Sri Lanka: 4-day tour focusing on Cultural Triangle

This guided 4-day tour will cover ancient cities and sacred sites, and main UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the cultural triangle, offering a deep dive into Sri Lanka's rich history and culture.
This 4-day tour focuses on Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, which encompasses the ancient cities and sacred sites of the country's North Central Province. This tour will cover the main UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the area, offering a deep dive into Sri Lanka's rich history and culture.
The itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization and Buddhist heritage. It involves some early starts to beat the heat and crowds at popular sites.

This tour covers the main sites of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle:
Anuradhapura: First ancient capital
Polonnaruwa: Medieval capital
Sigiriya: Ancient rock fortress
Dambulla: Cave temples
Kandy: Last royal capital

Day 1: Anuradhapura

Morning:
Early departure from Colombo to Anuradhapura (approximately 4-5 hour drive)
Check into your hotel in Anuradhapura

Afternoon:
Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Visit key sites including:
Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred Bo tree)
Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
Jetavanaramaya Stupa
Thuparamaya (oldest stupa in Sri Lanka)
Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)
Twin Pond

Evening:
Sunset visit to Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Day 2: Polonnaruwa and Minneriya

Morning:
Drive to Polonnaruwa (about 1.5-hour drive)
Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key sites include:
Royal Palace complex
Quadrangle
Gal Vihara (Buddha statues)
Lankathilaka Image House

Afternoon:
Tour around Polonnaruwa's countryside and smaller ruins
Drive to Minneriya National Park (about 30 minutes)
Jeep safari in Minneriya, famous for its large elephant gatherings

Evening:
Drive to Sigiriya/Dambulla area for overnight stay

Day 3: Sigiriya and Dambulla

Early Morning:
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) for sunrise
Explore the ancient frescoes, mirror wall, and ruins atop the rock

Late Morning/Afternoon:
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a vast, isolated rock mass
Explore the five caves with their Buddhist mural paintings and statues

Evening:
Optional visit to a local village for a traditional cooking demonstration and dinner

Day 4: Kandy

Morning:
Drive to Kandy (about 2.5-hour drive)
En route, visit a spice garden to learn about Sri Lankan spices and Ayurvedic medicine

Afternoon:
Explore the Sacred City of Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lanka's ancient kings
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses Buddha's sacred tooth relic
Stroll around Kandy Lake
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya

Depart for Colombo or your next destination

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.

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.