Itinerary

1. Day 1: Airport - Dambulla - Sigiriya

   • Get picked up by your Sri Lankan tour guide from the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) or your hotel and head towards Dambulla via a Spice Garden.

   • Experience Sri Lanka's renowned spices inside an artificial forest with a free 10 mins head massage.

   • Explore & gain knowledge about Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda in the garden.

   • Then, enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha and look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. 

   • Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

   • Later, head to Minneriya National Park and enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October in a jeep safari. 

   • Also, get a chance to see other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.

   Overnight stay at Sigiriya

2. Day 2: Sigiriya

   • Today, climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, built by King Kasyapa. 

   • Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, 'The Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. 

   • Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel of the past.

   • Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. 

   • Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake & walk past the golden fields, ripe with their harvest of paddy. 

   • Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that will teach you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. 

   • Delight your taste buds with a home-cooked lunch made on firewood and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays.

   Overnight stay at Sigiriya

3. Day 3: Sigirya - Kandy

   • Today, head to Kandy with your Sri Lankan tour guide.

   • Upon arrival, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth.

   • Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls done in red, cream and black, lounge against the delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues.

   • Then, visit the Gemological Museum & see the history of gem cutting and polishing.

   • In the evening, see the Cultural Dance Show.

   Overnight stay at Kandy

4. Day 4: Kandy - Colombo

   • Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, formed in the early 19th century. 

   • Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees or bordered by flowering plants & enjoy seeing the cannonball tree.

   • Walk over the wobbly suspension bridge and the short hedge mazes or climb the twisty trees that make excellent jungle gyms.

   • Head towards Colombo and explore the local markets and busy streets, experience the colourful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. 

   • Visit historical monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, the National Museum and more. 

   • Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course, visit boutique shops and designer stores & enjoy the nightlife as you party till morning.

   Overnight stay in Colombo

5. Day 5: Colombo - Airport

   • Today, head to the airport before 4 hours of your flight.