Discover the ancient wonders of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle on this immersive 3-day journey. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ancient Polonnaruwa ruins, and the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple. Experience traditional village life and witness cultural dance performances in the historic city of Kandy. This tour perfectly combines history, culture, and authentic Sri Lankan experiences.
Itinerary
Morning (8:00 AM) Departure from your Colombo hotel or airport. Enjoy scenic drive through Sri Lankan countryside with coconut plantations and paddy fields.
Afternoon (12:00 PM) Arrive at Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore five cave shrines containing over 150 stunning Buddha statues and ancient murals dating back to the 1st century BC. The caves are carved into a massive rock over 160 meters high.
Evening (4:00 PM) Check-in to your Sigiriya hotel. Evening at leisure or optional village tour where you can experience traditional Sri Lankan village life, bullock cart rides, and authentic home-cooked meal.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sigiriya (Hotel Sigiriya or similar)
Early Morning (5:30 AM) Optional sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress (recommended). Watch the sun rise over the jungle canopy from this 5th-century sky fortress. The climb takes 1-2 hours with 1,200 steps, passing ancient frescoes and the famous Lion's Paw entrance.
Alternative (8:00 AM) For those preferring a later start, climb Sigiriya after breakfast.
Late Morning (11:00 AM) Visit the Sigiriya Museum to understand the history and archaeology of this ancient wonder.
Afternoon (2:00 PM) Drive to Polonnaruwa (1 hour). Explore this medieval capital from the 11th-13th centuries. Visit the Royal Palace, Audience Hall, Lotus Pond, Gal Vihara with its magnificent rock-cut Buddha statues, and the Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
Late Afternoon (5:00 PM) Optional safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to witness the famous elephant gathering (seasonal, best August-September). See herds of 100+ wild elephants.
Evening Return to Sigiriya hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sigiriya (Hotel Sigiriya or similar)
Morning (8:00 AM) Depart for Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM) Stop at a spice garden in Matale. Learn about Ceylon cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and other spices. Enjoy a traditional spice garden lunch (optional, extra cost).
Afternoon (1:00 PM) Arrive in Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, housing a tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Explore the temple complex and museum.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM) Walk around Kandy Lake and explore the city center with time for souvenir shopping.
Evening (5:00 PM) Attend a spectacular Kandyan cultural dance performance featuring traditional drummers, dancers, and the famous fire walking ceremony.
Night (7:00 PM) Drive back to Colombo (3 hours) with drop-off at your hotel or airport for evening/night flights.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A (Tour ends in Colombo)