Traverse through Heritage
This heritage tour of Sri Lanka is perfect for an in-depth exploration of the heritage, culture, and traditions of ancient and modern-day Sri Lanka. Beginning in Dambulla, home to the Dambulla Cave Temple, and concluding in Colombo, the island’s trading centre and bustling city, this tour includes cultural high points as well as a taste of the hill country’s natural beauty.
A treasure trove of ancient buildings, royal towns, and Buddhist temples can be found in Sri Lanka’s legendary Cultural Triangle, which was once the centre of early Sinhalese culture. The three historical capitals of the island: Kandy, the first capital of the Sinhalese, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa, the mediaeval capital represent the triangle’s three points.
Tour Info
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Trip Length
12 Days -
When to visit
Year round -
Customizable?
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Price
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Tour Itinerary
Ayubowan!
Welcome to Sri Lanka.
On arrival at the Bandaranayake International Airport. A Wonderland Leisure Chauffeur Guide will greet you at the airport and accompany you to your private vehicle. You will be driven 8 kms to your hotel in Negombo from Airport to aid with your transfer tomorrow. Negombo, a seaside town with coasts that has long been regarded as Sri Lanka’s most popular beach spot thanks to its golden sands, cuisine, and entertainment. Take use of the beach and pool today to get a base tan before leaving for your welcome dinner and drinks later this evening. Overnight stay in Negombo.
Enjoy your breakfast before setting out 130 kms towards Dambulla. By entering the Cultural Triangle, which is situated in Sri Lanka’s North Central and Central provinces, you will begin your exploration of the country’s heritage today. Numerous paddy fields and historic man-made lakes/reservoirs may be seen along the route. If you’d like, we may stop at a few locations en route to engage in a few activities typical to Sri Lankans. When you approach the Cultural Triangle and leave the bustling city life behind, Sri Lanka’s diversity will become apparent to you.
You’ll pay a visit to the Dambulla Rock Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the first century B.C. It has five chambers, each of which is concealed by a large boulder that towers over the temple. To keep the interior dry, a drip tube has been carved into the underside of the Rock. The complex patterns of religious symbols that have been meticulously painted on the cavern ceilings to match the natural curves of the rock are used as decorations. Images of the Buddha, bodhisattvas, gods, and goddesses can be found within. The cave monastery, which dates to the second and third centuries BC, is still Sri Lanka’s best-preserved ancient structure. It continues to be a working shrine today, drawing tens of thousands of devotees and interested onlookers.
You will check-in to the hotel in the evening. It is surrounded by lush forests and greenery that will make you will adore the atmosphere! Your overnight stay in Habarana.
Start the day off well by enjoying your breakfast. Today, you will travel 20 kms to Habarana to see a rural area and get a glimpse of village life in Sri Lanka. A Tuk Tuk will pick you up and take you to the village tour’s starting location. You will have a completely new encounter at Habarana village, giving you the possibility to see how these people go on with there everyday lives. Also make sure to go on a bullock cart ride
Walk through a scrub forest before taking a canoe catamaran ride on a lake where you can see Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock next to each other. Then you will return to a village home where the cooks will serve you some of the local cuisine. If you’re interested, you can engage in a cooking class being held at a local residence. We encourage you to try this activity because it’s an enjoyable experience.
Before returning to your hotel for relaxation and dinner, make a visit to the Polonnaruwa Ancient City. One of the best designed archaeological relic sites in the nation, Polonnaruwa city contains numerous undiscovered ancient artifacts. Dinner and overnight stay in Habarana.
Polonnaruwa – UNESCO WHS
Polonnaruwa is located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. It is the second-largest city in this province and is renowned for its stunning ancient architecture, serene surroundings, and the enormous lake “Parakrama Samudra,” which was built in 386 AD. The city is one of the finest designed archaeological relic sites in the nation and contains numerous unexplored old archeological relic sites. This historic city has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Enjoy your breakfast before setting off 60 kms to explore Anuradhapura, the island’s first kingdom and another UNESCO WHS. Once done, head to your hotel in Sigiriya, unwind, and enjoy the remainder of your evening there. Dinner and overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Anuradhapura – UNESCO WHS
King Pandukhabaya established Anuradhapura as Sri Lanka’s first capital in the fourth century BC, and it served in that capacity until the eleventh century AD, making it one of the country’s most renowned ancient and modern capitals. Anuradhapura is a charming town along a river that is well known for its intriguing old ruins and well ingrained Buddhist culture. The oldest tree in the world, the Sri Maha Bodhi, as well as historic monasteries and ruins are just a few of the attractions of Anuradhapura. One of Sri Lanka’s eight historical heritage sites is Anuradhapura.
