Sri Lanka Cultural Route

Sri Lanka Cultural Route

7 days – 6 nights

Colombo, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura

Discovery, Culture, Archeology, History

This program may be operated for individuals or for small groups

This is a suggested itinerary

Day 1: Colombo

Upon arrival in Colombo you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may have time for a quick visit of the Colombo National Museum to immerse yourself in the history of the country. Then, stroll on Galle road to see the city bustle a take a break at Viharamahadev Park. Dinner and overnight in Colombo. [D]

Day 2: Colombo, Kandy

After breakfast we start our drive to Kandy, arriving in time for lunch. Kandy is a dense and chaotic ancient capital listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a big city which hosts important Buddhist sites including the famous Temple of the Tooth that we’ll visit. Then, wander the market and visit the botanical garden. At 5 pm your guide will drive you to the local club to discover Sri Lankan culture by attending a performance of traditional Kandyan dances! Dating from the Kandyan kings, these ritual and religious dances, in splendid colorful costumes, are always an integral part of the cultural richness of the island and are worth seeing. Much appreciated in Kandy, this type of representation covers many traditions in an original and entertaining style. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 3: Kandy, Polonnaruwa

This morning we have a 3-hour drive to Polonnaruwa which is part of the famous cultural triangle (with Kandy and Sigiriya) and, also, an ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Less extensive than Anuradhapura, this site is UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city is really one of the country’s essentials. Many remains of temples, palaces, Buddha statues are to be found in the archaeological park. First discover the old parliament hall and one of the royal baths below. The sculptures are remarkably preserved, splendid and varied. We have here a little more the impression of a concentration of buildings with more buildings still standing. It is surely also linked to the more recent character of the city, seat of power between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries AD. There are also the remains of the Royal Palace. Only two floors remain and imagine that there were seven! What a place it had to be! Finally arrive at the first "key" place in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Like Anuradhapura, the city hosted for several centuries the relic of Buddha, his Tooth. There is therefore an esplanade of the Tooth, with its set of temples each more incredible than the other! Splendid moonstones, guardian stones, ancient temple of the Tooth and delicate frescoes, not to mention a written table and an ancient temple supposedly marked by Cambodian influences. A splendid and sacred quadrangular assembly in which we walk barefoot, amazed eyes and crackling camera in front of so many wonders. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 4: Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

This morning we return to Polonnaruwa to finish the visit of this exceptional site. After lunch, we continue to Sigiriya, also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impregnable fortress dazzling travelers. This building, still very unusual, offers an incredible view of all the surroundings. You can admire the lion rock from the beautiful viewpoint of Pidurangula Rock. When you see this incongruous rock topped in the middle of a green plain, you can already imagine that its history is fascinating. For a man to had the idea of building such a building in this place, with all the effort that this implies, there must be a touch of madness somewhere and a singular story. The Sigiriya Fortress, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site was, for 18 years, the capital of Sri Lanka. Tonight, sleep in a very unusual accommodation in the heart of nature. Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya. [B/L/D]

Day 5: Sigiriya

We continue our visit of Sigiriya and return to the site to climb the Lyon Rock. At this moment already, fatigue may be felt, but there are still some irregular steps to reach the first terrace. The encouragement for visitors who suffer so much is to pride themselves and give themselves a boost of energy to reach the west facade. On arrival you are greeted by two monumental lion paws. You have to imagine that, at the time, there was also the head! The rocky staircase already sweats those who are prone to vertigo. The toque macaques are on the lookout (We take this opportunity to dissuade you from feeding the monkeys, it harms their health and it makes them aggressive!). Time for lunch. Then, we attack Pidurangula rock located half a mile next to the Sigiriya fortress. This rocky promontory shelters an old Buddhist monastery as well as a magnificent reclining Buddha on the road to its summit. It is especially the view it offers on Sigiriya that has made it very popular with travelers. Then the path becomes more chaotic, a braid of lianas and rocks which you cross by following white arrows. A setting worthy of an adventure film! The reward is quick to come. The bare rocky plateau serves as a stage for a magnificent spectacle. The lion rock where the Sigiriya fortress lies before you in its green setting. If the panorama of the fortress catches everyone's eye, don't forget to take a walk on the entire plateau. A 360 ° view of the countryside awaits you. Enjoy the beautiful lights of the sunset if you can. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 6: Sigiriya, Anuradhapura

