Day 1: Arrival Colombo – Dambulla (135km – 4.5 Hrs)
Arrive at the International Airport in Colombo. Our representative will meet and greet you, then transfer you to impressive Dambulla. Heading inland, the climate becomes cooler, the landscapes more verdant, and the countryside hillier. After this fun and wild interlude, continue to Dambulla and check in to your hotel. (we recommend arriving at Colombo Airport before 10.00 am).
Overnight in Dambulla.
Day 2: Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla (160km – 3.5 Hrs)
After a delicious breakfast, take to the road for a day steeped in Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Begin with fearlessly climbing to the fifth-century Sigiriya fortress, which sits atop a rock that dramatically rises almost 200 metres above the rainforest. King Kashyapa built this citadel at the top of this giant boulder known as the ‘Lion Rock’. It used to be the innermost stronghold of a vast fortified city, but in time it came to be abandoned and forgotten, covered by dense overgrowth until the British found it and began a painstaking archaeological exploration. Today, the remnants of this once thriving city offer a tantalising indication of what once stood here. Climb to the top and enjoy the breathtaking views over the paradisical landscape. In the afternoon, discover the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Built about 1,000 years ago, it features a large artificial lake feeding a network of irrigation canals, the remains of a royal palace, and several temples and administrative buildings. Admire the Gal Viharaya with its four captivating statues of the Buddha, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, and the statue of King Parakramabahu. Admire the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, and the Galpotha before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Dambulla.
Day 3: Dambulla – Matale – Kandy (90km – 2 Hrs)
Enjoy a spiritual start to the day with a visit to the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Explore this 2,000-year-old sacred pilgrimage site carved deep inside a mountain. This awe-inspiring complex of five caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of metres of painted walls and ceilings and contains more than 150 images of the Lord Buddha as well as a few deities and Sri Lankan kings. Continue to Matale to visit a spice and herb garden. Sri Lankan spices such as turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, and lemongrass are considered among the best in the world. Observe the therapeutic values of spices and processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Proceed to Kandy and visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, an enchanting historical place dating back to the 14th century. Passionate gardeners, the British gave them a structure and introduced a variety of plants and flowers, creating the blooming fields of orchids and fragrant spices you can see today. There’s even a tree planted by King George and Queen Mary in 1901. In the evening, enjoy a dramatic cultural show, which features 12 folk and traditional dances accompanied by ceremonial drums and a drum orchestra. And prepare for a sizzling fire-walking performance that will have you on the edge of your seat!
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 4: Kandy – Colombo (115km – 2.5 Hrs)
Kandy is a fantastic city famous for its beautiful lakeside location, framed by picturesque hills. Visit, after breakfast, the magnificent Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and let its beauty amaze you. This stunning complex, the holiest of all for Sri Lankan Buddhists, was built in the 16th century only to house a relic of one of the Lord Buddha’s canine teeth. The tooth relic is ritually cleansed every week, by monks, and the scented waters they use are considered holy. Other notable landmarks include the Golden Canopy, the New Palace and the Royal Palace, the old courthouse, the Queen’s Bathing House, the National Museum, and the sanctuary. Contemplate in peace the magnificent architecture and experience the tranquillity of the atmosphere. Continue to Colombo for an afternoon tour of the capital. Vibrant, bustling, and colourful Colombo offers a stunning contrast to the rest of the country. Here skyscrapers grow out of historic colonial era districts near the port but this modern metropolis never loses its old world charm. Visit the famous Pettah bazaar, admire the Hindu and Buddhist temples, and explore some of the city’s more affluent residential areas, where you'll find magnificent mansions and stately homes, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. There is some free time for shopping before you are dropped off at your hotel in Colombo.
Overnight in Colombo.
Day 5: Depart Colombo
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, check out and continue with your individual travel arrangements.
