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Cultural Tour in Sri Lanka
For an in-depth analysis of the history, culture and tradition of ancient and modern day Sri Lanka, this cultural tour of Sri Lanka is just what you need. Beginning with Anuradhapura – the oldest kingdom of Sri Lanka, and wrapping up with Colombo – the trading hub and busiest city on the island, this tour covers all cultural attractions, not forgetting a touch of the hill country natural beauty.
At a glance
Explore the cultural capital of Sri Lanka – Kandy
Historical ruins from centuries ago still preserved in Anuradhapura
Galle Dutch Fort
Trip length
14 days
Price
Contact us for details
When to go
Any time of the year
Transfers
Airport – Hotel – Tour attractions – Airport
Picture your self
Standing amidst high rise stupas in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura.
Attending one of the prayer sessions at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Enjoying a luxurious jeep safari at the Udawalawe National Park.
Places you will stay
Check Out The Remnants Of Spiritual Past In Cultural Triangle
Visit To Undiscovered Remote Jungle Village Of Indigenous People
Try Your Talent At Age-Old Traditional Fishing Method With Local Fishermen
Take An Instagrammable Shot At 9 Arch Bridge You Can Ever Take In Sri Lanka
Day 1 Colombo
From pick up at the Bandaranaike International Airport, your two week cultural tour will begin in Colombo – the commercial capital of the island. Galle Face Hotel is where you will be staying on your first night.
Day 2 & 3 Anuradhapura
After a city tour of Colombo the next day, you will take off to the city of Anuradhapura. En route, you stop at Yapahuwa ancient city (a 300 foot fortified wonder dating back to the 13th century) and explore the area. In Anuradhapura, you will sleep over at Palm Garden Village.
On day three, the ancient city of Anuradhapura will be explored where you will get to observe several historical remains. Later in the day you will visit the Mihintale Buddhist Temple and head back to your hotel for the night.
Day 4 & 5 Sigiriya
On your way to Sigiriya the next day, you will stop for a visit to the Aukana Buddha Statue and the Dambulla Cave Temple. Your hotel for the night will be Cinnamon Lodge.
On day five we have a touch of adventure lined up for you where, you will be taken to visit the ancient and historical city of Polonnaruwa. Afterwards, you can have an amazing Rice & Curry experience at the Priyamali House. Later that day, you can climb and explore the “Lion’s Rock” in Sigiriya. This activity is quite doable by most people so don’t fret at the task of climbing a rock! Your overnight stay will be at Cinnamon Lodge.
Day 6,7 & 8 Kandy
The next morning you will begin your journey to the hill capital of Kandy. En route you will visit the Matale Alu Viharaya Buddhist Temple and the Matale Hindu Temple. In Kandy, you will be taken to enjoy an evening show of the cultural dance of Kandyans. Amaya Hills is where you will sleep over for the night.
On day seven you will visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and obtain blessings from the Buddhist Monks there. Next you will go on to visit the Three Temple Loop known as the Gadaladeniya, Embekke and Lankathilake Temples. These are Hindu-Buddhist Temples from the 14th Century. Towards the evening you will get back to your hotel in Kandy for your night stay.
On the final day in Kandy you get to explore the culture of the Veddas in Dambana Mahiyanganaya and visit the Mahiyanganaya Temple. Once again, Amaya Hills is where you will sleep over for the night.
Day 9 Nuwara Eliya
Day nine is when you head towards the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya where you will come across several water falls on the way. Ramboda Falls is one visit we have scheduled for you. Along the way you can also visit the Pedro Tea Factory and the luscious tea plantations of the country. You will also be given a tour of Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England”. Your overnight stay will be at Grand Hotel.
Day 10 Ella
From Nanu Oya, you will be taking a beautiful train journey to Ella, where a visit to Rawana Falls is a must. In Ella, you will spend the night at Mountain Heavens.
