Ancient Sri Lanka: A 10-Day Cultural Tour
Recently voted the #1 country to travel to by Lonely Planet, you’ll discover unique Sri Lanka as you experience the sights, mingle with the friendly locals and learn about the inherent Buddhist culture. From the lively capital of Colombo to the ancient sights of the Cultural Triangle, you’ll experience this country from a cultural perspective. Discover the Buddhist temple, striking sculptures, ancient monasteries and captivating stupas on a 10-day tour of this unique country. Includes nine nights of accommodation, daily breakfast and nightly dinners, English-speaking guides, air-conditioned transportation throughout and much more on an intimate, small-group tour (maximum 14 travellers).
Explore some of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoy a half-day safari tour in 8,890-hectare Minneriya National Park where you’ll catch captivating views of the Gathering of the wild elephants. All the while, learning about the ancient Buddhist culture that is so ingrained in the country’s past and present, and staying in deluxe accommodation in prime locations.
What You’ll Love…
The Sights – Uncover the ancient architecture and rich history of The Cultural Triangle
Situated in the centre of the island and covering the ground of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy—The Cultural Triangle is the basis for exploring Sri Lanka’s past.
Uncover the beauty of the Dambulla cave temple, the unique paved monastery that has been a pilgrimage destination for 22 centuries, dating back to the first century, and showcasing intricate religious carvings, 153 Buddhist statues and murals that date back to the 2nd century BC. Climb to the summit for amazing views of 80 caves which were once meditating grounds for Buddhist monks.
Not far from here, is the ancient city of Sigiriya – an impressive rock fortress in central Sri Lanka. Also known as ‘Lion Rock’, due to the huge lion gateway that once stood at the entrance, your steep climb to the top will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. At the peak, you’ll find the remains of a Buddhist monastery built in the 14th century, atop the remnants of an extinct volcano.
Sri Lanka serves up a remarkable feast for the senses. Visit the city of Kandy, the gateway to the nation’s tea plantations, set on a plateau surrounded by hypnotic mountains. Besides exploring the impressive array of colonial architecture, no visit here is complete without a stop at the Temple of the Tooth - one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites.
Enjoy a half-day safari tour at Minneriya National Park in view of the famous Gathering of the wild elephants. It is the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world, where herds of up to 300 elephants can be seen.
End your journey in the capital of Colombo - a port city famous for its ancient east-west trade routes, with a vibrant colonial heritage reflected in its mansions and lush gardens.
Your Package Includes:
- Nine nights of four-star accommodation in prime locations including Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy and Colombo
- Daily breakfast
- Nightly dinners (excluding Negombo)
- Air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
- Entrance and park fees as per the itinerary
- Insider experience in the comfort of a small group tour (maximum 14 travellers)
- Service charges and taxes
- Local sim card (1 per room, please provide copy of passport prior to arrival to obtain)
The tour begins in Negombo and ends in Colombo.
International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Flights to Negombo are available from major Australian cities with one or more stops en route. Carriers include SriLankan, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and more.
Flights depart regularly from major gateways including Singapore (approx flight time of 4 hours), Hong Kong (approx flight time of 6 hours), Dubai (approx flight time of 5 hours) and Bangkok (approx flight time 3.5 hours).
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
Day 1 – Welcome to Sri Lanka
On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will meet your representatives and be transferred to Negombo where you will relax and unwind after your flight.
The sea and catamarans are the backdrop of the Negombo scenery. Take a leisurely walk in the area to explore the various trinket shops that occupy this fishing village. You may visit the Negombo lagoon and a fish auction and make an unforgettable visit to the Dutch fort and an old Catholic Church.
Approx. Travel Time: 15 minutes
Overnight: Negombo
Day 2 – Head to Dambulla
After breakfast you will head to Dambulla.
Dambulla - Dating back to the 1st century BC, this complex of five caves was used as refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock. Later kings made further improvements and most of the paintings are from the early 19th century – A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dambulla Rock Temple - was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. Dambulla is a world heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. The caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 meters.
After which you will proceed to the hotel.
