Archaeological

Season : August - September

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 1	Arrive in Colombo		Meet and assist by the National guide and transfer to the hotel	Welcome dinner	Galle Face Hotel Colombo

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 2	Introduction lecture at the Museum	Local Restaurant Thunapaha at the beautiful Water’s Edge. Sri Lankan cuisine introduction to Sri Lankan food	Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya Temple visit		Galle Face Hotel Colombo

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 3	Leave hotel Drive to Anuradhapura	At the Forest Rock Garden Hotel. (menu – vegetarian theme)We take the Northern coastal route via Negombo (former Portuguese and Dutch colony) at which point we can travel through the famous Negombo fishing village and the river mouth for photographs. We will also stop briefly at the Portuguese Fort	Mihintale rock temple in the evening and the Kaludiya Pokuna complex	At Hotel	Anuradhapura Sanctuary by Tissa Wewa Hotel (Alcohol will not be served)

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 4	Ancient Anduradhapura and transfer to Habarana late in the evening	Sanctuary by Tissa Wewa. (beautifully maintained colonial property) which is in the sacred city itself so that minimum time is wasted traveling back & forth to the city	Ancient Anduradhapura continued. Site museum A walk is recommended among the ruins in the Abhayagiri Vihara complex in the morning hours between 9 and 11 when the sun is tolerable. Sacred Bodhi Tree and Maha Thupa are best at just before dusk.	Dinner at Hotel	Habarana Cinnamon Lodge Hotel

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 5	King Kasyapa’s palace, Sigiriya,Climb up to Kasyapa citadel Sigiriya Museum	Hotel Sigiriya overlooking the Rock Fortress Free afternoon at leisure OR Can watch wild elephants at Minneriya National Park on a jeep safari – OPTIONAL Expert Guide’s lecture on Polonnaruwa in the night		at Hotel BBQ (on a Supplement charge)	Habarana Cinnamon Lodge Hotel

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 6	Polonnaruwa medieval city Comprehensive	Thidas Arana Restaurant or traditional Sri Lankan lunch at Priyamali’Gedera Polonnaruwa	Polonnaruwa Museum	at Hotel	Habarana Cinnamon Lodge Hotel

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 7	Avukana Buddha, Kala Wewa reservoir, Dambulla rock temple	Gimanhala restaurant at Dambulla before we climb the Dambulla rock.	Free afternoon at leisure. Nature walks in the vast forest garden of the resort or the Ritigala Forest Monastery ruins – OPTIONAL	at Hotel	Habarana Cinnamon Lodge Hotel

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 8	Leave hotel , Aluvihare site visit including Temple,Spice garden visit	Kamatha Restaurant – served on lotus leaves overlooking the rice fields.	Drive to Kandy Evening visit to Temple of Tooth	at Hotel	Kandy Cinnamon Citadel Hotel

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 9	Gadaladeniya Viharaya Temple,Lankatilaka Viharaya Temple,Kataragama Devale Temple,(Embekke Shrine),Peradeniya Botanical Gardens	Garden Cafe Inside the botanical gardens – picnic style surrounded by greenery.	Anglican Cathedral British War Veterans’ cemetery ,Visit a batik shop Free time in town Yes, an ideal evening for shopping and for a hike around the lake with the temple cluster in the back-drop	at Hotel	Kandy Cinnamon Citadel Hotel

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 10	Drive to Nuwara Eliya	Grand Hotel	Stop en route for tea sampling/ Tea processing intro A guided tour of Labukelle Tea Estate	at hotel	Nuwara Eliya Grand Hotel

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 11	Enjoy the salubrious Tea Capital	at the 19th century colonial Hill Club	Full day free for strolls at the Victoria Park, Golf Links and around the Gregory’s Lake surrounded by tea gardens.	at hotel	Nuwara Eliya Grand Hotel

