Discovering Sri Lanka’s Heritage (15 days)

On arrival at Colombo International Airport as you exit the plane, one needs to walk down the main jetty (there is only one) to the immigration counters. There one must present their ETA (Visa) / a printed copy to the immigration authorities. Past immigration there is a duty free corridor. Past Duty-Free walk down the steps and continue straight to your luggage belt.

You will need to identify your own luggage and proceed towards the main exit. Your chauffeur guide or our airport representative will meet you once you collect your luggage and cross over to the public area just beyond the money changers. Please lookout for a board holding your name.

Transfer to Negombo from the Colombo airport. The drive time is 25 minutes approx.

Check in to the hotel.

Relax and unwind the rest of the day is on leisure.

Overnight stay at The Jetwing Beach - Deluxe room on BB basis

After breakfast proceed to the cultural triangle to explore Yapahuwa. After the fall of the great city of Polonnaruwa, the Kandyan kings fled to a succession of inaccessible crags, bearing with them the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. One of them was Yapahuwa, a huge, yet little-visited rock fortress a little way off the Kurunegala-Anuradhapura road which is one of the great architectural sites of the island. This early-13th century stronghold, developed by King Bhuvanekabahu I, is reminiscent of Sigiriya: a massive granite outcrop, set in a shady location, rises 100m above the lightly-populated plains below and is home to ruins of a palace and temple. The temple housed the famous tooth relic for 11 years from 1272 when King Bhuvenakabahu transferred the capital to Yapahuwa to outwit invading Dravidian forces from South India. Eventually captured, it was largely abandoned and became a refuge of monks and religious ascetics.

The drive time is 3 hrs. approx.

After exploring Yapahuwa, proceed to your hotel located in Habarana where you will be staying for the next 4 nights.

Check in to the hotel.

Relax and unwind the rest of the day is on leisure.

This morning after breakfast, you will proceed to visit the ancient citadel of Anuradhapura, starting off with a visit to Aukana.

The Aukana Buddha statue in Sri Lanka is not only the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka, it is also arguably the most elegant. It lies to the west of the large Kala Wewa tank near Anuradhapura and stands 12m, completely free-standing and carved from a single rock. The creation of both the temple and the tank (reservoir) is attributed to King Dhatusena in the 5th century.It is said that the statue is so perfectly aligned that a raindrop on the nose drops straight down to a small depression carved between the toes. The statue has gained significance in recent times due to the destruction of a similar Buddha in Afghanistan.

Proceed to Anuradhapura upon completion.

You will be taken to visit the Ancient City of Anuradhapura on cycles this afternoon accompanied by an expert host.

Begin your cycle amongst local paddy fields, following your expert guide around Anuradhapura’s archaeological marvels and ingenious irrigation systems. Weave along hidden paths to ancient jungle-enveloped structures, neighboring local villages. Pedal beside soaring stupas including Abhayagiri Dagoba, the largest Buddhist monument in the world. After a break at the Elephant Pond (Eth Pokuna) continue on a picturesque stupa-fringed cycle beside Basawakkulama Reservoir. Here, witnesses the local life this tank still supports and visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, one of the most sacred Buddhist relics in Sri Lanka.

Return to your hotel upon completion for overnight stay.

Overnight stay at The Cinnamon Lodge – Superior room on BB basis

After breakfast, you will be taken to visit the Sigirya Rock Fortress.

One of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) for the purpose of protecting him from his rivals. An UNSECO World Heritage listed site, also known as the “Fortress in the Sky”. The climb up to the top of the fortress doesn’t only offer the reward of breathtaking views but there is so much to discover during your climb to the top.

Highlights of the climb include water gardens, artistic frescoes, mirror wall, the lion gate and the magnificent views from the rock summit.

Proceed to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa upon completion.

Polonnaruwa was founded in the 11th Century AD and was governed by many Kings. King Parakrambahu I’s reign was considered the most significant for this ancient kingdom. During his reign (12th Century AD) this second Kingdom of Sri Lanka (after Anuradhapura) was known as the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa, as Parakrambabu ruled during an era where trade and agriculture was at its peak.

Return to your hotel upon completion for overnight stay.

