nissanka lata mandapaya

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour in Sri Lanka

UNESCO’s World Heritage Site List includes eight unique attractions in Sri Lanka that are considered part of the world’s heritage and should be safeguarded. These include the remains of Anuradhapura, which existed from the 5th century BC to the 10th century; the remnants of the successor kingdom, Polonnaruwa (9th to 14th century); and the spectacular Sigiriya Rock, which became a fortification in the 5th century.

UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Tour in Sri Lanka by Blue Lanka Tours is yet another stunning itinerary which captures all locations in one go.

Kandy (the seat of monarchs from the 16th to the 19th centuries) and its venerated temple are also World Heritage sites, as are the Dambulla caverns and temple from the 1st century BC. Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1588, is ranked 200 on the UNESCO list. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour also includes two natural landmarks: the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Central Highlands (Peak Wilderness, Horton Plains, and the Knuckles Conservation Forest.)

Boasting the pride of Sri Lanka, The UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour can be tailored according to your preference and shuffled around as you wish.

Main UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a SnapShot

Anuradhapura Ancient City
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Sigiriya Lions Rock Fortress
Dambulla Caves Temple
Sacred City of Kandy
Central Highlands
Sinharaja Rain Forest
Galle Dutch Fort and Old Town

Day
1

BIA to Negombo

  • Airport Pickup & Transfer to Negombo
  • Overnight stay in Negombo
air plane at air port
Negombo beach in Sri lanka
Day
2

Negombo to Anuradhapura

  • Transfer to Anuradhapura
  • Explore Anuradhapura Ancient City by Bicycles
  • Overnight stay in Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura
Cycling in Sri Lanka
Day
3

Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa to Dambulla

  • Transfer to Polonnaruwa
  • Explore Polonnaruwa Ancient City by Bicycles
  • Heading towards Dambulla
  • Evening explore Dambulla Caves Temple
  • Overnight stay in Dambulla
Gal Vihara Buddha Statues - Polonnaruwa
Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
Day
4

Dambulla to Kandy

  • Morning Explore Sigiriya Lions Rock Fortress
  • Transfer to Kandy
  • Explore the Sacred City of Kandy including the Temple of the Tooth Relic
  • Overnight stay in Kandy
Sigiriya
Dalada Maligawa
Day
5

Kandy

  • Explore the Knuckles Mountain Range
  • Overnight stay in Kandy
Knuckles Mountain Range
Knuckles
Day
6

Kandy to Nuwaraeliya

  • Transfer to Nuwaraeliya
  • En-route sightseeing of Ramboda Water Falls
  • Visit Pedro Tea Factory and Enjoy the Tea Plucking Experience
  • Overnight stay in Nuwaraeliya
Ramboda Falls
Hatton tea plantation
Day
7

Nuwaraeliya

  • Morning visit Horton Plains and World’s End (A hiking tour around 9.5km)
  • Rest of the Day Relaxing
  • Overnight stay in Nuwaraeliya
Horton plains
Moose in Horton plains
Day
8

Nuwaraeliya to Ella to Udawalawa

  • Optional – The Most Scenic Train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
  • Transfer to Udawalawa
  • En-route sightseeing of Ravana Water Falls
  • Overnight stay in Udawalawa
Ninearch bridge
Rawana Falls in Sri Lanka
Day
9

Udawalawa to Sinharaja

  • Morning Jeep Safari in Udawalawa National Park
  • Transfer towards Sinharaja
  • Overnight stay in Sinharaja
Dolphins in Trincomalee Sea
Udawalawa national park
Day
10

Sinharaja

  • Explore Sinharaja Rain Forest with Naturalist
  • Overnight stay in Sinharaja
Sinharaja
Sinharaja Rain Forest
Day
11

Sinharaja to Galle

  • Transfer to Galle
  • Explore Galle Dutch Fort & Old Town
  • Overnight stay in Galle
Sigiriya
Anuradhapura
Day
12

Galle

  • Leisure Day
  • Overnight stay in Galle
air plane at air port
Galle fort
Day
13

Galle

  • Leisure Day
  • Overnight stay in Galle
Galle beach
Galle Light House in Sri Lanka
Day
14

Galle to BIA

  • Airport Transfer
air plane at air port
Air plane taking off

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 14 Days
  • Taking a Bicycle Tour around Polonnaruwa
  • Watching the vistas from Lions Rock
  • Strolling around Kandy City
  • On the night train in Sinharaja Rainforest
  • A Bicycle tour around the Anuradhapura Kingdom
  • A Herbal Massage after climbing Sigiriya
  • The Sinharaja Night Trail
  • Dambulla Caves Temple

Insightful Tips

  • Sunscreen is a must when you are in the Cultural Triangle
  • Bring clothes suitable for a hot & also cooler weather
  • Carry a hat with you, this will come in handy
  • Bring Leech socks for when you are in Knuckles

FAQ

How long does it take to climb up & down Sigiriya?

Approximately around 2 hrs but depends from person to person

What do you mean by special Guides for UNESCO Sites?

Special guides will be arranged by Blue Lanka Tours for every UNESCO site except for Galle. Special UNESCO site guides are knowledgeable in the specific UNESCO site and impart all related information and knowledge to clients.

How is the climate in Sinharaja?

It’s mostly chilled and could be wet.

Is the Sinharaja Night Trail a guided excursion?

Yes, It is guided by an expert naturalist.