Home / Asia, Sri Lanka Tours / Culture & Historical
10 day(s)
Private
2-15 people
relax
Sri Lanka, the resplendent isle adrift in the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean, is a land where time-worn history and vibrant culture converge beneath a canopy of tropical splendor. Shaped like a teardrop, this island nation is a living mosaic of breathtaking beauty, from the mist-shrouded peaks of the central highlands and cascading waterfalls to the sun-drenched coastlines fringed with palm trees. Yet, beyond its natural allure lies a profound historical and cultural tapestry, woven over millennia by ancient kings, Buddhist pilgrims, and colonial traders. Here, colossal rock fortresses like Sigiriya pierce the sky, sacred temples enshrine the relics of the Buddha, and the crumbling ruins of medieval cities whisper tales of a glorious past, all while age-old traditions and vibrant festivals continue to pulse through the daily life of its warm and welcoming people.
Duration
10 day(s)
Max Group Size
2-15 people
Tour Code
TSB-U2JI1A
Departure Type
request
Tour Category
Culture & Historical
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
0 - 0
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport
Welcome
to the wonder of Asia. In the coming few days, you will be discovering this
beautiful paradise island rich in heritage, thrill, scenic, pristine and
hospitality in abundance with team WanderlustAsia.
Arrival in Colombo (CMB), Sri Lanka International Airport, meet with local representative of Wanderlust-Asia and leave for the hotel in Sigiriya area. Check in to the hotel and relax.
Travel time – aprox; 2 hours
Morning Proceed to Sigiriya.
Imagine you in the middle of a massive 200 meter rock fortress of 5th Century AD... A royal palace built on a colossal rock using the most sophisticated technology; having unique frescoes dating back to over thousand years - a place that has intrigued many archeologists and historians, let alone the tourists, all over the world. How do you feel? Enthralled right? The remains of the citadel on a massive rock, the unique Lion Gate, the mirror wall, moats, ponds and archeological ruins of Sigiriya rock makes it the Eighth Wonder of the World. Well, you have to see it to believe it!
Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa – around 1 hour
Once the climb is done,
continue your tour to Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa is a grandeur unsurpassed. An
interesting mix of Buddhism, ancient craftsmanship, arts, architecture and
South Indian Hindu culture spread across around 122 hectares - an experience that
would forever be etched in the traveler’s mind. Ready to find out what you
would explore in this 11th & 12th Century medieval capital during your
travel journey
After breakfast, depart for Aukana to visit one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable ancient sculptures. The magnificent Aukana Buddha Statue, standing at approximately 12 meters in height, dates back to the 5th century and represents a masterpiece of ancient Sinhalese craftsmanship.
Aukana to Yapahuwa – around 1 hour
Thereafter, continue to Yapahuwa, a former medieval capital of Sri Lanka dating back to the 13th century. Dramatically rising from the surrounding plains, Yapahuwa Rock Fortress once served as a royal residence and defensive stronghold.
The highlight of the visit is the impressive stone staircase adorned with intricate carvings and lion sculptures, leading towards the summit. The fortress once housed the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha for a brief period.
Visitors may climb to the upper terrace to
explore the ruins of the ancient palace and enjoy panoramic views over the
countryside.
Following
breakfast proceed to Anuradhapura,
Taking you back in time -to Sri Lanka’s First Capital.
The heart of Sri Lanka’s majestic civilization enriched with Buddhism, exquisite sculpture, magnificent feats of architecture and hydraulic sophistication depicted by the cluster of reservoirs and irrigation channels- all reminiscent of the grandeur of a bygone era founded in the 5th Century BC and self- sustained in the decades afterwards.
Anuradhapura to Mihintale – around 30 Minutes
After the conquest for Mihintale.
Mihintale is called the "cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka" — this is the place where the monk Mahinda, son of Emperor Asoka of India, first taught Buddhist doctrine to King Devanampiyatissa more than 2,000 years ago.
After the visit, return back to the hotel in Dambulla
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Following Breakfast, Enjoy a Dambulla historical city tour First to the world famous Dambulla rock temple. A vast isolated rock mass, on a gentle slope. As you climb, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding. An ancient King on exile is said to have taken refuge here. Inside the cave you find a large collection of Buddha statues and the roof which is a beautiful canvas of Buddhist paintings –some 2000 years old. Dambulla to Kandy – around 2 hours
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Following
breakfast, you will be heading further up the misty mountains to Nuwara
Eliya.