Enjoy breakfast first thing in the morning before you begin your day. Before peak hours begin, you will start an early morning climb to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. After your thrilling tours of the Cultural Triangle, you’ll proceed 90 kms to Kandy, another city with a World Heritage designation. See the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the beautiful city of Kandy and enjoy a Cultural Dance show to cap off your day before overnight stay in Kandy.
Sigiriya rock fortress – UNESCO WHS
This breathtakingly magnificent fortification structure, which goes back to 477 CE and is located 200 metres above the ground, is regarded among people as the “8th wonder of the world.” From the base to the summit of this enormous rock stronghold, there are water fountains, boulder gardens, frescoes, mirror walls, remnants of the castle, and many more fascinating monuments. This is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destination. This historic city has been listed as one of Sri Lanka’s World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Some individuals think that Ravana’s post-historical archaeological turning point occurred at Sigiriya. They contend that Sigiriya might be the Alakamandava (the City of the Gods), which Ruler Kubera, the great king Ravana’s half-brother, founded before 50 millennia ago.
Sacred city of Kandy – UNESCO WHS
Kandy is sometimes referred to be Sri Lanka’s cultural hub. The final capital of the Sinhala monarchs was this revered Buddhist site, also known as the city of Senkadagalapura. It is located in the Kandy Valley, which passes a region of tropical plantations, primarily tea plantations, in the middle of hills. One of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque cities is Kandy. Additionally, it is the location of the revered pilgrimage destination known as the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses the holy tooth of the Buddha. The famous “Kandy Esala Perahera” festival is held annually in Kandy. Since the city is compact, you can go around on foot while you’re there and stop by various gem museums, spice gardens, souvenir stores, or batik factories.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic houses the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha is a revered site of devotion. The temple, is visited daily by tens of thousands of local and foreign pilgrims, was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Buddhists from all around the world place great emphasis on the temple and intricate sculptures made of gold, silver, bronze, and ivory adorns the temple. The temple is situated close to the old Royal Palace, which is to the north of the temple, the forest reserve known as “Udawaththa Kelaya,” which is to the east, the famed Kandy Lake, also known as “Kiri Muhuda,” which is to the south, and “Natha & Paththini Devala,” which is to the west.
Kandyan Cultural Show
Enjoy a colourful and distinctive display of traditional cultural dance. The Kandy Cultural Show offers the chance to have a taste of various Sri Lankan customs. Watch how the vibrant Kandyan dancers leap through the air to the drummers’ primitive, thudding sound. The fire dancers and sword dancers are without a doubt the centrepiece of the performance. This is a highly popular experience for every visitor to the medieval city of Kandy, where the artists go through a specially constructed fire pit.
Today after breakfast, you will go 76 kms to Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s hill highlands. You’ll be taken to tour a tea factory in Nuwara Eliya. Observe the lovely green slopes and lush valleys of the city. At the tea factory, you can observe how tea is sorted and prepared for both home and foreign markets. Enjoy a steaming cup of real Ceylon tea while you’re here and breathe in the lovely aroma of freshly brewed tea. After that, you’ll go on a city tour to Nuwara Eliya. The pleasant climate and stunning surroundings of Nuwara Eliya are praised by both residents and visitors.
Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.
Rise up early today and grab a takeout breakfast to Horton Plains, 36 kms from Nuwara Eliya. You will go on a trip through Sri Lanka’s Horton Plains, a hotspot for biological variety. After the hike, you may either head back to your accommodation to unwind or take a Nuwara Eliya city tour.
Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.
