Don’t Miss
- Learn of the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
- Discover the Cultural Triangle’s rock fortresses and hill-top palaces
- Explore Dambulla’s serene Buddhist cave temples
- Visit Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth
- Experience one of the finest train journeys in the world
- Visit the jungle shrine of Kataragama
- Discover life within Galle’s 17C Dutch Fort
- Enjoy the palm fringed beaches and turquoise waters of the south
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Accommodation in a shared double / twin room
- Chauffeur-guide and vehicle for the duration of the tour (including leisure days)
- Both airport transfers
- Expert advice and support prior to and during the tour
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Price shown is a starting price and is subject to change, depending on travel dates / the number of people travelling etc.
- Price shown is based on two people sharing a double / twin room
- See our Booking Conditions for more details
Day 1 Colombo
Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to Colombo where, if you wish, we will arrange a discussion with a local historian about the tour ahead in one of the capital’s most historic settings.
Accommodation: Galle Face Hotel
Day 2 Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Journey to the Cultural Triangle in the North Central region. Your first stop this morning is the architectural wonder of Yapahuwa. Climb an impressive staircase, decorated by murals and guarded by lions, to what remains of the palace. If time permits visit Sasseruwa, an ancient cave monastery possessing a striking Buddha statue. Then onward to Aukana, where the wonderfully-preserved Buddha stands 42 feet high. Your hotel near Anuradhapura is for two nights.
Recommended Activities: Yapahuwa
Day 3 Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Explore Mihintale, where Buddhism took root in Sri Lanka. Consider an early-morning climb up 1,840 steps to the summit of Mihintale rock. The pagodas and monastic cave dwellings are more easily experienced. Visit the 'Mahakanadarawa' stone bridge, which dates back to the 7C, hidden in the forest. Then discover the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, once the greatest monastic city of the world. It served as Sri Lanka's capital for around 1,400 years until Polonnaruwa took precedence in 1073. Archaeologists in the 18C felt they were discovering a lost city, and you will understand why as you gaze upon the remains of the palaces, statues and pleasure gardens.
Recommended Activities: Mihintale , Anuradhapura
Day 4 Kandalama, Cultural Triangle
Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 1073 and remained Sri Lanka’s capital until the late 13C. Today, the ancient city’s ruins remain in remarkably good order. The most impressive are the ancient sculptures of Lord Buddha at the Gal Vihara cut into Granite stone. The Archaeological Museum short drive away gives an insight into the kingdom. Visit the Polonnaruwa tank and understand why many Sri Lankans revere Parakramabahu the Great above all other rulers, or take a forest walk to Ritigala. Today you also switch hotels to help reduce travel times.
Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama
Recommended Activities: Polonnaruwa , Ritigala
Day 5 Kandalama, Cultural Triangle
Rise early and climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock, another of Sri Lanka's fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. No matter how often you climb to the summit of this one-time fortress of the murderous, maverick, Sinhalese king, Kasyapa, the pleasure remains. Many scholars believe that Kasyapa sought to rule as a God-king. About two hours can happily be spent walking through water gardens, and then up the steep steps - either hewn out of the rock or on circular iron staircases - past the frescoes. In the afternoon, take in Dambulla Cave Temple and see the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka.
Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama
Recommended Activities: Sigiriya Rock Fortress , Dambulla Cave Temple
Day 6 Kandy
After breakfast, head to Sri Lanka's hill capital - the small lakeside city of Kandy. On the way, visit the ancient Aluvihara rock temple, located in Matale. Aluvihara is of great significance in the history of Buddhism. It was here that the oral teachings of the Buddha were committed to writing – the Tripitaka - for the first time in 3rd century AD. Visit the Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined since 4th Century A.D. The temple has decorative walls, a golden roof and fine woodwork. Religious services with traditional music and drumming are held daily at dawn, midday and in the evening where guests can participate.
Accommodation: Mountbatten Bungalow
Recommended Activities: Aluvihara Cave Temple , Temple of the Tooth
Day 7 Kandy
Explore Kandy independently or arrange a guided tour of the city. In Kandy, Buddhist temples displaying ancient Kandyan art sit side-by-side with buildings bearing British architecture and other British influences such as the delightful Royal Botanical Gardens, with its orchid collection and formally laid-out trees, or the British cemetery, where the tombs include that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes. Look in at the Archaeological Museum. Learn of Kandy's rich ancient arts and crafts including traditional Kandyan dance and drumming and even have a drumming lesson.
