Sri Lanka's culture is absolutely fascinating. The Yaksha and Naga tribes civilized the island before 300 B.C. using agriculture and irrigation, while Buddhism was introduced in the early 2nd century B.C. The country was then also influenced by Indian invasions and has gone through Portuguese, Dutch and British rule: this is why Sri Lankan culture is diverse like its natural heritage.

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Sri Lanka's culture is absolutely fascinating. The Yaksha and Naga tribes civilized the island before 300 B.C. using agriculture and irrigation, while Buddhism was introduced in the early 2nd century B.C. The country was then also influenced by Indian invasions and has gone through Portuguese, Dutch and British rule: this is why Sri Lankan culture is diverse like its natural heritage.

Known as the Smiling People throughout the world, Sri Lankans enjoy a unique life style that's humble, artistic, entertaining and touching. Sri Lanka hospitality has been known for centuries. The intimate connection between society and Buddhism as well as traditional forms of art, dance and music are at the basis of Sri Lankan culture. In the early 19th century the British rule introduced democracy, modern education, legal and commercial agriculture system. Sri Lanka now is a mirror of its own ancient and modern cultures diverse from its cities to far villages across the tiny island.

This incredible tour in this jewel of Asia will make you experience all of this on your skin. Here are the highlights of the itinerary:

  • Visit Dambulla Buddhist Temple, one of the most impressive in the world
  • Trip to Sigiriya rock fortess, a Unesco World Heritage Site and must-see of every journey to this country
  • Sightseeing in Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings
  • Visit to Nuwara Eliya, a favourite retreat of the British people during colonial times

Trip summary

  • Travel style Group departure
  • Departure Colombo
  • End Kalutara
  • Countries
    • Sri Lanka
  • City
    • Dambulla
    • Kandy
    • Nuwara Eliya
    • Kalutara
  • Theme History, art and culture
  • Accommodation Standard
  • Flight Excluded
  • Guide Not Included
  • The tour has met our standards

Detailed itinerary

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  • 1
    Arrival - Dambulla
    Day 1

    You will be met and greeted on arrival at the Colombo International Airport and then transferred to Dambulla. Check in at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

    Visited places:
    • Colombo
    • Dambulla
  • 2
    Dambulla - Anuradhapura - Dambulla
    Day 2

    Morning excursion to Dambulla. The name Dambulla derives from Damba (rock) and Ulla (fountain). This is one of the most impressive Buddhist Temples in the world, showing the evolution of the Sinahalese Buddhist art.

    Afternoon excursion to Anuradhapura, located in the northern central part of the island. It was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two Unesco world heritage sites. Areas of interest include Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred Bo Tree) under which the Buddha got his enlightenment: it is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. Return to Dambulla for overnight stay.

    Visited places:
    • Dambulla
  • 3
    Dambulla -Polonnaruwa -Dambulla
    Day 3

    Morning excursion to Polonnaruwa. King Parakramabahu (1153-86) raised this city with huge buildings, draining swamps and planting vast cropland areas. He planned beautiful parks, created wildlife sanctuaries and restored earlier monuments.

    He crowned it all with the unification of the three orders of monks, the Mahavihara, Jetavana and Abhayagiri into the ‘Supreme Order of Monks’. This achievement ensured the survival of Buddhism in the dark centuries ahead. Return to Dambulla, afternoon at leisure and overnight stay at hotel.

    Visited places:
    • Dambulla
  • 4
    Dambulla -Sigiriya -Dambulla
    Day 4

    Morning excursion to Sigiriya rock fortress, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of incredible beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town.

    About halfway up the rock is a sheltered gallery of frescos painted on the sheer rock face. The ‘Heavenly Maidens’ are similar in style to the paintings of Ajantha in India. Return to the hotel, afternoon at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.

    Visited places:
    • Dambulla
  • 5
    Dambulla -Kandy
    Day 5

    Morning departure for Kandy, en-route visit a spice garden in Matale to see the different spices for which Sri Lanka is famous. Check in at the hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kandy.

    The last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, is now a World Heritage Site, visit the lake built by the last Sinhala King in 1798, the bazaar, the arts & crafts center and a gem museum. Evening visit to the ‘Temple of the Sacred Tooth’ containing the tooth of Buddha followed by a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

    Visited places:
    • Dambulla
    • Kandy
  • 6
    Kandy - Pinnawela -Kandy
    Day 6

    Morning excursion to Pinnawela elephant orphanage, home to about 60 elephants, found abandoned or orphaned in the wild. Afternoon visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens which were first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King and were later expanded by the British to 147 acres. Evening at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.

    Visited places:
    • Kandy
  • 7
    Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
    Day 7

    Morning departure for Nuwara Eliya, en-route visiting a Tea Factory. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, check in at the hotel, a unique heritage hotel converted from a tea factory. The afternoon is free. Overnight stay.

    Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya was a favourite retreat of the British during colonial times, the town is dotted with English country style houses earning it the name of Little England.

    Visited places:
    • Kandy
    • Nuwara Eliya
  • 8
    Nuwara Eliya - Kalutara
    Day 8

    Morning departure for Kalutara via Kithulgala. Check in at hotel for overnight stay.

    Visited places:
    • Nuwara Eliya
    • Kalutara
  • 9
    Kalutara
    Day 9-12

    Breakfast at the hotel and days at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

    Visited places:
    • Kalutara
  • 10
    Kalutara - End of tour
    Day 13

    Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport to connect with your departure flight.

    Visited places:
    • Kalutara
  • Prices and conditions

    Price includes
    • Arrival / Departure transfer and tour as per itinerary in air-conditioned private car or microbus with English speaking chauffeur/guide with visit to places of historical and cultural interest
    • Accommodation in hotels on twin sharing Bed/Breakfast basis, with applicable mandatory single supplement
    • All entrance fees
    • Porterage, service charges and government taxes.
    • For every 15 fully paid pax booked for this tour a complimentary place will be given for a tour escort.
    Price does not include
    • Lunches and dinners
    • Any other expenses not specified above
    • Kandy supplement; please note that if the stay at Kandy is coinciding with the Kandy Festival Season (July/August period – actual dates to be announced) a supplement of US$15.00 per person per day will be applied