5 Days Private Guided Sri Lanka's Heritage Cultural Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Airport - Anuradhapura
1 stop
1
Anuradhapura Ancient City
The history of Anuradhapura dates back to the 5th century BCE when it was established as a settlement by Prince Anuradha, a follower of Prince Vijaya, the legendary founder of the Sinhalese people. It later became a major city and the first capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom, following the unification of the island by King Pandukabhaya around the 4th century BCE. Anuradhapura's prominence grew under the rule of King Devanampiya Tissa (247–207 BCE), during whose reign Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Mahinda, the son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka. The establishment of Buddhism profoundly influenced the city's development, turning it into a center of religious learning and a pilgrimage site. Over the centuries, Anuradhapura flourished as a political and spiritual center, with successive kings building impressive stupas, monasteries, and reservoirs.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Anuradhapura -Ritigala-Dambulla
2 stops
2
Mihintale
Mihintale, located about 13 kilometers east of the ancient city of Anuradhapura, is one of Sri Lanka's most sacred sites and is considered the birthplace of Buddhism on the island. This picturesque and historically significant location draws pilgrims and tourists from around the world with its stunning views, ancient monasteries, and profound spiritual heritage.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
3
Ritigala Forest Monastery
Ritigala's history dates back over 2,000 years. It was originally a place of worship for indigenous tribes and later became a site of Buddhist monastic life. The name "Ritigala" is believed to be derived from the Pali words "Arita" (safety) and "Kala" (time), suggesting a place of refuge. According to legend, Ritigala is associated with the ancient epic, the Ramayana. It is said that the monkey god Hanuman dropped a piece of the Himalayas here while flying over Sri Lanka, making Ritigala a place of great mythological importance. The Ritigala Monastery was once a thriving center of meditation and learning. The ruins of the ancient monastery, which date back to the 1st century BCE, are scattered across the mountain's slopes, hidden among the dense jungle.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Dambulla-Sigiriya-Pollonaruwa
2 stops
4
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla, located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is home to one of the country's most iconic and well-preserved ancient landmarks: the Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its impressive collection of Buddhist mural paintings and statues, making it a significant place of worship and pilgrimage. The Dambulla Cave Temple complex consists of five main caves, each adorned with exquisite Buddhist art and sculpture. The caves are naturally formed in a large granite rock that rises 160 meters above the surrounding plains. The interiors of the caves are beautifully decorated with religious paintings and contain numerous statues of the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other deities.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
Sigiriya's history dates back over 1,500 years to the 5th century CE. It was built by King Kashyapa, who ruled from 473 to 495 CE. According to historical records, Kashyapa, after seizing the throne from his father, King Dhatusena, and fearing revenge from his half-brother, Moggallana, decided to construct an impregnable fortress atop the massive rock. Sigiriya became the king's royal citadel, serving as both a palace and a fortress. The name "Sigiriya" is derived from the Sinhala word "Sihagiri," meaning Lion Rock. This name is inspired by the enormous lion's head that once adorned the entrance to the fortress. Although only the giant lion's paws remain today, they provide a glimpse of the grandeur of the original structure and the symbolic power it represented.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Polonnaruwa-Kandy
2 stops
6
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa's rise to prominence began in the 10th century when it was chosen as the capital by the Chola dynasty after their conquest of Anuradhapura. However, it reached its peak under the rule of King Vijayabahu I in the 11th century, who expelled the Cholas and restored the island's sovereignty. His successors, particularly King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186) and King Nissankamalla (1187–1196), transformed Polonnaruwa into a grand city with impressive infrastructure, magnificent buildings, and a highly developed irrigation system. Polonnaruwa is renowned for its blend of Sinhalese, Hindu, and Chola architectural influences, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious dynamics of the time. The ancient city is divided into several distinct areas, each featuring notable historical sites and monuments.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
7
Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show
The Kandy Cultural Show is a spectacular display of Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional music, dance, and rituals. Held in the historic city of Kandy, this vibrant event offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the island's artistic traditions and ancient folklore. The show is a must-see for those visiting Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Kandy -Peradeniya-Colombo
2 stops
8
The Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most important religious artifacts in Sri Lanka, symbolizing the island's cultural and spiritual heritage. According to tradition, the tooth was snatched from the Buddha's funeral pyre in 543 BCE and preserved. It was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha, who hid the relic in the princess's hair to protect it from enemies. The relic was initially enshrined in Anuradhapura, the ancient capital, before being moved to various locations over the centuries for safekeeping, including Polonnaruwa and Dambadeniya. In the 16th century, during the reign of King Vimaladharmasuriya I, Kandy became the final and permanent resting place for the Tooth Relic. The construction of the present-day temple began under his reign, establishing Kandy as the religious capital of Sri Lanka and the custodian of the Sacred Tooth.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Garden, located in Peradeniya, just outside the city of Kandy, is a renowned horticultural masterpiece and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. Spread over 147 acres, this vast garden is famous for its extensive collection of flora, including a wide variety of tropical plants, trees, and flowers. Established during the British colonial period. The Royal Botanical Garden has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century. Originally, the area served as a pleasure garden for Kandyan royalty, where the Sinhalese kings would relax and entertain guests. However, the garden took its present form during the British colonial era. In 1821, Sir Edward Barnes, the British governor of Ceylon, established the garden formally as a botanical garden, making it the oldest botanical garden in Sri Lanka.
3 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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