13-Day Cultural Tour of Sri Lanka – Classic Tour

Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours each way

Today you'll explore Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first ancient capital and one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Discover enormous dagobas, sacred temples, and centuries-old monasteries that showcase Sri Lanka's remarkable Buddhist heritage.

Places to Visit

• Sri Maha Bodhi Sacred Tree

• Ruwanwelisaya Stupa

• Jetavanaramaya

• Thuparamaya Temple

• Isurumuniya Temple

• Ancient Royal Palace ruins

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Ancient Buddhist civilization

• Sacred pilgrimage experience

Overnight: Habarana

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

Begin the morning by climbing the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka's most iconic landmarks.

Climb nearly 1,200 steps to reach the ancient royal palace perched atop the rock while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views.

Later, continue to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's medieval capital.

Places to Visit

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress

• Royal Palace of Polonnaruwa

• Gal Vihara

• Sacred Quadrangle

• Lotus Pond

• Ancient reservoirs

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Ancient royal architecture

• Stunning rock carvings

Overnight: Habarana

Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours

Travel through Sri Lanka's lush central highlands toward Kandy.

Along the journey, stop at a traditional Spice Garden in Matale, where you'll learn about Sri Lanka's famous cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and herbal medicines.

In the evening, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, followed by an exciting Kandyan Cultural Dance Show.

Highlights

• Spice Garden experience

• Temple of the Tooth

• Traditional Kandyan dance performance

Overnight: Kandy

Spend a full day discovering Sri Lanka's cultural capital.

Places to Visit

• Royal Botanical Gardens

• Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue

• Kandy Viewpoint

• Kandy Market

• Gem Museum

• Traditional handicraft shops

Highlights

• Beautiful gardens

• Local markets

• Sri Lankan arts and crafts

Overnight: Kandy

Driving Time: Approximately 2.5–3 hours

Travel through rolling tea plantations and mist-covered mountains into Sri Lanka's famous hill country.

Places to Visit

• Ramboda Falls

• Tea Factory

• Tea Plantation

• Gregory Lake

• Colonial buildings

Highlights

• Tea country landscapes

• Waterfalls

• Fresh mountain climate

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Explore the charming colonial town often called Little England.

Places to Visit

• Victoria Park

• Hakgala Botanical Garden

• Nuwara Eliya Post Office

• Gregory Lake

• Local fruit and vegetable market

Optional activities include horse riding or boating.

Highlights

• Colonial heritage

• Botanical gardens

• Scenic mountain views

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Driving Time: Approximately 5–6 hours

Travel toward Sri Lanka's famous wildlife region.

On the way, visit Ella, one of Sri Lanka's most picturesque mountain towns.

Places to Visit

• Train Journey from Nanuoya to Ella

• Nine Arch Bridge

• Ravana Falls

• Ella viewpoints

Arrive in Yala for a relaxing evening before tomorrow's safari adventure.

Overnight: Yala

Today's highlight is an unforgettable Jeep Safari through Yala National Park, famous for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

Possible wildlife sightings include:

• Leopards

• Elephants

• Sloth Bears

• Crocodiles

• Peacocks

• Buffalo

• Numerous bird species

Enjoy either a morning or evening safari depending on park conditions.

Highlights

• Wildlife adventure

• Leopard tracking

• Nature photography

Overnight: Yala

Driving Time: Approximately 3.5–4 hours

Travel along Sri Lanka's beautiful southern coastline.

Stops Along the Way

• Stilt Fishermen

• Southern beaches

• Coastal viewpoints

Arrive at the historic city of Galle.

Overnight: Galle

Spend the day exploring the magnificent Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch.

Places to Visit

• Galle Lighthouse

• Dutch Reformed Church

• Maritime Museum

• Fort walls

• Boutique shops

• Cafés

Walk through charming cobblestone streets filled with colonial architecture and local crafts.

Highlights

• Colonial history

• Ocean views

• Shopping and cafés

Overnight: Galle

Driving Time: Approximately 2.5 hours

Return to Colombo while enjoying several memorable stops.

Optional Stops

• Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

• Madu River Boat Safari

• Bentota Beach

Upon arrival in Colombo, enjoy a short city tour.

Places to Visit

• Independence Square

• Galle Face Green

• Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Overnight: Colombo

Driving Time: Approximately 45 minutes–1 hour

After breakfast, your chauffeur will transfer you comfortably to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.

Leave Sri Lanka with unforgettable memories of ancient kingdoms, sacred temples, mountain landscapes, wildlife adventures, and warm Sri Lankan hospitality.

End of Tour