Cultural Wonders of the Pearl Island

• Morning:

  • Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. Your guide will greet you and assist you with your transfer to your hotel in Colombo.

• Afternoon:

  • National Museum of Colombo: Visit Sri Lanka’s largest museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, including royal regalia, ancient weapons, and historical art.
  • Independence Square: Explore this beautiful square, which commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule. Take in the surrounding gardens and colonial architecture.

• Evening:

  • Galle Face Green: Stroll along this oceanfront promenade, where you can enjoy the sunset and sample local street food such as kottu roti and isso vade.

• Accommodation: Stay in Colombo.

Morning:

• Depart for Kandy (approximately 3 hours) through scenic roads lined with lush greenery.

Afternoon:

• Temple of the Tooth Relic: Visit this sacred Buddhist site, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Learn about the temple's significance and the rituals associated with it.
• Kandy Lake: Take a leisurely walk around this picturesque lake, which is surrounded by lush hills and offers a peaceful escape.

Evening:

• Cultural Show: Experience a traditional Kandyan dance performance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region through vibrant costumes and intricate movements.

Accommodation: Stay in Kandy.

Morning:

• Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya: Explore these stunning gardens, which boast over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, and palm trees. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about the various flora.
• Geragama Tea Factory: Visit a working tea factory to see the tea production process. Enjoy a guided tour and sample some of the finest Sri Lankan teas.

Afternoon:

• Kandy Market: Experience local life by wandering through Kandy's bustling market. Shop for handicrafts, spices, and traditional sweets.
• Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue: Visit this impressive statue located on a hill, offering panoramic views of Kandy. Learn about its history and significance.

Evening:

• Cooking Class: Join a local family for a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes, followed by dinner.

Accommodation: Stay in Kandy.

Morning:

• Depart for Sigiriya (approximately 2.5 hours). On the way, visit Matale, known for its spice gardens.

Afternoon:

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Climb this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its ancient frescoes and water gardens. The view from the top is breathtaking and offers insight into ancient engineering.
• Pidurangala Rock: If time permits, hike to the nearby Pidurangala Rock for stunning views of Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding landscape.

Evening:

• Visit a local village, where you can participate in traditional farming activities and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Accommodation: Stay in Sigiriya.

Morning:

• Drive to Polonnaruwa (approximately 1 hour) and start your exploration of this ancient city.

Afternoon:

• Ancient City of Polonnaruwa: Discover the ruins, including the Gal Vihara (rock-carved Buddha statues) and the Royal Palace. Learn about the history of this once-thriving city.
• Lankatilaka Image House: Admire this ancient structure, which showcases impressive architecture and beautiful carvings.

Evening:

• If time allows, visit Parakrama Samudra, an ancient reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I, and enjoy a sunset view.

Accommodation: Stay in Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa.

Morning:

• Dambulla Cave Temple: Visit this impressive cave complex, known for its stunning murals and Buddha statues, some of which date back to the 1st century BCE.
• Aluvihare Rock Temple: Learn about the historical significance of this temple, where the Buddhist scriptures were first written down.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Anuradhapura (approximately 1.5 hours) to explore the ancient city.
• Anuradhapura Ancient City: Visit major sites like Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred fig tree, and the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, one of the tallest stupas in the world.

Evening:

• Visit Isurumuniya Temple, known for its rock carvings and beautiful setting by the lake.

Accommodation: Stay in Anuradhapura.

Morning:

• Mihintale: Visit this important pilgrimage site where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. Explore ancient ruins and climb to the summit for panoramic views.

Afternoon:

• Depart for Colombo. Stop at scenic points along the way for photos and refreshments.