Cultural Highlights 6N 7D

IBBANKATUWA MEGALITHIC TOMB COMPLEX

En-route near to Dambulla you can visit Ibbankatuwa Megalathic tomb complex  dated back to 700 – 400 B.C,  which is an ancient burial site and  thought to belong to the megalithic prehistoric and protohistoric periods of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the several ancient burial sites that have been found in the country.

POLLONNARUWA CITY

In the afternoon visit Polonnaruwa, which is considered to be the one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic ancient cities, a UNESCO World Heritage site and located in the North Central Province. After the fall of first capital of Anuradhapura It was the second capital of Sri Lanka , dating back to the 11th & 12th centuries AD and is known because of its well-preserved ruins, reflecting the height of ancient Sinhalese civilization. A city tour of Polonnaruwa offers a journey through a blend of history, culture together with stunning dry zone landscapes.

At this World Heritage Site, you will witness the ruins of the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara which is one of the highlights of the tour and features four impressive Buddha statues carved into a large granite rock face, statues of King Parakramabahu ,the Largest man made lake of Sri Lanka “ Parakrama Samudraya”, Polonnaruwa Museum , a must visit place and many more historical buildings.

Day Plan

• Welcome the guests at the Colombo International Airport by Travelcom Lanka representative 
• Transfer to Negombo hotel depend on arrival time or Directly transfer to Dambulla. 
• On the way, you will be able witness the  varying landscapes and vegetation, with rural and city life, different cultivations & beautiful fauna and flora. You can taste fresh pineapple and  king coconut on the way from nearby plantations.
• Visit Ibbankatuwa Megalithic tomb complex  
• Early Check in to the hotel at  Dambulla . 
• Afternoon , Visit Polonnaruwa ancient city
• Return to the Hotel & Overnight Stay at Dambulla

• Travel Time: Airport to Dambulla – 3 hours (approx.)
  • Dambulla to Polonnaruwa – 1.5Hrs

Activity time

• Polonnaruwa ancient City tour  – 3 Hrs
• Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tomb complex – 45 Mins

Overnight stay at Dambulla

SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS & VILLAGE SAFARI

Sigiriya is an UNESCO world heritage sites and famous attraction is the Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress which is considered the 8th archaeological wonder of the world by some experts. It’s a 

testament of Sri Lanka’s city planning, advanced irrigation systems which brought water to the top of rock ,  water gardens with fountains and engineering marvels in the 5th century AD. Also you can see the beautiful frescoes and the fascinating mirror wall of the rock fortress.

After site visit  you will proceed to a nearby village to engage in an interesting village safari  which includes a boat ride across a scenic lake, a traditional bullock cart ride, nature walk and at the end You will can taste  an authentic village lunch prepared by a farmer’s family with freshly picked ingredients cooked in clay pots over firewood in a traditional style kitchen.  

DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE

After visiting rock fortress and village safari with lunch you will checking to the hotel and can have short relaxation in the swimming pool . Evening you are proceed to visit Dambulla Cave temple.

Dambulla Cave Temple is an  UNESCO world heritage sites and famous attraction is the  largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka dates from 2nd centaury BC. Although there are documented 80 nos of caves , major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings related to  Buddha and his life. 

Day Plan

• After early breakfast leave for Sigiriya Rock fortress (Entrance fees directly by the guest)
• After fortress visit proceed to Village safari with Lunch
• Checking to hotel and relax in the hotel
• Afternoon visit Dambulla Cave Temple 
• Return to the Hotel & Overnight Stay at Dambulla
• Travel Time:  Dambulla to Sigiriya  – 30 Mins

Activity time

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress visit – 2.5 Hrs  – 3 Hrs
• Village Safari  with lunch– 2 Hrs
• Dambulla Cave temple  – 1.5 Hrs

Overnight stay at Dambulla

SPICE HUB AT MATALE  

When travel from Dambulla to Kandy you can  Visit  spice gardens in Matale city which  is considered as the Spice hub of Sri Lanka with large and small scale spice gardens and processing plants. Also you can learn uses and benefits of each spices and even taste them , test health care and skin care products during this one hour tour.

KANDY LAST KINGDOM OF SRI LANKA

After Spice garden visit directly proceed to hill country capital Kandy city  which have charm weather compare to hot climate in Dambulla . Kandy is the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka and  one of a most visited beautiful and exciting place in Sri Lanka by foreign tourists and  famous for the most sacred Temple of the Tooth relic shrine . It is located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha from 1600 AD. 

One of the Island most famous tourist attraction,  Kandy Esala Perahera , also known as The Procession of the Tooth relic is held in July and August in Kandy. Once you arrived Kandy you will proceed to the Temple of tooth relic and  after the visit, scroll  around the iconic Kandy lake admiring the serene and stunning landscape. Then you check in to the hotel for a short break until evening program.

In the evening you will witness a colourful cultural show of traditional Sri Lankan dances and pageantry. This  vibrant event filled with colourful costumes, graceful dances and oriental music, making it a memorable experience. After the cultural show you can have the dinner and unwind into the night at a local pub, where you can mingle with the locals and see and experience the local pub. 

Learn More

Day Plan

• Checkout from the hotel after breakfast
• En route Visit Spice Gardens in Matale which is the Spice hub of Sri Lanka. Can visit spice plantations and processing centers
•  Visit Sacred Temple of tooth relic in Kandy – The last kingdom of Sri Lanka
• Evening Experience the Cultural Show
• Check in to the Kandy Hotel and overnight stay in Kandy
• Overnight stay in a  Hotel in Kandy
• Travel Time:  Dambulla to Kandy  – 2 hours (approx.)

