Classic Wonders Of Sri Lanka
11 Days / 10 Nights
11 Days / 10 Nights
Explore the sun-kissed beaches along Sri Lanka’s southern and western coasts and experience its unique wilderness, exciting excursions, and thrilling water sports. On this tour, you will also discover the richness of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage by visiting some of its renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
On arrival, you will be met by an WonderScapes Travels representative, Ayu-bowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the town of Negombo, located close to Bandaranaike International Airport. You can arrive at any time today as there are no activities planned until an important welcome meeting at 6pm. Those arriving early can get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by observing the local fishing craft and perhaps feasting on fresh seafood. The beautiful surrounding countryside is best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent with help from the hotel reception.
Overnight stay in negombo.
After breakfast proceed to the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Explore the famed Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the
1st century BC. This massive rock complex, comprising five caves, is Sri Lanka’s largest and
best-
preserved cave-temple complex.The intricate Buddhist mural paintings that adorn the sloping
ceilings — depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and covering over 2,100 square
meters
— are particularly significant. Equally impressive are the 157 statues, including the
remarkable
47-foot-long reclining Buddha statue.
This sacred site was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who, after regaining his
throne,
commissioned magnificent images to be carved into the rock. The hike up to the caves is
short
but steep. At the summit, you can explore the caves and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views
of
the surrounding countryside.
Included activities
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
After a scrumptious breakfast, you‘ll head to Anuradhapura, the northern point of Sri Lanka’s ‘cultural triangle’, which also contains Polonnaruwa to the east and Kandy to the south-west. This area is bursting with stunning temples and sites of cultural and religious importance. The city of Anuradhapura is one of the country’s most historically significant places and its first ancient capital. Take a step back in time as your leader guides you through the giant stupas of Ruwanweliseya and Jetawanaramaya, and ponder the rise and fall of ancient civilisations as you explore crumbling temples and ruins. Pay a visit to the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple – home to a sacred bodhi tree planted in 236, believed to be the oldest human-planted tree in the world. Stop by the ancient temple of Isurumuniya and see its beautiful carvings that tell stories that are thousands of years old. Return to Dambulla for an evening at leisure.
Included activities
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
A scenic journey leading you to Sri Lanka's beautiful culture and scenery, providing an unforgettable experience together.
Wear modest, light-colored clothing with shoulders and knees covered when visiting temples and religious sites.
No hats or footwear allowed inside temples. Bring flip-flops (easy to remove) and socks for hot ground surfaces.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent. The tropical sun can be intense, especially during outdoor excursions.
Photography restrictions apply at certain religious sites. Always ask permission before taking photos of people or sacred areas.
Anuradhapura - Bodhi Tree Temple
Polonnaruwa - Gal viharaya
Dambulla - Cave Temples
Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
Colombo - City tour by bus
Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance
Kandy – Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha
Minneriya National Park - Jeep Safari Min 4 pax
Kandy - Cultural Dance Performance
Kandy - Botanical Gardens
Udawalawe National Park - Jeep Safari Min 4 pax
After a scrumptious breakfast, head to Polonnaruwa to continue your explorations of the cultural
triangle. Following Anuradhapura as the Sinhalese and Chola capital in the 10th century, the area
is strewn with ancient riches. Discover well-preserved temples, tombs and stupas in
Polonnaruwa’s Quadrangle complex – it’s not hard to imagine what this place looked like in all
its former glory. Visit the remains of the seven-story palace built by King Parakramabahu, the
rock temple of Gal Vihara, the giant stupa of Rankot Vihara and the ancient Buddha image house
of Lankatilaka, covered in intricate carvings and housing a towering statue of Buddha. Stop by
the incredible statue of Parakrama I, at 10 m tall this is a truly impressive sight.
On your way back you will visit the Minneriya National Park, which is famous for its large herds
of Elephants, who gather around the lakes in the afternoons.
Included activities
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
After breakfast, proceed to Kandy, En route visit Sigiriya, the fifth-century rock citadel built
during the reign of King Kasyapa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent fortress
showcases the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan engineering and planning, and is one of the
island’s most remarkable monuments, rich in art and culture.
Climb to the summit and pass through the remains of the colossal Lion’s Paws, enjoying
sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and serene lake vistas. Admire the iconic frescoes
of the “Cloud Maidens”, stroll along the famed Mirror Wall, and explore the ancient inscriptions
and poems left by past visitors. Finish your visit at the museum near the entrance, which offers a
deeper understanding of the citadel’s historical significance and the advanced irrigation system
incorporated into its design.
Included activities
Overnight stay in Kandy.
After breakfast proceed to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
The Royal Botanical Gardens were originally created during the reign of a Sinhala king as a
pleasure garden for royalty. When the British took over the Kandyan Kingdom, they expanded
and enhanced this picturesque site. Covering 147 acres, the gardens feature a diverse collection
of trees, plants, and flowers, making it a perfect place to explore and enjoy the beauty of
nature.
After visiting the gardens, begin a city tour of Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and
a UNESCO World Heritage Site with much to explore. The city is rich in legends, traditions, and
folklore, many of which are still preserved and celebrated today.
Drive around Kandy Lake, built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, in 1798.
Explore the bustling Kandy town and bazaar, as well as the arts and crafts centre, gem museum,
and lapidary. Finally, visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord
Buddha, which houses a Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha and is the focal point of an annual
festival known as the Kandy Esala Perahera.
Thereafter witness a cultural show which offers more insight into the city’s rich culture and
traditions.
Included activities
Overnight stay in Kandy.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Bentota via the Pinnawala Elephant
Orphanage. Founded in 1975, the orphanage was initially created to care for seven orphaned
elephants. While it also attracted tourism interest, its primary focus gradually shifted toward
elephant conservation and education, Developing into an important centre dedicated to the
care, protection, and study of elephants.
Afterwards proceed to Bentota and check in to your hotel .
Included activities
Overnight stay in Bentota.
After breakfast, enjoy time at the beach. This beach is a hotspot for snorkeling, fishing, scuba
diving, sailing, windsurfing, and many other exciting water sports. Keep an eye out for sea
turtles that often come to the shore. Bentota is also well known for its luxurious
accommodation, including the Bentota Beach Hotel, which was built on the site of an old
Portuguese fort
Today you can relax on the beach or enjoy some water sports. You may also indulge yourself in
one of the many spa treatments available.
Overnight stay in Bentota.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and enjoy a boat ride along the Madhu River before
leaving for your hotel in Colombo.
Afterwards proceed to Colombo and check in to your hotel .
Overnight stay in Colombo.
Colombo, the Capital city of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade
routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. That rich heritage is reflected in
its architecture, which blends colonial buildings with modern high-rises and bustling shopping
malls.
The impressive Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history, borders the
sprawling Viharamahadevi Park with its giant Buddha statue. From vibrant markets to serene
temples, colonial landmarks to contemporary attractions, Colombo offers a fascinating blend of
old and new, making it a must-see destination on your Sri Lankan journey.
As night falls, head back to your hotel in Colombo and look back at the thrilling excursions of
the day.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight. Ayubowan, and we wish you a pleasant journey home.
Your accommodation, meal plan and transfers are tailored to your preferences & budget
Bring cool & comfortable clothing!
Sunscreen, flip flops, shoes and insect repellent will always come in handy
At all religious sites in Sri Lanka everyone is expected to dress respectfully in modest light coloured clothing with shoulders & knees covered
NO hats or footwear are allowed inside temples, so flip flops (which you would have to leave at the entrance) and an extra pair of socks are a good idea so you do not have to walk barefoot on the hot ground.
