Overview
14-Day Tour - Day 1 - Colombo
• Your two-week cultural journey begins with pickup at Bandaranaike International Airport
• Private transfer to Colombo – the commercial capital of Sri Lanka
• Complete check-in at Galle Face Hotel for your first night
• Take time to unwind after your international flight
• Overnight stay in bustling Colombo
Arrival:
- Airport arrival scene
- Colombo Lotus Tower landmark
14-Day Tour - Day 2 - Colombo to Anuradhapura (via Yapahuwa)
• Morning city tour of Colombo to begin your cultural immersion
• Depart for the ancient capital of Anuradhapura
• En route, stop at the ancient city of Yapahuwa
• This 300-foot (91-meter) fortified wonder dates back to the 13th century
• Explore the impressive rock fortress and ornate staircase
• Continue your journey to Anuradhapura
• Check into Palm Garden Village for the night
• Overnight stay in the sacred city
En Route Heritage:
- Yapahuwa rock fortress
- Anuradhapura archaeological wonders
14-Day Tour - Day 3 - Anuradhapura Exploration
• Full day exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura
• Observe several historical remains including:
• Ruwanwelisaya Stupa – one of the world's tallest ancient monuments
• Jetavanarama Dagoba – built from millions of bricks
• Sri Maha Bodhi Tree – the oldest historically documented tree
• Ancient palaces, monasteries, and bathing pools
• Later in the day, visit the Mihintale Buddhist Temple
• This mountain peak is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
• Climb the 1,840 steps to reach the summit
• Return to Palm Garden Village for overnight stay
Sacred City:
- Anuradhapura stupas and ruins
- Mihintale mountain temple
14-Day Tour - Day 4 - Sigiriya (via Aukana & Dambulla)
• Depart for Sigiriya – the next destination on your cultural journey
• En route, stop at the magnificent Aukana Buddha Statue
• This 13-meter (43-foot) standing Buddha is carved from solid granite
• Continue to the Dambulla Cave Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Explore five caves filled with over 150 Buddha images
• Check into Cinnamon Lodge for the night
• Overnight stay in historic Sigiriya
Sacred Sculptures:
- Aukana standing Buddha
- Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
14-Day Tour - Day 5 - Sigiriya Adventure
• Touch of adventure lined up for today's cultural exploration
• Visit the ancient and historical city of Polonnaruwa
• Explore the medieval capital's magnificent ruins including:
• Royal Palace complex with 1,000 rooms
• Gal Vihara rock Buddha statues
• Sacred Quadrangle with beautifully preserved buildings
• Enjoy an amazing rice and curry experience at Priyamali House
• Taste authentic Sri Lankan home-cooked cuisine
• Afternoon climb and explore the "Lion's Rock" in Sigiriya
• This activity is quite doable by most people – don't fret the climb!
