Ancient and Medieval 6 Days 5 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet and assist at Colombo Airport and proceed to Colombo and relax. In the afternoon, visit Gangaramaya Temple (1hrs) – one of the oldest temples in Colombo.

Overnight Stay at: Colombo
Travel Time: 50min (approx.) – Bandaranayake International Airport to Colombo
Meal: –

Day 2

After breakfast, visit for Colombo City Tour (2hrs) – Colombo is a city of diverse heritage, featuring buildings from the colonial Dutch, Portuguese, and British eras. The sightseeing includes Galle Face Green Ocean-side Urban Park, the busiest Pettah Market for daily needs, Colonial Buildings (The Old Parliament Building, The Town Hall, The Clock Tower, the iconic Cargils Building, and The President’s Palace), the Independence Memorial Hall, the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall, and Hindu Temple. Visit Colombo National Museum (2hrs) – A place to explore the diversity of religion, ethnicity, and customs of the people via its outstanding collection of magnificent antiques and art from Sri Lanka and other.

Overnight Stay at: Colombo
Travel Time: within the city
Meal: Breakfast

Day 3

After breakfast, leave for Habarana – A village, rich in wildlife and a perfect spot to explore cultural sites within the cultural triangle in Sri Lanka.

In the afternoon, visit Historical Dambulla Rock Temple (1.5hrs) – A UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its superb paintings on the walls and sculptures in five distinct caves relating to the Buddha’s life and legends of Buddha’s past incarnations.

Overnight Stay at: Habarana
Travel Time: 3hrs 10min (approx.) – Colombo to Dambulla
30min (approx.) – Dambulla to Habarana
Meal: Breakfast

Travel Time: 3hrs 30min (approx.)

Day 4

After breakfast, visit and explore Anuradhapura Ancient City (3hrs) – It was the first kingdom of Sri Lanka and one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world.

The attractions at Anuradhapura:
Sri Maha Bodhiya – The oldest living tree in the world with a written history. The tree is a branch from sacred Bodhi Tree under which The Buddha attained enlightenment and that has stood with pride for more than 2200 years. Ruwanweli Maha Stupa – A dagaba monument built in 140 BC that embodies the culture, heritage, and supremacy of the strongest kingdom in Sri Lankan history. Brazen Palace – Once a magnificent structure was standing on 1600 pillars with bronze tiles covered roof, hence its name. Abhayagiri Dagaba – The second largest of the Dagabas in Sri Lanka. It is believed that the broader monastic complex, extending over 200 hectares, was once an important educational institution, which today features sculptures, statues and residential units. The Moonstone – The Moonstone features realistic carvings that symbolize Samsara, the seven never-ending cycles of birth and death, and breaking the cycle which leads to Nirvana, a state of enlightenment and freedom from suffering. Kuttam Pokuna – The “Twin Ponds” is one of the best specimens of bathing tanks in ancient Sri Lanka.

In the afternoon, return back to the hotel.

Overnight Stay at: Habarana
Travel Time: 1hrs 10min (approx.) – Habarana to Anuradhapura
1hrs 10min (approx.) – Anuradhapura to Habarana
Meal: Breakfast

Day 5

After breakfast, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (2hrs) – The spectacular rock fortress which is the best-preserved city center in Asia from the first millennium. The gardens of Sigiriya are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The sight has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage site. After Sigiriya, leave for Polonnaruwa Ancient City (3hrs) – Walk through the ruins of one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, the medieval capital of 10 th century.

The attractions at Polonnaruwa:
The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu – Once a massive 7 stories building built in 12th century AD. Today, there are three levels of bricks that remain with holes dotted an equidistance around, which would have likely been used for wooden beams that would have delineated the different floors. King’s Audience Hall – The hall is made out of rock slabs and pillars with beautiful motifs on them. Kumara Pokuna – “The Prince Bath” a pond made out of large stone blocks. Shiva Devalaya – A Hindu Temple built with large stone slabs and blocks. Vatadage – It is a typical circular Buddhist structure constructed using stone and brick with intricate stone carvings and a wooden roof. Galpotha – “The Stone Book” is a colossal stone slab inscription. Sathmahal Prasadaya – The unique seven stories building believed to be a stupa. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya – A unique lotus shaped pillared structure is believed to be the recitation house for Buddhist chanting. Hatadage and Atadage – They are ancient relic shrines built with stone bricks and slabs. Rankoth Vehera Stupa – The stupa made with bricks is the largest in Polonnaruwa and the 4th largest in Sri Lanka built in the 12th Century AD. Thuparamaya and Lankathilaka Image House – Ancient Buddhist image houses with thick walls and the Buddha Statues. Kiri Vehera – This is 18 feet tall, whitewashed, peaceful stupa is the second largest stupa in the town. Gal Viharaya – The feature of this rock temple is the magnificent four statues of the Buddha carved in a huge rock. The Statue of King Parakramabahu – A large statue beautifully carved out of a rock. Pothgul Viharaya – This is the oldest library complex found in Sri Lanka is a great work of ancient architecture. Parakrama Samudraya – “The Ocean of King Parakramabahu” is a huge man-made reservoir.

In the evening, return back to the hotel.

Overnight Stay at: Habarana
Travel Time: 1hrs 20min (approx.) – Habarana to Sigiriya
25min (approx.) – Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa
1hrs 00min (approx.) – Polonnaruwa to Habarana
Meal: Breakfast

Day 6

After breakfast, leave for Colombo Airport for your Departure with the experience of unforgettable journey in Sri Lanka.

Travel Time: 3hrs 20min (approx.) – Habarana to Bandaranayake International Airport
Meal: Breakfast

* The given travel time depends on traffic and the condition of the road.
* The time given in ( ) shows the approximate time spend on the relevant attraction or activity.
* Sightseeing and activities will depend on the weather.