Cultural and Heritage Tour of Sri Lanka
07 Nights/08 Days
Starting from 333$ Per Person
Activities
Accommodation
Activities
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated in the northwest town of Kegalle, enroute Kandy-Sigiriya. This orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka.
The UNESCO world heritage site of Sigiriya is a site of historical and archaeological significance and consists of breathtaking views.
Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom, became the capital of Sri Lanka following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. This was the thriving commercial and religious center of Sri Lanka over 800 years ago. Brimming with archeologically treasures, the city is dotted with temples, shrines, palaces, ruins and religious buildings.
Things to do/visit at Polonnaruwa:
- Archaeological Museum.
- Ancient sites including ancient monuments such as Gal Vihara, Rankoth Vihara.
- The Major reservoir is Parakrama Samudraya.
- Cycling through the ancient site.
This Sacred City was established around a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment‘, the Buddha’s fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.
Activities include Mihintale Cycling Tour from Anuradhapura, Cooking demonstrations, visits ancient temples and ruins. Most of the civilians are Sinhala, while Tamils and Sri Lankan Moors live in the district.
Mihintale, is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures. The best time to climb is in the early morning or late afternoon. A fabulous place to see sunset.
Dambulla Cave Temple is located at Cultural Triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries is home to the Worlds most acclaimed Cave complex of magnificent Buddha Images and Rock Paintings of vivid colors and shapes constructed and painted from around 2nd Century BC (Anuradhapura era ) and continued up to the Kandyan era of the 18th Century. The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm and the ticket is sold till 5 pm.
Best time of visit is considered between June to September. Experience a 2.5-3 hour ride at the Minneriya National Park, where you will get to observe the largest gathering of Asian elephants, as they drink, feed and gaze at the pure grasslands. The chance to observe numerous species of birds, and amphibians is also an added advantage.
Temple of the Tooth Relic – “Dalada Maligawa”
‘Maligawa’ literally means palace. This palace is over 3 centuries old ,is an art and history lover’s paradise located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of Lord Buddha.
This is one of the best botanical garden in the whole of Asia. It is renowned for its collection of orchids.
The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees.
This national park, located in the central highlands , is rich in biodiversity and also a popular tourist destination. The World’s End and Baker’s Falls are among the tourist attractions of the park , which makes it unique.
Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. It houses an extensive collection of artefacts. This Temple is elaborately designed and surrounded by statues of Buddha, lions, nymphs and China vases. The temple also has training centers, a museum and much more to admire.
Opening Hours: 6am to 8pm
Dress Code: No sleeveless tops and shorts.
Accommodation
Itinerary
On arrival you will be warmly welcomed by our English-speaking Chauffeur Guide and Crimson Voyages Representative who will offer assistance before driving you to Negombo.
Next travel to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle via the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage which is a unique project to save the Asian Elephants where you can also give it a gentle stroll or a bath! A once in a life time experience.
Enroute stop at a spice and herbal garden where smells of spices overwhelm your senses and you will get to enjoy Sri Lanka’s world-renowned spices at their own source. Next drive to the hotel where you will be spending the afternoon at leisure before you get out on a cooler evening adventure.
Evening, you get to select from, either hike up at Pidurangala rock or the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the prominent and inspiring locations where you get to observe a beautiful sunset of your own.
After the early breakfast, start your day visit to Polonnaruwa, a World Heritage site, the second-largest kingdom in Sri Lanka has much to offer for history lovers, archaeologists, and guests who love to learn about the ancient city. The major Religious Significance of Polonnaruwa are Lankathilaka Gedige, Kiri Vihara, Shiva Devale, Rankot Vihara, Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Somawathiya Chaitya, Medirigiriya Vatadage, Statue of Parakramabahu. Finally visit the huge man-made lake “Parakrama Samudraya”.
After the early breakfast, start your day visit to Anuradhapura – Sri Lanka’s first capital, and the greatest monastic city of the ancient world. In the sacred city of Anuradhapura and vicinity are a large number temples and ruins.
Special places in Anuradhapura are Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Vihāra, The Jetavanarama stupa, The Mirisaweti Stupa, Lankarama and Isurumuniya.
After a pleasant breakfast start your day exploring Dambulla City. Visit the Dambulla Golden Rock Temple, where plenty of time-old caves, rock temples, statues, paintings, and murals are the main attractions for the guests. You would be amazed at its five hidden caves under a huge suspended rock. Inside the cave, the walls and ceiling are painted with strange patterns of religious images. Next, take a half day excursion to Minneriya National Park, set in the heart of the cultural triangle, a place to witness the largest Asian elephant gathering. Observe elephants as they gaze on the pure grasslands of Minneriya. You’ll also spot deer, wild buffalo, leopards, sloth bears, wild pigs, many species of monkeys, porcupines, and varieties of birds.
At the end of the safari, stop for some sunset photograph around the Minneriya Tank.
After the early breakfast, start your journey to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the “Dalada Maligawa” or the “Temple of the tooth relic” where a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enriched
You can also surround yourself by visiting one of the calm and beautiful gardens of Sri Lanka considered to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, before winding up for the day.
After breakfast, hike through tea plantations, misty mountains where you will be able to visit a lush of greenery such as tea plantations and waterfalls. You can also enjoy tea plucking and visit the tea factories, where you will be introduced the process of manufacturing some of the world’s finest tea. Finally drive around this hill station viewing Lake Gregory before retreating to the warmth of your hotel.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Capital city of Colombo, proceed to the city with many colonial era buildings located in between many sky scrapers. Sightseeing activities include Gangarama Temple, Town Hall, Viharamadevi park, National Museum and pettah market.
Finally wander around the city with a Tuk Tuk safari
Now it’s time for some casinos and nightclubs experience.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport where you will take your return flight.
Tour Map
- Bandaranayaka International Airport
- Sigiriya
- Anuradhapura
- Polonnaruwa
- Sigiriya
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Colombo
- Bandaranayaka International Airport
Book Your Trip
