The Glories of the Past - Historical Gems in 8 Days
Travel through time on this captivating tour that unveils the heart of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. From legendary kingdoms and sacred temples to colossal rock fortresses and colonial canals, this carefully designed itinerary connects the dots of history, culture, and spirituality. Experience sacred traditions, explore UNESCO-listed wonders, and walk the paths of ancient kings and monks. Perfect for history buffs, cultural explorers, and travelers seeking a deeper connection with Sri Lanka’s timeless soul.
Highlights of the Tour
- 🏯 Yapahuwa Rock Fortress
- 🕉️ Anuradhapura Kingdom
- ⛰️ Mihintale Pilgrimage Site
- 🗿 Aukana Buddha Statue
- 🌳 Ritigala Forest Monastery
- 🏛️ Polonnaruwa Archaeological City
- 🧗 Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- 🖼️ Dambulla Cave Temple
- 📜 Aluvihare Temple, Matale
- 🛕 Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- 💃 Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
- 🏞️ Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
- 🏙️ Colombo City Tour
Includes:
- Comfortable dual A/C vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Free driver accommodation
- Transport service for the entire tour
- Tour guides for the Cultural Triangle
- Bottled water during tours.
- Bicycle and Tuk Tuk
Excludes:
- Entrance tickets to all sites
- Accommodation
- Meals and desserts
- Cost for safari jeep
Start Your Journey Through Time
Book this unforgettable 8-day journey and walk through sacred temples, royal capitals, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites with expert guidance every step of the way.
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8-Day, 7-Night Historical Tour in Sri Lanka
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Negombo(Overnight Stay: Negombo)
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to Negombo, a coastal city steeped in colonial history. Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the Dutch Canal, the colonial-era churches, and bustling fish markets. Negombo’s unique blend of cultures makes it the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka.
Highlights:
- • Meet and greet at Bandaranaike International Airport.
- • Transfer to Negombo, a coastal town with Dutch and Portuguese colonial history.
- • Visit Dutch Canal, St. Mary’s Church, and local fish markets.
Day 2: Negombo to Anuradhapura via Yapahuwa(Overnight Stay: Anuradhapura)
Depart for Anuradhapura, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. On the way, stop at Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, a 13th-century capital famous for its stone stairway and fortress ruins. In Anuradhapura, discover ancient marvels like the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya stupa, and Isurumuniya Temple – spiritual landmarks of immense historic value.
Highlights:
- • En route, visit Yapahuwa – a 13th-century rock fortress and former capital.
- • Continue to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first kingdom (4th century BC).
- • Explore ancient ruins: Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, and Jetavanaramaya.
Day 3: Mihintale & Aukana Buddha(Overnight Stay: Anuradhapura)
Begin the day with a visit to Mihintale, regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Climb its granite steps to witness serene stupas and panoramic views. Later, explore the impressive Aukana Buddha Statue, a 12-meter rock-carved figure from the 5th century, symbolizing the island’s rich Buddhist artistry.
Highlights:
- • Visit Mihintale – the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
- • Climb 1,840 steps to admire stupas and serene views.
- • Visit Aukana Buddha Statue – a 12-meter ancient rock carving.
Day 4: Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa via Ritigala (Overnight Stay: Habarana or Polonnaruwa)
Travel southeast to Polonnaruwa, stopping at Ritigala, an ancient forest monastery shrouded in mystery and legends. In Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, explore an array of well-preserved ruins: royal palaces, massive stupas, and the sacred Gal Vihara statues carved from a single granite rock.
Highlights:
- • Stop at Ritigala Monastery – an ancient forest hermitage with stone pathways.
- • Arrive in Polonnaruwa and explore its archaeological wonders.
- • Gal Vihara, Royal Palace, and Parakrama Samudra
Day 5: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Dambulla Cave Temple(Overnight Stay: Sigiriya or Dambulla)
Climb the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers panoramic views and features ancient frescoes and landscaped gardens. In the afternoon, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, housing 150+ Buddha statues and remarkable murals within five sacred caves.
Highlights:
- • Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple – over 2,000-year-old cave paintings and Buddha statues.
Day 6: Matale – Cultural City of Kandy(Overnight Stay: Kandy)
Travel to Kandy via Matale, visiting the Aluvihare Rock Temple, where Buddhist scriptures were first written on ola leaves. In Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, tour the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic—home to one of Buddhism’s most revered artifacts. Cap the day with a live cultural dance performance.
Highlights:
- • Visit Aluvihare Rock Temple in Matale (site of early Buddhist texts).
- • Arrive in Kandy – visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- • Enjoy a cultural dance performance in the evening.
Day 7: Kandy Temple Trail & Botanical Gardens(Overnight Stay: Kandy)
Embark on a heritage temple trail visiting Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka, and Embekke—14th-century temples known for their intricate carvings and religious significance. Later, stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, once reserved for Kandyan royalty. Enjoy free time by Kandy Lake or explore local markets.
Highlights:
- • Visit three ancient temples: Lankatilaka, Gadaladeniya, and Embekke (14th-century).
- • Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya.
- • Free time to explore Kandy’s colonial lakefront and markets.
Day 8: Return to Colombo – Departure(Departure Bandaranaike International Airport)
On your final day, drive back to Colombo, the vibrant capital city. Depending on your flight time, explore historical highlights such as the Old Dutch Hospital, Independence Memorial Hall, and Colombo National Museum. You’ll then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Highlights:
- • Scenic drive back to Colombo.
- • Brief city tour of Colombo (time permitting):
- • Independence Square, Old Dutch Hospital, and Galle Face Green.
- • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.