Cultural Tour in Sri Lanka

Cultural Tour in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation south of India in the Indian Ocean. Its diverse landscapes range from rainforest and arid plains to highlands and sandy beaches. It’s famed for its ancient Buddhist ruins, including the 5th-century citadel Sigiriya, with its palace and frescoes. The city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital has many ruins dating back more than 2,000 years.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 – Negombo

Negombo is a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, north of the capital, Colombo. Near the waterfront, the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort now house a prison. Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to Colombo. Neoclassical St. Mary’s Church, completed in the 1920s, features a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings.

• After arrival at Katunayaka International Airport, meet and greet by our representative
• Proceed to Negombo and check into your accommodation hotel
• Overnight stay in Negombo

Day 02 – Sigiriya

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes.

• After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Sigiriya
• Enroute visit Pinnawala elephant orphanage and feed the elephants and witness elephant bathing session
• Have lunch at a local Restaurant
• Visit Sigiriya rock fortress and the museum
• Check into hotel
• Engage in Minneriya national park safari
• Back to hotel and dinner and overnight stay at the hotel

Day 03 – Kandy

Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It’s set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city’s heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling. Kandy is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine, celebrated with the grand Esala Perahera annual procession.

• After having breakfast at hotel, proceed to Kandy
• Enroute visit Dambulla cave temple and Matale spice garden
• Have lunch at a local Restaurant
• Check into hotel
• Visit Kandy Temple of Tooth Relic
• Witness Kandy Cultural dance show in the evening
• Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel

Day 04 – Colombo/ Departure

Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. That heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. The imposing Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history, borders sprawling Viharamahadevi Park and its giant Buddha.

• After having breakfast at hotel, proceed to Colombo to engage in Colombo city tour
• Visit Gangarama Temple, Independence square, BMICH, Old parliament, Galle Face Green, Colombo Fort, National museum and Arcade Independence Square
• Have lunch at a local Restaurant
• Continue the city tour with having dinner at a local Restaurant
• Proceed to Airport to get the departure flight