Cultural Marvels
8 Nights 9 Days | Private Guided Tour | 1 – 4 Persons
A cultural explorer. A true voyage of Sri Lanka with amazing insights to its cultural roots. From the Buddhist Historic Anuradhapura, The Heritage of the kingdoms of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, and the well preserved tooth relic. A must do, cultural expedition.
What to Expect
Sri Lanka’s Culture and heritage cannot be matched anywhere else. Its rich history still preserved in forms or art and ruins is the best way to experience Sri Lanka by far. Today, 6 out of the 8 World Heritage Sites defined by UNESCO are cultural and this tour is the one that takes you through the journey among these 6 sites.
Starting with a night in Negombo to kill of the Jet-lag, you will proceed to Anuradhapura which was once the Capital of Sri Lanka. Home to the majority of the sacred temples Buddha once visited during his time, Anuradhapura is home to some of the most well preserved temples that were built centuries ago. You will then visit the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and the Cave temples of Dambulla.
While most of the cultural sights relate to the Buddhist history of the world and Sri Lanka, the City of Galle which is your final stop is the only city that’s famed for its preserved architecture and structures from the era when Sri Lanka was colonized by the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British. Some of this rich history is also visible during your time in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya where Sri Lanka’s proud history of Tea comes to light.
Your tour in Sri Lanka wont be complete without experiencing its exquisite wildlife. Hence, a visit to the Udawalawe National Park is included. All in all a journey to be remembered.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 01 - Airport - Negombo
As you land, you will arrive in Negombo 30 mins away from the International Airport and check in to the hotel. Later that evening take a stroll down Negombo beach and finally sit down for dinner where your chauffer/national guide will brief you about your tour.
Hotel: Jetwing Beach • Meals: Dinner
Day 02 - Negombo - Anuradhapura
Travel to the sacred city of Anuradhapura — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the ruins and discover ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples. Enjoy some free time this afternoon and opt to rent a bike.
Hotel: Palm Garden Village • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (Dinner Veg Only)
Day 03 - Anuradhapura - Kandalama
Enjoy a walk through Habarana, a rural farming village, and learn about daily life. Relax with a canoe trip on the lake, ride on a bull cart, taste a local lunch, and venture out into the rice and vegetable fields. Later, continue on to Kandalama for the evening.
Hotel: Heritance Kandalama • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 04 - Kandalama
Head to Sigiriya (Lion) rock fortress and climb the steps to the top of this captivating site to discover UNESCO-listed ruins and take in stellar views. Incredibly, this spectacular construction was undertaken by King Kassapa I in the fifth century. As well as an incredible insight into ancient lifestyles, you’re also likely to see monkeys and other wildlife in this enchanting jungle setting. After, enjoy some free time to explore Dambulla.
Hotel: Heritance Kandalama • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 05 - Kandalama - Dambulla - Kandy
Tour the impressive Dambulla Cave Temple and admire ancient Buddhist murals and statues then visit a spice garden in Matale to learn about the theraputic uses of local spices. Continue on to Kandy and enjoy a tour of the Temple of the Tooth, which houses an important relic — a tooth of Lord Buddha kept in a well-preserved golden casket. This evening, listen to some traditional music at a cultural show.
Hotel: Earl’s Regency • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 06 - Kandy
Today, visit the impressive Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, considered a national asset. Enjoy the lush surroundings, pavilions, conservancy, orchid house, and stunning Javan fig tree. After, visit Sthree Craft Shop and Café, a G for Good-supported social enterprise that helps local women and youth. Here, we view a handicraft demonstration, listen to a lecture lecture, and enjoy afternoon high tea. Taste local teas, scones, clotted cream, jam, and an assortment of sweet cakes and pastries. Later, enjoy some free time to walk through the city and around Kandy Lake.
Hotel: Earl’s Regency • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 07 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
Travel through scenic mountains to the tea-producing town of Nuwara Eliya, stopping at a traditional tea plantation in the central highlands to gain insight into the process of growing tea and its effect on the Ceylon region. Enjoy a cup of perfectly blended pure Ceylon tea then continue exploring the English countryside atmosphere which was once governed by English and Scottish planters. Walk through the green grass and lanes, enjoying stunning views of this countryside hamlet. Opt to enjoy high tea at the Grand Hotel.
Hotel: Grand Hotel • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 08 - Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe
Enjoy a picnic breakfast and hike through the highlands in Horton Plains National Park. Continue on to our tented camp on the border of Udawalawe National Park. This evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration by the camp chef to learn about local specialties.
Hotel: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (@ Gallery Cafe)
Day 09 - Udawalawe - Galle
Take breakfast at your hotel and spend the morning at leisure, before a late-morning transfer to the historic city of Galle. Check into your hotel, and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring your new surroundings.
Hotel: Le Grand • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 - Galle
After a relaxed morning, proceed on a tour of Galle with your chauffeur guide. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle mixes the exotic with the colonial. Here you can see the architectural legacies of Portuguese and Dutch settlers alongside more traditional Sri Lankan styles. Visit Galle Fort, the Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, the Sun and the Moon bastions and many other fascinating sights.
Hotel: Le Grand • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11 - Galle - Colombo - Airport
Today’s activities will depend on your departure flight time. We recommend choosing an evening flight out of Colombo so you can experience a bit of Colombo today. If time permits, do a bit of shopping or try out a few restaurants which we could happily recommend.
Meals: Breakfast
Best time to Travel
This is an all-year-round trip.
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