AEI-63 Sri Lanka 4N-5D
Expert Rating: Asia Escapes
“This itinerary is the perfect ‘Express’ option for discovering Sri Lanka’s historical pillars in just five days. It focuses exclusively on the Cultural Triangle and the holy city of Kandy , guaranteeing visits to the most iconic UNESCO sites without excessive transfer time. By combining world-class archaeology with the wild nature of Minneriya , it offers a comprehensive and exciting overview of the country, making it ideal for an intense and highly productive cultural getaway.”
Day 1. Colombo-Dambulla-Habarana Airport - Half Board
Arrival at Colombo airport, assistance, and departure for Habarana. En route, visit the cave temple. After the visit, transfer to the hotel in Habarana and check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel .
– The cave temple is carved into a rocky outcrop and contains an extraordinary number of images, statues, carvings, and paintings. The reclining Buddha statue is truly magnificent, measuring 14 meters in length and carved directly into the rock. These cave temples date back to the 1st century BC, and some of the paintings are ancient, while others date from the 19th century. In addition to the numerous Buddha statues, there are also images of Vishnu and Saman. Many of the Buddha statues are depicted in meditative poses. There are a total of five caves, and some of them feature striking murals on the walls and ceiling.
Day 2. Habarana-Polonnaruwa-Safari in Minneriya National Park-Habarana - Half Board
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit Polonnaruwa. This city is located southeast of Anuradhapura, in an area of ponds built centuries ago by the kings of Sri Lanka. Incredibly, these ponds continue to function today. The impressive fortified complex of Parakrama Samudra, covering approximately 2,400 hectares, is a highlight. After the 11th century, Indian invaders conquered the city. Next, visit the impressive ruins of Polonnaruwa, the medieval jewel and second capital of Sri Lanka, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Located southeast of Anuradhapura, in an area of ponds built centuries ago by the kings of Sri Lanka,
it is famous for its artistic beauty. Among other sights, we will see the four giant statues carved into the rock of Gal Vihara, depicting one of Polonnaruwa’s greatest kings, Parakramabahu. Safari in Minneriya National Park, return to the hotel, dinner at the hotel, and overnight stay.
Day 3. Habarana-Sigiriya-Habarana - Half Board
Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit Sigiriya and climb Lion Rock, known for its frescoes of the Golden Maidens. We will visit the Royal Leisure Gardens, believed to be among the earliest landscaped gardens in Asia. The Mirror Wall, another distinctive feature of Sigiriya, is located right next to the paintings; its surface is polished and covered with the writing known as “Sigiri graffiti,” which is written in the form of a poem. We will also visit the Lion Staircase, which leads to the summit and is distinguished by the enormous lion’s paw carved at the base of the ascent. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4. Habarana-Matale-Kandy - Half Board
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Kandy. En route, we will visit spice plantations in Matale. This area is famous for its spices. During the early days of Sri Lanka, it was known as a “spicy island.” Most spices are used to enhance the flavor of curries. Sometimes they are also used in herbal medicine. Many spices have a pleasant fragrance that piques the appetite for food. KANDY – The holiest city in Sri Lanka, where the precious relic, the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, is permanently enshrined. First established in Anuradhapura, then in Polonnaruwa, and finally in the beautiful, unforgettable, and endearing Kandy. The Perahera festival, held in its full splendor, also takes place here in July and August. In 1590, the rulers of Kotte made Kandy their capital. For more than two centuries, Kandy was an independent kingdom, resisting the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the English. Only in 1815 did the British finally subdue this beautiful city in the land of mountains. Temple of the Tooth – Built between 1678 and 1782, during the reigns of several monarchs. It features a beautiful octagonal building, constructed during the time of Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, which houses an impressive library. Every evening, people throng the temple halls, eagerly awaiting their turn to view the precious relic. All this unfolds to the lively rhythm of instant trumpets and Kandyana drums, heralding the long-awaited moment of religious contemplation. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.
Day 5. Kandy-Colombo
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Colombo airport, arrival and take flight to next destination.
Price Includes
- 4 Night Accommodation.
- 4 Breakfasts.
- 4 Dinners at the hotels where we stayed.
- Local guide service in the client’s language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Turkish.
- Air-conditioned transport throughout the trip.
- Visits according to schedule.
- Assistance at airports and train stations by an English-speaking representative.
- Entrance fees to monuments/temples according to the itinerary.
- 1 safari in Minneriya Park.
- The rates applicable at this time.
Price does not include
- Tips for porters, waiters, drivers, guides, etc.
- Camera fees at monuments.
- Extra expenses at the hotel such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Cities | The Most Important (Highlights) |
Dambulla | Golden Cave Temple: A complex of 5 caves with ancient paintings and an impressive 14-meter Buddha statue carved into the rock. |
Polonnaruwa | Ancient Medieval Capital: Historical ruins where the 4 giant statues of Gal Vihara stand out , masterpieces of rock sculpture. |
Minneriya | Safari in National Park: The unique opportunity to observe large herds of wild elephants in their natural habitat. |
Sigiriya | The Lion Rock: Ascent to the fortress to see the frescoes of the Golden Maidens , the Mirror Wall and the colossal Lion Paws. |
Kill him | Spice Garden: Discovering the plants that produce curry and herbal medicines on the legendary “Spice Island”. |
Kandy | Temple of the Tooth Relic: The most sacred place in the country, where the relic of the Buddha is kept amidst rituals of drums and trumpets. |
CITIES | CAT. A HOTELS | CAT. B HOTELS | CAT. C HOTELS |
Habarana | Sigiriya Village | Habarana Village by Cinnamon | Cinnamon Lodge |
Kandy | Radisson Hotel | Cinnamon Citadel | Golden Crown |