Horton Plains – UNESCO WHS
The Horton Plains national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Sri Lanka’s greatest and most well-liked location for ecotourism and wildlife reserves. Numerous indigenous species of flora and wildlife are found in this breath-taking landscape, which includes lovely rolling hills, high montane forest, and moist patana grasslands. Attractions in Horton Plains include the Baker’s Fall, the Chimmini Pool, and the renowned World’s End, a 3700-foot vertical cliff with a stunning view of tea farms.
Enjoy your breakfast and get your day started early. Proceed 155 kms towards Udawalawe to take part in a safari game drive in the park’s famed leopard, bird and elephants habitat. You will make a stop at Ella, a well-known location known for its breathtaking views along the road. A delicious dinner will be served in the Hotel Udawalawe after your small game drive.
Overnight stay at Udawalawe.
Ella
The vistas of Ella are among the most breathtaking in all of Sri Lanka. This little hamlet serves as the starting point for several trekking excursions into the nearby terrains. Rich in biological diversity, the region is home to a wide range of vegetation and wildlife. Hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations encircle Ella. Owing to its height, the town has a colder climate than the plains around. Most of the year, the weather is typical of the high Hill Country, with a scorching sun by noon and a comfortable air temperature. In the late afternoon, it frequently rains, but lightly.
Udawalawe Park
The Sri Lankan provinces of Uva and Sabaragamuwa are separated by Udawalawe Park. This park was established to act as a haven for any wild animals displaced during reservoir construction. All throughout the year, this is the ideal location to watch wild elephants. The park’s “Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home” takes care of orphaned calves and adolescents until they are ready to be returned into their natural habitat. On some days, in addition to other species, it is possible to see leopards, birds, and jungle cats.
Get your takeout breakfast early in the morning before boarding the Safari Jeep. The Udawalawe Park will treat you to a morning safari drive today. Have lunch and then travel 80 kms to the Sinharaja Rain Forest to explore more nature.
Udawalawe Park
The Sri Lankan provinces of Uva and Sabaragamuwa are separated by Udawalawe Park. This park was established to act as a haven for any wild animals displaced during reservoir construction. All throughout the year, this is the ideal location to watch wild elephants. The park’s “Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home” takes care of orphaned calves and adolescents until they are ready to be returned into their natural habitat. On some days, in addition to other species, it is possible to see leopards, birds, and jungle cats.
Sinharaja Forest – UNESCO WHS
Between Sri Lanka’s Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces is where Sinharaja is situated. It is a national park and rain forest. As part of their curriculum, school pupils in the 13 and older age range are frequently taken on field trips to this forest reserve. This area has been designated as one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites and is home to many endangered mammals, birds, reptiles, and butterflies, including leopards. Trekking is recommended, however it is best to go with a forest guide. Sinharaja, is the last remaining piece of primary tropical rainforest in the nation. The majority of the trees—more than 60%—are indigenous, and many of them are uncommon. There is a lot of endemic fauna in the reserve, particularly birds, but it also supports more than 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals, butterflies, insects, reptiles, and uncommon amphibians.
Dinner and overnight stay at Sinharaja.
Enjoy your breakfast and then set off to explore this magnificent gift from Mother Nature; it is a highly significant biodiversity hot point in Asia. The walk is itself similar to a long meditation in which you experience the utmost calm and connect with nature. Enjoy this amazing moment before you head 88kms to Galle. Some of the things you can do in Galle are:
- Walk the ramparts of the Galle Dutch Fort
- Go Shopping along Pedlar’s Street
- Visit the maritime Archaeology Museum
- Explore the old churches of Galle
- Spend time at the Sea Turtle Hatchery
- Explore the Galle Fort Clock Tower
- Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Enjoy sunset at the Galle Lighthouse
Enjoy dinner at the beach and overnight stay in Galle.
The old town of Galle and it’s fortifications – UNESCO WHS
With a population of about 100,000, the port city of Galle is the fourth largest in Sri Lanka. The settlement was founded in 1598 by the Portuguese. When the Dutch seized control in 1640, they destroyed all Portuguese remnants and expanded the little fort that the Portuguese had built. The 36-hectare Fort, which is now a World Heritage Site, was constructed by the Dutch in 1663. The greatest illustration of a fortified European settlement in South and South-East Asia is Galle, which combines South Asian customs with European architectural styles.
