Glimpses of Sri Lanka

Colombo - Anuradhapura - Habarana - Sigirya - Polonnaruwa - Dambulla - Kandy - Pinnawela

Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£1,755 pp

Overview: Glimpses of Sri Lanka Tour

Experience the highlights of Sri Lanka on a captivating journey through ancient kingdoms, sacred Buddhist sites, lush gardens and fascinating cultural traditions. From Colombo to Kandy and the historic cities of the Cultural Triangle, discover the island’s remarkable heritage and natural beauty.

Tour Highlights:

Explore Colombo and discover the historic Fort district, Pettah markets and colourful Hindu temples
Visit Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and learn about its important place in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage
Discover the ancient UNESCO World Heritage city of Anuradhapura and its remarkable royal monuments
Visit Sri Mahabodhi and the sacred 2,200-year-old Bodhi tree
Explore the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya Rock Fortress
See the famous frescoes of the heavenly maidens at Sigiriya
Discover ancient Polonnaruwa, the former capital of the Sinhala kings
Visit the impressive Gal Vihara and its beautifully carved Buddha sculptures
Explore the magnificent Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, filled with ancient statues and paintings
Visit a traditional spice garden in Matale
Discover the sacred city of Kandy and its UNESCO World Heritage heritage
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and Natha Devale
Enjoy a colourful performance of traditional Kandyan dancing and drumming
Stroll through the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, home to thousands of plant species
Visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and see elephants being fed and bathed
Experience a varied journey combining ancient history, Buddhist culture, nature and Sri Lankan traditions

From ancient cities and dramatic rock fortresses to peaceful botanical gardens, sacred temples and encounters with elephants, this short but enriching tour offers a wonderful glimpse into Sri Lanka’s history, culture and natural beauty.

Day 1 - UK Departure

Day 1 - UK departure

Depart the UK with international economy flight to Colombo. We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.

Day 2 - Arrive in Colombo

Day 2 - Colombo arrival

Depart London Heathrow for international flight to Tokyo.

We can also arrange departures from your local airport.

Day 3 - Colombo to Habarana via Anuradhapura

After breakfast embark on your drive to Habarana in north central Sri Lanka.

En route visit Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya River. Anuradhapura, an ancient city founded in the 05th century B.C., is home to the largest number of monuments of the great Sinhala civilisation. Visit the ancient royal palaces, shrines, dagobas and Sri Mahabodhi. Also visit the “Bodhi tree” which is over 2200 years old, grown from a branch of the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Afterwards continue your drive to Habarana.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Habarana - Excursion to Sigirya & Polonnaruwa

Day 4 - Habarana - excursion to Sigirya & Polonnaruwa

After breakfast visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya Rock, built by King Kassapa in the 5th century AD. Today the rock is a treasure trove of rare art. In a pocket of the giant rock are the famous frescoes of the heavenly maidens of Sigiriya. Also called ‘the Lion Rock’ or the ‘Rock Fortress’ this citadel rises more than 1000 ft from the jungles below. If you wish to climb Sigiriya Rock, there are approx. 1200 steps and on an average it takes approx. 1.5 hrs to climb the rock (actual time varies from person to person).

Later embark on your scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, the 2nd capital of Sinhala kings dating back to 11th & 12th century A.D. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the ‘Parakrama Samudra’. Numerous monuments are found in this city & ‘Gal Vihara’ complex is one of the best among them with fine sculptures of standing and seated Buddha. Also visit the Polonnaruwa museum here.

Return back to Habarana for overnight

Breakfast

Day 5 - Habarana to Kandy via Dambulla

After breakfast, embark on your drive to Kandy.

En route visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rock Cave Temple of Dambulla, which dates back to the first century BC. The temple consists of a series of 5 caves of statues and paintings, including a 47 ft. long statue of Lord Buddha. This is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. (approx. 27 Kms / 45 Mins from Habarana)

Continue drive to Kandy, en-route visiting the Spice Garden at Matale.

Breakfast

Day 6 - Kandy

After breakfast, explore the sacred city of Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today we will visit the Temple of Tooth Relic of Buddha, located in the royal palace complex which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Visitors are not allowed inside the inner chambers and cannot see the tooth relic.

Also visit Natha Devale, located in front of the Palace complex of Kandy. Natha Devale, built in the 14th century, is said to have been in existence even before the Tooth Relic was brought to Kandy.

This evening enjoy a cultural dance show to see the popular Kandyan dancing and drumming of Sri Lanka.

Breakfast

Day 7 - Kandy to Colombo via Pinnawela

After breakfast embark on a drive to Colombo

En-route to Colombo, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, which are spread over 67 hectares of exquisite beauty and contain more than 4000 species of flora, a haven for Scientists and nature lovers.

Drive further to visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, set up by the Sri Lankan government to rehabilitate orphaned elephants. Spend some time at the orphanage, seeing elephants being fed and bathed by the orphanage staff (Open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m daily. Feeding times – 9.15 a.m., 1.15 p.m. 5.00 p.m. Bathing times – 10.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m., 4.00 p.m.).

Upon arrival in Colombo, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Breakfast

Day 8 - Colombo - UK