Sri Lanka Culture

Arrival and transfer to Habarana

Arrival and assistance at the airport by our staff. Transfer to Habarana. En route, it is possible to make a stop to cool off or take something before arriving at the hotel. Registration at the selected hotel in Habarana. Dinner and rest at hotel.

In the morning: Tour to the city of Anuradhapura.

Breakfast at the hotel and city tour in Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura ( 205 km from Colombo) was the first and largest ancient capital in Ceylon known for its well-preserved ruins. Currently protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site, for its archaeological and historical interest. Founded in the 4th century B.C., was the capital of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura until the beginning of the 9th century. During this period it was one of the most powerful and stable and more lasting centers of political power in South Asia. Nowadays, this ancient city, sacred to Buddhism, whose surrounding monasteries covers an area of more than 40 Km2, is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.

Afternoon: visit to the rock fortress of Sigiriya.

Depart to the town of Sigiriya. We will ascend to the impressive fortress of the rock of Sigiriya located in high red stone monolith at 180 m above the jungle. Dating back to the 5th century it is heritage, and built by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 A.D. The "Lion Rock" is a Citadel of extraordinary beauty that rises 200 metres high from the jungle. This Rock was at that time the most hidden fortress of a city that was 70 hectares. From this Rock you can admire the wall and its beautiful gardens, including the famous irrigation system that surrounds the base of the rock. We will visit the famous frescoes of the "divine ladies" of Sigiriya in a nook protected from the rock, which is accessed by a spiral staircase. Considered one of the eight wonders of the ancient world, there are sufficient remains to impress visitors with a sweeping view of the inventiveness and creativity of the builders. Return to the hotel in Habarana. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

In the morning: Tour to Polonnaruwa

Breakfast at the hotel and city tour in Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th century to the 13th ad. This ancient city is considered to be the "Renaissance jewel" of Sinhala architecture. It is also protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site, for its archaeological and historical interest. You can contemplate their great monuments, which are scattered in the jungle on the shores of a vast swamp, such as the colossal figure sculpted in rock King Parakramabahu, the Royal Palace, the halls of audiences, the formidable Temple of images of Thuparama, etc. We will visit the fabulous statues of the Gal Vihara, three great Buddhas carved into a limestone wall. The first is sitting in meditation; the second one standing with arms crossed on the chest, a posture that represents lighting; the third one, of fifteen meters long, is lying, in the nirvana. The latter is considered the most perfect and mysterious Sri Lanka statue. Finally we will visit the new museum where you can see remains of all places in the area.

Afternoon: visit Medirigiya

This beautiful Vatadage built on a rock, contains Brahmi letters in the Center. Three pillars of rock surrounded by four statues of Buddha, oriented towards the cardinal points. It is a beautiful place surrounded by nature. Return, dinner and overnight at the hotel in Habarana.

Morning: visit to the Dambulla rock Temple

Breakfast in hotel and departure for Colombo. En route to Colombo you will visit the Dambulla rock Temple, built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC. Dambulla is also world heritage and the most impressive temple-cave of Sri Lanka. The complex of five caves of over 2000 m2 of murals and painted ceilings is the largest area of this kind that you can found in the world. Afternoon: Tour of Colombo

Afternoon: Tour of Colombo

Arrival at Colombo, registration at the selected hotel in Colombo. In the afternoon we will visit the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, where we will see independence square, strong, the Bazaar, the Hindu temple, the Cinnamon gardens and the old Parliament. Accommodation in the hotel in Colombo

Colombo city tour (optional) and departure from Sri Lanka

Breakfast in the hotel. If your flight leaves in the evening you can go on a tour around the city of Colombo in the morning. It’s the capital of Sri Lanka and there you will see the Independence square, the Fortress, the Bazaar, the Hindu temple, the Cinnamon gardens and the old Parliament. Colombo, as many capitals of developing countries is changing rapidly; though in some parts you can still enjoy the old world charm. Transfer to Colombo airport to take the flight.