Approx. Travel Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Overnight: Habarana / Dambulla
Day 3 – Leave for Polonnaruwa after breakfast & Jeep safari
Polonnaruwa - is the 2nd capital of Sri Lanka. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries A.D. and is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the “Gal Viharaya” (3 splendid statues of the Buddha in upright, sedentary and recumbent postures carved out of rock). You could also marvel at the audience hall, the lotus bath, the Polonaruwa statue (12th century) and the “Parakrama Samudra” tank (lake) built by king Parakramabahu the great. There are also ruins of famous places of worship such as the Shiva temple, the Lankatileka, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba and the remains of a former temple of the tooth.. You will start the tour in King Parakramabahu palace and you will visit all historically important places.
Colombo to Polonnaruwa Approx. Travel Time: 1.5 hours
After which you will proceed for the Minneriya Jeep Safari.
Minneriya - Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to favorites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants. However, the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3 rd century AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze, as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name but a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters.
Return to the hotel.
Polonnaruwa to Minneriya Approx. Travel Time: 1 hour
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Habarana / Dambulla
Day 4 – Enjoy a trek to Hiriwaduna where you will be able to have lunch
Habarana is wonderful village in the north central part of the island with Hiriwaduna village being located in the nearby countryside. Hiriwaduna village is still a non-commercialised area and therefore a wonderful place to experience ancient Sri Lankan living, traditions, local foods and customs. You will cycle through Hirwaduna countryside visiting the “Chief Farmer’s” house on the way. The chief farmer and his wife welcome all of you in the traditional way so you can experience true local hospitality. The chief farmer’s wife will provide traditional snacks and tea. You’ll then be taken in the chief farmer’s Chena as you learn about traditional farming methods and customs. His wife will then demonstrate the cooking of local food which you can join in on, followed by lunch at their house.
Approx. Travel Time: 30 minutes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Habarana / Dambulla
Day 5 – Enjoy some sight seeing in Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s ancient capital - dating back to 5th century BC - 9th century AD and the centre of the island’s Buddhist civilisation. It stands as the equivalent of any ancient ‘buried city’. The island’s oldest Buddhist shrines - some dating back to 3rd century BC - are found here. Impressive white ‘dagabas’ (relic chambers) and monuments, embellished with handsome stone carvings and sculptures are the attractions of Anuradhapura, alongside the oldest documented tree on earth - The Sri Maha Bodhi (over 2000 years old), pleasure gardens, beautifully-executed stone baths and ponds and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals.
Approx. Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Habarana / Dambulla
Day 6 – Visit the famous Sigiriya Fortress after breakfast (optional) & Kandy
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a world heritage site that was built by King Kashyapa (473 “491 A.D). The Lion rock is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. The base of the rock is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens. The world-renowned frescoes of the heavenly maidens of Sigiriya - which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway - are one of the main attractions. The frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
After which you will leave for Kandy.
En route, you will be able to make a stop at the Spice Gardens.
Spice Garden - visit a spice garden to see the different spices that Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed
Proceed to Kandy
Kandy - The last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a world heritage site. The name Kandy conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1806. Kandy town is also popular for gem museums and lapidary.
In the evening you will be able to enjoy a Kandyan Cultural Dance show
Kandy cultural show – Sri Lanka, a country rich with culture & tradition offers a very vibrant and unique show of Sri Lankan traditional dances, in the form of Kandy cultural show. The beat a dancing from depicting several demons, vibrant expression of low country rhythm, Fire and Harvest dances accompanied by Ceremonial Drums and the Drum Orchestra rising and falling to the lively tempo. As many as 12 different folk and traditional dances are performed by Kandy lake club dance troop within the span of one hour.
The highlight of the show is definitely the fire walking show, where the artists walk through a specially prepared fire pit, roughly 8 feet by 3 feet covered with red-hot charcoal, completely barefoot and emerges unharmed at the other end!
Return to hotel.
Approx. Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (Dambulla to Kandy)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Kandy
Day 7 – Leave for Kandy for Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda Falls
Head to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda Falls after breakfast and visit a tea factory
Approx. Travel time : 2 hours and 45 minutes
Tea Factory - Visit a Tea Factory and become familiar with the various tea verities produced in Sri Lanka. Witness the tea leaves been proceed and blend and test a good cup of tea given free before leaving the factory.
