Architectural Icons of Sri Lanka (Tour code: 13745)

Arrival in Sri Lanka / Meet & Greet at the airport where you will meet your private guide. You will then proceed to Negombo in your private car (approximately 30 minutes travel time). 

Explore the charm of Negombo with an afternoon visit to its fishing village and historical Dutch buildings. Negombo, a renowned fishing village on Sri Lanka's west coast, boasts picturesque landscapes, vibrant fish markets, and cultural richness. The village is nestled along a large lagoon interconnected with canals, offering a unique setting. Fishing is the main livelihood, providing a glimpse into traditional activities like colorful boats and net casting. Immerse yourself in Negombo's cultural heritage, featuring old Dutch buildings.

Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure. 

Overnight stay in Negombo at Uga Riva in a Deluxe Room. 

Negombo Beach

Indulge in breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to Polonnaruwa. Explore the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a rich repository of Sri Lanka's historical and cultural heritage, offering insights into ancient architectural and artistic achievements through well-preserved ruins and temples.

Notable sites include the Gal Vihara, housing impressive granite sculptures of Lord Buddha, including standing, seated, reclining, and smaller statues all carved from a single rock. Delve into the Vatadage, a circular relic house adorned with intricately carved stone pillars, and the Royal Palace complex, showcasing the administrative and architectural practices of the period. The city's renowned reservoirs, like the Parakrama Samudra, highlight ancient engineering skills vital for agriculture and irrigation during that era.

After the exploration, proceed to Kandalama, check in at the hotel, and spend your leisure time at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Kandalama at Heritance Kandalama in a Superior Room. 

Polonnaruwa

Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

You'll head to Sigiriya (approximately 3 hours travel time). You'll then proceed to the beautiful Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is consists of 1200 steps. The first part of the visit is a leisurely walk through the pleasure gardens. Then one starts to climb. There are two areas where one can take a break on the way up. The entire duration of the experience takes approximately 3 hours depending on the speed at which you want to climb.

Embark on an adventurous afternoon with a visit to Minneriya National Park, featuring a thrilling jeep safari lasting approximately 3 hours. This park is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 170 bird species. As you explore, you can spot various waterfowl, raptors, and other avian wonders. Minneriya is renowned for its significant population of Asian elephants. During the dry season, herds of elephants gather near the Minneriya Tank to drink and graze on the fresh grass emerging as the water recedes. Witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat before returning to the hotel for a leisurely evening.

Overnight stay in Kandalama at Heritance Kandalama in a Superior Room. 

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

Enjoy a village Tour with village lunch & boat ride experience which takes approximately 3 hours.

The half-day excursion to Hiriwadunna takes you to a traditional village in Habarana, located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, offering a unique opportunity to engage with villagers and experience their daily life. Your journey takes you along the scenic Hiriwadunna Lake, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings accompanied by welcome refreshments. A short walk leads further into the village, passing tree houses built by farmers to protect their crops, expansive paddy fields, Chena cultivations, and the occasional scarecrow. At a village home, you will be warmly welcomed by the locals and treated to a simple Sri Lankan village lunch, prepared in the traditional way using earthenware pots and firewood. This intimate encounter provides a genuine insight into the humble yet vibrant lifestyle of rural Sri Lanka.

Return to the resort and spend the evening at leisure.

After the visit, return to the hotel for leisure.

Overnight stay in Kandalama at Heritance Kandalama in a Superior Room. 

Hiriwadunna

Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

Then you'll head to Dambulla (approximately 30 minutes travel time). En route, you'll be able to visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, the largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, towering 160 meters over the surrounding plains with more than 80 documented caves in the area.

Then travel for 2.5 hours to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check in at the hotel and afterward, you'll visit Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is located in the royal palace complex, which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. The visit typically lasts 2 hours. First, you walk toward the temple through the gardens. Your guide will buy your entrance tickets. We recommend buying a lotus flower right at the entrance – 100 LKR per set. Your guide will walk you through the various chambers, explaining the history and significance of the temple.