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 12	Drive to Mulkirigala Temple in the South,Visit Mulkirigala Temple,Purvarama Temple(kathaluwa),Rock carving of the ‘Leper King’ (kushta raja gala) ,Martin Wikramasinghe Folk Museum	Peacock Beach Hotel, Hambantota	Drive to Hikkaduwa On the express way afterwards	at hotel	Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon Hotel on the beach

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 13	Tour of Galle,Geoffrey Bawa Estate Lunuganga afternoon tour	Seafood lunch in line with the location,National Marine Museum Marine Archaeological Project,Visit the Ambalangoda craftsmen	Tour of historical centre of Galle incl. Ramparts and Fort in the morning	Farewell Dinner at Hotel,over ‘kolam’ dance	Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon Hotel on the beach

Day	Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Dinner	Hotel
Day 14	Leave for the Airport by express-way after an early breakfast				Pax opting for extended stays on the beach will remain

Location

Explore ancient Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya. Discover the serenity of Dambulla's rock temple and the lush tea country of Nuwara Eliya. Experience the coastal charm of Hikkaduwa and the historic beauty of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tour Plan Summary

Day 1

Colombo Welcome

Enjoy a flavorful welcome dinner, starting your exciting Sri Lankan adventure.
Day 2

Colombo's Cultural Gems

Explore Colombo's history, artistry, Buddhism at Gothami Temple, and taste Sri Lankan cuisine.
Day 3

Ancient Anuradhapura

Explore Anuradhapura's ancient ruins, visit Negombo village, Portuguese Fort, and Mihintale.
Day 4

Anuradhapura's Sacred Sites

Explore Anuradhapura's Sacred Bodhi Tree and Maha Thupa; then visit Habarana.
Day 5

Sigiriya's Majestic Fortress

Explore Sigiriya's ruins, frescoes, and palace; visit the museum; optional safari.
Day 6

Polonnaruwa's Medieval City

Explore Polonnaruwa’s ruins and temples, then delve into its history at the museum.
Day 7

Dambulla's Rock Temple & Avukana Buddha

Explore Avukana Buddha, Kala Wewa’s serenity, and Dambulla’s cave temples.
Day 8

Kandy's Temple of the Tooth & Spice Garden

Explore Aluvihare's ancient teachings, Sri Lankan spices, and Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth.
Day 9

Kandy's Cultural Tapestry

Explore Kandy’s temples, including Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka, Kataragama, Embekke; picnic in Peradeniya Gardens.
Day 10

Nuwara Eliya's Tea Country

Scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, tea tasting, and colonial charm at Hill Club.
Day 11

Nuwara Eliya's Tranquil Beauty

Explore Nuwara Eliya: Victoria Park, Gregory's Lake, and stunning tea garden views.
Day 12

Mulkirigala Temple & Hikkaduwa Beach

Explore Mulkirigala Temple’s rock carvings, savor seafood in Hambantota, then relax in Hikkaduwa.
Day 13

Galle's Historic Charm

Explore Galle's fort, museums, masks, and enjoy a traditional dance farewell.
Day 14

Farewell to Sri Lanka

Depart from Sri Lanka after exploring ancient wonders, rich culture, and stunning landscapes.

Tour Plan Summary

Highlights

Embark on a captivating 14-day journey through Sri Lanka's rich history and cultural tapestry. This comprehensive tour takes you on an unforgettable exploration of ancient ruins, majestic temples, and breathtaking landscapes, starting in Colombo and venturing through the heart of Sri Lanka's ancient cities, tea country, and coastal gems. Delve into the depths of Sri Lanka's fascinating history, discover the beauty of its sacred sites, and experience the vibrant culture through traditional cuisine, artistry, and local hospitality.

From the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the breathtaking Sigiriya rock fortress and the serene Dambulla rock temple, you'll immerse yourself in a world of ancient artifacts, stunning architecture, and captivating stories. Explore the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, encounter the charming coastal town of Hikkaduwa, and discover the historic charm of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sri Lanka.

Duration : 12 Days
Favor : Archaeological
Location : Colombo / Anuradhapura / Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla / Kandy / Nuwara Eliya / Galle

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