Accommodation: Mountbatten Bungalow
Recommended Activities: Kandy City Walking Tour , Play a Sri Lankan drum , Royal Botanical Gardens
Day 8 Nuwara Eliya, Hill Country
This morning you hop on aboard a train and head to the one-time British hill station of Nuwara Eliya - a land of lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and attractive tea bungalows. Visit Paranagama and learn how the British crushed the rebellion of 1817/18 with a scorched-earth policy. If there’s time call in at Hakgala Botanical Gardens or the nearby Bomburuella waterfall, one of Sri Lanka’s finest. Spend just one night in Nuwara Eliya to cut travel time over the next two days.
Accommodation: The Oliphant Boutique Villa
Recommended Activities: Sri Lanka Waterfalls , Kandy to the Hill Country by train
Day 9 Koslanda, Hill Country
Sir Thomas Lipton launched his tea empire in the Haputale Mountains. To see where it all began, visit Lipton’s Seat, his favourite vantage point to gaze upon his enormous estate. Adisham - a Benedictine Monastery with a century old stone buildings is also another interesting site to visit in Haputale. The Nine Arches Bridge is one of the iconic bridges in Sri Lanka and can be found between Ella and Demodara railway stations.
Accommodation: The Planter's House
Recommended Activities: Nine Arch Bridge , Lipton's Seat
Day 10 Tissamaharama, Tissa & Kataragama
Today you travel to the south-east of Sri Lanka, a rural corner of the island famous for its huge game reserves, vast sugar cane and paddy fields, and rich cultural heritage. En route, take a small detour to Buduruvagala to see Sri Lanka's tallest rock-cut Buddha statue, 51 ft. in height, and other Mahayana Buddhist statues dating back to the 8th-century AD. The afternoon is spent at the sacred jungle shrine of Kataragama located nearby. This holy shrine was built by the warrior King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C. to pay homage to God Kataragama. This shrine is worshipped by people of many faiths. Each day, the shrines come alive when poojas are presented to the Gods. The baskets filled with fruit and flowers, the aromas from burning incense and oil lamps, the sounds of dashing coconuts, clanging bells and continuous chanting all combine to provide a mesmerizing experience.
Accommodation: Kithala Resort
Recommended Activities: Buduruwagala , Kataragama
Day 11 Tissamaharama, Galle
You awake on the outskirts of Tissamaharama, the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century B.C. Tissa, named after King Kavantissa, is dominated by gigantic semi-circle shaped Buddhist Dagobas (temples),lush green paddy fields and lotus-filled lakes. The sprawling Tissa Wewa was built by King Kavantissa 2,300 years ago. By late morning, you travel along the south coast to the historic city of Galle. Opt for the new motorway or amble along a beautiful coastline and grab lunch by the beach along the way. As always with Red Dot, the choice is yours.
Day 12 Galle Fort, Guided Walk of Galle Fort History and Architecture
Galle Fort is a magnet for tourists eager to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hours can be spent exploring a maze of narrow streets lined with a collection of small art and craft shops, cafes and beautiful boutique hotels. If you wish you can opt for a guided tour of Galle Fort. There are also some fine beaches just outside the Fort if you are inclined to take a few hours out and examine culture 21st century style.
Day 13 & 14 Sri Lanka Puppet Show, Geoffrey Bawa's Lunuganga
Two days in the beach town of Bentota complete your cultural holiday. Take the chance to learn about the ancient art of Sri Lankan puppet making and the history that they represent. Sri Lankan culture is also represented in the past half-century by the acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa: the nearby Lunuganga Estate, his country home, gives you an insight into his character. We have opted to complete your holiday at a colonial-style beach hotel but you can opt for Lunuganga (or any other property) if you prefer.
Galle Face Hotel
Colombo
Galle Face Hotel, originally constructed in the 19th century, incorporates traditional Victorian features with stylish contemporary design. It is an attractive alternative to Colombo’s modern business hotels: the stately wooden panelling and staunchly Victorian rooms are resonant of a bygone age.
4.4
Forest Rock Garden
Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Forest Rock Garden Resort is inspired by the designs of ancient Sri Lankan kings. Ornate stone pillars and statues, ancient trees and ponds and waterways traverse a 50-acre wilderness. Those who built the temples of the nearby ruined capital of Anuradhapura would have approved.
Heritance Kandalama
Kandalama, Cultural Triangle
Heritance Kandalama is a minimalist contemporary hotel cleverly designed by Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s famous architecture guru.
