Cultural Extension

This 4-day cultural extension tour covers iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites and scenic experiences in Sri Lanka. It begins with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, renowned for its ancient Buddhist statues and intricate ceiling paintings, followed by a stay in Sigiriya. Day two explores the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, offering stunning views, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, with its impressive archaeological treasures. Optional safaris at Minneriya National Park provide a chance to spot elephants and diverse wildlife. The journey continues to Kandy, with stops at a Matale Spice Garden and the Temple of the Tooth Relic, before concluding with a city tour of Kandy and a return to Colombo or Negombo.

Overview

From $729

Itinerary & Map

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Highlight: Dambulla Cave Temple

Pick up from Colombo or Negombo & drive to Sigiriya. 

When passing Dambulla Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. 

This historic temple has five caves and 157 statues of the Lord Buddha, many paintings on the ceilings and walls that emphasise the artistic talent of ancient days. The history of the caves, rock and temple dates from the 1st century BC. The fascination of these caves is not only the statues but also the many intricate and delicate paintings that cover the ceiling and walls, created with indigenous traditional paints. Because of the history, archaeological and artistic implications, it was declared as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1991. 

Proceed to Sigiriya and check in to the hotel.

Highlight: Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour

Have an early start to the day by climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. 

Called by many names including “The Lion Rock” for its initial name of “Sinhagiri”, Sigiriya is nestled on a 660ft tall rock that will blow your mind at every corner from history, architecture to nature as you climb up the old fortress Known as the 8th wonder of the world, the fortress built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa is a piece of art with an amazing view. The architectural and irrigational technologies of Sigiriya, such as the Water Gardens, still baffle engineers. The climb up steep steps of metal with railings passes a wall decorated with frescoes. Art experts consider them unique. 

Return to the hotel for Breakfast. 

Drive to Polonnaruwa and do the Polonnaruwa Ancient city tour. Polonnaruwa is another UNESCO world heritage site on the island which houses elaborately carved statues of Lord Buddha and glorious stupas touching the high skies. Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday. You’ll find the archaeological park a delight to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues and stupas – in a compact core. The Quadrangle alone is worth the trip. 

(Optional) Later in the evening, enjoy an exciting adventure by embarking on a safari game drive at Minneriya National Park. One of the main reasons for visiting the beautiful country of Sri Lanka was to see the Sri Lankan elephant in the wild. Minneriya National Park is one of the best national parks to spot Elephants in Sri Lanka. It is home to 200+ elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and even a handful of leopards. The Gathering around the water reservoir takes place in the dry season from July to October. Besides elephants, there is so much more to see. Peacocks, small black bears, crocodiles, deer, many monkeys, and beautifully coloured birds.

Return to your hotel upon completion of the day’s activities.

Highlights: Spice Garden, Temple Of The Tooth Relic, Kandy City tour

After breakfast, drive to Kandy. 

En route, visit a Spice Garden in Matale. The Matale environment possesses excellent conditions for growing cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, peppercorn, and other flavourful delights. Learn about the process of growing these natural products using ecologically friendly methods. 

Continue to Kandy. 

On arrival in Kandy enjoy your city tour and visit the Sacred Temple Of The Tooth Relic. This temple was originally built by the Kandyan Kings in 1595, to house and honour the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Attracting crowds of white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus flowers for means of worship, the Maligawa features a myriad of intricate carvings that speak volumes of the architectural values of Kandy. Today the City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part because of the Temple of the tooth relic.

(Optional) The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Be wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colourful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

Breakfast and Check out from the hotel. 

Drop off to Colombo or Negombo.