Beyond Beaches: 4-Day trip into Sri Lankas Cultural Heart
ID: GYG877194-1380296
Category:
Country: Sri Lanka
Duration:
4 days
Description
Your personal local guide shows you around ancient temples, stupas, palaces, gardens, dagobas and many more on this Sri Lanka 4-day cultural tour. Visit Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla..
Embark on a 4-day guided tour of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle, starting in Colombo and traveling to Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa. Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Go on a national park safari and learn the Sri Lankan way of cooking on a village tour with a cooking class.
Day 1: Colombo-Kandy
Meet your guide in Colombo and drive to the hotel in Kandy. In the afternoon, go on a Kandy sightseeing tour. En route, stop at Tooth Relic Temple, Kandy Lake, Upper Lake, and Kandy Lake Club to witness the Kandyan cultural show.
Day 2: Kandy-Dambulla-Sigiriya
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Sigiriya. En route, stop at Dambulla Golden Temple and a spice and herbal garden.
Explore the 5 cave sanctuaries of the Dambulla Cave Temple, which house 153 Buddha statues and ancient murals spanning 2,100 square meters.
In the afternoon, climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. Visit the world-famous frescoes, explore the water gardens, and enter through the Lion's Paw entrance. Enjoy the sunset from the summit.
Day 3: Sigiriya-Anuradhapura-Polonnaruwa
After breakfast, drive to Anuradhapura and visit the historical monuments of the Sacred City. See the Sri Maha Bodhi, the world's oldest documented tree, the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, the Jetavanaramaya Monastery, the Abhayagiri Monastery complex, the Isurumuniya Temple, and the Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna).
Later, visit the Ritigala ancient monastery. In the afternoon, drive to Polonnaruwa and explore the compact ancient city. Visit the Gal Vihara Buddha statues, the Royal Palace complex, and the Vatadage circular relic house.
Day 4: Sigiriya-Colombo
After breakfast, do the village tour with a cooking class or go on a Minneriya National Park safari. Later, drive to your hotel in Colombo.
Highlights
- Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
- Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple and see the 153 Buddha statues and ancient murals
- Go on a wildlife safari at Minneriya and take part in rural village tour
- Climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and see the world-famous frescoes
- Visit the sacred city of Kandy and see the Tootl Relic Temple and Kandy Lake
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved.
It's recommended to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
Be prepared for early starts to avoid the crowds and the heat at some attractions.
Carry water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during the tour.
Respect the local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
Photography is restricted in certain areas; please follow the guide's instructions.
Smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed inside the vehicles or at the historical sites.
INCLUDED
- 4 Days (3 nights) accommodation in standard hotels
- 3 Breakfasts
- 3 Dinners
- Embarked on a guided hike at the Sigiriya rock fortress, which features frescoes.
- Dambulla Golden Temple Tour
- Tooth temple tour with ceremony
- Complete ground transportation as per the tour itinerary
- English-speaking local tour guide
- All government taxes
- Meeting arrangements at the airport or hotel
- Entrance fees to the spice/herbal garden
- The Kandy sightseeing tour
NOT INCLUDED
- Entrance fees to Sigiriya Rock ($35 p.p), Dambulla Golden Temple ($7 p.p), Tooth Relic Temple ($7 p.p), Polonnaruwa ancient city ($30 p.p), and Anuradhapura ancient city ($30 p.p), ritigala monastery ($10 p.p)
- Entrance fees to Minneriya National Park and Jeep Hire ($ 50 p.p)
- Entrance fees to village tour with cooking class ($20 p.p)
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Tips and gratuities
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
