UNESCO SITES of Sri Lanka

Explore Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites on an 18-day tour, featuring ancient cities, wildlife safaris, scenic train rides, and treks through tea plantations and forests. Enjoy luxury accommodations, guided tours, and unique activities like hot-air balloon rides and cooking classes.

Overview

From $5,999

Itinerary & Map

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Ayubowan!


Arrive in Sri Lanka and meet your tour guide at the arrival lobby. Transfer to the charming Galle Face Hotel, dating back to 1864. 

(Airport to Colombo – Approx. 1 hrs. drive)

Highlights: Colombo City Tour, Colombo Walking tour (Optional) 

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, depart for your panoramic city tour of Colombo. Take a fascinating journey in the capital of the isle paradise to taste its cultural texture, witness its bustling streets, visit bargain markets, and relax while watching the uprising urban lifestyle of the capital. This commercial and administrative hub of the country proves to be a blend of cultures, religions, and socioeconomic classes.

(Optional): ‘The Story of Colombo’ This evening, enjoy your Colombo walking tour. Colombo is a cosmopolitan city that has been influenced by multiple cultures, faiths, and traditions over the years. Within the heart of Colombo lies The Fort District and Pettah, a nerve centre that drives the city’s economy. Explore the heritage hub of Colombo Fort and the open-air supermarket of Pettah, learn about its history, its people and its evolution to the vibrant, busy, heartbeat of modern Colombo’s commerce. You will also get the chance to sample a few interesting culinary delights along the way and taste a local beverage to wash it all down. 

Highlight: Wilapattu National Park 

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Wilpattu and enjoy a unique Glamping experience. 

This evening, enjoy a safari game drive at Wilpattu National Park by Jeep. Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. It is among the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard population. Meander through the park’s tranquil waterways and marvel at the diverse range of species that call this park home. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Sri Lankan Elephant, elusive Sri Lanka Leopard, lumbering Lankan Sloth Bear, elegant Spotted Deer, powerful Buffalo, graceful Sambar, and agile Mongoose, among others. 

After completion return to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Breakfast at the hotel.

(Optional): An early morning start is ideal to enjoy a 2nd safari game drive at Wilpattu National Park by Jeep. 

Leave Wilpattu for Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is a major city located in the north central plain of Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and the capital of Anuradhapura District. The city lies more than 200 kilometers north of the current capital of Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malwathu Oya. 

Check in-to the hotel & relax. 

Unforgettable Moment: Come together for a special ‘Kamatha’ dinner, set in the centre of a working paddy (rice) field.

You will taste traditional dishes and explore old-world ingredients on this epicurean journey. There will be an opportunity to learn how the traditions of a kingdom are reflected in the myriad of fragrant spices and seasonings, about the utensils still in use after 2000 years, and how food is prepared by hand in clay pots and fires with wood.

The thoughtful multi-course meals combine vegetables grown on Uga Ulagalla’s organic farm, lake fish and free-range meat sourced locally, and old-world rice, Uga Ulagalla’s signature crop. 

UNESCO SITE: SACRED CITY OF ANURADHAPURA

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, enjoy some sightseeing in Anuradhapura Ancient City. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was the third capital of the kingdom of Rajarata, following the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. The city, now a World Heritage site, was the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. The city lies 205 km north of Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu River and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. 

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

UNESCO SITE: ANCIENT CITY OF POLONNARUWA 

Breakfast at the hotel.

Leave Anuradhapura for Polonnaruwa. 

Once in Polonnaruwa, 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 good idea of how the city looked long ago. 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 visit. 

Continue to Sigiriya & check in to the hotel. 

UNESCO SITE: ANCIENT CITY OF SIGIRIYA

Unforgettable Moment: 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 180m tall rock that will entice you at every corner from the 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. Learn all about these from the Guest speaker Historian who will join you to discuss the impact story of Sigiriya Rock fortress. 

Return to the hotel for Breakfast. 

Later in the day, be driven to a selected location in the vicinity to take part in a Tree Planting activity.

Breakfast at the hotel.

(Optional): Glide over Sigiriya Rock by hot-air balloon. Enjoy stunning, bird’s eye and panoramic views of some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic monuments only accessible from the air.