You are in
the Land of Ceylon Tea so this part of the country shouldn’t be missed. View of
the drive to Nuwara EliyaThe picturesque Nuwara
Eliya – also known the world over as ‘little England’ has wonderful tea
estates. Get into the car and get ready to explore these heavenly highlands!
The tour will take you on a scenic drive through acres of lush tea estates;
here you will see tea pickers, mostly females clad in sarees, carefully
picking the tender two leaves and a bud which are essential to making fine
tea. You will have the opportunity to visit a tea factory to witness the
process of making your cuppa. May we also remind you not forget to indulge in
the pleasure in fine Ceylon Tea- Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea, or silver
Tips whatever your choice is; You will be transferred to Ambewela
Railway Station to board one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic train journeys. Sit
back and relax as the train winds through mist-covered hills, tea
plantations, waterfalls, and lush valleys on the way to Ella. Arrive in Ella and proceed for a short sightseeing tour around the destination, enjoying its cool climate, panoramic views, and charming hill-country atmosphere. Visit key viewpoints or take a gentle walk through the town before checking in to your hotel. |
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Ella
- Want to get a feel of an enchanting destination entwined in the famous
Hindu epic Ramayanaya? Ella is associated with the Rama-Ravana epic - a
legend that is older than the recorded history of Sri Lanka. Legend has it
that Lankan demon king Ravana kept the Indian Princess Sita who is the lover
of the divine Prince Rama, imprisoned in the Central Hills. Above
all, scenic venue for adventure – hiking, camping to rock climbing and
caving, a climb up the Little Adam’s Peak- a trail through tea estates to an
elevation over thousand meters above sea level. |
After breakfast, we set off for Yala National Park.
It is located in the southeastern region of the country, in the Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers an area of 979 km² and is about 300 km from Colombo. Together with Wilpattu National Park, it was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been established in 1938. Yala Park is especially known for its variety of wildlife; it plays an important role in the conservation of the Sri Lankan elephant and aquatic birds. It is home to 215 species of birds, including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. It also has the highest density of leopards in the world.
Afternoon: Jeep Safari in Yala.
After the Safari, Transfer to your camping site, surrounded by nature. Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at the campsite and time to unwind under the stars.
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Breakfast
at the hotel and leave for Galle.
In the evening proceed
to Colombo. Bet you are going to love the diversity of this destination. Full
of fun and frolic. Colombo: Sri Lanka’s commercial capital brings varying options be it leisure, dining, shopping or accommodation; marked with diverse colonial and cultural influences from Dutch and British colonial style architecture to Islamic mosques, Anglican and Catholic churches. Yala to Galle – Around 2 hours. |
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Transfer to the airport for your onward flight |
Professional English-speaking licensed tour guide during all sightseeing tours.
Daily open buffet breakfasts.
Lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary.
Airport meet and greet upon arrival.
Arrival and departure airport transfers.
Transportation in a modern, fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach.
Guided city tours and excursions as outlined in the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all museums, historical sites, and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
Local cultural experiences and activities included in the program.
Hotel taxes and VAT.
Luggage handling at hotels (where available).
24/7 TravelShopBooking customer support throughout your journey
Accommodation in carefully selected 4-star hotels throughout the tour.
International flights.
Domestic flights (unless specifically stated in the itinerary).
Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
Visa fees (if applicable).
City taxes (where required, payable directly at hotels).
Optional tours and activities.
Drinks during meals.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, souvenirs, and alcoholic beverages.
Tips for guides and drivers.
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Any services not specifically mentioned under "Tour Includes.
This tour is operated with guaranteed departures on selected dates.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as several historical sites feature uneven surfaces and cobblestone streets.
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.
Hotel check-in is generally after 14:00, and check-out is before 12:00.
The order of sightseeing may be adjusted due to weather conditions, local events, or operational requirements while maintaining the full program.
TravelShopBooking reserves the right to substitute hotels with similar-category accommodations when necessary.
Vegetarian and special dietary requests can usually be accommodated if advised in advance.
Passport validity should be at least six months beyond the date of travel.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage protection.
Currency exchange, ATMs, and credit card facilities are widely available in major cities; however, carrying some local currency for small purchases is advisable.
Free time is included on selected days, allowing guests to explore independently or join optional excursions.
Please arrive at the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time for daily tours to ensure a smooth start.