Classic Cultural Tour

Day 1

Welcome to Sri Lanka Upon arrival at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport you will be met by your guide for a private transfer to your hotel in colombo (35km / approx. 45 minutes).Overnight Colombo

Welcome to the Sri Lanka

Day 2

Leave your hotel after breakfast and drive to the ‘Cultural Triangle’ (175 km / approx. 4.5 hrs).

Commonly referred to as the ‘Cultural Triangle’, the central plains area boasts ruined temples and ancient cities combined with national parks and glistening reservoirs. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the striking rock fortress of Sigiriya and the crumbling archaeological treasures of Polonnaruwa. The stunning setting and historic interest means a stay in this region is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Sri Lanka. Overnight Sigiriya.

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same

Day 3

Set off this morning for Sigiriya, also known as the ‘lion Rock (15km / approx. 20 mins).

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Sri lanka’s major altercations. A spectacular pillar of rock visible from miles around, geologically Sigiriya is a hardened magma plug of an extinct volcano. Historically, the origins of the remains are disputed and it is thought to have been either a royal fortress built under the reign of King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD) or a Buddhist monastery.
Experience traditional village life on this private tour. Accompanied by a guide, take an oxen cart ride through the village. Admire the views on a catamaran ride over a reservoir and try to spot the local wildlife. Observe a cooking lesson from a local villager share a traditional lunch. Overnight Sigiriya.

Traditional Foods Sri Lanka

Day 4

After breakfast drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa.(46km/approx.1.5hrs).

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders from southern India in 1070 AD to reunite the country once more under a local leader. Over the following three centuries Polonnaruwa became a thriving commercial and religious centre, reaching its zenith under King Parakramabahu I in the 12th Century. He created beautiful parks, huge buildings and an enormous tank (reservoir) which acted both as a defensive border against intruders and as an important water source.

Later in the afternoon you will drive to Minneriya National Park for a 2-3 hour jeep safari (20km /approx. 45 mins). Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, which was built in the 3rd Century AD by King Mahasena, the plains and forests of this park are home to herds of elephants who come to graze and to bathe in the tank’s waters. Flocks of cormorants and painted storks, toque macaque and sambar deer may also be spotted. Depending on the movement of the elephants you may visit the nearby Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park instead. Overnight Sigiriya.

Day 5

Today you will drive towards Kandy with a stop to visit the Dambulla cave temples en route (105km / approx. 3 hrs).

The Dambulla cave temples are another UNESCO World Heritage Site which date back to the 1st Century BC. This amazing complex of five caves was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who upon regaining his throne commissioned magnificent images to be carved from the rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves now contain over 150 images of the Buddha painted upon the walls. Continue the drive to Kandy. Overnight Kandy

Dambulla Cave Temple

Day 6

After breakfast enjoy a tour of Kandy, Later head to the beautiful Peradeniya Botanic Gardens (10km / approx. 45 mins) to enjoy a leisurely stroll among the orchids and royal palms. Surrounded on three sides by the Mahaweli river, these botanical gardens were founded in 1824 and are still home to one of world’s largest collections of plants and trees. Giant ficus trees, palms,an orchid house and a vast array of trees such as ebony, teak, satinwood, mahogany and tamarind can be seen here. Overnight Kandy

Day 7

Today you will drive through the hill country to Nuwara Eliya (115km / approx. 3 hrs).

En route you will stop at a tea factory and tea plantation where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the tea making process and the different grades of tea. Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country at an elevation of 1900m, Nuwara Eliya was a favoured retreat of the British in the 19th Century thanks to its cool climate. With an abundance of red and green roofed plantation bungalows, English country style homes, a fine 18 hole golf course and a racecourse, the town still has a decidedly British feel. The surrounding mountain slopes and valleys are carpeted with lush green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls.

Take a walk around the town centre, passing the Victorian post office, the old Hill Club and golf course before a stop at Holy Trinity Church, a quaint building constructed by the British in the mid 19th Century. Continue to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.Overnight Nuwara Eliya.

Sri Lanka Tea Plantation

Day 8

This day you will drive back to the airport for your flight (190km / approx. 5hrs) or Beach stay