Activity time

• Matale Spice garden tour – 1.5 Hrs
• Temple of tooth relic – 1.5Hrs
• Evening Cultural show – 1 Hrs

Overnight stay at Kandy

KANDY CITY TOUR 

After breakfast you will embark on a city tour in Kandy. If you are gem entrusts you can visit gem shops where Sri Lanka is famous for its unique range of gems. Sri Lanka’s gem industry has a very long and colorful history. The island have the best sapphires, topazes, amethysts, and other gems in the world 

En-route you can visit tea garden and tea processing factory and taste zip of finest Ceylon Tea. In over 150 years, the name Ceylon had become synonymous with the world’s finest tea. 

What Scotland is to whisky; Ceylon is to tea.

GALLE FORT

GALLE FORT

Galle Fort, located on the southern coast of the island    is a renowned UNESCO world heritage site stands as a testament to the island’s colonial past, architectural splendours and vibrant culture. It’s originated in  the 16th century by the Portuguese during their colonial expansion in the Indian Ocean. The fortifications were further fortified and expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century.  Over the years, Galle Fort evolved into a thriving hub of trade, culture,  attracting merchants and sailors from across the globe.

This  impressive architecture  reflects a blend of European, South Asian, and Moorish influences. Within its walls, narrow cobblestone streets wind their way past colonial-era buildings adorned with Dutch gables, intricately carved wooden doors, and latticed windows are interesting features. Galle Fort is a major attraction for visitors who love in history, culture, and the coastal beauty of Sri Lanka.

 The Dutch Reformed Church, The Galle Fort Lighthouse, The National Maritime Museum are some important places to visit.

You will conclude the day with dinner and proceed to Bentota for overnight stay .

Day Plan

• Check out from the Hotel & Proceed to Bentota
• En-route Visit Tea factory with tea plantation and tea tasting
• Proceed to Historical Galle fort visit and you can have dinner there.
• Check in to hotel in Bentota .
• Travel Time:   Kandy to Gall Fort  – 4.5 hours (approx.)

ACTIVITY TIME

• Kandy City visit ( Art & Craft, Gem Museum )– 1.5 Hrs
• Tea factory visit – 1 Hrs
• Galle fort – 2 Hrs

Overnight stay at Bentota

BENTOTA 

Bentota is a popular coastal resort city and famous for beautiful beaches , lush greenery gardens and many more activities. After long journey on previous days Bentota is the ideal place for you to relax in beach , therapeutic spa treatment or engaging exciting water activities in the sea , River safari at Maduganga , visit Turtle hatchery etc.  Also you can shop around antique boutiques for traditional ornaments and unique pieces of jewellery to get as elegant souvenirs.

MADU GANGA RIVER SAFARI

Madu River is a scenic river close to Bentota with unique and diverse biodiversity.  You can explore this with some combine activities through a boat Safari along the part of  Madu Ganga. Embark on an unforgettable boat ride through this enchanting lagoon, renowned for its 64 islands and rich biodiversity. Boat ride begins by navigating through a stunning natural mangrove cave. Along the way, you’ll visit Cinnamon Island, where you can witness the traditional cinnamon manufacturing process. Marvel at rural fishermen in their traditional catamarans, adding to the picturesque charm of the lagoon. At the end of the journey can experience a unique fish therapy session, where fish gently nibble at your feet, enhancing circulation and sensation. 

KOSGODA TURTLE HATCHERY

Kosgoda stands out as a haven for nature lovers and conservationists, where renowned sea turtle conservation project led by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka located there. The project is dedicated to protecting Sri Lanka’s endangered turtle species from extinction.

Day Plan

• After  breakfast visit Turtle hatchery at Kosgoda
• After visit proceed to Madu Ganga River Safari. 
• Water sport in Bentota
• Check in to Hotel in same hotel in Bentota in the afternoon
• Relax in the beach
• Shop for souvenir  during free time 
• Travel time –
  •  Bentota to Kosgoda – 15mins
  • Bentota to Madu River – 30 mins

Overnight stay at Bentota

COLOMBO CITY

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Diverse and vibrant   and developed during colonial period and can found many colonial era architectural buildings, Beautiful landscapes, bustling streets and many more. Colombo night life is vibrant with lot of Casinos , street foods and other entertainments.

Day Plan

• After breakfast , check out from the Hotel & Proceed to Colombo
• Colombo City tour 
• Checking to the hotel in Colombo
• Join the vibrant night life in Colombo

• Travel Time:   Bentota to Colombo  – 2.5 hours (approx.)
• Colombo City tour – 3 Hrs

Overnight stay at Bentota

COLOMBO CITY

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Diverse and vibrant   and developed during colonial period and can found many colonial era architectural buildings, Beautiful landscapes, bustling streets and many more. Colombo night life is vibrant with lot of Casinos , street foods and other entertainments.

This is the last day of your Classic Sri Lanka tour in this paradise island. After having a  lavish spread of breakfast at the hotel get ready for departure for the airport.

In Case the departure flight due in late night we will arrange  Colombo City tour to visit places of important to visit until departure time. This will be the end of an exciting, fun-filled and memorable tour in Sri Lanka. Hope to see you in next year too to explore the unexplored part of this Isle of paradise.

Day Plan

• After breakfast , check out from the Hotel & Proceed to Colombo
• Colombo City tour 
• After City tour , departure for the air port
• Travel Time:   Bentota to Colombo  – 2.5 hours (approx.)