute Drive
- Departure to Anuradhapura: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals.
- Visit Bodhi Tree: Upon arrival, pay homage to the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to have historical significance dating back to Buddha's enlightenment.
- Explore ancient ruins: Spend the rest of the day exploring the sprawling ruins of Anuradhapura, including majestic stupas, monasteries, and intricately carved stone sculptures, gaining insights into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.
- Check in to your accommodation in Anuradhapura for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.
Travel Distance: 170 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 3 Hours & 30 Minute Drive
- After breakfast, transfer to Polonnaruwa, another ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
- Explore the well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa, including royal palaces, intricately carved statues, and ancient temples, offering insights into the island's medieval history and culture.
- Then, transfer to do the safari at Minneriya National Park in the evening. Embark on an exciting safari adventure at Minneriya National Park, encountering elephants, leopards, and other wildlife species in their natural habitat.
- Finally, proceed to Sigiriya, home to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
- Check in to the hotel, relax, and stay overnight at Sigiriya Hotel
- Finish your delicious breakfast at the Sigiriya Hotel, then proceed to explore more in this iconic city
- Climb Sigiriya Rock: Embark on an adventurous climb to the summit of Sigiriya Rock, admiring ancient frescoes and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and discovering hidden caves and lush gardens surrounding the rock fortress.
- Experience Village Life: The Hiriwadunna Trek might be planned if you're in the mood for adventure and full of energy. Along with experiencing a catamaran boat ride and a bullock cart ride, this journey gives you an understanding of country life.
- Return to the hotel and relax by the poolside.
- Dinner and an overnight stay at Sigiriya Hotel.
Travel Distance: 90 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 2 Hours & 35 Minutes
- Enjoy breakfast before departing for Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, nestled amidst scenic hills.
- Visit the UNESCO-designated Dambulla Cave Temple en route to Kandy. Discover the elaborate cave temples that offer a window into Sri Lanka's creative and religious past. These temples are embellished with old Buddhist statues and murals.
- Take a diversion to visit Aluvihare Rock Temple, which is among Sri Lanka's oldest Buddhist temples. Discover the historic cave system that contains Buddhist texts written on ola leaves, offering insights into the religious history of the island.
- Upon arrival, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist site housing the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
- Check in to the hotel and relax, Overnight stay at Kandy Hotel
- After breakfast start your day with a visit to the Peradeniya Tea Museum, where you can learn about the history and production of Ceylon tea amidst picturesque tea plantations.
- Explore Royal Botanical Gardens: Spend the afternoon exploring the lush Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, showcasing diverse flora and scenic landscapes.
- Free afternoons visit to Gadaladeniya Viharaya and Embekka Devalaya: These two historic temples, which are not far from Kandy, are well-known for their superb woodcarvings and architectural elements, which showcase the artistic creativity of the Kandyan era.
- Cultural immersion: In the evening, enjoy a traditional cultural dance performance, featuring captivating Kandyan drumming and dance, providing a vibrant glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich artistic traditions.
- Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Sri Lankan flavors.
- Return to your accommodation in Kandy for a restful night.
Travel Distance: 95 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 4 Hours 20 Minute – By Train
- After breakfast transfer to Peradeniya railway station to have the Scenic train journey: Embark on a picturesque train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, traversing mist-covered mountains, verdant tea estates, and cascading waterfalls.
- Tea plantation visit: Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, explore a local tea plantation and factory, learning about the tea cultivation process and enjoying freshly brewed Ceylon tea amidst breathtaking scenery.
- Spend the evening at leisure, strolling through the charming town of Nuwara Eliya or relaxing amidst the cool mountain air.
- Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant, sampling delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.
- Retire to your accommodation in Nuwara Eliya for a peaceful night's rest
Travel Distance: 253 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 5 Hours
- After breakfast, travel to Galle via Ella, which provides a beautiful route across the hill country and southern coast of Sri Lanka. You will get to see gorgeous scenery, quaint towns, and historical landmarks along the route.
- Visit 9 Arch bridge in Ella: Built during the British colonial era, this magnificent bridge is well-known for its distinctive design, which features nine graceful arches. It is constructed entirely without the use of steel or other contemporary building materials, relying solely on solid rocks, bricks, and cement.
- See the magnificent Ravana Falls, which plummets from a height of more than 80 meters, close to Ella. Savor the breathtaking scenery and capture some priceless photos.
- After that start your journey to Galle, a historic coastal city located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, known for its Dutch colonial architecture and UNESCO World Heritage-listed fort.
- Check in to your beach hotel and relax after a long drive.
- Overnight stay at Galle
- After breakfast spend your final day in Galle exploring more of its hidden gems and local attractions.
- Cultural exploration: Begin your day with a visit to the Dutch Reformed Church, an elegant colonial-era church showcasing Dutch architectural influences.
- Maritime history: Explore the Maritime Museum, housed within a historic Dutch warehouse, and learn about Galle's maritime heritage through exhibits and artifacts.
- Beach relaxation: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden sands of Galle's pristine beaches, soaking up the sun and enjoying leisure activities.
- Souvenir shopping: Browse through bustling markets and boutique stores within Galle Fort, picking up souvenirs and local handicrafts to commemorate your trip.
- Farewell dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a scenic restaurant, toasting to the memorable experiences shared during your cultural and heritage tour of Sri Lanka.
- Return to your accommodation in Galle for a final night's rest.
Travel Distance: 151 KM | Travel Time: Approx. 2 Hours
- After breakfast, pack your belongings and check out of your accommodation in Galle.
- Arrange transportation to the airport for your departure flight, bidding farewell to the enchanting island of Sri Lanka.
- Board your flight with cherished memories of your cultural and heritage tour, and with hopes of returning one day to explore more of Sri Lanka's timeless wonders.
Inclusions
- Meeting and Assistance at the Airport
- 09 Nights’ accommodations based on your hotel selections (from 3-star hotels to luxury accommodations)
- Buffet Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 10 and Buffet Dinner from Day 1 to Day 09
- Sightseeing as mentioned above. (Without entrance fees)
- Transport in a private AC vehicle with the service of an English-speaking chauffeur/ National Guide.
- Local sim cards on request
- One complimentary water bottle (500ml) each person each day
- Value-added tax.