UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour of Sri Lanka

Day 01 - Colombo

You will be picked up from BIA airport or your hotel in Colombo, Negombo, Mount Lavinia and driven to Galle for the overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Galle.

Day 02 - Colombo - Sinharaja

Enjoy breakfast ay the hotel.

Discover the Rich History and Natural Beauty of Sri Lanka Embark on an exciting adventure by visiting the Galle Dutch Fort – a significant historical, archaeological and architectural monument built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. Even after 423 years, the fort remains well-preserved, thanks to the extensive reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. This magnificent site has been recognized by UNESCO and inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

Later, enjoy a scenic three-hour drive to Sinharaja. In the afternoon, embark on a guided trekking tour of the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular ecotourism destination in Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay in Sinharaja.

Day 03 - Sinharaja - Nuwara Eliya

Explore the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka and the Charm of Nuwara Eliya Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then get ready to be chauffeured to Nuwara Eliya, where you can take in some of the many attractions of this central highland area. The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to their incredible biodiversity. In the afternoon, take a guided city tour of Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England". This quaint town boasts delightful spring-like weather all year round and was a popular retreat for the British during colonial times. You'll see an array of English-style country houses and half-timbered bungalows as your guide takes you to visit Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, the 19th century Golf Club, and more.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 04 - Nuwara Eliya

Explore Horton Plains and Tea Factories in Sri Lanka Start your day off early with a packed breakfast and venture out to the UNESCO-listed Horton Plains. Take a guided walk through the nature trails leading to the viewpoint known as World's End. Along the way, you might encounter some of the local wildlife, including endemic Rhinohorned and Hump-nosed Lizards, highland bird species such as the Sri Lanka White-eye, Dullblue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Yellow-eared Bulbul, as well as troops of Bear Monkey, and Sambar, which are Sri Lanka's largest species of deer. In the afternoon, head over to Pedro's Tea Factory, which is only 3.5 kilometres away from Nuwara Eliya town.

Established in 1885, the factory still retains its 19th-century engineering and is nestled in the hills. Take a guided 30-minute tour of the factory, and explore the tea plantation with estate tea pluckers. This will provide you with a chance to experience tea workers' lives and gain insights on tea plucking and production.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05 - Nuwara Eliya to Kandy

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage City of Kandy in Sri Lanka Start your day off with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a journey to Kandy, a city that boasts a rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, begin your guided city tour by visiting the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, a site of immense significance to Buddhists worldwide. Another must-see attraction is the Kandy Lake, which was built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807. Take in the breathtaking views on the upper lake drive, which is more scenic and unforgettable. Kandy is the epitome of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, Dancing, Music, and Culture.

Additionally, explore the gem lapidary, art and craft center, and enjoy a traditional cultural show to complete your tour of this charming, small historical town.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 06 - Kandy to Sigiriya

A Day Trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla Cave Temple:

Start your day off with a scrumptious breakfast before heading out to your first destination – Sigiriya. While en route, take a moment to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple – a prime example of Asia's well-preserved cave temples. This impressive complex boasts five caves, featuring over 2000 sq.m of painted walls and ceilings that showcase the remarkable artistic abilities of Sri Lanka's inhabitants. It's no wonder that Dambulla Cave Temple has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its artistic and archeological significance.

Upon arrival at the temple, don't forget to check out the Golden Temple, which includes a Buddhist museum that was completed in 2000. In the afternoon, it's time for Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, this fortress is one of the Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The unique shape of the rock makes it stand out, while the irrigational technologies of water gardens and archeological technologies of the large lion carved at the entrance are still awe- inspiring.

End your day by relaxing and unwind after a day of exploring.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 07 - Sigiriya

Visiting the UNESCO Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa.

A visit to Polonnaruwa is an absolute must. After breakfast, you'll be chauffeured to this wellplanned archaeological relic site. The establishment, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982, is home to ancient dagobas, moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings, and stunning statues. The Sea of Parakrama, an enormous 12th-century man-made water reservoir, is another highlight of this magnificent ancient city.

Visitors are sure to be amazed by the city's well-preserved historical monuments, all of which are conveniently located in a more compact area, making it one of the country's best ancient cities to explore when time is short.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 08 - Sigiriya

Explore the First Kingdom of Sri Lanka and Its Rich History.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a journey to Anuradhapura, the first kingdom of Sri Lanka, and home to the well-preserved ruins of an ancient civilization. The city is renowned for housing the oldest tree on earth, which was grown from a branch of the very tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment 2500 years ago. Anuradhapura was also the center of Theravada Buddhism for centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, visit the Mihintale Buddhist Monastery, a former hunting ground for the royals that was transformed into the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It was here that Mahinda Maha Thero, the son of Indian Emperor Asoka, met King Devamnampiyatissa in 250 BC, thus inaugurating Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Today, it serves as the main center for Theravada Buddhism.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Day 09 - Sigiriya to Colombo

After breakfast, you will be driven to BIA Airport for the departure or dropped off at your hotel in Colombo, Negombo or Mount Lavinia

Inclusions :

• Accommodation in standard rooms as per the itinerary

• Transport is based on 01 Air-conditioned Luxury private vehicle

• Service of an English-speaking Chauffeur Guide during sightseeing tour

• Entrance and service fees mentioned on the itinerary

• 4 star hotel accomodation and can be upgraded if required at an extra cost

• All current taxes as on date

• Parking and highway tickets

Exclusions :

• Sri Lanka Visa

• Cost of Lunch & Dinner during the tour (if not mentioned in the itinerary)

• Any International Airfare / Airport taxes

• Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.

• Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc.

• Any video / still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit

• Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes.

• Bar, telephone and laundry bills

• Tips to guides, restaurants, and hotel lobby. Tipping is expected.

• Any others expenses