Tour Info
Duration
14 days
Tour Type
Best time to travel
Destinations
Overview
Explore the rich heritage and natural beauty of Sri Lanka with our meticulously crafted Cultural & Scenic tour. This comprehensive itinerary takes you on an exploration of the country’s renowned cultural triangle, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Kandy, along with the historical site of Mihinthale. The journey continues through the picturesque hill country, showcasing the remnants of British and Dutch colonial architecture and diverse wildlife.
In addition to the cultural triangle, the tour includes exciting wildlife experiences at Minneriya and Yala National Parks, visits to the lush tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, and a trip to the historic Galle Dutch Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour concludes with a visit to Colombo, the bustling commercial capital of Sri Lanka
Highlight: The Kandy Festival (Esala Perahera)
The Kandy Festival, also known as The Festival of the Tooth, is one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient and grandest festivals. The Esala Perahera begins with the planting of a purified jackfruit tree, which is blessed with sandalwood-scented water while the main priest of Vishnu Temple recites prayers. The first five days feature dancing and drumming outside the temples of Kandy.
From the sixth evening onwards, processions commence from the temples towards the Temple of the Tooth. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession on the final evening. An enormous elephant carries a gold casket containing a relic of the Tooth, followed by dancers, drummers, musicians, and flag bearers, captivating the crowd with their mesmerizing performances.
Cultural Triangle Exploration
- Anuradhapura: Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its well-preserved ruins, stupas, and monasteries.
- Polonnaruwa: Explore the historic city of Polonnaruwa, known for its impressive temples, sculptures, and ancient ruins.
- Sigiriya: Visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, renowned for its stunning frescoes and breathtaking views.
- Dambulla: Experience the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple, adorned with beautiful Buddha statues and intricate murals.
- Kandy: Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Sri Lanka by visiting the Temple of the Tooth and exploring the vibrant city of Kandy.
- Mihinthale: Delve into the history of Mihinthale, a significant site for Buddhist pilgrimage.
Scenic Hill Country and Wildlife Adventures
- Minneriya National Park: Enjoy a safari experience at Minneriya National Park, home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants.
- Yala National Park: Embark on a wildlife adventure at Yala National Park, renowned for its leopard population and diverse ecosystems.
- Nuwara Eliya: Visit the lush tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and learn about the history and production of Ceylon tea.
- Galle Dutch Fort: Explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich colonial history.
Itinerary
Day 01: 3 Aug 2025, Sunday: Arrival in Colombo
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Timeless Heritage Tours who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and unwind. Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, stretches along the shores of the Indian Ocean, bustling with business and commerce. Overnight stay in Negombo.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Jetwing Lagoon, Negombo
Day 02: 4 Aug 2025, Monday: Drive to Kandalama with a Stop at Dambulla
After breakfast at the hotel, set out on a journey to Kandalama with Timeless Heritage Tours. En route, visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. After exploring these ancient marvels, continue your drive to Kandalama and check into your hotel. Spend your evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kandalama
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama
Day 03: 5 Aug 2025, Tuesday: Excursion to Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park & Polonnaruwa
After an early breakfast, embark on an excursion to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa with Timeless Heritage Tours. At Sigiriya, marvel at the ancient rock fortress, also known as Lion Rock, and enjoy views from the top. Continue to Polonnaruwa, an ancient city with well-preserved ruins, including royal palaces, temples, and Buddha statues. On the way back, stop at Minneriya National Park for an afternoon safari. Explore the diverse landscapes and spot wildlife like elephants and leopards. Return to Kandalama for an overnight stay. Overnight stay in Kandalama
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama
Day 04: 6 Aug 2025, Wednesday: Excursion to Anuradhapura
Today, visit the sacred city of Anuradhapura with Timeless Heritage Tours, renowned for its significant monastic complexes dedicated to various sects of Buddhism, including Theravada, Mahavihara, and Mahayana. Marvel at the city’s monumental stupas—Jetavana, Ruyanvelisaya, Mirisavati, and Abhayagiri—which stand as testaments to its ancient glory. Continue to Mihintale, a mountain peak near Anuradhapura, believed to be where the Buddhist monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening. Overnight stay in Kandalama
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama
Day 05: 7 Aug 2025, Thursday: Journey to Kandy via Matale Plantations
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Kandy with Timeless Heritage Tours. En route, stop in Matale and visit a spice garden to explore the various spices that Sri Lanka is renowned for, and learn about how they are grown and processed. Continue your drive to Kandy and check into your hotel upon arrival. Later, enjoy sightseeing in the city, including visits to the Kandy National Museum and the Temple of the Tooth. Take a stroll around Kandy’s central market, offering a variety of foods, spices, herbal tonics, crafts, textiles, and factory-reject designer-brand clothing. Overnight stay in Kandy
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Earls Regent, Kandy
Day 06: 8 Aug 2025, Friday: Kandy Festival Experience
