Sri Lanka Historical Sites Tour

Welcome to Sri Lanka, the "Teardrop of the Indian Ocean"! Upon arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by your private chauffeur-guide and escorted to your hotel in Negombo, a beach town lying only 10km (20 minutes' drive) away from the airport. The rest of the day is free for you to recover from the jet lag or walk out to explore this modest town.

Wake up early in the morning to visit the Negombo Fish Market, a fresh fish market by the beach, and walk through the sheds therein selling fishermen's daily catches. In the afternoon, drive about 5 hours to Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. After arrival, check in to your hotel in Anuradhapura.

This morning, visit some ancient sites of Anuradhapura and the Mihintale nearby, a mountain peak with several religious monuments and abandoned structures. After that, drive to Sigiriya for overnight stay.

After breakfast, head to Polonnaruwa(around 2 hour's drive), a UNESCO World Heritage site that once served as the thriving commercial and religious centre 800 years ago. The well-preserved archaeological treasures, like ruins of palaces, bathing pools, stupas and religious rock sculptures, show the glories of that age. After the tour, drive back to Sigiriya for overnight stay.

In the morning, start with a visit to the 5th-century legendary sky citadel of "Lion Rock", the landmark and one of the most valuable historical monuments of this country and of significant archaeological importance. You will learn the history and story behind it, and admire the spectacular panoramic view of Dambulla.

In the afternoon, proceed to the rural village of Hiriwadunna. Take a jeep or a tuk-tuk to the picturesque Sri Lankan countryside. Hop into a bullock cart passing through paddy fields and rural vegetable plantations. In the late afternoon, sail to the other side of a lake by boat to admire the enchanting sunset view, seek active birds and butterflies, and watch local villagers fishing or washing clothes by the lake. 

Today, visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka with five major caves containing myriad Buddha statues and paintings related to Gautama Buddha and his life. After that, drive to Kandy (approx. 3.5 hrs), the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. Stop by a spice garden to get an insight into various kinds of spices and enjoy a 15-minute complimentary Ayurveda Massage on your expense if you would like to.

In Kandy, you will firstly enjoy the entertaining traditional Cultural Dance (Kandyan Dance) at the Kandyan Cultural Centre near the scenic Kandy Lake, and then visit the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic nearby, which is Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine housing the country's most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of the Buddha.

In the morning, tour the stunning Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya renowned for its fine collection of orchids along with other 4000+ species of plants like spices, medicinal plants, royal palm trees and fruit trees. The afternoon time is free for you, so you can either relax yourself in your hotel room, or explore the old city with your chauffer: stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake or shop for some souvenirs in the downtown markets. 

Drive to Colombo to continue your journey. After arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day on your own.

After breakfast, start a wonderful city tour to its colonial sites, including the Independence Square, where the commemorative Independence Memorial Hall is located, the Gangarama Temple, one of the city's most important temples with a perfect blend of modern architecture and cultural essence, the Galle Face Green, an ocean-side urban park stretching along the coast, and the Colombo National Museum, the largest museum in Sri Lanka displaying the country's cultural and natural heritage, including the country's regalia and many other exhibits telling the story of ancient Sri Lanka. Stop by the former British Administrative Center for photographing.

Later in the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport (1 hour's drive) for your flight to your next destination.