(Optional – no additional cost): This morning or afternoon (weather dependent) you may choose to climb Pidurangala rock. It is an enormous rock located a few kilometres north of Sigiriya. Climbing Pidurangala Rock is an adventure, offering breathtaking panoramic views that encompass the surrounding lush green landscapes, serene lakes, and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress rising majestically nearby. The ascent involves traversing a well-marked trail through thickets of trees, over large boulders, and up stone staircases. This journey through nature’s bounty creates a unique connection between the traveller and the environment, a sense of being one with the island’s history and beauty. (Climb duration: approx. 45mins)

Indulge in a complimentary spa treatment experience during your stay at Water Garden, Sigiriya.

UNESCO SITE – DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE

Highlights: Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Garden, Kandy City Tour, Cultural Show

Breakfast at the hotel.

Leave Sigiriya for Kandy. 

En-route 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 emphasis 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. 

Later, visit the Spice Garden in Matale. It is the 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 and check in to the hotel. 

Experience the lifestyle of Lord Louis Mountbatten at his hillside retreat in Kandy with views of lush green forestlands & valleys during your hotel stay.

Do a city tour of Kandy and end the day by watching the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colourful traditional dances and delightful music. 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. 

Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.  

Unforgettable Moment: Experience the lifestyle of Lord Louis Mountbatten at his hillside retreat in Kandy with views of lush green forests lands & valleys during your hotel stay.

UNESCO SITE – SACRED CITY OF KANDY

Highlight: Temple of the Tooth Relic

Breakfast at the hotel.

Set off for a morning visit to 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): Opt to do the Kandy Cooking Class. Learn of the intricacies of locally sourced vegetables and the unique spice blends used in Sri Lankan cuisine. Grasp the art of making healthy curries and combining flavours as recipes are stirred in a pot full of joy, laughter and unforgettable memories. 

(Optional): ‘A Glimpse of Kandy’ You may also choose to enjoy a unique Walking tour of Kandy city. Explore the timeless streets of Kandy by foot with a local resident host. Learn about the city’s origins, its evolution and about the lifestyle of its people. End the tour on a high note with a cold beverage and snack at an iconic colonial pub which is more than 100 years old.

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

Highlight: Scenic Train Ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya

Breakfast at the hotel.

Unforgettable Moment: Enjoy the most scenic train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya in the train. This journey isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s life for the people of Sri Lanka. The lush green hills are purely breathtaking. The train takes you high into the mountains, through dense forest & vibrant green tea fields, over bridges, through tunnels, local villages and beside smiling faces. 

(Kandy to Nanu Oya – approx. 4 hrs. train ride)

On arrival transfer to the Grand Hotel, where timeless elegance meets modern luxury. Nestled in the heart of the city, this historic hotel was built by Governor Sir Edward Barnes in 1827.

Highlights: Nuwara Eliya City tour, High Tea 

Breakfast at the hotel.

The Nuwara Eliya city tour begins this morning. In addition to having the coolest climate in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is also known as Little England due to its resemblance to England. Visit the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old, red-bricked post office as you purchase a postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory. 

Unforgettable Moment: Afterwards, enjoy a scrumptious High tea at Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

UNESCO SITE – CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF SRI LANKA

Highlight: Horton Plains

With packed breakfast, drive to Horton Plains in the early morning (approx.: 1.5-2 hrs) and enjoy a scenic walk to the local “World’s End”. Horton Plains is an undulating 2,000m-high plateau just 28km south of Nuwara Eliya. The grassy plains, which are interspersed with small patches of forest, are home to leopards, sambur, deer, bear, monkeys and a rich array of birds, including some endemic species. The most dramatic feature of the national park is ‘World’s End’, where the plateau comes to an abrupt halt and drops nearly 1000m straight down. The park is frequented by Sambar Deer and due to their large numbers, the population of the Leopard also has increased. Wild Boar, the endemic Bear Monkey and Toque Monkey, Slender Loris, Fishing cat, Otter, Barking deer, Strip-necked Mongoose, Long-tailed Giant Squirrel are some of the other mammals found here. Trekking duration is approx.: 5 hrs or 9km’s (depending on your fitness level & speed) 

Note: There is an always changing climate in Horton Plains due to the location & biodiversity. Hence sometimes it might be cool / windy / rainy / sunny. Please wear suitable attire for the walk. 

