Colombo Trip Overview
This tour covers the most incredible cultural and historical places in Sri Lanka. From ancient temples to the centuries’ old Lion Rock Fortress of Sigiriya and the rich cultural heritage throughout. We finish in the Hill Country which will bring all the relaxation you need before you fly back home.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
This tour covers the most incredible cultural and historical places in Sri Lanka. From ancient temples to the centuries’ old Lion Rock Fortress of Sigiriya and the rich cultural heritage throughout. We finish in the Hill Country which will bring all the relaxation you need before you fly back home.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Pass By: Sigiriya, Sigiriya, Central Province
Welcome to Sri Lanka – your Sri Lankan adventure starts today!
Meet and greet by the CeyScape representative or driver-guide at the Airport and transfer to your hotel in Sigiriya. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and enjoy the welcome dinner.
(This will be optional according to the arrival flight)
Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Sigiriya, Kings Resort or similar
Day 2: Day 1
Pass By: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
This morning after breakfast we drive to Anuradhapura ancient capital city of Sri Lanka. Your first exposure to Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural triangle.
For over 1000 years Sinhalese Kings with occasional South Indian interlopers ruled from the great city of Anuradhapura. It is the most extensive and important of the Sri Lankan ancient cities. Anuradhapura was found in the 4th century BC and is famous for its Dagabas (Temples), Reservoirs, and beautifully landscaped gardens, the ruins of which remain to this day.
The sacred Bo Tree (the world’s oldest tree on record) “Jayasri Maha Bodhi” and the “Ruwanwali Seya” Temples are two of Sri Lanka’s most sacred places found in Anuradhapura. In addition to this, there are many other historical and religious sites found in Anuradhapura.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Sigiriya, Kings Resort or similar
Day 3: Day 2
Pass By: Polonnaruwa, Polonnaruwa, North Central Province
After breakfast, we drive to Sri Lanka’s 2nd ancient capital – Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa situated 218 km from Colombo is yet another well-planned medieval city defended by enclosed walls, graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds, and irrigation lakes which bears witness to a glorious past.
A dominant feature of the city is the vast irrigation lake of 5940 acres aptly named “Parakrama Samudraya” or the sea of Parakrama after its royal builder King Parakramabahu depicted an example of the advanced engineering and construction skills prevalent during the ancient times. This gigantic reservoir was built to collect rainwater, which did not permit a drop of water to go waste.
After Lunch drive to Minneriya National Park for a game drive.
Situated in the Polonnaruwa district in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka the Minneriya National Park covers an area of 8,889 hectares. Hundreds of animal and plant species are found in the Minneriya National Park.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Sigiriya, Kings Resort or similar
Day 4: Day 3
Pass By: Sigiriya, Sigiriya, Central Province
An early morning wake up today as we climb Pidurangala Rock to view the picturesque Sun Rise.
The historical Pidurangala Temple is located just behind the Sigiriya rock. The ancient monastery is a despoiled dagoba at the base of the hill and a long cave at the pinnacle. The steps to the top are made of rubble and climbing it is a different experience.
This evening we climb the world-famous Sigiriya Rock fortress.
The spectacular Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, 19Km Northeast of Dambulla is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The Rock was the Fortress of the “King Kashyapa” who murdered his father and stole the throne from his elder brother who was the rightful heir to the throne. Kashyapa built his fortress in this 182-meter-high rock to protect himself from his enemies. The ruins were discovered in 1907 by British Explorer John Still.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Sigiriya, Kings Resort or similar
Day 5: Day 4
Pass By: Kandy, Kandy, Kandy District, Central Province
Today, after breakfast we bid farewell to Cultural Triangle and drive to Sri Lanka’s Hill Capitol ‘Kandy’ also known as Sri Lanka’s sacred capitol. On our way, we stop to climb Dambulla cave temple.
Dambulla is a world heritage site in Sri Lanka, located north of Kandy in Matale district. The town of Dambulla is built around a large granite outcrop, concealing an impressive Buddhist cave complex, Raja Maha Vihara, dating from the 1st century BC. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.
The murals, covering an area of 2,100 square metres, include depictions of Buddha’s temptation by Mara, and Buddha’s first sermon. Statues of the Hindu gods Vishnu and Saman are also present, reflecting the arrival of Hinduism in Sri Lanka during the 12th century
Kandy – (the Sacred City of Kandy) – is a city in the centre of Sri Lanka. It lies in the midst of hills of rare vegetal species. The Kandy Valley crosses an area of tropical plantations.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Jetwing Kandy Gallery or Similar
Day 6: Day 5
Pass By: Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara Eliya, Central Province
From Kandy we continue our journey to Nuwara Eliya. An early morning wake up as we get on board the local train on Nanu Oya. Considered as one of the most scenic train rides in Sri Lanka we head to the town also known as the “City of Lights” and “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya was the favorite hill station of the British who tried to create Nuwara Eliya into a typical English Village. The old brick Post office, country house like hill club, with its hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, and its strict formal dinner attire; the 18-hole golf course, racecourse etc., all remind you of ‘England’.
The areas around Nuwara Eliya also provide the main output of tea in Sri Lanka. A trip to the highlands of Sri Lanka is never complete without witnessing the age-old traditional tea plucking and sipping a cup of “Ceylon Tea”. Visitors to Nuwara Eliya can also taste the freshly plucked strawberries and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Goatfell by Teardrop or Similar
