Historical Tour Itinerary

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Negombo - Anuradhapura
2 stops
1
Negombo Fish Market
Negombo Fish Market is one of the most vibrant and authentic local experiences in Sri Lanka, offering travelers a glimpse into the country's bustling fishing industry. Located in the coastal town of Negombo, just north of Colombo, the market is divided into two main sections: the fresh fish market and the dried fish market. Fresh Fish Market (Morning Market). Early Morning Auctions: The best time to visit is around 5:00–7:00 AM, when fishermen bring in their overnight catch. You’ll see a lively auction with tuna, seer fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, and more. Variety of Seafood: Stalls are packed with fresh catches, including exotic species like barracuda, swordfish, and reef fish. Local Fishing Boats: Traditional "oruwa" (outrigger canoes) and modern trawlers line the harbor, offering great photo opportunities.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
2
St. Mary's Church
St. Mary’s Church, Negombo – A Colonial-Era Masterpiece Built in 1874 by Dutch-Portuguese missionaries, this Gothic-style cathedral is one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most ornate Catholic churches. A symbol of Negombo’s strong Christian heritage (the city is nicknamed "Little Rome").
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Anuradhpuara - Trincomalee
8 stops
3
Ruwanwelisaya
Ruwanweli Maha Stupa, is one of the most sacred and magnificent Buddhist stupas in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BCE, this gleaming white dome is a masterpiece of ancient engineering and devotion. Sacred Relics – Believed to enshrine relics of Lord Buddha, making it a major pilgrimage site. Architectural Marvel – The stupa’s massive dome (103m tall) was an engineering wonder of its time. Spiritual Atmosphere – Devotees offer flowers, light oil lamps, and chant prayers, especially on Poya (full moon) days. Historical Significance – A symbol of Buddhist triumph and King Dutugemunu’s legacy.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
4
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Sacred Bodhi Tree which was planted in 3rd Century BC in Maha Vihara in Anuradhapura
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
5
Dagoba of Thuparama
located in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, holds the distinction of being the first Buddhist stupa built in Sri Lanka. Dating back to 307 BCE, it was constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa after the introduction of Buddhism to the island by Arahat Mahinda. Historical Significance – The oldest stupa in Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of Buddhism in the country. Sacred Relic – Enshrines the right collarbone relic of Lord Buddha, gifted by Emperor Ashoka of India. Unique Architecture – Features an ancient vatadage (circular relic house) with stone pillars, a rare design in early Sri Lankan Buddhist structures. Pilgrimage Site – A deeply revered place of worship, especially during full moon (Poya) days.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
6
Abayagiriya Stupa
a colossal 2nd-century BCE structure in Anuradhapura, stands as a testament to Sri Lanka's golden age of Buddhism. Rising 75 meters (originally 100m), it was the centerpiece of the Abhayagiri Monastery, once a flourishing international Buddhist university that attracted scholars from across Asia. Architectural Marvel – One of the tallest ancient brick structures in the world, with intricate moonstones and guard stones at its entrances. Global Buddhist Hub – The monastery housed 5,000 monks and was a nexus for Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. Sacred Relics – Believed to enshrine a footprint relic of Buddha and other treasures.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
7
Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds), located near Abhayagiri Monastery in Anuradhapura, is a stunning example of 3rd-century BCE hydraulic engineering and monastic sophistication. These perfectly symmetrical bathing pools were used by Buddhist monks for ritual purification and demonstrate the advanced urban planning of ancient Sri Lanka.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
8
Samadhi Statue
The Samadhi Buddha Statue, located in the Mahamevnāwa Park of Anuradhapura, is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered and exquisite ancient Buddha images. Carved from dolomite marble in the 4th century CE, this statue epitomizes the Dhyana Mudra (meditation posture), radiating profound tranquility. Iconic Pose – The Buddha sits in deep meditation, with hands gently resting on the lap—a symbol of inner peace and enlightenment. Artistic Perfection – Known for its life-like proportions and serene facial expression, considered a pinnacle of Sri Lankan rock carving.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
9
Moonstone or Sandakada pahana
The moonstones of Anuradhapura are exquisitely carved semi-circular stone slabs placed at the entrances of ancient Buddhist temples and palaces. These unique works of art are considered some of the finest examples of Sri Lanka’s symbolic stone carvings, dating back to the Anuradhapura period (4th–10th century CE).