Overnight stay at The Cinnamon Lodge – Superior room on BB basis

This morning after breakfast, you will proceed to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.

The Dambulla Cave Temples are the largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, towering 160 m over the surrounding plains with more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. The site is of particular interest for anyone that loves historic art, as five of the caves contain ancient statues and paintings related to and depicting Lord Buddha and his life.

Proceed to Ibbankatuwa upon completion.

Ibbankatuwa megalithic tombs are known to be an early iron age burial ground with around 10 tombs dating back to 750 BC to 400 BC. Each tomb has been separated by 4 stone slabs and covered by another slab on top.

Early excavations have revealed that each tomb contained personal belongings from this period such as clay pots, beads, necklaces etc. quite similar to the practices followed in ancient Egypt.

Return to your hotel upon completion for overnight stay.

Overnight stay at The Cinnamon Lodge – Superior room on BB basis

After breakfast transfer to Kandy, visiting the Aluvihare rock Temple in Matale.

The Aluvihare temple is located 30 km away from the city of Kandy and is known to have been built in the 3rd century BC by king Devanampiyatissa has built its dagoba and the planted the Bo tree sapling after the inception of Buddhism during his time.

The temple has many stupas, caves and religious paintings and was holds a great historical importance as it was considered the safest place to transcribe the various doctrines of Buddhism by the monks of that time during the invasion of Sri Lanka in olden times and houses many transcribed manuscripts for many centuries.

Check in to the hotel.

Relax and unwind the rest of the day is on leisure.

Overnight stay at The Earl’s Regency – Deluxe room on BB basis

This morning you will explore the Three Temple Loop in Kandy.

Possibly Gampola’s most legendary attraction, the Embekke, Lankatilaka and Gadaladeniya are a short distance from each other and sometimes referred to as the ‘three-temple loop’. The temples serve as a living testimony to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage, history and exceptional craftsmanship. Each temple holds a considerable amount of historical information of the ancient kingdom’s era, carved mostly in stone.

In the afternoon you will go on a walking tour of Kandy with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Located in the hill country surrounded by verdant mountains, Kandy is the last capital of the long standing Sinhalese Kingdom of Sri Lanka before the British settled. In addition to its elaborate history, the town is also home to the Temple of the Tooth, housing Buddha’s tooth relic which has, and continues to play a vital role in the island’s culture. Recognized as one of the most important cities in Sri Lanka, Kandy attracts hundreds of devotees daily to the temple and other local sites.

Meet your guide by the Kandy Lake and take a stroll as your host tells you stories from the last kingdom. Make your way through to the Temple of the Tooth and the temple grounds which was originally built in the 1600s. Afterwards, explore the busy streets of Kandy town on foot and visit several interesting local sites including a church and the famous clock tower. Stop for a refreshing beverage at the iconic Empire Café and then end the walk with a visit to the colorful street market which offers everything from aromatic spices to clothes and various knick-knacks.

Return to your hotel upon completion for overnight stay.

Overnight stay at The Earl’s Regency – Deluxe room on BB basis

After breakfast, you will take leisure drive of 4 hours. Approx. and head into the Hill country of Ella.

Ella is a laidback town perched high in the south-eastern hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country. It boasts many opportunities for walking and mountain biking, along a variety of trails through the picturesque tea estates, as well as exciting hiking excursions up Little Adam’s Peak and the more challenging Ella Rock. From the top of these peaks, you can gaze across the Ella Gap, taking in the awe-inspiring views of forest-covered mountains, rolling tea hills and scattered waterfalls – on a clear day you can even see all the way down to Uda Walawe National Park and catch the sea glimmering on the horizon.

Check in to the hotel.

Relax and unwind the rest of the day is on leisure.

Overnight stay at The EKHO Ella – Superior room on BB basis

Explore Ella on foot and let your mind wander as you take in your spectacular surroundings and absorb the atmosphere of utter tranquility. Visit nearby Ravana Falls – bathe in the shaded plunge pool, or (in the dry season) hike up to the top. Ravana Falls, just outside Ella, are said to be the place King Ravana kept Princess Sita prisoner in the mythological Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’.

Overnight stay at The EKHO Ella – Superior room on BB basis

After breakfast transfer to Galle located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, visiting the Mulkirigala Temple and the Yatagala Temple en route.

