Sri Lanka archaeology & cultural tour
| country: | Sri Lanka |
| departures: | This trip can be arranged at any time and can be tailored to fit your own unique requirements, interests and budget. |
| price: | From US $1070 (8 days) excluding flights. |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
This tour aims to showcase the splendour of the Kingdom of Ceylon. The tour travels the same route the kings took as the moved their capitals from one city to another based on strategic decisions.
Our journey begins in Colombo before heading to Anuradhapura the first capital of Ceylon. It is said that this city was the capital for over 1000 years. Travelling onwards we would then arrive in Polonnaruwa which was the second capital.
The next city we visit is Dambulla which is now a major commercial hub for trade. It is from here that we visit the Sigiriya Rock. Our penultimate destination is the last capital of ancient Ceylon Kandy. Kandy was lost to the British forces in 1815.
Finally return to Colombo and spend the day shopping or simply relaxing at your hotel. Depart after breakfast the next morning to board your flight home.
Highlights of the tour
Our journey begins in Colombo before heading to Anuradhapura the first capital of Ceylon. It is said that this city was the capital for over 1000 years. Travelling onwards we would then arrive in Polonnaruwa which was the second capital.
The next city we visit is Dambulla which is now a major commercial hub for trade. It is from here that we visit the Sigiriya Rock. Our penultimate destination is the last capital of ancient Ceylon Kandy. Kandy was lost to the British forces in 1815.
Finally return to Colombo and spend the day shopping or simply relaxing at your hotel. Depart after breakfast the next morning to board your flight home.
Highlights of the tour
- Abayagiri Viharaya: One of the largest stupas (temple) in the world
- Gal Viharaya: Statues of Buddha carved out of solid granite
- Sigiriya: Considered to be the 8th wonder of the world
- Dambulla caves: A labyrinth of caves housing over 167 Buddha statues and 2100 square meters of murals
- Kandy: Dalada Maligawa, Peradeniya Gardens and a cultural festival
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Colombo. On your arrival in Sri Lanka you will be met at the airport by your chauffeur and transferred to Colombo. During the 60 minute journey from the airport you can catch a glimpse of Sri Lankan life: throngs of street vendors, tuk-tuks weaving crazily about in traffic, 60 seater buses that always seem come right at you are all part of the sights and sounds that would greet you on your way. Upon arrival at the Galle Face Hotel, you can rest, relax and recover from jetlag. We will host you to a complimentary dinner in the evening. During this dinner we will answer all your questions regarding the tour and also familiarize you with general information. |
| Day 2: | Anuradhapura via Yapahuwa. Leave Colombo after an early breakfast and head north towards Anuradhapura. On the way visit the Yapahuwa rock fortress. Yapahuwa was the capital of Sri Lanka around the 13th Century AD and was used by King Buvanaikabahu 1 (1273-1284) as his capital. Travel onwards to Anuradhapura arriving there towards late afternoon. Relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel. |
| Day 3: | Anuradhapura. After an early breakfast depart to explore the vast ancient city of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka and held this position for approx 1300 years (3BC – 10 AD). The city is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Among its most famous sights is the Sri Maha Bodhiya, which is a Bo tree sapling brought from the tree under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The Abayagiri Stupa at 125 m tall is the largest brick monument in the world is also part of this ancient city. Other attractions at this ancient city include the Ruwanweliseya, Kutam Pokuna (Bathing Pool), and the Isurumuniya. The Isurumuniya in particular houses the sculpture of the Isurumuniya Lovers which is supposed to be Dutugemunu's son and a low caste maiden Asokamala. He is known to have given up his throne for her. After exploring the ancient city depart to Giritale. Spend the night overlooking the Giritale tank. |
| Day 4: | Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa after breakfast. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of the Kingdom of Ceylon from the 11th to the 13th Century AD. The most famous site of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Viharaya which consists of Granite statues of Lord Buddha in the meditation, standing and passing away postures. After visiting the sites of Polonnaruwa, travel south to Sigiriya. This 200m high flat top rock is a World Heritage site and was home to the flamboyant king Kasyapa. Witness a beautiful sunset from its summit before descending to spend the night in Dambulla. |
| Day 5: | Dambulla and Kandy. Depart to Kandy in the morning en route stopping at the Dambulla cave monasteries. The Dambulla cave monasteries were born when the fleeing King Walagamba took refuge in these caves. Upon regaining the throne he built this monastery in memory of his days there. The 5 caves house 167 Buddha Statues and over 2100 square meters of Buddhist murals. We then proceed to Kandy via Matale which is generally considered the spice capital of Sri Lanka. Traveling onwards we stop at a spice garden in Matale where you can sample the many spices and be treated to an Ayurvedic Massage. We arrive in Kandy towards evening and witness a colourful pageant featuring drummers, dancers and the grand finale firewalking. |
| Day 6: | Kandy. Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka and was home to the last king of Sri Lanka Sri Wickrama Rajasingha. The most famous site is the Temple of the Tooth or the Dalada Maligawa. We begin the day by visiting the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and then visit the sites in and around the city of Kandy. This includes visits to the Museum and the Temple of the Tooth. We also visit a handicrafts village and watch the workers creating fine handicrafts. Return to the hotel and spend some time relaxing. |
| Day 7: | Colombo. We leave for Colombo after breakfast and arrive in Colombo towards noon. We then visit department stores and various other shops enabling our guests to snap up designer clothing, Gems and Handicrafts. |
| Day 8: | Airport. Travel to the airport after breakfast depending on departure time for your flight back home. |
travellers' tales
The most memorable part of the holiday was Sigiriya, discovering how the old Sri Lankan kings used to live while reaching the top of a hill with the most amazing view.
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how this holiday makes a difference
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The current environment in Sri Lanka as a result of some unfortunate events has dropped arrivals considerably. This means that the monthly revenues are only sufficient to meet our running expenses. Therefore we are now concentrating on sustaining the individuals and the industry at large.
Our primary responsibility is to our chauffeurs and here we ensure that we pay them 5% above the going rate for mileage. Although this amount is not significant it helps maintain morale when the going is tough. We are also trying our utmost to look after the wellbeing of secondary workers in the industry like guides and craftsman by using their services for our tours. As always 93% of all your money stays in Sri Lanka. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |