Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a journey to one of Sri Lanka's most captivating destinations - Sigiriya Rock. Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's also known as the “Lion Rock.” The rock is mesmerizing. It rises 200 meters from the scrub jungle around it. It is a regional landmark. It has a raised mesa. A fortress was ingeniously built on it centuries ago.

Upon arrival, prepare to be awe-struck by the sheer grandeur of Sigiriya. Climb up to the fortress. You will marvel at the stunning water gardens below. As you climb higher, you'll see the famous frescoes inside. They offer a glimpse into the ancient art and rich culture of the region. Overnight in Dambulla. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning at your leisure, perhaps taking time to rest after an active few days! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join our optional excursion to the Minneriya National Park* for elephant and leopard watching.

In the afternoon, join your guide for a visit to Polonnaruwa, an ancient capital of the eponymous Sri Lankan kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts enormous man-made reservoirs like the “Sea of Parakrama,” larger in size than the Colombo harbor. Other highlights include the Royal Palace complex (including the King's Palace and Audience Hall), plus the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage, and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex with four massive statues of the Buddha cut from a single slab of granite. Transfer back to the hotel, overnight stay in Dambulla.

*Optional excursion to Minneriya National Park: Home to a diverse array of wildlife attracted to its varied topography and the Minneriya Tank, a man-made reservoir built in the 3rd century. The park is known for its permanent population of 150-200 Sri Lankan elephants.

Breakfast at the hotel. Join your guide to begin the journey towards the historically-significant city of Kandy with two stops along the way. Before leaving the village, see the Dambulla Cave Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of five interconnected caves and features over 150 depictions of the Buddha. Though most of what we see dates to the early 19th century, some inscriptions come from as far back as the 2nd century BCE.

Next, visit the Spice Garden to learn more about the exotic botanicals that motivated centuries of trade and colonization on the island. Get a detailed look at the plants on display and enjoy a head and shoulder massage before you leave!

From there, arrive in Kandy and check in at your hotel. Head out for an included evening tour of the city including the Gem Museum and a Batik factory. Continue with a tour of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a complex with palaces, gardens, and of course a Buddhist temple. Finally, end your evening with an hour-long cultural show, where you’ll be wowed by dances with swords and fire. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by train to the more southerly city of Nuwara Eliya. This famous ride is quite scenic in and of itself! On your way, make a stop at a tea plantation to learn more about how demand for the plant re-shaped Sri Lanka’s topography and demography forever. First introduced to the island in 1867, tea remains one of Sri Lanka’s top exports today.

On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, check in to your hotel and then take an evening walking tour to see sites like Victoria Park and the Pink Post Office. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed with your guide to Colombo, where you’ll have the chance to take a tuk-tuk tour of the Sri Lankan capital. This bustling city is alive with color, sound, and rich history. Visit religious monuments like  the old Wolfendhal Dutch Church (built in 1749) and the famous Gangarama Temple situated opposite the Beira Lake. Be sure to take note of the city’s manicured gardens and examples of colonial architecture such as the Dutch Hospital. Transfer to your hotel for final check in, overnight stay in Negombo.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicted time, transfer to Colombo International Airport for your return flight back to the US**. Night on board.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Please note that you need to be at the airport at least three hours prior to departure.