5
Mountbatten Bungalow
Kandy
Mountbatten Bungalow provides a colonial experience with all the luxuries of modern life. Surrounded by tea gardens, this accommodation has a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, yet remains within easy distance of Kandy for daily excursions into the city.
The Oliphant Boutique Villa
Shanthipura, Hill Country
The Oliphant Boutique Villa is a charming seven-bedroom British colonial house amidst tea estates and mountains a short distance from the Nuwara Eliya town. Located in Shanthipura, the highest village in Sri Lanka, this mansion was built by the son of Sir Anthony Oliphant, the eight Chief Justice of old Ceylon and is perfect for couples.
The Planter's House
Koslanda, Hill Country
The Planter's House is a striking colonial-style boutique hotel in the hills within the confines of the iconic Lipton tea estate. An infinity pool, gym and spa treatments make it an appealing base for a hill country stay.
Kithala Resort
Udawalawe, Tissa and Kataragama
Kithala Resort, a three star hotel, lies in the deep south, in the town of Tissa. Wildlife enthusiasts will be particularly taken by its restful location close to the Tissmaharama reservoir. From your private balcony, relax on colonial-style cane chairs and watch an array of birds in the nearby rice fields, as well as the timeless rituals of paddy farming.
4.5
Following are recommended optional activities
Yapahuwa
Yaddigama, Cultural Triangle
Yapahuwa, a shortlived Sri Lankan medieval capital, is an enormous yet little-visited rock fortress built in the 13th century around a vast granite rock which rises 100m above the surrounding plains.
Mihintale
Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Mihintale was recorded as being the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 3rd century BC. The peak is home to magnificent pieces of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and a majestic 40ft dagoba.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Discover the majestic remains of Sri Lanka’s first capital, originally built in the 4th century BC, the ruling place for over 100 Sri Lankan kings. You can explore these extensive ruins by bike.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka’s medieval capital from 1073 until the late 1200s, the ruins of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa are incredibly well-preserved and include magnificant granite sculptures of Lord Buddha.
Ritigala
Anuradhapura, Cultural Triangle
Ritigala is nestled deep inside a jungle-covered nature reserve, the ruins of an extensive Buddhist monasty which was abandoned during the invasions of the 10th and 11th centuries.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya, Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most majestic, awe-inspiring and stunning historical locations in the world, built in the 5th century AD by ‘mad’ King Kasyapa.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla, Cultural Triangle
The most famous cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple boasts the largest number of Buddha statues to be housed in one place, as well as stunning ceiling paintings.
Aluvihara Cave Temple
Matale, Cultural Triangle
Aluvihara Cave Temple, which can be visited easily from Kandy and the Cultural Triangle, is where the oral teachings of Lord Buddha were first put into writing in the 3rd century AD.
Temple of the Tooth
Kandy
Tradition relates that a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th century A.D. and has been enshrined in the Dalanda Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, since the late 1500s.
Kandy City Walking Tour
Kandy
Discover Kandy’s rich history which includes incredible art and architecture, Buddhism, British colonial rule, and its vibrant multicultural present.
Play a Sri Lankan drum
Kandy
Sri Lanka resonates to the sound of drumming, and with the help of Red Dot, a teacher from a long line of professional drummers can reveal the basics of how to play as well as understand the history and importance of drums in Sri Lanka.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Kandy
The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka and the finest in Asia. Explore the beautiful surroundings with an expert, or simple enjoy a relaxed stroll in the sun.
Sri Lanka Waterfalls
Hill Country
More than a hundred waterfalls are scattered across Sri Lanka’s verdant central hills, and whilst some are fairly small or inaccessible, many are worth hiking to. We've highlighted our top five.
Kandy to the Hill Country by train
Kandy
Praised as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, the train ride winds out of Kandy and up through the Hill Country, providing panoramic views of the spectacular tea-covered hills.
Nine Arch Bridge
Ella, Hill Country
Located in Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Sri Lanka and is a stunning example of the incredible engineering prowess behind the island’s railway system.
Lipton's Seat
Haputale, Hill Country
The favourite viewing point of Sir Thomas Lipton, Lipton’s Seat offers one of the most spectacular views of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Drive to the top, or walk up through the surrounding plantations.
Buduruwagala
Koslanda, Hill Country
The ancient rock carvings at Buduruwagala date back to the 8th century. Seven gigantic Buddhist figures are sculpted into a 70ft cliff, including a colossal image of Lord Buddha spanning over 50ft.
Kataragama
Kataragama, Tissa & Kataragama
An ancient pilgrimage site visited by Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. It is believed that King Dutugemunu built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC.