Once you check in you will be able to pay a Visit to the Ambewala farm .
Approx. Travel Time : 45 minutes
Ambewela Farms are made up of two farms, Ambewela Farm and New Zealand Farm. Blessed with the cool climes and pristine environment of the hill country, Ambewela Farm boasts superior breeds of cattle, modern technology and top-quality pastures where cattle graze freely. The result is an organisation of international standards in a local setting, producing the best quality milk and milk products.
Approx. Travel Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
(Ambewala to Kandy)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Kandy
Day 8 - Visit the Temple of Tooth and enjoy a city tour of Kandy
Today you’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth – one of the most venerated places of worship for Buddhists throughout the world. Built in the 16th century, this temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers, with the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. Originally the Temple was within the King’s palace complex as it was the symbol of Royal Authority.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Kandy
Day 9 – Leave Kandy and head to Colombo
Enroute Colombo, you’ll visit the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – a home for about 60 elephants (out of which around 50 are baby elephants) found abandoned or orphaned in the wild. They are being cared for, fed and trained by the wild life authority. The best time for your visit is 9am, when you will have the opportunity to see these ‘babies’ being bottle-fed. You could also see the elephants having their daily baths at a river close by.
Colombo to Pinawala Approx. Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Proceed to Colombo. Visit fort and Pettah areas and drive past the 100-year-old clock tower, the old parliament and several British-built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, Colombo museum and Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). You’ll then visit the ceramics corporation showrooms, the ODEL unlimited dress boutique and the majestic city shopping complex.
Pinnawala to Colombo Approx. Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Colombo
Day 10 - Colombo – Departure
You will be able to enjoy some shopping in Colombo and leave in time for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast
The ‘7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Luxury Escapes Refund Policy applies.
Valid for the following departure dates:
Low Season
11, 23 January 2019
6, 20 February 2019
8, 20, 23, 27 March 2019
3, 6, 15, 20 April 2019
6, 11, 19, 24 June 2019
4, 9, 13, 18 September 2019
High Season
1, 18 July 2019
8, 20 August 2019
High Season Surcharge: A surcharge of AU$100 per person applies for July tour departures and a surcharge of AU$175 per person applies for August tour departures. Surcharge payable directly to the tour operator.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from Australia. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Negombo for your chosen tour start date.
The package is valid for ONE PERSON aged 8 years or older (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise, an additional single traveller surcharge will apply (see below). Single travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Single Traveller Surcharge: If travelling alone a single traveller surcharge of AU$345 applies to all departure dates, payable directly to the tour company after booking.
Maximum tour group size is 14 people, minimum is two.
Connecting rooms may be possible, subject to availability at each hotel.
Single Travellers: Upon booking, please ensure you mention in special notes that you are travelling solo.
Tour includes accommodation at the following hotels or similar:
- Amagi Aria, Negombo
- Thilanka Hotel, Dambulla
- Royal Kandyan, Kandy
- Galadari Hotel, Colombo
Hotel check-in is from 2pm and check-out is noon.
Please note: If a double bed is required, please request this in special notes upon booking.
International flights are not included on this tour.
Airport transfers on the day of arrival and departure are included on this tour.
Please note: Arrival/Departure transfera are included only on tour start/end dates. In the case of prior arrivals or late departures, additional charges will apply.
Dining inclusions do not include beverages (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
Dinner is not included on your first night in Negombo.
Allocated hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with a similar hotel depending on your chosen tour date.
Booking confirmation must be presented at check-in.
All surcharges are payable directly to the tour company.
Please note disability access is limited during the tour, please consider this before making your booking. Hotels may not have ramps, wide entryways or elevators to accommodate disabled passengers or devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and motorised scooters. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs, walking frames and motorised scooters may not be taken aboard motor coaches.
This program is active. Walking is done over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, steps, and significant slopes. Many historical cities have specific driving regulations, with set drop off and pick up points, that result in extra walking to and from the sights. The pacing is active as many sites are included.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.