The Kandy Festival, also known as the Festival of the Tooth, with Timeless Heritage Tours. This ancient and grand festival features vibrant processions, traditional dances, and cultural performances. Witness the highlight of the festival as an enormous elephant carries a gold casket containing a relic of the Tooth, followed by dancers, drummers, musicians, and flag bearers, mesmerizing the crowd. Overnight stay in Kandy
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Earls Regent, Kandy
Day 07: 9 Aug 2025, Saturday: Journey to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda Falls
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy before embarking on a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya with Timeless Heritage Tours. Make a picturesque stop at Ramboda Falls along the way. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, a land of tea-laden hillsides, gurgling waterfalls, majestic mountains, and clear, crisp hill-country air. Enjoy sightseeing, including Sri Lanka’s charming hill villages, tea processing factories, and botanical gardens. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Heritance Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya
Day 08: 10 Aug 2025, Sunday: Nuwara Eliya
Today, set out on a trek along part of the Pekoe Trail with Timeless Heritage Tours. This scenic hiking path stretches approximately 300 km through Sri Lanka’s hill country. Explore a section of the trail with your local guide, wandering through gardens, villages, and tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, also known as ‘Little England’ for its British colonial heritage.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Heritance Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya
Day 09: 11 Aug 2025, Monday: Journey to Yala National Park
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Yala National Park with Timeless Heritage Tours, passing through the picturesque town of Ella. In Ella, visit Little Adam’s Peak, a popular hiking destination offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Admire the engineering marvel of the Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era railway bridge between Ella and Demodara train stations. Also, take the opportunity to visit Ravana Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Continue your journey to Yala National Park, a vast expanse of forest, grassland, and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean in southeast Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Yala
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild Yala
Day 10: 12 Aug 2025, Tuesday: Safaris at Yala National Park
Begin your day with an early morning jeep safari in Yala National Park, guided by Timeless Heritage Tours. Explore the diverse landscapes of forests, grasslands, and lagoons while keeping a lookout for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species. The cooler morning hours are ideal for wildlife sightings.
After a midday break, continue with an afternoon jeep safari. The different lighting conditions in the afternoon offer a unique perspective, enhancing your chances of spotting the park’s elusive inhabitants. Yala is renowned for its high leopard density, making it an exciting destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Overnight stay in Yala
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild Yala
Day 11: 13 Aug 2025, Wednesday: Drive to Galle
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Galle on the southwestern coast of the island with Timeless Heritage Tours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most exquisite colonial-era towns, featuring the Dutch-built 17th-century fort. This historic site offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s colonial past. The massive bastions and ramparts enclose a charming town with narrow streets and old villas, providing stunning sunset views across the Indian Ocean.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure or explore the surrounding areas of Galle.
Overnight stay in Galle
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse
Day 12: 14 Aug 2025, Thursday: Exploring Galle's Attractions
Morning Exploration: After breakfast, visit the Old Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through its narrow streets, admire colonial architecture, and enjoy ocean views.
Visit museums and art galleries within the fort to learn about Galle’s history. Head to the Galle Lighthouse for stunning coastal vistas.
Evening, Explore Galle’s bustling markets and engage with local vendors. Savor traditional Sri Lankan cuisine at local eateries.
Overnight stay in Galle
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse
Day 13: 15 Aug 2025, Friday: Drive to Colombo
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Take the morning to relax or explore the charming surroundings of Galle. Later, with the guidance of Timeless Heritage Tours, drive to Colombo, optionally stopping at the picturesque Bentota Beach along the way for a refreshing break. Upon reaching Colombo, take the opportunity to indulge in some last-minute shopping in the bustling markets.
Overnight stay in Colombo
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Cinnamon Lakeside
Day 14: 16 Aug 2025, Saturday: Colombo Tour & Departure
Start your day with a half-day city tour of Colombo, accompanied by Timeless Heritage Tours. Learn the word ‘Estuti,’ meaning thank you in Sinhalese, to show your appreciation to the locals. Visit key cultural sites including a Hindu temple with intricate stone carvings, the historic Dutch Church at Wolfe Dhal dating back to 1749, the Devatgahaha Mosque, and the Gangarama Temple, each offering a glimpse into the rich cultural fabric of Sri Lanka.
Explore the vibrant areas of Cinnamon Gardens and Pettah, Colombo’s busiest and most traditional Bazaar districts. These areas provide an insight into the daily life and trade that make Colombo a lively and colorful city.
Later, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight back home, leaving you with sweet memories of your Sri Lanka tour.
Meals: Breakfast
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