14-Day Tour - Day 1 - Colombo
• Your two-week cultural journey begins with pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport
• Travel privately to Colombo – the commercial capital of Sri Lanka
• Complete check-in at Galle Face Hotel for your first night
• Take time to unwind after your international flight
• Overnight stay in bustling Colombo
14-Day Tour - Day 2 - Colombo to Anuradhapura (via Yapahuwa)
• Morning city tour of Colombo to begin your cultural immersion
• Depart for the ancient capital of Anuradhapura
• En route, stop at the ancient city of Yapahuwa
• This 300-foot (91-meter) fortified wonder dates back to the 13th century
• Explore the impressive rock fortress and ornate staircase
• Continue your journey to Anuradhapura
• Check into Palm Garden Village for the night
• Stay overnight in historic Anuradhapura
En Route Heritage:
• Yapahuwa rock fortress
• Anuradhapura archaeological wonders
14-Day Tour - Day 3 - Anuradhapura Exploration
• Full day exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura
• Observe several historical remains including:
• Ruwanwelisaya Stupa – one of the world's tallest ancient monuments
• Jetavanarama Dagoba – built from millions of bricks
• Sri Maha Bodhi Tree – the oldest historically documented tree
• Ancient palaces, monasteries, and bathing pools
• Later in the day, visit the Mihintale Buddhist Temple
• This revered mountain is known as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
• Climb the 1,840 steps to reach the summit
• Return to Palm Garden Village for overnight stay
Sacred City:
• Anuradhapura stupas and ruins
• Mihintale mountain temple
14-Day Tour - Day 4 - Sigiriya (via Aukana & Dambulla)
• Depart for Sigiriya – the next destination on your cultural journey
• En route, stop at the magnificent Aukana Buddha Statue
• This 13-meter (43-foot) standing Buddha is carved from solid granite
• Continue onward to the Dambulla Cave Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Explore five caves filled with over 150 Buddha images
• Check into Cinnamon Lodge for the night
• Overnight stay in historic Sigiriya
Sacred Sculptures:
• Aukana standing Buddha
• Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
14-Day Tour - Day 5 - Sigiriya Adventure
• Touch of adventure lined up for today's cultural exploration
• Visit the ancient and historical city of Polonnaruwa
• Explore the medieval capital's magnificent ruins including:
• Royal Palace complex with 1,000 rooms
• Gal Vihara rock Buddha statues
• Sacred Quadrangle with beautifully preserved buildings
• Enjoy an amazing rice and curry experience at Priyamali House
• Taste authentic Sri Lankan home-cooked cuisine
• Afternoon climb and explore the "Lion's Rock" in Sigiriya
• This activity is quite doable by most people – don't fret the climb!
• Ascend 1,200 steps to reach the summit
• Walk among the ancient palace ruins and frescoes
• Return to Cinnamon Lodge for second overnight stay
Medieval & Rock:
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Polonnaruwa ancient ruins
14-Day Tour - Day 6 - Kandy (via Matale)
• Begin your journey to the hill capital of Kandy
• Along the way, visit the Matale Alu Viharaya Buddhist Temple
• This rock temple features ancient inscriptions and cave paintings
• Continue onward to the Matale Hindu Temple (Sri Muthumariamman Kovil)
• Admire the colorful gopuram tower with intricate carvings
• Reach Kandy – Sri Lanka's cultural heart
• Evening enjoyment of the Kandyan cultural dance show
• Witness traditional dancers, drummers, and fire walking
• Check into Amaya Hills for the night
• Overnight stay in the royal city
Temple Trail:
• Aluvihare Rock Temple, Sri Lanka
• Kandyan cultural performance
14-Day Tour - Day 7 - Kandy Sacred Sites
• Morning visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa)
• Obtain blessings from the Buddhist monks at this sacred shrine
• Witness the golden casket containing Buddha's tooth relic
• Explore the three Temple Loop – 14th century Hindu-Buddhist temples:
• Gadaladeniya Temple – built by a South Indian architect
• Embekke Temple – famous for intricate wood carvings
• Lankathilake Temple – massive standing Buddha image
• Learn about the unique architectural styles of this period
• Return to Amaya Hills for overnight stay
Temple Architecture:
• Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth)
• Ancient temple carvings
14-Day Tour - Day 8 - Kandy - Vedda Culture
• Final day in Kandy exploring indigenous culture
• Travel to Dambana in Mahiyanganaya to meet the Vedda community
• Learn about the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka's indigenous people
• Observe their hunting methods and traditional way of life
• Visit the Mahiyanganaya Temple – a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site
• This temple marks the first visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka
• Return to Amaya Hills for third and final overnight stay
Indigenous Heritage:
• Vedda village experience
• Mahiyanganaya temple
14-Day Tour - Day 9 - Nuwara Eliya
• Head toward the beautiful hill town of Nuwara Eliya
• Encounter several cascading waterfalls along the way
• Visit Ramboda Falls – a stunning 109-meter (358-foot) waterfall
• Stop at Pedro Tea Factory to learn about Ceylon tea production
• Stroll through luscious green tea plantations
• Guided tour of Nuwara Eliya – also known as "Little England"
• See colonial-era architecture, the golf course, and flower-filled gardens
• Visit Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, and the old post office
• Check into Grand Hotel for overnight stay
• Overnight stay in misty Nuwara Eliya
Hill Country:
• Ramboda Falls waterfall
• Nuwara Eliya landscapes
14-Day Tour - Day 10 - Ella
• Board the beautiful train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
• This is widely considered one of the world's most scenic rail routes
• Pass through tea plantations, misty mountains, and tunneled hillsides
• Upon arrival in Ella, visit the majestic Rawana Falls
• This popular waterfall cascades 25 meters (82 feet) down a rock face
