Rich Cultural Insights: As you explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka, you’ll gain deep insights into the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. From ancient temples to royal palaces, you’ll witness the architectural marvels and historical significance of these sites.
Spiritual Enlightenment: Sri Lanka is a land of spirituality, and our tour takes you to some of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. You’ll have the opportunity to pay your respects at sacred locations, including the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and the Temple of the Tooth, experiencing the spiritual heart of the island.
Historical Appreciation: Delve into Sri Lanka’s history as you visit meticulously preserved ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. You’ll gain a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and ingenuity of past civilizations, witnessing the grandeur of structures like the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and Abhayagiri Dagoba.
Natural Beauty: This tour also celebrates Sri Lanka’s natural wonders. From the lush greenery of the Knuckles Conservation Forest to the breathtaking views at Horton Plains and the pristine Sinharaja Rainforest, you’ll be immersed in the country’s stunning natural beauty.
Cultural Festivities: If you travel during August, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the Perahera festival in Kandy. This vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elaborately adorned elephants is a cultural spectacle that provides a unique and unforgettable experience.
Hill Station Retreat: Escape to the cool and scenic Nuwara Eliya hill station, often referred to as “Little England.” Here, you’ll savor the tranquility and beauty of the hill country, including visits to Adam’s Peak and the picturesque Horton Plains.
Rainforest Adventure: Venture deep into the untouched rainforests of Sinharaja National Park, where you’ll embark on thrilling treks, witness diverse wildlife, and connect with the pristine natural world.
Historic Fortresses: Explore the historic Galle Fort, a testament to Sri Lanka’s colonial past. The well-preserved fortifications and charming streets offer a glimpse into the island’s European influence.
Culinary Delights: Throughout your journey, you’ll have the chance to savor Sri Lanka’s delicious cuisine. From spicy curries to exotic fruits, you’ll taste the flavors of the island at every stop.
Unforgettable Memories: Ultimately, this tour is about creating unforgettable memories. You’ll be immersed in the beauty, history, and culture of Sri Lanka, leaving you with lasting impressions and stories to share for years to come
Wear comfortable shoes with good traction.
Bring plenty of water and snacks.
Start your climb early in the morning to avoid the heat.
Be aware of your surroundings and take your time.
If you are not feeling well, do not attempt to climb Sigiriya Rock.
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Travelling time: 3 hr 40 min (169 km)
Traveling time: 3 hr 40 min (169 km)
Founded in the 10th century by the Chola dynasty of India. The Cholas conquered Anuradhapura in 993, and they made Polonnaruwa their capital. The city thrived under the Cholas, and it became a major center of Buddhism.
Ancient and Artistic Marvels
Travelling time: 1 hr 13 min (56.6 km)
The Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
It is a complex of five caves that contain a vast collection of Buddhist sculptures and paintings, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.
The caves were first used as a place of worship by Buddhist monks in the 1st century BC. They were later expanded and decorated over the centuries, with the most recent paintings dating back to the 18th century.
Travelling time: 26 min (16.6 km)
The Sigiriya Museum is located at the base of Sigiriya Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that help to tell the story of Sigiriya,
from its origins as a small settlement to its development as a royal city.
It is open to visitors from 8:30am to 5:30pm, seven days a week.
a popular tourist activity in Sri Lanka. The climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock is challenging but rewarding, and the views from the top are spectacular.
The climb takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level. The path is well-maintained and there are several places to rest along the way.
The first part of the climb is through the Fountain Gardens, which were once used by the royals of Sigiriya. There are several pools and fountains in this area, and the water is said to have healing properties.
The next part of the climb is through the Boulder Gardens, which are named for the large boulders that are scattered throughout the area. There are a few caves in this area, and some of them contain paintings of Buddhist deities.
The final part of the climb is up the Lion’s Staircase, which is a series of steps that are carved into the side of the rock. The staircase is named for the lion’s paws that are carved at the top.
At the top of Sigiriya Rock, you will find the Ruins of the Royal Palace, as well as the Sigiriya Frescoes, which are a series of paintings of beautiful women that were once found on the walls of the palace.
Night stay at Kandy
Cultural Hub and Natural Beauty
Traveling Time: 2 hr 4 min (73.4 km)
Kandy is a city in central Sri Lanka, situated in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau. It is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka after Colombo and the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is famous for its Buddhist temples, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and its annual Esala Perahera festival.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world, as it houses the left canine tooth of the Buddha.
The tooth relic is said to have been brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha, in the 4th century AD. The relic has been kept at the temple ever since, and it is protected by a series of elaborate security measures.
The temple is a large and ornate structure, with a number of courtyards, shrines, and buildings. The tooth relic is kept in the Temple of the Tooth, which is a small, gilded chamber located in the innermost sanctum of the temple.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya is a botanical garden in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in Asia, and is home to a wide variety of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees.
The gardens were founded in 1821 by Alexander Moon, a Scottish botanist. They were originally used for research and cultivation of coffee and cinnamon plants. However, they were later opened to the public and became a popular tourist destination.
The gardens are divided into several sections, each of which is dedicated to a different type of plant life. There is a section for orchids, a section for spices, a section for medicinal plants, and a section for palm trees. There is also a large lake in the gardens, which is home to a variety of birds and fish.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a day. It is a great place to learn about the plants and flowers of Sri Lanka, and to enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
And back to hotel at Kandy
Traveling Time: 3 hr 40 min (101 km)
A national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m and encompasses montane grassland and cloud forest. It is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region.
The park is famous for its World’s End, a sheer cliff that drops 880 meters (2,890 ft) to the Knuckles Mountains. Other attractions in the park include Baker’s Falls, Chimney Pool, and the Horton Plains Trail.
The best time to visit Horton Plains is during the dry season, which is from December to April. However, the park is beautiful all year round.
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Traveling Time: 4 hr 50 min (159 km)
It is the last remaining area of primary tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka, and it is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the country.
The rainforest is made up of a variety of tree species, including Dipterocarpaceae, which are the dominant trees in the lowland rainforests of Sri Lanka. Other common tree species in the Sinharaja Rainforest include Ebony, Ironwood, and Rubber trees.
The rainforest is also home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, leopards, monkeys, birds, and reptiles. Some of the endemic animals found in the Sinharaja Rainforest include the Purple-faced langur, the Sri Lankan flying lizard, and the Sri Lankan scops owl.
The Sinharaja Rainforest is an important watershed for the region, and it helps to regulate the flow of water in the rivers and streams. The rainforest is also a valuable source of timber and other forest products.
Traveling Time: 2 hr 20 min (83.4 km)
Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District.
Galle is famous for its Galle Fort, a 16th-century fort built by the Portuguese. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia.
The city is also home to a number of other historical and cultural attractions, including the Dutch Reformed Church, the National Maritime Museum, and the Galle Lighthouse.
Galle is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its beaches, its colonial architecture, and its rich history.
Day 14: Departure via Colombo
Traveling Time: 2 hr 41 min (157 km)
OURA Travel operates with the utmost dedication to offering exceptional experiences. While we endeavor to ensure accurate and enjoyable tours, our services are subject to availability and may change without prior notice. We bear no liability for unforeseen circumstances, injuries, or loss during the tours. Booking confirmation is contingent upon availability and adherence to our specific booking conditions, including terms and cancellation policies. Participants are advised to meet health requirements for travel, as we disclaim liability for issues arising from health or fitness limitations. Additionally, our descriptions are aimed at accuracy, although errors may occur, and we reserve the right to rectify any information or pricing inaccuracies.
