Anuradhapura, Sigiriya & Kandy

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival in Colombo, you will be met and transferred to our hotel. This evening, we meet our tour leader and fellow travellers for welcome drinks and a tour briefing. Please note, as international flights often arrive late, the tour briefing may take place tomorrow instead.

Today we explore Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. A fascinating blend of old and new, Colombo has been a key trading hub since the 5th century, reflecting the nation’s rich and varied history. We explore Fort, the central business district, home to landmarks such as the Grand Oriental Hotel and the Old Dutch Hospital.

On foot, we discover the bustling Pettah market, where everything from spices to electronics is traded. We visit a kovil, a Hindu temple of the Tamil community, before continuing to Gangaramaya Temple, known for its striking architecture and eclectic collection of religious artefacts. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Perhaps stroll along Galle Face Green and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, joining locals at this popular evening gathering spot.

Colombo - Negombo - Anuradhapura. This morning we depart Colombo early, heading north. Our first stop is Negombo, where we visit this coastal town's renowned fish market, the Llelama, where traditional boats unload the daily catch - a pungent but fascinating scene.

As we continue, we may witness toddy tapping, the age-old process of extracting sap from palm trees to produce a popular local alcoholic drink. By road, we journey on to Anuradhapura, our base within Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Once the capital for over a thousand years and with a history stretching back 2,500 years, Anuradhapura offers a superb introduction to Sri Lanka. Its temples and palaces, both ruined and active, are scattered across park-like landscapes, creating a peaceful and scenic setting. We arrive mid-afternoon and settle into our hotel.

We begin this morning with a visit to Mihintale, the sacred birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. The site involves some steep steps, but those preferring a gentler pace can explore the base area and enjoy the surrounding views.

In the afternoon, we continue to some of Anuradhapura’s key sites, including the Sri Maha Bodhi, the world’s oldest authenticated tree, brought here as a cutting from India over 2,000 years ago. We also see the ruined columns of the Brazen Palace and the Thuparama Dagoba, believed to be the oldest Buddhist structure in the world.

This evening, we visit the revered Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, where the sight of pilgrims gathering beneath its vast dome creates a truly special atmosphere.

Anuradhapura - Sigiriya. This morning, after leaving Anuradhapura, we stop at a village near Habarana for a glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life. Travelling by local bullock cart, we gain an insight into traditional farming practices and enjoy a simple village-style lunch featuring typical local ingredients such as eggplant, yam, green banana, and okra. We may also take a boat ride along a scenic waterway, home to fishing eagles.

In the afternoon, we explore the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, focusing on the remains of the Royal Palace complex and the Quadrangle, where several palace structures still stand. We also visit Gal Vihara, home to magnificent standing and reclining Buddha statues still deeply revered by locals. Afterwards, we continue to our hotel in Sigiriya, set beneath Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmark.

Early this morning, we visit the remarkable "lion rock" fortress of Sigiriya. Whether ancient monastery or royal palace, its two millennia of history are shrouded in myth and legend. The sight of the towering rock is breathtaking, and the climb is equally so, involving several thousand steps. Those not wishing to ascend can enjoy the landscaped water and boulder gardens at the base, offering excellent views of the rock itself. The ascent brings us to the summit first, passing between two giant stone lion’s paws before reaching the top, where rock foundations and sweeping views of jungle and countryside await. On the descent, a spiral staircase leads to the exquisite Apsara frescoes, painted directly onto the sheer rock face.In the afternoon, enjoy free time by the hotel pool, or join your tour leader for a visit to the remote forest monastery of Ritigala, known for its unusually elaborate ‘urinal stones’.

Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy. Departing Sigiriya, we travel a short distance to Dambulla, home to one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated collections of Buddhist art. The cave temples, set atop a hill, feature five caves filled with dozens of Buddha statues and vast, colourful frescoes. The climb to the caves involves a 15-minute ascent on wide, even stone steps; it can be hot, so those preferring not to climb may remain at the base.

Later, we visit a tropical spice garden to learn about the many culinary and medicinal plants grown in Sri Lanka, followed by a delicious local lunch at the garden.

In the afternoon, we continue into the central hills to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second city, nestled among forested peaks. Spend the late afternoon relaxing in the beautiful grounds of your hotel, or perhaps taking a stroll around Kandy Lake.

We start early with a visit to the ornate Temple of the Tooth, home to Sri Lanka’s most revered relic - a tooth of Lord Buddha. We attend one of the daily pujas, a prayer ceremony considered the ultimate act of worship by Sinhalese Buddhists. Pilgrims from across the Buddhist world gather here, making it one of the religion’s holiest sites.

For those interested, join your tour leader at a nearby local café to experience a typical Sri Lankan breakfast, sampling delicious traditional snacks or simply enjoying a refreshing cup of local tea.

Afterwards, we explore Kandy with a city tour that includes a scenic lakeside drive and a visit to the vibrant central market. In the afternoon, visit the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, once favoured by Sinhalese kings and British colonial rulers, featuring a spectacular collection of exotic tropical plants and a large colony of fruit bats.

We conclude the day with a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration, followed by a farewell dinner shared with your fellow travellers, marking a memorable end to your journey.

Kandy - Colombo. This morning, after breakfast and check out, we travel by road back towards Colombo. En route, we stop at a tea plantation for a fascinating insight into the island’s vital tea industry, with the chance to sample and purchase local teas.

Our tour ends with drop off at Colombo’s airport. Please note that if you have a late-night flight, you might consider booking an airport hotel room. Alternatively, the airport offers a comfortable environment with cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can spend a few hours.