Ceylon Heritage Trail
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9 Days / 8 Nights Duration
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2 People Group size
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4 Destinations Tour Route
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural and natural wonders. This 9-day tour begins with a warm welcome in Negombo before heading to the historic heart of the island. Marvel at the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple and ascend the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Step back in time as you explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and immerse yourself in the spiritual serenity of Kandy, home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic. Journey through the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England," before tracing the southern coastline to the colonial charm of Galle Fort. Your adventure concludes in the bustling capital of Colombo, blending the old with the new. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced mix of culture, history, scenic beauty, and relaxed exploration. Discover the soul of Sri Lanka, one destination at a time.
Trip Highlights
- Meet & Greet at Colombo Airport
- Dambulla Golden Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO)
- Temple of the Tooth Relic – Kandy
- Scenic Drive through Hill Country
- Nuwara Eliya – "Little England"
- Galle Fort Exploration (UNESCO)
- City Tour of Colombo
Transfer from Negombo to Dambulla. The Dambulla Cave Temple is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country, with a rock towering 160m over the surrounding plains. Inhabited from prehistoric times, it was in the first century BC that a monastery was initially constructed in Dambulla.
Destinations
- Dambulla
Activities
- Sacred Religious Site Visit
Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a former capital of Sri Lanka built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. It features a massive rock with frescoes, gardens, palaces and a lion-shaped gateway. Polonnaruwa was first established as a military post by the Sinhalese kingdom. And, it was renamed Jananathamangalam by the Chola dynasty after their successful invasion of the country in the 10th century. Raja Raja Chola I built Vanavan Mahadevisvaram, a Shiva temple at Polonnaruwa named after his queen, which presently is known as Siva Devale.
Destinations
- Polonnaruwa
Activities
- Cultural Site Visit
- Heritage City Walk
Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as Little England, is a city located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka at an elevation of approximately 1,868 meters (6,128 feet), making it one of the highest cities in Sri Lanka. Known for its scenic beauty, Nuwara Eliya is famous for its cool climate and lush tea plantations.
Galle, situated on a large harbor on the island’s southern coast. Galle dates from the 13th century, possibly much earlier, but it became the island’s chief port during the period of Portuguese rule (1507–c. 1640). Under Dutch rule it was the island capital until 1656, when Colombo replaced it.
Galle is a UNESCO world heritage site, the city of Galle mixes the exotic with the colonial. The impressive Fortress, originally built by the Portuguese and further fortified by the Dutch, remains standing today with only few changes, and is a living example of the interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions during the 16th to 19th Centuries. Explore the Galle Fort on foot at your own pace, perhaps paying a visit to the Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, the sun and the moon bastions, the lighthouse and the souvenir shops along the way.
Transfer from Galle to Colombo. Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and It is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Lanka's main port, the Port of Colombo.