• Ascend 1,200 steps to reach the summit
• Explore the ancient palace ruins and frescoes
• Return to Cinnamon Lodge for second overnight stay
Medieval & Rock:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Polonnaruwa ancient ruins
14-Day Tour - Day 6 - Kandy (via Matale)
• Begin your journey to the hill capital of Kandy
• En route, visit the Matale Alu Viharaya Buddhist Temple
• This rock temple features ancient inscriptions and cave paintings
• Continue to the Matale Hindu Temple (Sri Muthumariamman Kovil)
• Admire the colorful gopuram tower with intricate carvings
• Arrive in Kandy – Sri Lanka's cultural heart
• Evening enjoyment of the Kandyan cultural dance show
• Witness traditional dancers, drummers, and fire walking
• Check into Amaya Hills for the night
• Overnight stay in the royal city
Temple Trail:
- Aluvihare Rock Temple, Sri Lanka
- Kandyan cultural performance
14-Day Tour - Day 7 - Kandy Sacred Sites
• Morning visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa)
• Obtain blessings from the Buddhist monks at this sacred shrine
• Witness the golden casket containing Buddha's tooth relic
• Explore the three Temple Loop – 14th century Hindu-Buddhist temples:
• Gadaladeniya Temple – built by a South Indian architect
• Embekke Temple – famous for intricate wood carvings
• Lankathilake Temple – massive standing Buddha image
• Learn about the unique architectural styles of this period
• Return to Amaya Hills for overnight stay
Temple Architecture:
- Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth)
- Ancient temple carvings
14-Day Tour - Day 8 - Kandy - Vedda Culture
• Final day in Kandy exploring indigenous culture
• Travel to Dambana in Mahiyanganaya to meet the Vedda community
• Learn about the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka's indigenous people
• Observe their hunting methods and traditional way of life
• Visit the Mahiyanganaya Temple – a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site
• This temple marks the first visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka
• Return to Amaya Hills for third and final overnight stay
Indigenous Heritage:
- Vedda village experience
- Mahiyanganaya temple
14-Day Tour - Day 9 - Nuwara Eliya
• Head toward the beautiful hill town of Nuwara Eliya
• Encounter several cascading waterfalls along the way
• Visit Ramboda Falls – a stunning 109-meter (358-foot) waterfall
• Stop at Pedro Tea Factory to learn about Ceylon tea production
• Wander through luscious green tea plantations
• Guided tour of Nuwara Eliya – also known as "Little England"
• See colonial-era architecture, the golf course, and flower-filled gardens
• Visit Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, and the old post office
• Check into Grand Hotel for overnight stay
• Overnight stay in misty Nuwara Eliya
Hill Country:
- Ramboda Falls waterfall
- Nuwara Eliya landscapes
14-Day Tour - Day 10 - Ella
• Board the beautiful train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
• This is widely considered one of the world's most scenic rail routes
• Pass through tea plantations, misty mountains, and tunneled hillsides
• Upon arrival in Ella, visit the majestic Rawana Falls
• This popular waterfall cascades 25 meters (82 feet) down a rock face
• Check into Mountain Heavens for overnight stay
• Overnight stay in enchanting Ella
Scenic Journey:
- Nine Arches Bridge view
- Train through tea country
14-Day Tour - Day 11 - Udawalawe
• Early morning advised to explore the breathtaking sunrise from the "Ella Gap"
• Watch the sun rise between two mountain peaks
• Depart to the wildlife-rich town of Udawalawe
• Enjoy a luxurious jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park
• Spot wild elephants – guaranteed sightings throughout the park
• Also look for crocodiles, water buffalo, deer, and abundant birdlife
• Check into Centauria Wild for overnight stay
• Overnight stay in the Udawalawe region
Wildlife Safari:
- Ravana Falls morning view
- Udawalawe National Park elephants
14-Day Tour - Day 12 - Galle
• Head south to the historic coastal city of Galle
• En route, visit the hot water springs in Embilipitiya
• Continue to the fish market in Weligama – a photographer's delight
• Observe the fascinating tradition of stilt fishing
• Watch fishermen perched on wooden poles in the shallow waters
• This ancient technique dates back centuries
• Arrive in Galle and check into Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel
• Overnight stay in legendary Galle
Coastal Traditions:
- Fishing Weligama stilt fishermen
- Tea plantation views en route
14-Day Tour - Day 13 - Galle to Colombo
• Morning exploration of the Galle Dutch Fort
• This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 17th century
• Walk along the ramparts with ocean views on both sides
• Learn about the fort's colonial history
• Enjoy a boat ride on scenic Madu Lake
• Cruise through mangrove forests and small islands
• Observe local wildlife including monitor lizards and water birds
• Begin your journey to the capital city of Colombo
• Check into Galle Face Hotel for overnight stay
• Overnight stay in Colombo
Coastal Heritage:
- Galle Fort ramparts and lighthouse
- Madu Lake boat safari
14-Day Tour - Day 14 - Colombo Departure
• Final morning in Colombo – city tour options available
• You may take a city tour if you have approximately 6-7 hours before flight departure
• Visit Gangarama Temple, Independence Square, or local markets
• Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
• The amazing cultural tour with LF Lanka Tours Tours comes to an end here
Departure:
- Colombo city views
- Airplane taking off
7-Day Tour - Days 1,2,3 - Sigiriya
Assumes early arrival on Day 01 at Bandaranaike International Airport.
