Sri Lanka: 4-Day Tour Focusing on Cultural Triangle
This 4-day tour focuses on Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, which encompasses the ancient cities and sacred sites of the country's North Central Province. This tour will cover the main UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the area, offering a deep dive into Sri Lanka's rich history and culture. The itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization and Buddhist heritage. It involves some early starts to beat the heat and crowds at popular sites. This tour covers the main sites of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura: First ancient capital Polonnaruwa: Medieval capital Sigiriya: Ancient rock fortress Dambulla: Cave temples Kandy: Last royal capital Day 1: Anuradhapura Morning: Early departure from Colombo to Anuradhapura (approximately 4-5 hour drive). Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit key sites, including: Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred Bo tree) Ruwanwelisaya Stupa Jetavanaramaya Stupa Thuparamaya (oldest stupa in Sri Lanka) Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) Twin Pond Afternoon: Visit Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura Day 2: Polonnaruwa and Minneriya Morning: Drive to Polonnaruwa (about 1.5-hour drive) Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Key sites include: Royal Palace complex Quadrangle Gal Vihara (Buddha statues) Lankathilaka Image House Afternoon: Tour around Polonnaruwa's countryside and smaller ruins Drive to Minneriya National Park (about 30 minutes) Jeep safari in Minneriya, famous for its large elephant gatherings Evening: Drive to Sigiriya/Dambulla area for overnight stay Day 3: Sigiriya and Dambulla Early Morning: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) for sunrise Explore the ancient frescoes, mirror wall, and ruins atop the rock Late Morning/Afternoon: Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a vast, isolated rock mass Explore the five caves with their Buddhist mural paintings and statues Evening: Optional visit to a local village for a traditional cooking demonstration and dinner. Overnight stay in Kandy Day 4: Kandy Morning: Drive to Kandy (about 2.5-hour drive) En route, visit a spice garden to learn about Sri Lankan spices and Ayurvedic medicine Afternoon: Explore the Sacred City of Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lanka's ancient kings Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses Buddha's sacred tooth relic Stroll around Kandy Lake Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya Depart for Colombo or your next destination