Sri Lanka Cultural Tour
10 Days / 09 Nights Cultural Journey
10 Days / 09 Nights Cultural Journey
The Cultural Highlights Tour offers a fascinating journey through Sri Lanka's renowned archaeological sites and historic landmarks. Visit a magnificent rock fortress and a sacred city, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites celebrated for their architectural and religious significance. Experience the island's spiritual heritage while receiving the blessings of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha - the revered Triple Gem of Buddhism. This tour beautifully combines history, culture, spirituality, and scenic beauty, offering a deeper insight into Sri Lanka's timeless heritage.
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without close encounters with the island's majestic elephants.
En route, visit 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.
Overnight stay in Kandalama.
Explore the historic city of Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka. Discover ancient ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, and monuments that reflect the grandeur of its past. Experience Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage with a visit to the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, one of the oldest historically documented trees in the world.
Admire skilfully carved statues of Lord Buddha, including the Aukana Buddha Statue, which stands approximately 46 feet tall, along with many other significant religious and cultural attractions.
Included activities
Overnight stay in Kandalama.
Standing like a sentinel against the passage of time, the iconic rock fortress known as Sigiriya is a truly breathtaking sight. One of the "must-do" experiences at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the moderately easy climb to the summit, where you can admire the famous frescoes of the heavenly maidens, the Mirror Wall, and the colossal Lion Paws carved out of the rock.
Sri Lanka's most ancient kingdom was Anuradhapura. After its decline, the role of capital passed to the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. At the height of its reign, Polonnaruwa was a self-sufficient and highly advanced citadel. Today, it is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to many ruins that serve as reminders of the city's once-glorious past.
Optional activities
Overnight stay in Kandalama.
Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers insight into Sri Lanka's heritage and culture as you explore the first century B.C. Admire the first of its kind Buddha statues in various poses, sculptures of deities, and more within the five caverns that make up this remarkable complex.
Proceed to Kandy via Matale, with a stop en route at a spice garden in Matale, famous for its wide variety of spices. During your visit, learn about the different spices and how they are cultivated and processed. You will also have the opportunity to witness a cookery demonstration showcasing the use of these spices in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
After your visit, continue to your hotel in Kandy and check in. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the town at your own pace.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Totalling 147 acres, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is an excellent place to explore its carefully tended plants, flowers, and spices. Manages by the Division of National Botanic Gardens, it continues to attract visitors throughout the year. Join WonderScape Travels on a stroll through this modern-day Garden of Eden.
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 alive with Sri Lankan legends, traditions, and folklore, many of which are still preserved and celebrated today.
In the evening, enjoy a cultural show, showcasing the vibrant arts and heritage of Kandy.
Included activities
Optional activities
Overnight stay in Kandy.
'Little England' or Nuwara Eliya has been a delightful getaway from the stifling heat of the coastline for the elite since colonial times. Offering refreshing mountain air, scenic vistas of rolling hills and an interesting history, this little town is a must visit.
Nuwara Eliya has been blessed with some truly majestic waterfalls, and a fun trekking experience with us is a great way to discover them among various tea plantations - Devon Falls, Laksapana Falls and countless more. After which, you can pay a visit to the Victoria Golf Course, a Donald Steele Masterpiece and take in one of the finest golf courses in the whole of South Asia. End your day with a fragrant cup of freshly brewed Ceylon Tea at a cosy tea house such as St. Clair's Tea Centre.
Nuwara Eliya - Tea Factory Visit
Overnight stay in Kandapola.
Horton Plains is bordered by Sri Lanka's second- and third-highest mountain peaks and is situated in the Central Highlands at an altitude ranging from 6,900–7,500 ft. The vast plains feature stunning waterfalls, including Slab Rock Falls and Baker's Falls, rising majestically amidst the lush evergreen forests.
The reserve is home to over 750 species of plants, many of which are endemic to the area. Nature lovers can also enjoy birdwatching, as the park hosts a variety of bird species unique to this region.
Overnight stay in Bandarawela.
Travel south today for an exciting 4WD safari through Udawalawe National Park, where you'll come across the island's native wildlife - for far more than elephants, leopards and aquatic birds.Udawalawe is amongst the most important habitats for Sri Lankan elephants. The gentle giants gather upon the banks of the Udawalawe Reservoir in large herds, creating a beautiful spectacle that thrills onlookers. It is estimated that Udawalawe National Park has over 250 resident elephants which certainly heightens the site's appeal. The park is also home to fishing cats, Sri Lankan axis deer, water buffalo, and over 30 species of water birds.
Included activities
Overnight stay in Udawalawe
After breakfast, drive to Colombo and enjoy views of daily life along the way. Upon arrival, take a city tour by bus, visiting key landmarks such as Independence Square, the Parliament, and the National Museum.Explore Pettah Market on foot, experiencing its vibrant atmosphere and bustling streets. The tour concludes with a meaningful shopping experience at the Barefoot Fairtrade Store, where you can purchase unique handicrafts from across the country while supporting local industries.
If you happen to be in Colombo on a Saturday, you may also visit Good Market, a lively local market featuring social enterprises and responsible businesses.In the evening, there is an opportunity to enjoy a group dinner with your fellow travelers to celebrate your memorable journey through Sri Lanka.
Day 10 - Colombo
After breakfast, it is time to transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's culture and landscapes.
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.
