Welcome to Sri Lanka! The land like no other! 

Today you will be transferred to Dambulla which is located in the Cultural Triangle of the Island. 

Transfer by car: from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) / South coast beach hotel to Cultural triangle - approximately 3 ½ - 6 ½ Hours

Commonly referred to as the ‘Cultural Triangle’, the central plains area boasts of temple ruins and ancient cities combined with national parks and glistening reservoirs. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the striking rock fortress of Sigirya, Dambulla’s Royal Rock Temple and crumbling archaeological treasures of Polonnaruwa. Habarana is a popular tourist destination for safari lovers as it is the starting point for safaris in the nearby Minneriya sanctuary which is heavily populated by elephants. This makes it an enthralling visit for wildlife and cultural lovers alike. 

Check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. 

Overnight at Amaya Lake (or similar) - Standard Villa on Half Board Basis

Set off early morning to climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Transfer time: approximately 30 minutes per way

Sri Lanka’s most recognizable attraction, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a spectacular Rock Fortress. The most impressive facets of this unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform, and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town, and the base is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens. The world-renowned frescoes (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today) which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway are painted with earth pigments on plaster. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit and several caves for meditation, audience platforms and baths complete the unique site. 

Afterwards, you will drive to the Minneriya National Park*. 

Transfer time: approximately 45 minutes per way

Sitting amidst Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to favourites such as elephants and sambar deers. The central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rd century AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze, as well as the huge flocks of birds that come to fish in the waters. 

*Depending on the elephant movement, you may visit the nearby Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park instead.  

Overnight at Amaya Lake (or similar) - Standard Villa on Half Board Basis 

This morning, check out after an early breakfast and drive towards Kandy.  

Transfer time: Approximately 3 hours

En route you will stop over at Dambulla Cave Temple 

This is located in the North Central Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 01st century BC is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of the material from many eras. 

Next you have the option to stop over at Matale Spice Garden. 

Matale Spice Garden (Optional) - You will have the opportunity to dabble in the homeopathic remedies of the East! The pungent aroma of the spice permeates the air as you explore the treasure garden of the Spice Gardens. 

Continue your journey to Kandy and check in to your hotel. 

In the evening you will visit the Temple of the Tooth in time for the “Pooja” ceremony. Commonly known as ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’, The temple is famous for its carvings and the beautiful art that is unique to Sri Lanka. The most important part of the Dalada Maligawa is the octagon (Pathirppuwa) and the golden roof. The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. Thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty. 

Overnight at Amaya Hills (or similar) - Deluxe Room on Half Board Basis

This morning you will drive back to your beach hotel on the West or South coast or to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport for the departure.  

Transfer by car: from Kandy to Colombo Airport / South coast beach hotel - approximately 3 ½ – 6 ½ hours

To book this tour, call 020 3925 1272 or enquire online, one of our Sri Lanka Experts is waiting to take your call.