Cultural wonders of Sri Lanka

Today you will be driven to the Cultural Triangle - the ancient heart of Sri Lanka. From here you can explore Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, & Sigiriya.

OPTIONAL: Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Spend the afternoon exploring and set off to climb the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya, with its rocky abode & water gardens. The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' - is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti.

Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.

After breakfast you can visit the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa an ancient royal capital, with its well-preserved 12th century ruins & impressive stone culture recalls an inspired past.

Once done exploring the capital city, you can enjoy a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park in the evening.

Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank this national park has plenty of scrub and light forest in its 8890 hectares to provide shelter for its toque macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Elephants – to name a few. In addition, an enormous number of birds (some 160 species) have been spotted at Minneriya, including endemics such as the Sri Lankan hanging parrot and the crimson-fronted barbet.

Having enjoyed the adventures safari, you can head back to Sigiriya and spend the overnight at the hotel.

Having enjoyed a fresh breakfast, you can drive towards your next destination and head towards the once capital city of Kandy while visiting the mysterious Dambulla Cave Temples which are dated from 1st C.B.C to 18th C.A.D en route.

These Temples contain the largest painted surface of 21,000 sq. feet of Buddhist murals, large number of Buddha statues (more than 150), statues of Gods and Kings in the caves.

Once done exploring the ancient temples, you can continue with your drive towards Kandy while visiting the famous Matale Spice gardens en route. Here you will learn about fragrant clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace and pepper, and many other favourites such as chocolate and vanilla.

In the afternoon visit the Temple of tooth relic, Vishnu Devala, Natha Devala, Audience Hall, Other buildings used by the Queens and Ministers and the sacred temple of the Tooth Relic in the evening to witness the “Pooja” (offerings).

Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.

After having breakfast at your hotel you can head to explore the Kandy city that is set on a plateau surrounded by mountains. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling.

Thereafter you can head towards your next destination and proceed towards the lush city of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little’ England’, was the favorite hill station. Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s mountainous, tea-growing region.

Here you can enjoy a visit to a Tea factory & Tea Estate (enjoy the cup of tea made by Ceylon tea leaves), take in the sights of the magnificent waterfalls and take a stroll around the Nuwara Eliya town.

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Today morning you will proceed to Colombo for your city stay.

Check in at the hotel and simply relax.

In the afternoon you may visit Pettah where you have the vegetable & fruit markets & visit Textile shops as well. If interested visit the Fish Market and the main bus and train terminals, Wolvendhaal Dutch Church, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, Gotami Vihara, Independence Hall, Hindu Kovil at Slave Island, Colombo Municipal Council, Viharamahadevi Park and other city sites are of interest to photographers.

You will have this afternoon to relax and take in the breath-taking views of Colombo.

Having had breakfast at the hotel, head towards the airport for your departure flight back home.

... Welcome Home!