We leave early morning to arrive in Anuradhapura before 10:00 am to start the visit of this sacred city and ancient capital of the kingdom. Anuradhapura is one of the interesting cities to visit as it has a multitude of things to see, including some of the most impressive stupa and dagoba in Sri Lanka. The old town, also called the Holy City, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and occupies a frankly huge space (it stretches over 2,500 acres!). All these vestiges were only rehabilitated at the beginning of the 20th century: before, nature had taken over. So, it's a chance to be able to visit them today! Your guide will lead your way as there are so many Buddhist temples and archaeological remains at every corner of the road. All these vestiges are located in the old town, but this one is so immense that one should not hope to walk there on foot: one can opt for a bicycle (the best option for the visit) or a tuk-tuk to go from one place to another. The walk is pleasant because the Holy City does not actually look like a city but rather like a huge tree-lined park ... It is even quite difficult to imagine that it was a city. During the day, your guide will take you to restaurant for lunch. After the visit check-in at your hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 7: Anuradhapura, Colombo, USA

Some free time to continue visiting the city. Depending on your flight departure time you’ll be driven to Colombo to board your flight. Back home. [B/L]

[D] = Dinner | [B/L] = Breakfast and Lunch | [B/L/D] = Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Tour includes

Arrival and departure. Transfers
6 nights’ accommodation
- Colombo 1 night
- Kandy 1 night
- Polonnaruwa 1 night
- Sigiriya 2 nights
- Anuradhapura 1 night
Meals
- Breakfast daily
- Lunche daily
- Dinner daily
Stroll on Galle road to see the city bustle
Take a break at Viharamahadev Park
Visit the Temple of the Tooth
Wander the market
Visit the botanical garden
Discover traditional dances
Visit the Lion Rock
Climb to the top of Pidurangula rock
Visit the temples of the sacred city
English-speaking driver/guide
Transportation by A/C vehicle
Entrance fees for sites visited
All local taxes

Not included in tour

International or domestic airline tickets
Taxes or surcharges related to airline tickets
Travel insurance
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Other meals not mentioned in itinerary
Extras and gratuities
Early check-in, late check-out
Expenses of personal nature

Hotels

Category	Hotel Name	Tripadvisor
First Class
Colombo	Movenpick Hotel Colombo	4.5
Kandy	The Grand Kandyan Hotel	4.5
Polonnaruwa	Ekho Lake House	4.5
Sigiriya	Water Garden Sigiriya	5
Anuradhapura	The Villa*	5

Hotels will be confirmed at time of booking

* Best hotel in Town

Prices

These programs can be customized for individuals and groups.

Changes to this program may be requested by phone (1855-55-TOURS) or using the web FIT Quote Request

Airfare

We also be glad to add the necessary airfare from your gateway so you take advantage of our special discounted leisure fares

Program

You may add or remove;

- Trip days
- Cities and sites
- Meals

Other options
- The program was designed with private services, however, we may substitute shared sightseeing where available
- If you prefer deluxe services we may operate this program including private driver, private guide and concierge service.

Quotation

Once we have designed the program the way you want we'll give you a quote within 2 business days.

Tour Code: LK03CMB20TC

Options

Lunches and dinners can be arranged for individuals, families and groups at top restaurants or any restaurant requested by you.
We can revise the itinerary to spend more time and provide more depth in those areas that you are interested on.
Any other changes to the itinerary will be accommodated depending on the facilities available in the area.

Group Quotations

If you wish to use these programs for your group or as the basis for a customized journey please either call us (1-855-55-TOURS or use the web Group Quote Request.
In either case our specialists will work with to refine all the details and they will get you a quote with 2 business days. Quotes may be obtained for the air and land portions of just for the lad journey.
Booking both air an land with us will represent savings for you because of our buying power and longtime relationship with the airlines.
We will also may have the choice between regular fares and special leisure fares not available to the public.

Sri Lanka Cultural Route

Sri Lanka Cultural Route

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