Experience the rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and vibrant city life of Sri Lanka on this carefully designed 6-day journey. From bustling Colombo to the sacred city of Kandy and the historic treasures of Dambulla, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, religion, and local experiences.
This tour provides an excellent introduction to Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures, spiritual heritage, and warm hospitality. It is a perfect choice for first-time visitors looking to experience the essence of the island within a short stay.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Witness Sri Lanka’s gentle giants up close at the world-famous elephant orphanage. Observe elephants bathing in the river, socializing, and roaming freely in a natural environment.
Dambulla Cave Temple Explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed cave temple complex featuring ancient murals, intricate paintings, and over 150 statues of Lord Buddha. This sacred site dates back over 2,000 years and remains one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured cultural landmarks.
Kandy – The Last Royal Kingdom Discover the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and UNESCO World Heritage city of Kandy. Visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses Buddhism’s most revered relic. Enjoy the charm of the scenic Kandy Lake, bustling local markets, traditional arts and crafts, and an authentic Kandyan cultural dance performance.
Colombo Zoo Encounter a fascinating collection of wildlife and exotic animals at Sri Lanka’s premier zoological garden, offering enjoyable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Colombo City Tour Explore the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, where colonial heritage blends seamlessly with modern development. Visit iconic attractions including Gangaramaya Temple, the Floating Market, Independence Square, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, Pettah Bazaar, and many other landmarks showcasing the city’s diverse character.
This journey is ideal for travelers seeking:
Sri Lankan culture and heritage
Buddhist religious sites
Historical monuments and UNESCO World Heritage attractions
Traditional dance and cultural performances
Elephant encounters and wildlife experiences
Local markets and shopping opportunities
City exploration and sightseeing
Route: Airport to Colombo
Activities: Meet and assist, hotel check-in, Colombo Zoo visit
Overnight: Colombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative. Enjoy breakfast in Colombo before transferring to your hotel for check-in. Later in the day, head out to explore the Colombo Zoo to see a fascinating collection of wildlife.
Route: Colombo to Pinnawala, then to Kandy
Activities: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Overnight: Kandy
After breakfast in Colombo, transfer to Pinnawala. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a 25-acre coconut property home to many orphaned elephants who roam freely. This is the one place you can get up close to these gentle giants when they stroll to the nearby river at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily. It is a fantastic opportunity to take pictures of them bathing, playing, and socializing in the water. For the adventurous, there are even volunteer opportunities to be a caretaker for a half or full day. Afterward, transfer to your hotel in Kandy.
Route: Kandy to Dambulla, returning to Kandy
Activities: Dambulla Rock Temple
Overnight: Kandy
Following breakfast at the hotel, take a scenic drive from Kandy to Dambulla. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub treasured by kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, the Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed cave temples flanking the Golden Temple. Observe the exquisitely detailed cave paintings along walls that shelter over 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter, look up to the gigantic, gold-glittering Buddha statue that overlooks this important cultural junction. Return to Kandy for the night.
Route: Kandy City Tour
Activities: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy City Centre, local markets, cultural show
Overnight: Kandy
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before exploring Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings. Visit the former Palace complex, last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe before falling to British rule in 1815. Experience the ancient Kandyan legacy at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Stroll through this misty lakeside town, visiting the Kandy City Centre, traditional arts and crafts centers, a gem museum, and the vibrant local market filled with fresh produce. Fine-tune your evening with an authentic Kandyan cultural show featuring traditional music, drumming, and vibrant dance performances.
Route: Kandy to Colombo
Activities: Comprehensive Colombo City Tour, Gangaramaya Temple
Overnight: Colombo
After breakfast, transfer back to the west coast to explore Colombo, the country’s throbbing commercial capital. Drive along clean streets past the crystal-white Race Course—a historic 1893 horse racing hub and WWII airstrip now furnished with lavish boutiques. Ride to Pettah to experience the unique Floating Market, and feel the buzz around the upcoming Colombo Port City project. Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha toward the historic Independence Square and the Arcade. Enjoy the colonial architecture of the Dutch Hospital shopping precinct, home to top-notch dining, fashion, and handicraft brands. Finally, take in the serene atmosphere and chiming bells of the Gangaramaya Temple on the lake.
Route: Colombo to Airport
Activities: Transfer for departure
Enjoy a final breakfast in Colombo. When it is time for your flight, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of the Wonder of Asia.