Cultural Heritage & Sacred Cities – 12 Days

 Ancient cities, temples, and Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Negombo

  • Meet & greet at Bandaranaike International Airport by your tour representative.

  • Transfer to the beachside town of Negombo (approx. 30 mins drive).

  • Check in to hotel and relax after your journey.

  • Optional: Visit the Dutch Canal, St. Mary’s Church, and Negombo Fish Market (time permitting).

  • Evening: Sunset by the beach and seafood dinner.

Overnight stay: Negombo

Day 2: Negombo to Anuradhapura – Explore the Sacred City

  • After breakfast, drive to Anuradhapura (approx. 4.5 hrs).

  • Afternoon: Explore the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    • Visit Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Jetavanarama, Thuparamaya, and Abhayagiri Monastery.

  • Learn about the origin of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the ancient irrigation marvels.

Overnight stay: Anuradhapura

Day 3: Mihintale & Aukana Buddha Statue

  • Morning visit to Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Climb the rock to visit the ancient monastery and enjoy panoramic views.

  • Later, drive to see the Aukana Buddha Statue, a 12-meter high standing Buddha carved from a single granite rock.

  • Return to Anuradhapura or stay near Aukana depending on route preference.

Overnight stay: Anuradhapura or Habarana (if heading towards Polonnaruwa next)

Day 4: Transfer to Polonnaruwa – Explore Ancient Ruins

  • Drive to Polonnaruwa (approx. 2.5 hrs), another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Visit the Royal Palace ruins, Gal Vihara (rock-cut Buddhas), Vatadage, Rankot Vihara, and Parakrama Samudra reservoir.

  • Optional cycling tour around the archaeological park for an immersive experience.

Overnight stay: Polonnaruwa or Habarana

Day 5: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Village Tour

  • Early morning transfer to Sigiriya.

  • Climb the world-renowned Sigiriya Rock Fortress – marvel at the 5th-century palace ruins, Lion’s Paw, frescoes, and the breathtaking summit view.

  • Afternoon: Take part in a traditional village tour – ox-cart ride, local lunch, and canoe ride through paddy fields.

Overnight stay: Sigiriya / Habarana

Day 6: Dambulla Cave Temple – Transfer to Kandy

  • After breakfast, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex with vibrant Buddhist murals and statues.

  • En route to Kandy, stop at a spice garden in Matale for a short tour.

  • Arrive in Kandy and check in at your hotel.

  • Evening: Leisure walk around Kandy Lake.

Overnight stay: Kandy

Day 7: Temple of the Tooth Relic & Cultural Dance Show

  • Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

  • Explore the Kandy National Museum or Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue.

  • Evening: Witness a traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance.

Overnight stay: Kandy

Day 8: Peradeniya Botanical Garden & Kandy City Walk

  • Morning visit to the lush Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, known for orchids, giant bamboo, and palm avenues.

  • Later, enjoy a guided Kandy city walk: visit the local bazaar, Kandy Market, arts & crafts shops, and gem museum.

  • Optional: Visit a batik or silk factory.

Overnight stay: Kandy

Day 9: Scenic Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya – Tea Country

  • Board the scenic train from Kandy to Nanu Oya (subject to availability).

  • Enjoy panoramic views of tea plantations, misty hills, and waterfalls.

  • Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, the “Little England” of Sri Lanka.

  • Visit a tea factory and learn about tea processing and tasting.

Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya

Day 10: Gregory Lake & Colonial Heritage Walk

  • Explore Gregory Lake and enjoy optional boat rides or pony rides.

  • Take a colonial heritage walk: visit Victoria Park, Post Office, St. Xavier’s Church, and Hill Club.

  • Optional high tea experience at a colonial hotel.

Overnight stay: Nuwara Eliya

Day 11: Transfer to Colombo – Shopping & City Tour

  • Depart for Colombo (approx. 5–6 hrs drive).

  • Afternoon: Short Colombo city tour covering:

    • Independence Square, Galle Face Green, Old Parliament, Gangaramaya Temple, and Pettah Market.

  • Enjoy last-minute shopping at ODEL, House of Fashion, or Laksala.

  • Optional: Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar or Galle Face Hotel.

Overnight stay: Colombo

Day 12: Departure

  • Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.

 

 

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