Drive back to the hotel upon completion of today’s activity.

Breakfast at the hotel.

UNESCO SITE: SINHARAJA FOREST RESERVE

Leave Nuwara Eliya for Sinharaja. 

Check in-to the hotel & relax. 

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. The reserve’s name translates as Kingdom of the Lion and is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. 

Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. The most common larger mammal is the endemic, Purple-faced Langur. An interesting phenomenon is that birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the noisy, Orange-billed Babbler. Of Sri Lanka’s 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie. 

The Rainforest Ecolodge, Deniyaya has been designed to preserve and provide a sensational experience of the forest habitat in all its glory.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Spend the day taking part in some exciting activities at the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Explore the lush green forest and marvel at the mystery that surrounds the jungles. 

You may choose 3 out of the following trails, you are entitled to 3 activities during your stay: 

  • Birdwatching Trail 
  • Waterfall Trail 
  • Nature Main Trail 
  • Night Trail

Breakfast at the hotel.

Leave Sinharaja for Galle. 

Check in-to the hotel & relax.

Begin your Galle quest at Fort Bazaar, a handsome merchant’s home-turned-boutique and positioned within a UNESCO-listed 17th century fort.

(Sinharaja to Galle – approx. 3 hrs. drive)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make time during the day to do the Galle City tour. Galle is a historical jewel to Sri Lanka wonderful to explore on foot. Among the endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums the ancient Dutch fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts the hearts of tourists and reverberates through every traveller’s photo and caption. Stroll around the ancient city where you will find a selection of restaurants and coffee shops to unwind and relax. 

Unforgettable Moment: Come together this evening for a Farewell Dinner and reminisce about your Unesco inspired journey over a signature cocktail and candlelit dinner in the courtyard of your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Spend the day at leisure, you might want to do some last-minute shopping or simply relax and enjoy the amenities at the hotel. 

Late checkout from hotel at 6pm and transfer to the Airport in time to connect with your departure flight. 

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Unforgettable & unique Hotel & Heritage Accommodation
  • Daily Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 16 Dinners including Kamatha & Farewell dinners
  • Transport from arrival until end of tour in an Air-Conditioned vehicle from day 01 to day 18 with the services of an English-Speaking guide throughout the tour
  • All 8 UNESCO Sites in Sri Lanka
  • Sightseeing with Entrance fees (where relevant) for Colombo city Tour, One half day Safari Game drive at Wilpattu National Park, visit Anuradhapura Ancient City, Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Cultural Show, Nuwara Eliya City tour, Horton Plains National Park, Three nature trails at Sinharaja Rainforest, Galle city tour
  • Guest speaker / Historian to discuss the impact story of Sigiriya Rock Fortress on Day 07
  • Tree Planting activity in Sigiriya on Day 07
  • Complimentary spa for 30-45 min at Water Garden, Sigiriya
  • Reserved Seating on Train Ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya on Day 11
  • High tea in Nuwara Eliya on Day 12
  • Day use room with Late checkout in Galle on Day 18
  • Unforgettable Moments
  • International Airfare
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips & Porterage
  • Meals not included in the itinerary
  • Optional Tours
  • Additional Transfers (outside group dates)
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Camera or Video permits

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    Passengers

    Select shared room if you are booking individually and will share your room with a known travel companion or a fellow traveler of the same gender. Your room will have two separate beds.

    Enter the name and/or booking ID of your known travel companion in the below fields to share the room with him/her.

    Select shared room if you are booking individually and will share your room with a known travel companion or a fellow traveler of the same gender. Your room will have two separate beds.

    Enter the name and/or booking ID of your known travel companion in the below fields to share the room with him/her.

    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 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.

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    Add Ons do not need to be selected at the time of booking.


    Private Car Airport Transfer


    Pre/Post Tour Accommodation

    GALLE FACE HOTEL – COLOMBO per room per night including breakfast

    Single Room

    Double Room


    The Story of Colombo – Day 2

    Wilpattu Safari Game Drive – Day 4

    Hot-air Balloon – Day 8

    Cooking class in Kandy – Day 10

    A Glimpse of Kandy – Day 10

Total Travelers: