Classic Tour in Sri Lanka

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's rich heritage over the next three days in the renowned Cultural Triangle. Venture to the iconic Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, an ancient rock fortress that dominates the skyline. Visit the sacred Dambulla Buddhist Cave Temples, an awe-inspiring series of caves filled with Buddha statues and mural paintings. Explore the former royal medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, where history comes alive through its well-preserved ruins and the informative Polonnaruwa museum. As you absorb the historical and cultural significance of these sites, consider the opportunity to embark on a safari at Minneriya National Park, a haven for wildlife and a perfect complement to your cultural exploration.

The journey from the cultural triangle to Sri Lanka's hill capital – the small lakeside city of Kandy – will occupy most of the morning. Visit the  Temple of the Tooth in Kandy where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined since 4th Century AD. The temple has decorative walls, a golden roof and fine woodwork. Religious services with traditional music and drumming are held daily at dawn, mid-day and in the evening where guests can participate. You might also want to see Kandy's  Botanical Gardens.

Travel on into Sri Lanka’s tea-growing highlands. You might like to enjoy the “Tea Experience”, which involves a visit to a plantation to observe the process, starting from the plucking field where it all begins with the picking of “two leaves and a bud” to the factory where the processing begins. Temperatures in Sri Lanka's hill country are akin to an early English summer's day and you can go trekking, cycling, canoeing or just soak up the magnificent scenery. Consider an all-day trek to see Ella’s three iconic landmarks:  Nine Arch Bridge,  Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. Further afield, in the west of the highlands, an all-night climb up  Adam's Peak is another option that we could offer by special request.

Head southeast to  Yala National Park. En-route visit Buduruvagala to see Sri Lanka's tallest rock-cut Buddha statue (51 ft. in height) and other Mahayana Buddhist statues that date back to the 8th-century AD.  Yala National Park consists of scrub plains, lagoons and rocky sections and is probably the best place to see all of Sri Lanka's Big Three: Elephant, leopard and water buffalo. If you wish to limit your journey consider Uda Walawe game park instead.

Journey along the scenic south coast to the historic city of Galle and spend a night in Galle's 17C Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site. Several hours can be spent wandering along the narrow streets and well-preserved ramparts, exploring iconic historic buildings such as the lighthouse and Dutch Reform Church. Art and craft shops and cute little cafes now abound in Galle, making it one of Sri Lanka’s great meeting places. The thick, high ramparts that protect and distinguish the Fort are today used for romantic evening strolls and knockabout cricket games.

We have saved the last three nights for a taste of the Sri Lanka beaches. Our Classic Island tour keeps you on the sought-after Galle Coast, but you may prefer the west coast resort of Bentota, a family-friendly resort where the beaches are as broad as anywhere on the island: as always the choice is yours. Consider a visit to  Balapitiya puppet museum where a fourth-generation puppeteer will explain the history of this great art. Bentota offers a wide range of water-sports on the coast and along a river estuary. When your tour is over it is conveniently placed within two-and-a-half hours of the international airport.