Day 01:
• Pick up by LF Lanka Tours Representative at the airport
• Transfer to Sigiriya by private luxury vehicle (approximately 4 hours drive)
• Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple (approximately 400 steps to climb)
• Check into Amaya Lake on bed and breakfast basis
• Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Day 02:
• Morning visit to the Lion's Rock – Sigiriya Rock Fortress (1,200 steps to climb)
• Explore the ancient rock fortress and palace ruins
• Drive to Polonnaruwa (approximately 1.5 hours)
• Lunch served at Priyamali Gedara – authentic local cuisine
• Afternoon explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa
• Return to Sigiriya for overnight stay
Day 03:
• Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura (approximately 1.5 hours drive)
• Explore the sacred city and its magnificent stupas
• Visit Mihintale Buddhist Temple – the cradle of Buddhism
• Return to Sigiriya for overnight stay
Images: Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress
7-Day Tour - Days 4,5 - Kandy
Day 04:
• En route to Kandy, visit the Matale Alu Vihara Temple
• Continue to Kandy (approximately 3 hours drive)
• Evening enjoyment of the Kandyan cultural dance show
• Check into Golden Crown Hotel on bed and breakfast basis
Day 05:
• Early morning visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Obtain blessings from Buddhist monks at this sacred shrine
• Visit the three temple loop – Gadaladeniya, Embekke, Lankathilake
• Return to Golden Crown Hotel for overnight stay
Images: Aluvihare Rock Temple Sri Lanka, Dalada Maligawa
7-Day Tour - Days 6,7 - Colombo
Day 06:
• En route to Colombo (approximately 3 hours drive)
• Visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and Kotte Rajamahaviharaya
• Check into Galle Face Hotel for overnight stay
Day 07:
• Option for Colombo city tour before departure (subject to flight time)
• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for onward journey
• We hope this shortened cultural tour itinerary was satisfactory
• Feel free to request any modifications – we will do the needful
Images: Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, Airplane taking off
3-Day Tour - Day 1 - Anuradhapura
• Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, a LF Lanka Tours Representative will meet you
• Transfer to a private, chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle
• Begin your shortened cultural tour with a 4-hour drive to Anuradhapura
• Enjoy a good lunch upon arrival
• Afternoon exploration of the historic ruins of the ancient capital
• Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, and other landmarks
• Check into Forest Rock Garden for a relaxing night
• Overnight stay in the sacred city
Images: Airport arrival scene, Anuradhapura ancient city
3-Day Tour - Day 2 - Sigiriya
• After breakfast, check out from Forest Rock Garden
• Visit the Mihintale Buddhist Temple – the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
• Transfer to Polonnaruwa (approximately 1.5 hours)
• Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch at Priyamali Gedara
• Afternoon exploration of the ancient ruins in Polonnaruwa
• Travel to Sigiriya (another 1.5 hours)
• Check into Amaya Lake for the night
• Overnight stay in the Sigiriya region
Images: Airport departure scene, Sigiriya rock fortress
3-Day Tour - Day 3 - Dambulla & Airport
• Early breakfast at the hotel
• Visit the Lion's Rock in Sigiriya – climb 1,200 steps to reach the Rock Fortress
• Enjoy splendid panoramic views from the summit
• Village tour with a local rice and curry lunch
• Immerse yourself in authentic rural Sri Lankan life
• Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple (400 steps to climb)
• Transfer to the airport (approximately 4 hours drive) – assumes late departure flight
• You have now completed the shortened cultural tour of Sri Lanka
• We have tried to fit in as many cultural attractions as possible
• If you wish to extend or modify this itinerary, we will be happy to assist
Images: Dambulla Cave Temple, Airplane taking off