Day 11 Udawalawa
Early morning the next day you are advised to explore the breathtaking view of the sunrise from the “Ella Gap”. You will then depart to the town of Udawalawa where we will take you on a luxurious jeep safari in the Udawalawa National Park. That night you will stay at the Centauria Wild.
Day 12 Galle
On day 12 you head on to the city of Galle, en route you will visit the hot water springs in Embilipitiya as well as the fish market in Weligama. You also get a chance to observe the old and challenging tradition of stilt fishing. In Galle, your night stay will be at Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel.
Day 13 & 14 Colombo
On day thirteen you will explore the Galle Dutch Fort and learn about its history. A boat ride on the Madu Lake is also on the list before you begin your journey to the capital city of Colombo. Upon reaching Colombo, you will check in to Galle Face Hotel for your overnight stay.
On day fourteen you may take a city tour of Colombo if you have approximately 6-7 hours for your flight departure time.
The amazing cultural tour with Blue Lanka Tours comes to an end here. This itinerary is dedicated to exploring the cultural aspects of Sri Lanka as well as touching its splendid beauty and we hope you found it attractive.
Not to miss in this tour
Explore The Country’s First Capital – Anuradhapura
See Huge Seated Buddha Statue At Aluvihare Rock Cave Temple
Discover Fascinating Kandyan Architecture At Three Temples Loop
Visit Kelaniya Temple Where Lord Buddha Stopped For The Third Time In Sri Lanka
Day 1, 2 & 3 Sigiriya
Assuming an early arrival on day 01 at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be picked up by a Blue Lanka Representative and transferred to Sigiriya in a private luxury vehicle (4 hours’ drive) to begin this cultural tour of Sri Lanka. Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple (about 400 steps to climb) and then check in to Amaya Lake on a bed and breakfast basis.
On day 02 you will visit the Lion’s Rock and explore the Rock Fortress (1200 steps to climb). Next is a one and a half hour’s drive to Polonnaruwa, lunch will be served at Priyamali Gedara, then explore the ancient ruins in Polonnaruwa and head back to Sigiriya for the night.
On day 03 you will visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura (one and a half hours drive) and the Mihintale Buddhist Temple and return to Sigiriya for the night.
Day 4 & 5 Kandy
En-route to Kandy on day 04, you will visit the Matale Alu Vihara Temple. In Kandy (after a 3 hours’ drive), you will enjoy an evening cultural dance show and then check in to Golden Crown Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Early next morning, visit the Temple of the Tooth, obtain blessings from Buddhist Monks and then move on to visit the three temple loop – Gadaladeniya, Embekke, Lankathilake. After this, return to your hotel in Kandy for the night.
Day 6 & 7 Colombo
En-route to Colombo (3 hours’ drive) the next day, you will visit the Kelaniya and Kotte Rajamahaviharaya. Galle Face Hotel is where you will be staying for the night.
To wrap up this cultural tour of Sri Lanka on day 07, you can opt for a Colombo city tour before you depart to the airport for your onward journey or return home.
We hope this shortened cultural tour itinerary was satisfactory for you. If you wish to make any changes to it, please do let us know and we will do the needful as per your request.
Not to miss in this tour
Climb The Ancient World Wonder – Sigiriya
Witness The World’s Oldest And Sacred Tree Which Sheltered Lord Buddha When He Attained Enlightenment – Sri Jaya Maha Bodhi
Discover The Elaborated Artwork Filled In The Cave Temple Of Dambulla
Explore The Unique Irrigation Systems In Polonnaruwa
Day 1 Anuradapura
Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, a Blue Lanka Representative will meet you and guide you to a private, chauffeur driven luxury vehicle. Your shortened cultural tour of Sri Lanka will begin with a 4 hour drive to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. After a good lunch, explore the historic ruins and check in to Forest Rock Garden for a relaxing night.
Day 2 Sigiriya
After breakfast, check out and visit the Mihintale Buddhist Temple. Then transfer to Polonnaruwa city (one and a half hours) where you will have an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch at Priyamali Gedara and then explore the ancient ruins in Polonnaruwa. Another one and a half hour later you will reach Sigiriya and check in to Amaya Lake for the night.
