DAY 01 - NEGOMBO / ANURADHAPURA
Upon arrival, we will head directly to Anuradhapura, our first destination. This ancient city, Sri Lanka’s first capital, has roots stretching back to the 4th century BC. Revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is a key site for Buddhist monuments. Its impressive collection of temples, stupas, statues, and stoneworks has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The city also features ancient ruins of monasteries and palaces that are thousands of years old. Anuradhapura is not only an archaeological treasure but also the heart of Sri Lanka’s early civilization, with an advanced network of reservoirs and waterways for irrigation. As part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Anuradhapura is home to the world’s most sacred tree.
More InforDAY 02 - ANURADHAPURA / SIGIRIYA / MINNERIYA / HABARANA
Next, we’ll visit the world-renowned Sigiriya, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. This majestic rock fortress rises 200 meters above the dense jungle in Sri Lanka’s central plains. Originally, the caves of Sigiriya provided shelter for Buddhist monks in the 3rd century. In the 5th century, King Kashyapa transformed it into an impressive fortress to protect himself from rival forces. As the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya is known for its colossal lion statue that once stood at the entrance, although only the paws remain today. At the summit, the ruins of a palace offer stunning views of the mist-covered forests and hills. After exploring Sigiriya, we will proceed to Minneriya National Park.
More InforDAY 03 - HABARANA / POLONNARUWA / SIGIRIYA / HABARANA
Polonnaruwa, which became the capital of ancient Sri Lanka after the fall of Anuradhapura, thrived as a kingdom from the 10th to the 13th centuries. This archaeological city is a remarkable collection of stone monuments from its prosperous era. As it served as the capital for both Sinhala kings and Chola invaders, it boasts a significant array of Brahmanic monuments. The ruins of hundreds of temples are scattered throughout the archaeological park, alongside vast reservoirs and water tanks constructed by the kings. Known for its extensive paddy cultivation, Polonnaruwa remains one of Sri Lanka’s major rice-producing regions. Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its rich and vibrant history.
More InforDAY 04 - SIGIRIYA / DAMBULLA / KANDY
Dambulla, surrounded by hills, lakes, and valleys, is renowned for its towering golden Buddha statue and its blend of spiritual and natural beauty. This historical agricultural town is home to ancient cave temples that date back to the 1st century BC. The Dambulla cave complex is the largest and best-preserved in Sri Lanka, and the caves have been inhabited by Buddhist monks since the 3rd century BC. Archaeological evidence points to a prehistoric civilization in the area that is around 2,700 years old. Dambulla's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is further enhanced by its proximity to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
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Kandy, Sri Lanka's second-largest city and hill country capital, holds great cultural and historical significance as a sacred city. It is renowned for the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most venerated relic of Buddha. As the last ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy fell to the British, marking the end of an era. This city is the gateway to the highlands and tea regions, including places like Nuwara Eliya and Ella. The distinctive architecture and rich culture of Kandy continue to be central to Sinhala Buddhist traditions. During British colonialism, Kandy was Sri Lanka's final bastion. The Kandy Perahera, a major religious event, has been a significant celebration for centuries.
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Return home safely, carrying countless joyful memories.
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