Relics of Sri Lanka
A classic round-island journey visiting elephants, tea country, ancient temples and golden beaches — all in 7 unforgettable days.
Overview
Discover the timeless beauty of Sri Lanka on a 7-day cultural journey through ancient cities, sacred temples, royal kingdoms, and colonial landmarks. From the spiritual wonders of Anuradhapura and Mihintale to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy, and Galle Fort, every stop reveals a fascinating chapter of Sri Lanka’s history.
Experience Highlights
Spiritual Experiences & Sacred Traditions
Cave Art & Sacred Sanctuaries
Scenic Viewpoints & Historic Landmarks
Colonial Heritage by the Coast
Travel seamlessly
Ancient Engineering & Historic Cities
At a Glance
Take a look at this example travel flow to understand the pace and experiences included in this trip.
Anuradhapura: Discover Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital, where centuries of history can still be seen in impressive monuments such as the white Ruwanweli Maha Seya and the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
Mihintale: Make your way up the historic stone steps to this peaceful hilltop sanctuary, remembered as the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE.
Kantale Wewa (Gangathala Wapi): See one of Sri Lanka’s impressive ancient reservoirs, traditionally linked to King Aggabodhi II and later improvements during the reign of King Parakramabahu I. The reservoir offers a fascinating look at the sophisticated irrigation systems developed by ancient Sri Lankan civilizations.
Sri Agbo Rajamaha Viharaya: Visit the nearby temple and archaeological remains, where traces of ancient monastic life offer another glimpse into the region’s long history.
Gal Vihara: See the four remarkable Buddha figures carved directly into a single granite rock face, considered among the finest examples of sculpture from the Polonnaruwa period.
Royal Citadel: Explore the remains of King Parakramabahu I’s royal palace and the surrounding ancient structures. A bicycle is a great way to travel between the ruins and experience the historic city at a relaxed pace.
Rock Fortress Climb: Start the climb early, before the day gets too warm, and make your way up the 200-metre rock fortress. Along the route, see Sigiriya’s famous frescoes and walk past the historic Mirror Wall.
Summit Ruins: Pass through the impressive Lion’s Paws gateway before continuing to the summit, where the remains of the 5th-century royal complex sit high above the surrounding landscape.
Explore the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, home to centuries-old Buddhist paintings and beautifully preserved statues.
Sacred Relic: Experience the atmosphere of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic during the traditional Thevava ceremony, when the sound of drums and offerings of flowers bring the temple’s living traditions to life.
Royal City: Take a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake and spend time exploring the museums and historic buildings surrounding the temple complex.
Colonial Heritage: Finish the journey on Sri Lanka’s southern coast with a walk through Galle Fort. Wander along its centuries-old ramparts and historic streets, pass colonial-era buildings and the iconic lighthouse, and enjoy the sunset overlooking the Indian Ocean.
*All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates
What’s Included / Not Included
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