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- Destination: Sri Lanka
- Duration: 8 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Cultural
About This Trip
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka on this immersive 8-day private tour designed to showcase the island’s most iconic historical landmarks. From the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, this journey reveals the deep spiritual and architectural legacy of Sri Lanka.
Continue into the cultural heart of Sri Lanka with visits to the Dambulla Cave Temple and the sacred city of Kandy. Experience traditional Kandyan dance performances, explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and enjoy a well-paced, comfortable introduction to the timeless culture of Sri Lanka.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Colombo, Negombo
Colombo: Arrival
Negombo: Free Time
3
Anuradhapura
Historical Sites in the Town, Mihintale
4 - 5
Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa: City Walking Tour
Sigiriya: Lion Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple
6 - 7
Kandy
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Garden
8
Colombo
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Sri Lanka – Transfer to Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your private chauffeur guide and transferred to Negombo, a charming coastal town close to Colombo. After hotel check-in, spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing after your journey or taking a gentle walk along the beach to get your first taste of Sri Lanka’s tropical atmosphere.
Highlights: Arrival in Sri Lanka, private airport transfer, Negombo coastal town, leisure time, beach walk
- Negombo
- Day 2: Negombo Sightseeing – Drive to Anuradhapura
Begin your day exploring Negombo, a town known for its fishing heritage, colonial architecture, and lively local markets. You may visit the bustling fish market early in the morning or enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the Muthurajawela Marsh, one of Sri Lanka’s most important wetland ecosystems. In the afternoon, drive to Anuradhapura, the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax amidst historic surroundings.
Highlights: Negombo sightseeing, fish market visit, Muthurajawela Marsh boat ride, scenic drive, Anuradhapura ancient city
- B
- Anuradhapura
- Day 3: Anuradhapura & Mihintale – Transfer to Sigiriya
Today, explore the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura, one of the most sacred destinations in Sri Lanka. Visit ancient stupas, monasteries, and the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest recorded tree in the world. Continue to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, offering panoramic views and spiritual insight. Later, drive to Sigiriya and enjoy a peaceful evening in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
Highlights: UNESCO Anuradhapura, Sri Maha Bodhi, ancient stupas, Mihintale, Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka
- B
- Sigiriya
- Day 4: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya
After breakfast, travel to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO-listed ancient city of Sri Lanka. Walk through impressive ruins of royal palaces, sacred temples, and ancient reservoirs that showcase the island’s advanced medieval civilization. Learn about Sri Lanka’s royal history while exploring beautifully preserved stone carvings and statues. Return to Sigiriya in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening surrounded by lush landscapes.
Highlights: Polonnaruwa UNESCO site, royal palace ruins, sacred temples, ancient reservoirs, medieval Sri Lanka history
- B
- Sigiriya
- Day 5: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Village Life Experience
Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the most famous landmarks in Sri Lanka and a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Admire the world-renowned frescoes, Lion Gate, water gardens, and breathtaking views from the summit. In the afternoon, enjoy a village experience in Hiriwadunna, where you will discover traditional Sri Lankan rural life through a catamaran ride, tuk-tuk journey, and interactions with local villagers.
Highlights: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya frescoes, Lion Gate, panoramic views, Hiriwadunna village tour
- B
- Sigiriya
- Day 6: Sigiriya – Dambulla Cave Temple – Kandy
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Buddha statues and colorful murals that reflect Sri Lanka’s deep Buddhist heritage. Continue your scenic drive through hills and spice gardens to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance, followed by a visit to the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Highlights: Dambulla Cave Temple, UNESCO heritage site, scenic hill drive, Kandyan cultural dance, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- B
- Kandy
- Day 7: Kandy – Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – Colombo
After breakfast, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, home to thousands of plant species and one of the most beautiful gardens in Sri Lanka. Later, enjoy leisure time around Kandy Lake or visit the local market. In the afternoon, drive to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital. Check in to your hotel and relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Highlights: Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy Lake walk, local market visit, scenic drive, Colombo city stay
- B
- Colombo
- Day 8: Colombo City Tour – Departure from Sri Lanka
Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo, discovering highlights such as Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, the National Museum, Galle Face Green, and historic colonial districts. Take time for last-minute shopping or photography before being transferred to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable cultural journey through Sri Lanka.
Highlights: Colombo city tour, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, departure from Sri Lanka
- B
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