Grand Cultural Tour — 12 Days
Tour Overview
A 1,200 km grand tour of Sri Lanka's culture and landscapes — the Cultural Triangle, Trincomalee's east-coast heritage, and Kandy, extended into the tea-country highlands of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, deep-south temples, and a finish among Galle's fort, turtles, and the Madu River.
Trip Highlights
- Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya
- Trincomalee temples & beaches
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth
- Ella Nine Arches & tea country
- Buduruwagala & Mulkirigala temples
- Galle Fort, turtles & Madu River safari
Day-by-Day Plan
Day 1
Arrival (BIA) → Anuradhapura → Habarana
Airport welcome in Negombo and drive to the Cultural Triangle. Explore Anuradhapura — Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, and ancient monasteries — then overnight in Habarana.
Day 2
Habarana — Polonnaruwa
Day trip to Polonnaruwa: Gal Vihara sculptures, the royal palace ruins, and Parakrama Samudra, returning to Habarana.
Day 3
Habarana — Sigiriya, Pidurangala & Village Life
Sunrise at Pidurangala, the Sigiriya Lion Rock climb, a village tour with bullock-cart and lake safari, a cooking class, and an evening cultural dance.
Day 4
Habarana → Trincomalee
Travel to the east coast and settle in at Trincomalee for the night.
Day 5
Trincomalee — Temples & Beaches
Thirukoneswaram Kovil, the Kanniya hot water springs, Velgam Vehera Buddhist temple, and relaxed time on Trincomalee's beaches.
Day 6
Trincomalee → Kandy
Drive to Kandy via the Dambulla Cave Temple, a Matale spice garden, and Aluviharaya rock temple. Evening at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Day 7
Kandy — City & Bahirava Kanda
Kandy market and lakeside, followed by the Bahirava Kanda temple for panoramic city views.
Day 8
Kandy → Ella & Nuwara Eliya
Climb into the tea highlands. Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam's Peak in Ella, Ravana Cave, a Mahamevnawa monastery stop, plus a tea factory tour and Nuwara Eliya's gardens.
Day 9
Ella → Deep South Temples
Head south with stops at Ravana Falls, the ancient Buduruwagala rock temple, and Mulkirigala Rajamaha Viharaya cave temple.
Day 10
Galle — Turtles & Fort
Visit a sea-turtle hatchery, explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, and unwind on the southwest beaches.
Day 11
Galle — Madu River & Traditions
Madu River boat safari through the mangroves, a gem lapidary visit, and a Sri Lankan traditional museum before a final coastal evening.
Day 12
Departure (BIA)
Coastal drive back toward Colombo and transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
- 11 nights accommodation (mid-range default; upgrades on request)
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private AC vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- Village tour, cooking class, cultural dance, and tea factory tour
- Madu River boat safari
- Airport meet & greet and all transfers
- Fuel, parking, and driver overnight allowances
- WhatsApp support from our Sri Lanka office during your trip
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches & dinners unless stated
- Entrance fees to monuments, temples & national parks
- Camera / video permit fees at heritage sites
- Tips and personal expenses
Starting from
$990
per person · 12 Days / 11 Nights
