Grand Cultural Tour, 12 Days
12 Days / 11 Nights
Tour overview
A 1,200 km 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 fort, turtles, and the Madu River.
Highlights
- Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya
- Trincomalee temples and beaches
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth
- Ella Nine Arches and tea country
- Buduruwagala and Mulkirigala temples
- Galle Fort, turtles and Madu River safari
Places on this tour
Destinations included on this route.
Experiences on this tour
Things to do that often feature on this trip.
Day by day plan
Day 1
Arrival (BIA) to Anuradhapura to 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 and 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 to Trincomalee
Travel to the east coast and settle in at Trincomalee for the night.
Day 5
Trincomalee Temples and Beaches
Thirukoneswaram Kovil, the Kanniya hot water springs, Velgam Vehera Buddhist temple, and relaxed time on Trincomalee's beaches.
Day 6
Trincomalee to 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 and Bahirava Kanda
Kandy market and lakeside, followed by the Bahirava Kanda temple for panoramic city views.
Day 8
Kandy to Ella and 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 to 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 and Fort
Visit a sea turtle hatchery, explore the UNESCO listed Galle Fort, and unwind on the southwest beaches.
Day 11
Galle Madu River and 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 and 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 and dinners unless stated
- Entrance fees to monuments, temples and national parks
- Camera / video permit fees at heritage sites
- Tips and personal expenses
Starting from
$990
per person. 12 Days / 11 Nights
