Best of Sri Lanka

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

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£1,920 pp

Overview: Best of Sri Lanka Tour

Discover the highlights of Sri Lanka on a fascinating journey through ancient cities, sacred temples, spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From Colombo and Kandy to the UNESCO treasures of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, experience the history, spirituality and traditions of this beautiful island.

Tour Highlights:

Explore Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital and historic colonial centre
Visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and see elephants being fed and cared for
Discover the ancient UNESCO World Heritage city of Anuradhapura
Visit Sri Mahabodhi and the sacred Bodhi tree, grown from a branch of the tree associated with Buddha’s enlightenment
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 historic second capital of the Sinhala kings
Visit the impressive Gal Vihara and its finely carved Buddha statues
Explore the magnificent Dambulla Rock Cave Temple and its ancient statues and paintings
Visit a spice garden in Matale and discover Sri Lanka’s fragrant spices and traditional remedies
Explore the sacred city of Kandy, surrounded by scenic hills and rich cultural heritage
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist sites
Discover Natha Devale, one of the oldest surviving temples in Kandy
Enjoy an evening of traditional Kandyan dancing and drumming
Visit Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and discover its important links with Buddhist tradition
Explore Colombo’s historic Fort district, Pettah markets and colourful Hindu temple
See colonial landmarks including the Dutch church, Town Hall and Independence Square
Experience a diverse combination of wildlife, ancient heritage, Buddhist culture and spectacular scenery

From ancient kingdoms and sacred Buddhist sites to magnificent rock fortresses, colourful cultural performances and historic colonial landmarks, this tour offers a captivating introduction to the very best of Sri Lanka.

Day 1 - UK - Sri Lanka

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 - Colombo Arrival

Day 2 - Arrive in Colombo

Upon your arrival at Colombo airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel.

Day 3 - Colombo to Habarana via Pinnawela

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

En-route to Habarana, 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.

Upon arrival in Habarana check into your hotel for overnight stay.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Habarana

Day 5 - Habarana - excursion to Anuradhapura

After breakfast enjoy an excursion to Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya River. Anuradhapura, an ancient city founded in the 5^th century B.C., is home to the largest number of monuments of the great Sinhala civilization. Visit the ancient royal palaces, shrines, dagobas and Sri Mahabodhi. Also visit the “Bodhi tree” which is over 2,200 years old, grown from a branch of the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Breakfast

Day 5 - Habarana

Day 5 - Habarana - excursion to Sigirya & Polonnaruwao

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 2^nd 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.

Breakfast

Day 6 - Habrana 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. Upon arrival in Kandy, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Breakfast

Day 7 - 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 8 - Kandy - Colombo

Day 8 - Kandy to Colombo

After breakfast embark on your return drive to Colombo

This afternoon, take a city tour of Colombo visiting Kelaniya Buddhist temple, believed to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment. The temple is also famous for its image of the reclining Buddha and paintings which depict important events in the life of the Buddha.

Then visit the commercial city centre area known as the “Fort” built by the Portuguese in the 16^th century. See the busy markets and bazaars of Pettah and visit the Hindu temple with magnificent stone carvings. Also visit the old Dutch church built in the 18^th century and drive past the Town Hall, Independence Square and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall to see the replica of Avukana Buddha.