Enjoy a cultural dance performance later in the day. Today, Kandy is the center of Buddhism, arts, crafts, dancing, music, and culture. Visitors can see these dance and music performances at the daily cultural performance, which starts in the evening and runs for more than an hour. With more than seven different dance performances, captivating drumming, and the skills of traditional musicians on display, this show will give you great insight into traditional Sri Lankan culture.

Return at the resort in Kandy and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight stay in Kandy at Elephant Stables in a Deluxe Room. 

Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic

Explore the cultural treasures of Embekka Dewalaya, Gadaladeniya Vihara, and Lanka Thilaka Temple, collectively known as the tri temples, situated approximately 8 km south of Kandy. Dating back to the Gampola Period (1341 – 1410 AD), these temples showcase the architectural mastery of Sri Lanka. Gadaladeniya Temple, located in Pilimathalawa, blends historical significance with unique South Indian architectural influences. Embekka Devalaya, near Kandy, is renowned for intricate woodcarvings depicting dancers, musicians, and more. Together, these temples offer a captivating journey through the island's rich cultural heritage.

Overnight stay in Kandy at Elephant Stables in a Deluxe Room. 

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before traveling to Galle, approximately a 5-hour journey.

Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage city, offers an enchanting blend of exotic charm and colonial elegance. At its heart lies the majestic Galle Fort, originally constructed by the Portuguese and later strengthened by the Dutch, standing today as a testament to the harmonious fusion of European architecture and South Asian heritage from the 16th to 19th centuries. Stroll along the fortress walls at a leisurely pace, with your private guide highlighting treasures such as the Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, the Sun and Moon bastions, and the iconic lighthouse. Discover boutique shops and artisanal galleries tucked along cobblestone streets, before concluding your day atop the ramparts with a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea—or a fine spirit—while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean, an experience steeped in serenity and timeless sophistication.

Overnight stay in Galle at Jetwing Lighthouse  in a Luxury Room.

Galle

Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

Relax at the resort and spend the day at leisure. 

Overnight stay in Galle at Jetwing Lighthouse  in a Luxury Room.

Galle

Embark on a journey from breakfast at the hotel to the coastal town of Ahungalla, approximately 1.5 hours away. Explore the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Center, contributing to the preservation of these magnificent creatures. Continue the day with a memorable Madu River Safari, discovering the natural wonders of the region. Check into the architecturally significant Heritance Ahungalla, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, and unwind with an evening of leisure at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Ahungalla at Heritance Ahungalla in a Superior Room.

Turtle Hatchery

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, followed by a short journey to Lunuganga, approximately 30 minutes away. Explore the enchanting Lunuganga Garden Estate, a testament to the visionary work of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. The estate, initially a neglected rubber plantation, has been transformed into a captivating landscape with meticulous attention to detail. After the excursion, return to the hotel and relish the evening at leisure.

Overnight stay in Ahungalla at Heritance Ahungalla in a Superior Room.

Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

Relax at the resort and spend the day at leisure. 

Overnight stay in Ahungalla at Heritance Ahungalla in a Superior Room.

Embark on your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading to Colombo. Immerse yourself in a tour of the Geoffrey Bawa House in Colombo, lasting approximately 2 hours. The house showcases the architectural brilliance of Geoffrey Bawa, a pioneer in Sri Lankan architecture. Later, check in at Uga Residence, a colonial city hotel, and unwind in the evening at your leisure, experiencing the charm of Colombo's colonial ambiance and modern vibrancy.

Overnight stay in Colombo at Galle Face Hotel in a Sea View Room.

Geoffrey Bawa House

Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

Embark on a Colombo City and Shopping Tour, exploring landmarks like the iconic Gangaramaya Temple, a significant Buddhist site known for its diverse architectural influences. The temple is not just a place of worship but also a cultural and educational center, featuring intricate carvings and a sacred Bodhi tree. After the tour, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Explore the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Colombo while indulging in some shopping.

Overnight stay in Colombo at Galle Face Hotel in a Sea View Room.

Gangaramaya Temple

Enjoy breakfast at the resort.

You will then be transferred at the airport for departure.