After breakfast go around Galle exploring more of the City and proceed 125 kms to Colombo on the Galle – Colombo route, stopping along the way at Koggala, Balapitiya and Kosgoda. Afterwards, Reach Colombo for more sightseeing, shopping, dinner and overnight stay.
Koggala: Stilt Fisherman
Local fishermen sit atop stick crosses and stilt fish on the seashore. One of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating old-school fishing practises is stilt fishing. Records show that it was established soon after World War II. Before the tsunami of 2004, such practices were temporarily halted until recent years, this kind of fishing was more commonly practised all along the coast. Although the fishermen fish skillfully at dawn, noon, and evening, they do not earn enough money to support themselves. Instead, they rely on tourists that are willing to pay to take pictures of them.
Balapitiya: Madu River & Fish Spa
Take a soothing boat trip through the lush ecosystem of the Madu River and experience a variety of intriguing sights, sounds, and sensations, including passing through mangrove forests, seeing the Madu Ganga islands Satha Paha Doowa and Kothduwa, and observe demonstrations of cinnamon productions and experience fish therapy. The Madu Ganga River offers a variety of unusual experiences, including great foot massages from a big group of doctor fishes. When visiting the Madu Ganga, both local and international visitors are excited since they always have a unique experience.
Kosgoda: Sea Turtles Conservation
Five of the seven marine turtle species—the green turtle, olive ridley, hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)—call Sri Lankan waters home. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program improves the odds of the hatchlings surviving by protecting these nests until they are ready to hatch. Get the chance to observe, interact with, and feed young turtles as well as damaged adults that the Turtle Hatchery care for. When at Kosgoda turtle hatchery, pat the head of a young turtle and release another into the Indian Ocean.
Colombo: City Tour and Shopping
Colombo instantly makes you feel at home when you first arrive. Traders from the Roman, Arab, and Chinese empires as well as traders from Gujarat and Calicut in India and Arabs from the Gulf of Oman have all gathered there since 2000 years ago. The natural meeting spot for traders from the farthest reaches of time is today a busy city that is frequented by tourists on holiday there as well as those stopping in Sri Lanka on their way to other parts of Asia.
Take pleasure in trying out all the enjoyable opportunities Colombo has to offer. Explore ancient sites including the National Museum, the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, the Galle Face Hotel, the Galle Face Green, the Hindu Kovil, the Muslim Mosque & Church, the Old Lighthouse, and more. You can shop at One Galle Face, Independence Square, boutiques shops, designer retailers and Colombo is also the place if you’re searching for the best in high-end dining, clubbing, casinos, rooftop bars, street cuisine, and nightlife.
Your 12 days Heritage tour has now been concluded.
We appreciate you selecting Wonderland Leisure as your Sri Lankan travel partner. We hope you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to seeing you again. After breakfast, we will make a quick stop at a souvenir shop (depending on your flight schedule) before dropping you off at the airport with a heartfelt Good Bye till the next time.
If your holiday falls during an off-season period for certain seasonal activities, the company will always offer you the next available alternate activity.
You will visit these following locations
- Negombo
- Royal Cave Temple
- Sigiriya
- Kandy
- Colombo
- Kosgoda
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Baker's Fall
- Habarana
- Nuwara Eliya
- Anuradhapura
- Polonnaruwa
- Horton Plains National Park
- Ella
- Sinharaja rain forest
- Galle Fort
- Koggala
- Udawalawe National Park
- Guided Tours
- Comfortable Bed, Breakfast & Dinner Accommodations in the Mentioned “Overnight Stay” Locations
- Transport in an Air-Conditioned car with an English speaking Chauffeur Guide
- Government Tax (11%)
- Early check-in & Late check-out
- Entrance/excursion fees to the places mentioned in our itinerary
- Tips and other expenses of personal nature
Payment Policy
Payment Methods
- On-line payment using a personal credit card (Amex/Visa/Master). Log in details will be sent on confirmation
- Bank Transfer
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Contact Information
Address:
Wonderland Leisure (Pvt) Ltd
205/3, Kaldemulla Road,
Moratuwa.
Sri Lanka.
Phone:
International 24/7 Hotline: +94 766 765 677
WhatsApp: +94 766 765 677
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