Ancient Cities and Temples

Anuradhapura

Get tantalizing glimpses of Colombo and the Indian Ocean coastline as you fly into Bandaranaike Airport. Soon you will be drinking in the sights and sounds of Sri Lanka from the comforts of your chauffeur-driven car as you journey 6-7 hours to Anuradhapura. Your driver/guide will point out the sights along the journey and will be delighted to answer all your questions. A stop at the Yapahuwa Rock Fortress will be your introduction to the ancient temples and cities of Sri Lanka. Known locally as “Fire Rock” for its dark red colour, you can climb the ornamental staircase and see the Tooth Temple guarded by carved lions. Admire frescoes, pottery and Buddha statues in the cave temple along with religious artifacts in the museum. Arrive at your chosen hotel in Anuradhapura and settle in for an exciting two-night stay in this ancient holy city.

Anuradhapura

After breakfast you will be eager to venture into the city and enjoy a tour of the city highlights with an English-speaking guide. The main sights in this World Heritage City include the sacred Bo Tree at the Sri Maha Bodhiya Temple, the 1st century BC Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, the Dagoba at Thuparamaya and the Brazen Palace built in 164 BC for King Dutugamunu. Your afternoon will include a visit to the sacred mountain of Mihintale on a 2.5 to 3 hour drive, taking in the local scenery.

Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla

We recommend an early breakfast for this full day of sightseeing. Stretch your legs with a stop at Ritigala to see the ruins of a Buddhist monastery and the ancient rock inscriptions. Join your local tour guide for your jaw-dropping Polonnaruwa experience taking in many temples and religious sites. You will appreciate this ancient city has the finest collection of ancient Sinhalese art and architecture in Sri Lanka. Highlights of this former royal city include the Lankatilaka Temple, the Shiva Dewalaya and the beautiful Sandakada Pahana moonstone. Your 3.5 to 4 hour drive will terminate at your comfortable hotel of choice in either Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla.

Anuradhapura

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is our first destination where you can climb the steps carved out of the rock in this awesome World Heritage Site. Enter the Lion Gate to what was once a royal residence decorated with cave paintings and carved decorations. Return to your hotel and relax before your driver collects you once again and transports you to the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple, carved out of a series of caves. Admire the many Buddha statues (there should be 153 to find!) and the wonderful frescoes before returning to your hotel for a pleasant evening.

Kandy

After breakfast, your driver will transport you to the lake city of Kandy. On the journey visit the Hindu Nalanda Temple and the Aluvihara Temple in Matale. If there’s time, you may want to detour to a Spice Garden and see where many medicinal plants and trees produce cocoa, coffee and spices. Whole nutmegs make a cheap souvenir gift to take home! Get your first sights of Kandy, before checking in at your chosen hotel. You can opt for a quiet evening after your 3.5 to 4 hour drive, or attend a Cultural Show of costumed dancers, traditional music, drummers and fire walkers. Those fortunate enough to be visiting during the Dalada Perahera Festival, held in July or August, may want to take up our offer of optional reserved seating for this annual pageant at the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Kandy

Kandy is surrounded by many wonderful cultural sights and we have chosen some of the best for you. Visit the monastery at Gadaladeniya, the famous Lankathilaka Viharaya Temple and admire the beautiful wood carvings at Embekke Devalaya. Total driving time to see these amazing sacred sites is 2 to 2.5 hours. Your driver will once again provide a door-to-door personal service to and from your Kandy hotel.

Airport

Enjoy a last breakfast in Kandy before heading for the airport at Colombo, a journey of 2 to 2.5 hours, depending upon traffic. You need to arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure time. Say a fond farewell to your driver/guide who will by now be more like a family friend!

Past travellers tell us that 7 days of cultural sights and religious highlights pass all too quickly, so you may want to consider extending your fabulous holiday with a few days on the beach. Your driver will be happy to transport you to one of our handpicked luxury beachfront hotels. You can complete your cultural holiday by relaxing at the pool, snorkelling and diving, taking a boat trip, dolphin watching, kayaking and maybe even visit to a Turtle Hatchery before your return home.