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
10
one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist sites. It is revered as the place where Arahat Mahinda (son of Emperor Ashoka) met King Devanampiya Tissa in 247 BCE, introducing Buddhism to Sri Lanka. The Mihintale Rajamaha Vihara complex, perched on a rocky hill, is a pilgrimage site and an archaeological treasure. Birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism – The spot where Arahat Mahinda preached the Chulla Hattthipadopama Sutta to the king. First Buddhist Monastery – One of the earliest monastic complexes in Sri Lanka.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 3
Explore Trincomalee
2 stops
11
Thirukoneswaram Kovil
Koneswaram Kovil (Thirukoneswaram) – The Sacred Temple of a Thousand Pillars Location: Swami Rock, Trincomalee, Eastern Sri Lanka One of Pancha Ishwarams (5 legendary Shiva temples of Sri Lanka) Dates back to ancient times, with mentions in Ramayana and Mahabharata Destroyed by Portuguese (1622), rebuilt in the 1950s Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Koneswarar (God of the Sacred Hill)
1 hour • Admission ticket included
12
Fort Frederick
Fort Frederick, Trincomalee – Where History Meets the Sea Built by Portuguese (1624) as Fort Triquillimale Captured & rebuilt by Dutch (1639) → Renamed Fort Frederick Later occupied by British (1795) during colonial wars Named after Prince Frederick, Duke of York
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Trincomalee to Sigiriya
2 stops
13
Kantale Lake (Kantalai Tank) – Ancient Oasis of the East Built by King Agbo II (6th century CE) – One of Sri Lanka’s oldest irrigation tanks Massive Reservoir – 3,750 acres | 12km long | Feeds 50+ smaller tanks Wildlife Haven – Home to elephants, crocodiles, migratory birds (flamingos in season)
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
14
Sigiriya (Lion Rock) – Sri Lanka’s Ancient Sky Fortress Sigiriya, a 5th-century UNESCO-listed rock fortress, rises dramatically 200 meters above Sri Lanka’s central plains. Built by King Kasyapa as a royal citadel, it combines ancient engineering, stunning frescoes, and mythical legends. Lion’s Paw Entrance – Only the giant stone paws remain of the original colossal lion statue. Sigiriya Frescoes – Exquisite 1,600-year-old "Cloud Maidens" paintings on the rock face. Summit Palace Ruins – Royal pools, throne, and 360° jungle views. Water Gardens – Among the world’s oldest landscaped gardens.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 5
Sigiriya - Ritigala - Dambulla
2 stops
15
Ritigala Forest Monastery
monastery in a forest
3 hours • Admission ticket included
16
Golden Temple of Dambulla
a temple with 5 caves which has 152 statues of Buddha which was established in 1st Century BC
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Sigiriya - Kandy
3 stops
17
Sri Lanka’s spice and herbal gardens offer a sensory journey through the island’s rich botanical heritage. Famous for cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, and Ayurvedic herbs, these gardens showcase: Live Demonstrations – See how spices are grown, harvested, and processed. Ayurvedic Insights – Learn about natural remedies like turmeric, neem, and gotu kola. Tasting & Shopping – Sample fresh spices, teas, and oils (great souvenirs!).
2 hours • Admission ticket included
18
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
sacred tooth relic temple which exist the tooth of Buddha
2 hours • Admission ticket included
19
Kandy View Point
Rajapihilla Mawatha View Point – Kandy’s Best Panoramic Vista Rajapihilla Mawatha (near Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), Kandy Breathtaking 360° views of Kandy city, Kandy Lake, and surrounding hills Less touristy than other viewpoints, offering a peaceful escape Perfect for sunrise/sunset photography with golden-hour lighting
15 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Kandy - Lankathilaka - Gadaladeniya - Ambakke - Kandy
3 stops
20
Gadaladeniya Raja Maha Vihara – Kandy’s Architectural Gem Built in 1344 CE by King Buwanekabahu IV, blending South Indian Dravidian & Sinhalese architecture Unique stone-carved temple (unlike most Sri Lankan wooden shrines) Houses a rare Buddha statue under a Makara Torana (dragon arch)
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
21
Lankatilaka Vihara – Kandy’s Sky-High Buddhist Marvel Built in 1344 CE by King Buwanekabahu IV, this temple perchéd on a massive rock blends Sinhalese, Dravidian, and Indo-Chinese architecture. Known as the "Temple of the Sky" for its dramatic cliffside setting.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
22
Embekka Devalaya – Kandy’s Wooden Wonder of Craftsmanship Built in the 14th century (1371 CE) by King Vikramabahu III, this Hindu-Buddhist fusion temple is famed for its unmatched wooden craftsmanship. Dedicated to God Kataragama (Murugan) and God Vishnu, showcasing Sri Lanka’s religious harmony.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 8
Kandy - Airport (Departure)
1 stop
23
Giragama Tea Factory, Pilimatalawa – A Journey into Ceylon Tea Heritage One of Sri Lanka’s oldest operational tea factories (established in 1889 during British rule). Offers a hands-on experience of the tea-making process—from leaf to cup! Produces high-quality "mid-country" tea with a distinct flavor profile.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tags

Rating