Mulgirigala Rock Temple is perched on an enormous boulder more than 200m high and is one of the finest cultural sites in the south of Sri Lanka as well as offering a chance for some decent exercise. The rocky crag, found 17km north-west of Tangalle, nestles in a coconut grove and offers a peaceful journey back into Sri Lankan history, considerably quieter than comparable sites in the cultural triangle.

According to ancient inscriptions carved on the rock, Mulgirigala – also known as Mulkirigala - dates back almost 2,000 years when it was a site of a Buddhist monastery. This is a living temple that is visited by many devotees; nearby there is a Buddhist school for young monks.

Proceed to Yatagala Temple upon completion.

Just inland from Galle is Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya, a fine place to go and visit for temple lovers. This temple is built around and within giant boulder-like rock formations. Quiet and little visited, the temple looks out over paddy fields and small hamlets. It won’t take much time to visit but Yatagala is interesting if as only a comparison to the bigger, famous temples in Sri Lanka.

Check in to the hotel. Relax and unwind the rest of the day is on leisure.

Overnight stay at The Amari Galle – Deluxe ocean view room on BB basis

After breakfast, go on a walk inside the Galle Dutch Fort hosted by a resident of the fort.

Recognized as one of the few remaining living forts in the world, the 17th century fort in Galle covers nearly 150 acres of land and houses over 400 buildings. Initially built by the Portuguese, the fort was later fortified by the Dutch and then taken over by the British in the 1800s. The entrance of the fort still has the coat of arms of the Dutch owned VOC and the British insignia. Learn about the rich history and culture that the fort is renowned for during this informative walk.

Start the walk from the new entrance of the Galle Fort and wander along three of the 14 bastions, all with mount canons to protect it from outside invasions. Each bastion has its unique set of characteristics – the moon bastion showcases 19 canons, the largest number in the fort and the Black Fort which was believed to have housed firearms and gun powder. Stroll through cobblestoned pathways and navigate the cafes, hotels and charming old houses owned by generations of Galle families to get an insight in to their lives, culture and history.

The rest of the day is on leisure.

Overnight stay at The Amari Galle – Deluxe ocean view room on BB basis

The full day is on leisure.

Overnight stay at The Amari Galle – Deluxe ocean view room on BB basis

After breakfast you will be transferring to Colombo visiting The Lunuganga gardens in Bentota, the country house of the famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa, en route.

No place reveals the soul of Geoffrey Bawa, the acclaimed Sri Lankan architect, better than his country home, Lunuganga. Lunuganga is the former country residence of the internationally-renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Set in rolling, Renaissance-inspired tropical gardens just inland from the west coast resort of Bentota, it is on a peninsular edge by the picturesque Dedduwa Lake. Not as much a staple boutique hotel as a living piece of history, it offers guests a rare opportunity to step inside the private life of one of the world’s most celebrated architects, a man dubbed “the father of Asian architecture”. Once within the 25-acre estate, after a bumpy ride down winding lanes, it is not difficult to understand why in 1948 Bawa bought this former rubber estate to craft into his garden idyll.

After decades of careful, exquisite, creative thought and design, Bawa’s legacy and perhaps most personal life’s work is today a wondrous and inspiring place to visit and savor. With astonishing views and beautiful interiors, with many original Bawa artwork and blueprints on the walls, a stay in one of Lunuganga’s six fine suites is guaranteed to be a highlight of any holiday. Dining is at the edge of the tranquil Dedduwa Lake. The golden beaches of Bentota are just three kilometers away. The whole property can be rented in its entirety or on an individual room basis.

Upon completion, transfer to Colombo.

Check in to the hotel.

Relax and unwind the rest of the day is on leisure.

Overnight stay at The Galle face Hotel – Superior room on BB basis

This morning, you will go a guided walk of Colombo with a local host.

Walk through the streets of Colombo, hear of tales from times gone by and witness the changing landscape of the island’s commercial hub. Colombo old and new comes alive in this fascinating walk.

The rest of the day is on leisure.

Overnight stay at The Galle face Hotel – Superior room on BB basis

Transfer to Colombo airport from Colombo. The drive time is 1 hr. approx.