ANCIENT AND MEDIEVEL – 8 Days 7 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1

Meet and assist at Colombo Airport and proceed to Anuradhapura- It was the first kingdom of Sri Lanka and one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world.

In the afternoon visit Mihintale Mountain Peak (1hr 30min)- the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

The attractions at Mihintale Mountain Peak:
Kantaka Dagaba- The Dagaba is notable as it has the best and the most ancient ornamental frontispieces found in Sri Lanka. Ambasthale Dagaba and The Buddha Statue– According to the chronicles this dagaba was built enshrining the Buddhas hair relic between the eye brows. Sinha Pokuna– The Lion Pond, it is an open-air bath which was probably used by the monks who were living in the caves of the neighborhood. Kaludiya Pokuna– The “Black Water Pond” is an archeological site with extensive ruins of a monastery belongs to 9th Century AD. Ancient Hospital Complex– One of the world’s oldest hospitals built in 853 AD.

Overnight stay at: Anuradhapura
Travel Time: 3hrs 50min (approx.) – Colombo Airport to Mihintale
30min (approx.) – Mihintale to Anuradhapura
Meal: –

Day 2

After breakfast, before leaving for Polonnaruwa, explore Anuradhapura Ruins (4hrs)– The city was the political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years till the 11th century AD.

The attractions at Anuradhapura Ruins:
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 Dagabos 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. Isurumuniya Rajamaha Viharaya– A beautiful rock temple built in 3rd Century BC. 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. on the way to Polonnaruwa, visit Ritigala Forest Monastery (1hr)- This ancient Buddhist monastery with rock inscriptions is date back to the 1st century BC.

Overnight stay at: Polonnaruwa
Travel Time: 1hrs (approx.) – Anuradhapura to Ritigala
1hrs 20min (approx.) – Ritigala to Polonnaruwa
Meal: Breakfast

Day 3

After breakfast, before leaving for Habarana, explore Polonnaruwa Ruins (4hrs)- Go back to the Medieval Capital of the 10th Century. Due to its archeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority, UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa as a World Heritage in 1982.

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. Learn basics of Buddhist Meditation (15min)– It is a technique that encourages and develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things.

In the afternoon leave for Habarana.

Overnight stay at: Habarana
Travel Time: 1hr 10min (approx.) – Polonnaruwa to Habarana
Meal: Breakfast

Day 4

After breakfast, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (2hrs)- The spectacular rock fortress which is the best-preserved city center in Asia from the first millennium and has been named as a UNESCO world heritage and the 8th wonder of the world.

In the afternoon visit Minneriya National Park (2hrs 30min)- The park is the best for watching the world’s largest wild Asian Elephant Gathering. Also, a dormitory for many residents as well as migrant bird species. The jeep safari is the best way to explore the wilderness.

Thereafter, back to the Hotel.

Overnight stay at: Habarana
Travel Time: 25min (approx.) – Sigiriya to Minneriya
15min (approx.) – Minneriya to Habarana
Meal: Breakfast

Day 5

After breakfast leave for Kandy- The second largest city in Sri Lanka. On the way visit Dambulla Cave Temple (1hrs)- The excellent painting works on the walls and the statues of five different caves all related to the Buddha’s life and tales of former lives of the Buddha. They are the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan art, Spice Garden (1hrs)- Sri Lanka is an integral part of the global spice trade for many centuries which is used not only for cooking but also for medicine. Sri Lanka is home to the world’s best cinnamon (Ceylon Cinnamon) and many other spices.

In the afternoon visit Aluviharaya Ancient Temple(40min)- The Rock monastery of Aluviharaya is an extremely picturesque setting. It is said that the doctrines of the Buddha were first recorded here, in the pail script, around the first century BC, The Temple of the Tooth Relic (1hr 30min)- The most important Buddhist relic, constructed mainly during the reign of Kandyan kings from 1687-1707 and 1747-1782, Kandyan Cultural Dance Show (1hr)- According to Sinhalese legends, Kandyan dances originated 2500 years ago and it is Sri Lanka’s primary cultural export.

Overnight stay at: Kandy
Travel Time: 2hrs 40min (approx.) – Habarana to Kandy
Meal: Breakfast

Day 6

In the morning visit Mahiyanganaya Ancient Temple (1hr)- A temple on a rock with ancient inscriptions and a unique relic house.

In the afternoon visit Dambana Village (2hrs)- The place for the indigenous people of Sri Lanka who continuing their primitive lifestyle throughout many centuries without letting affect and change their traditions by advancing technology nor commercialization.

Overnight stay at: Dambana
Travel Time: 2hrs 15min (approx.) – Kandy to Mahiyanganaya
30min (approx.) – Mahiyanganaya to Dambana
Meal: Breakfast

Day 7

After breakfast leave for Galle- A historical city on southern coast in Sri Lanka.

In the afternoon visit Galle Dutch Fort (1hr30min)- A place of history, romance and beauty. Initially built by the Portuguese in the16th century. In the evening relax at the Beach.

Overnight stay at: Unawatuna
Travel Time: 4hrs 40min (approx.) – Dambana to Unawatuna
Meal: Breakfast

Day 8

In the morning relax at the hotel.

In the afternoon, before leaving for Colombo Airport for your Departure, on the way Colombo City Tour and Shopping (3hrs)- The commercial capital of the country. 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, The President’s Palace), Seema Malakaya Temple in Beire Lake, Independence Memorial Hall, The Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall and Hindu Temple.

Travel Time: 2hrs 10min (approx.) – Unawatuna to Colombo
45min (approx.) – Colombo 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.