Cultural Tour

Depart from Hikkaduwa at 5:00 AM and head to the Elephant Orphanage, arriving in time to see the elephants bathing in the river. At 1:15 PM, witness the feeding of the baby elephants before leaving the orphanage. Continue your drive through Kurunegala, a town surrounded by seven rocks and once the 5th ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Then, pass through Dambulla city before arriving at your hotel in Sigiriya for an overnight stay.

Start your day at 8:00 AM with a drive to Anuradhapura and embark on a city tour of this ancient city, which dates from the 3rd century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented tree in the world, a sapling from the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Explore the Brazen Palace, Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba (the largest dagoba in Sri Lanka), and Thuparama Dagoba (the oldest dagoba, built in the 3rd century B.C., which houses a relic of Buddha`s right collarbone). Also, see Lankarama Dagoba, the Elephant Pond, Abhayagiriya Monastery Complex, the famous Samadhi Buddha statue, the Twin Ponds, the intricate stone carvings of the Moonstone and Guard Stone, Jethavanarama Dagoba, the museum, and the Isurumuniya Temple, home to the iconic Sri Lankan “Romeo and Juliet” stone carvings. After the tour, enjoy lunch in Anuradhapura before heading to Mihintale.

At Mihintale, visit the 3rd-century B.C. monastery complex, where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Explore the ruins of an ancient hospital, the Refectory Hall, the Lion Pond, Cobra Pond, Ambastale, Mihindu Cave, and other historical sites. Continue to Aukana to see the stunning 13-meter-high Buddha statue, carved from a single piece of granite in the 5th century A.D. by King Datusena while constructing the Kalawewa reservoir. After visiting Aukana, proceed to Sigiriya for an overnight stay.

Start your day at 8:00 AM, departing after breakfast to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa (10th-12th century A.D.). Explore the modern museum, the Parakrama Samudra (a massive reservoir created by King Parakrama the Great), the Statue of King Parakrama, the Library Shrine, the Palace of King Parakramabahu, the Council Chamber, and the Kumara Pokuna (a royal pond with a sophisticated water system). Continue to visit the Shiva Temple, the Thuparama Shrine Room with its glittering statues, Atadage, Hetadage, Vatadage, the Stone Book, Rankoth Vehera, the Alahana Monastery Complex, and Gal Vihare (a masterpiece of stone carving). Also see the Thivanka Image House and the Lotus Pond. Afterward, head to Habarana, where you can choose to enjoy an Ayurvedic massage or embark on an elephant safari through the jungle. In the evening, return to Sigiriya for an overnight stay.

Start your day at 7:00 AM with an early morning climb of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built in the 5th century A.D. by King Kasyapa, a king known for patricide. Sigiriya is often referred to as the `8th Wonder of the World`.Explore the water garden, boulder garden, the world-famous frescoes, the Mirror Wall, the Lion`s Paws, and the ancient swimming pool atop the rock. Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, head to the Dambulla Cave Temples, constructed by King Walagamba in the 1st century B.C., featuring over 22,000 square feet of ceiling paintings. Next, visit the Nalanda Gedige, a temple located at the geographical center of Sri Lanka. Continue to Matale to explore Aluvihare Temple, where the Buddhist scriptures were first transcribed into written form in the 1st century B.C. Then, proceed to Kandy, where you will enjoy an evening cultural dance show.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Start your day at 8:30 AM with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the famous Botanical Gardens (regarded as the best garden in Asia), and explore Kandy city along with its scenic viewpoint.

In the afternoon, begin your drive back to Hikkaduwa. Tour ends upon arrival.