• Check into Mountain Heavens for overnight stay
• Overnight stay in enchanting Ella
Scenic Journey:
• Nine Arches Bridge view
• Train through tea country
14-Day Tour - Day 11 - Udawalawe
• Early morning advised to explore the breathtaking sunrise from the "Ella Gap"
• Watch the sun rise between two mountain peaks
• Depart to the wildlife-rich town of Udawalawe
• Enjoy a luxurious jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park
• Spot wild elephants – guaranteed sightings throughout the park
• Also look for crocodiles, water buffalo, deer, and abundant birdlife
• Check into Centauria Wild for overnight stay
• Overnight stay in the Udawalawe region
14-Day Tour - Day 12 - Galle
• Head south to the historic coastal city of Galle
• Along the way, visit the hot water springs in Embilipitiya
• Continue onward to the fish market in Weligama – a photographer's delight
• Observe the fascinating tradition of stilt fishing
• Watch fishermen perched on wooden poles in the shallow waters
• This ancient technique dates back centuries
• Reach Galle and check into Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel
• Overnight stay in legendary Galle
Coastal Traditions:
• Fishing Weligama stilt fishermen
• Tea plantation views en route
14-Day Tour - Day 13 - Galle to Colombo
• Morning exploration of the Galle Dutch Fort
• This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 17th century
• Walk along the ramparts with ocean views on both sides
• Learn about the fort's colonial history
• Enjoy a boat ride on scenic Madu Lake
• Cruise through mangrove forests and small islands
• Observe local wildlife including monitor lizards and water birds
• Begin your journey to the capital city of Colombo
• Check into Galle Face Hotel for overnight stay
• Stay overnight in Colombo
Coastal Heritage:
• Galle Fort ramparts and lighthouse
• Madu Lake boat safari
14-Day Tour - Day 14 - Colombo Departure
• Final morning in Colombo – city tour options available
• You may take a city tour if you have approximately 6-7 hours before flight departure
• Visit Gangarama Temple, Independence Square, or local markets
• Travel privately to Bandaranaike International Airport
• Your memorable cultural journey with VELLORA PRESTIGE to a graceful close
7-Day Tour - Days 1,2,3 - Sigiriya
Assumes early arrival on Day 01 at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Day 01:
• Meet your VELLORA PRESTIGE host at the airport for pickup
• Transfer to Sigiriya by private luxury vehicle (approximately 4 hours drive)
• Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple (approximately 400 steps to climb)
• Check into Amaya Lake on bed and breakfast basis
• Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Day 02:
• Morning visit to the Lion's Rock – Sigiriya Rock Fortress (1,200 steps to climb)
• Explore the ancient rock fortress and palace ruins
• Drive to Polonnaruwa (approximately 1.5 hours)
• Lunch served at Priyamali Gedara – authentic local cuisine
• Afternoon explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa
• Return to Sigiriya for overnight stay
Day 03:
• Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura (approximately 1.5 hours drive)
• Explore the sacred city and its magnificent stupas
• Visit Mihintale Buddhist Temple – the cradle of Buddhism
• Return to Sigiriya for overnight stay
7-Day Tour - Days 4,5 - Kandy
Day 04:
• En route to Kandy, visit the Matale Alu Vihara Temple
• Continue onward to Kandy (approximately 3 hours drive)
• Evening enjoyment of the Kandyan cultural dance show
• Check into Golden Crown Hotel on bed and breakfast basis
Day 05:
• Early morning visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Obtain blessings from Buddhist monks at this sacred shrine
• Visit the three temple loop – Gadaladeniya, Embekke, Lankathilake
• Return to Golden Crown Hotel for overnight stay
7-Day Tour - Days 6,7 - Colombo
Day 06:
• En route to Colombo (approximately 3 hours drive)
• Visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and Kotte Rajamahaviharaya
• Check into Galle Face Hotel for overnight stay
Day 07:
• Option for Colombo city tour before departure (subject to flight time)
• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for onward journey
• We hope this shortened cultural tour itinerary was satisfactory
• Feel free to request any modifications – we will do the needful
3-Day Tour - Day 1 - Anuradhapura
• On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, a VELLORA PRESTIGE host will meet you
• Transfer to a private, chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle
• Begin your shortened cultural tour with a 4-hour drive to Anuradhapura
• Enjoy a good lunch upon arrival
• Afternoon exploration of the historic ruins of the ancient capital
• Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and other landmarks
• Check into Forest Rock Garden for a relaxing night
• Stay overnight in historic Anuradhapura
3-Day Tour - Day 2 - Sigiriya
• After breakfast, check out from Forest Rock Garden
• Visit the Mihintale Buddhist Temple – the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
• Transfer to Polonnaruwa (approximately 1.5 hours)
• Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch at Priyamali Gedara
• Afternoon exploration of the ancient ruins in Polonnaruwa
• Travel to Sigiriya (another 1.5 hours)
• Check into Amaya Lake for the night
• Overnight stay in the Sigiriya region
3-Day Tour - Day 3 - Dambulla & Airport
• Early breakfast at the hotel
• Visit the Lion's Rock in Sigiriya – climb 1,200 steps to reach the Rock Fortress
• Enjoy splendid panoramic views from the summit
• Village tour with a local rice and curry lunch
• Take time to experience authentic rural Sri Lankan life
• Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple (400 steps to climb)
• Transfer to the airport (approximately 4 hours drive) – assumes late departure flight
• You have now completed the shortened cultural tour of Sri Lanka
• We hope to fit in as many cultural attractions as possible
• If you wish to extend or modify this itinerary, we will be happy to assist
