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Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle 7 days Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy

  • With your private guide, explore South Asia’s up-and-coming hub of Colombo.
  • Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura and see the sacred 2000-year-old Bodhi tree.
  • Climb to the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and enjoy the most scenic views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside.
  • Wander the vibrant lanes of Kandy’s fragrant spice markets.
  • Featuring a handpicked selection of premium accommodations.

Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

DAY 1 COLOMBO

For your added comfort, your English speaking chauffeur guide will be waiting for you outside the customs area with a sign with your name on it, and accompany you to your accommodation.

A private vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel in Colombo.

DAY 2 COLOMBO TO DAMBULLA

Discover Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, during this privately guided tour accompanied by a local guide. During your walking tour, you will learn about the city's rich history dating back to the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonization periods. Walk through Fort, the central business district of Colombo, and see firsthand how Ceylon’s capital is transforming into a modern metropolis with old colonial-era edifices being delightfully restored and new structures emerging in its cityscape.

Admire the Grand Oriental Hotel with its imposing front and listen to your guide explain how this former residence of the Dutch Governor became one of the first modern hotels constructed in the East. Stop by the Cargills Department Store housed in an ornate, red-colored historic building proudly echoing its former elegance.

Continue through the vibrant lanes of Pettah, Colombo’s main market hub. Wander through this modern, open-air bazaar of sorts and take in the delightful chaos around you. Expose your senses to the scents of dried chilies, spices, and fish mix, and watch the locals hastily go about their business. Your tour concludes with a private transfer back to your accommodation.

After your tour, transfer from Colombo to Dambulla, located at the heart of the Cultural Triangle with a private vehicle and English-speaking chauffeur guide. The transfer is approximately 4.5 hours.

DAY 3 DAMBULLA

Apart from being a UNESCO-listed, renowned archaeological site, the captivating ancient city of Anuradhapura to this day remains a live place of worship for pilgrims who come to visit its storied sacred sites. Accompanied by your guide, set out to discover this mesmerizing city on a private tour.

Upon arrival, take your time to explore the sights and take in the mystical atmosphere of a place lost in time. Admire the ubiquitous dagobas (Buddhist stupas), ancient temples and pools, and let your guide introduce you to the intriguing history of Sri Lanka’s first capital.

See the world’s oldest surviving tree, the 2000-year-old holy Sri Maha Bodhi, and listen to the fascinating legend surrounding its origins. Your tour ends with a private transfer back to your hotel in Dambulla.

About 16 miles further on is Ritigala, surrounded by pathways that open into the thick jungle and sacred meditation grounds. Following the meandering, beautifully constructed stone-lined paths, your English-speaking chauffeur guide will lead you to an ancient Buddhist monastery.

Enjoy your walk and take the opportunity to sit down and connect with nature as you appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the place. You will have time to explore and walk up to higher locations of Ritigala, the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka. Entrance fees are included.

DAY 4 It’s All Ancient History

Step back in time and discover one of Sri Lanka’s crown jewels as you explore the marvelous rock fortress of Sigiriya with your private guide. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose goal was to build an impregnable fortress and a heavenly abode within it.

Upon reaching this awe-inspiring natural wonder proudly soaring over the Sri Lankan countryside, start the climb of 1200 steps before you reach the top. On your way admire the famous Sigiriya frescoes depicting wasp-waisted buxom maidens bearing flowers. Head to the nearby Mirror Wall for an opportunity to see ancient graffities dating as far back as the sixth century. When you reach the top of the Fortress, take in the most scenic bird’s-eye view of the leafy emerald meadows and villages beneath you.

Begin exploring the ruins of the structures that once graced this area; take your time and enjoy one of the world’s best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

Your Sigiriya discovery takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the pace you wish to ascent. Climbing to the top may be strenuous for some travelers, but your reward is an unforgettable experience and stunning views from the top. After the conclusion of your tour you will be privately transferred back to your hotel.

DAY 5 DAMBULLA TO KANDY

A private vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide will provide a transfer from Dambulla to Kandy. The approximate travel time is three hours.

Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Pepper and Turmeric; these names not only make one think of delicious food but also relate to the age of discovery and to the 500 turbulent years in the history of Ceylon under the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Today’s trip to the authentic local markets will provide you with a genuine and rewarding Sri Lankan experience.

The spice selection is top notch, and with the help of your guide you can pay a fair price. For the adventurers and lovers of local food, make a stop inside the market at the Midlands Café, a noted classic renowned for its loafs of bread served alongside delicious curries and accompanied by a strong cup Ceylon tea.

Before leaving the market be sure to browse the wide array of exotic fruits; a local favorite is the wood apple with its fermented smell, mixed with tamarind. Also look for jack fruit, rambutan, mangosteen and many more, including impressive, fresh picked bananas. Your tour concludes with a private transfer back to your accommodation.

DAY 6 City Streets and Tasty Treats

Kandy belongs to the fabric of legends. While Sri Lanka was under the Portuguese and Dutch rule, the Kings of Kandy remained defiant and independent. It was much later during the British rule that Kandy finally fell to the biggest empire in the world. Accompanied by your private chauffeur guide, venture off into the streets of Kandy, experiencing its rich culture and exploring the vibrant local markets.

Today Kandy has grown to a sizeable city that still retains touches of its colonial history in buildings such as the Queen's hotel, a beautiful 19th century neoclassical beauty. Wander around the Kandy Lake and the town’s characterful neighborhoods and get a feel for this wonderful place. Continue to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is, without a doubt, the city’s biggest pride and one of the world’s holiest Buddhist shrines.

Head inside this religious complex and feel in awe of its spiritual magnetism. Upon the conclusion of your tour you will be privately transferred to your hotel.

DAY 7 KANDY TO COLOMBO

Meet your private chauffeur guide for a transfer from Kandy to the International Airport in Colombo. The transfer is approximately 4 hours. En route you will stop by a traditional Sri Lankan local home to experience the authentic flavors of the island as you enjoy a real, home-cooked Sri Lankan meal.

Let your cook know if you have any special dietary requirements and the wonderful Surangi will work her magic with the curries. Remember, you can curry everything from pineapple to veggies, seafood, and meats.

After your meal concludes, you will be privately transferred to the airport.

This sample itinerary was created through our travel partner experts at Kensington Tours and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.

Created By
Jeanine Lyn Cioffi
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Credits:

Created with images by nuzree - "sri lanka coast sea" • ollivves - "aerial drone shot house" • pasja1000 - "relax water sea foam" • Poswiecie - "sigiriya sri lanka dambulla" • Poswiecie - "sigiriya sri lanka dambulla" • lapping - "dambulla cave temple temple" • lapping - "dambulla cave temple temple" • mzphotos - "sri lanka dambulla nature" • kanishka_ranasinghe - "sri lanka kandy day" • marin_mnm - "landscape plant nature" • musthaqsms - "temple kandy travel" • Daria-Yakovleva - "spices spoons salt"

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