Day 3 Dambulla, Airport
After an early breakfast the next morning, visit the Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya, climb 1200 steps to get to the Rock Fortress and enjoy a splendid view. Next in line is a village tour with a local rice and curry lunch. Then explore the Dambulla Cave Temple (400 steps to climb) and transfer to airport – assuming late departure (4 hours’ drive).
You have now come to the end of the shortened cultural tour of Sri Lanka in which we have tried to fit in as many cultural tour attractions as possible. If you wish to extend or make any other changes to this itinerary, we will be happy to do so.
Trail on the ground
FAQ
Q. Can we do cycling?
A. You can explore Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa ancient cities by Bicycles.
Q. How long does it take for the train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella?
A. It takes approximately 03 hours.
Q. Are credit cards widely accepted?
A. Most hotels, restaurants and shopping centres accept credit cards. Some establishments may try to add a surcharge, which is illegal.
Q. When I should visit to watch the Kandy Esala Perahera.
A. It is generally holding during July / August annually.
Real people, real views
How they experienced it
Jonathan G wrote a review Jan 2020
Beautiful 11 Day Sri Lanka Tour
Start to finish, our tour around Sri Lanka was absolutely amazing! Dinesh was very transparent and quick and clear with communication in planning our trip, and helped to accommodate our specific interests such as wildlife viewing and historical cultural sites. The hotels and resorts that they booked for us were beautiful and exceeded all of our expectations, really amazing stays at every stop. From the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and climbing Lion’s Rock, incredible close-up views of elephants on safari in Minneriya, birds and other wildlife in Yala and Bundala, religious sites such as the Cave Temple in Dambulla and Tooth Relic in Kandy, botanical gardens, train rides, and tea factory visits, and turtle hatchery and boat ride on our way back to the airport in Colombo, we could not imagine a better way to journey through this incredible country. We truly felt like we got a broad taste of the culture, and along the way got to learn from our experienced guides at each site about Sinhalese and Sri Lankan culture, especially about Buddhist values at the religious sites. We felt cared for at all times, completely safe and beyond comfortable, and felt heard from when we wanted to make small changes to our tour. Most importantly, our driver Videsh was absolutely amazing, and took care of us the whole way. He was extremely knowledgable, highly flexible, and was even willing to wake up early for our early risers interested in bird watching, and making trips back to the hotel for the rest of our party who took the morning to enjoy the resort. He was truly an unparalleled guide on our journey and the trip would not have been the same without his kindness, expertise, and friendliness. At one point, he woke up at 2am to drive us for our early wildlife viewing start which was a 3 hour drive away, and repaired a flat tire on our van after ensuring that we were comfortably eating our lunch, and still kept us on schedule for the rest of our busy day of touring! We had an amazing time and would like to thank Blue Lanka Tours and Videsh for their hard work and careful planning and accommodation! Highly recommend them for your future trips to Sri Lanka!!!! 10/10.
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DownloadInsightful Tips
- You need to dress modestly and respectfully, with your shoulders and legs covered when visiting sacred or holy places.
- Leave the Buddha printed t-shirts at home, and make sure to cover up your Buddha tattoos before entering religious premises.
- As you will have to walk barefoot in ancient kingdoms, keep a pair of socks with you for protection from stones and heat. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it is hot.
- Suggest taking a cycling ride in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, as it is the easiest way to explore the city since the attractions locates close by while enjoying the cooling breeze!
- Thousands of worshippers of different nationalities will be at the places you visit to pay respect, so recall to act with utmost decorum.
- If you have issues with heights, you may wish to sit out the climb of Lion Rock at Sigiriya as to reach the top you will have to climb rough, narrow steps and tight walkways.
- Can be visited throughout the year. Sites with a religious significance are often busy in the months of April, August and December due to New Year, Perahera Season and Christmas.
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