Architecture Tour of Sri Lanka (Tour code: 13745)
Highlights
Visit the colorful and authentic market of Negombo, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant fish markets, and a rich cultural heritage
Climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Visit Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a treasure trove of ancient Sri Lankan history and culture
A guided walk of History & Architecture around the Galle Dutch Fort
Tour of the Temple of Tooth Relic in Kandy
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Discover the fascinating key attractions of Sri Lanka on this 14-day private escorted package. Be captivated with stunning views as you relive the ancient times of the unspoilt places you'll uncover.
Explore the charming city of Polonnaruwa where you'll capture temples and ancient ruins. Then, embark on a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park which covers 8,890 hectares and consists of a vast number of wildlife. Your fourth day would involve climbing of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress set amidst stunning scenery, then you'll marvel around the magnificent city of Anuradhapura and witness large stupas.
Be in awe of the ancient statues and paintings at the Dambulla Cave Temples and visit the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic on your fifth day, plus enjoy a cultural performance in the evening. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. Join a unique way of exploring Nuwara Eliya by train where you'll get a sight of dramatic landscape of highlands and majestic peaks. Visit Horton plains and admire the stunning views. Spend two nights in Yala and explore the safari where you'll also witness a variety of wildlife. Lastly, a tour in Sri Lanka is not complete without visiting the famous Galle Fort.
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Inclusions
Itinerary
Day 1 Airport Negombo
Arrival in Sri Lanka / Meet & Greet at the airport where you will meet your private guide. You will then proceed to Negombo in your private car (approximately 30 minutes travel time).
Explore the charm of Negombo with an afternoon visit to its fishing village and historical Dutch buildings. Negombo, a renowned fishing village on Sri Lanka's west coast, boasts picturesque landscapes, vibrant fish markets, and cultural richness. The village is nestled along a large lagoon interconnected with canals, offering a unique setting. Fishing is the main livelihood, providing a glimpse into traditional activities like colorful boats and net casting. Immerse yourself in Negombo's cultural heritage, featuring old Dutch buildings.
Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure.
Overnight stay in Negombo at Uga Riva in a Deluxe Room.
Day 2 Negombo Polonnaruwa Kandalama
Indulge in breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to Polonnaruwa. Explore the Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a rich repository of Sri Lanka's historical and cultural heritage, offering insights into ancient architectural and artistic achievements through well-preserved ruins and temples.
Notable sites include the Gal Vihara, housing impressive granite sculptures of Lord Buddha, including standing, seated, reclining, and smaller statues all carved from a single rock. Delve into the Vatadage, a circular relic house adorned with intricately carved stone pillars, and the Royal Palace complex, showcasing the administrative and architectural practices of the period. The city's renowned reservoirs, like the Parakrama Samudra, highlight ancient engineering skills vital for agriculture and irrigation during that era.
After the exploration, proceed to Kandalama, check in at the hotel, and spend your leisure time at your own pace.
Overnight stay in Kandalama at Heritance Kandalama in a Superior Room.
Day 3 Kandalama Sigiriya Minneriya Kandalama
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
You'll head to Sigiriya (approximately 3 hours travel time). You'll then proceed to the beautiful Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It is consists of 1200 steps. The first part of the visit is a leisurely walk through the pleasure gardens. Then one starts to climb. There are two areas where one can take a break on the way up. The entire duration of the experience takes approximately 3 hours depending on the speed at which you want to climb.
Embark on an adventurous afternoon with a visit to Minneriya National Park, featuring a thrilling jeep safari lasting approximately 3 hours. This park is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 170 bird species. As you explore, you can spot various waterfowl, raptors, and other avian wonders. Minneriya is renowned for its significant population of Asian elephants. During the dry season, herds of elephants gather near the Minneriya Tank to drink and graze on the fresh grass emerging as the water recedes. Witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat before returning to the hotel for a leisurely evening.
Overnight stay in Kandalama at Heritance Kandalama in a Superior Room.
Day 4 Kandalama Hiriwadunna Kandalama
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
Enjoy a village Tour with village lunch & boat ride experience which takes approximately 3 hours.
Trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (manmade reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. Sight the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture) Enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot.
Return to the resort and spend the evening at leisure.
After the visit, return to the hotel for leisure.
Overnight stay in Kandalama at Heritance Kandalama in a Superior Room.
Day 5 Kandalama Kandy
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
Then you'll head to Dambulla (approximately 30 minutes travel time). En route, you'll be able to visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, the largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, towering 160 meters over the surrounding plains with more than 80 documented caves in the area.
Then travel for 2.5 hours to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check in at the hotel and afterward, you'll visit Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is located in the royal palace complex, which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. The visit typically lasts 2 hours. First, you walk toward the temple through the gardens. Your guide will buy your entrance tickets. We recommend buying a lotus flower right at the entrance – 100 LKR per set. Your guide will walk you through the various chambers, explaining the history and significance of the temple.
Enjoy a cultural dance performance later in the day. Today, Kandy is the center of Buddhism, arts, crafts, dancing, music, and culture. Visitors can see these dance and music performances at the daily cultural performance, which starts in the evening and runs for more than an hour. With more than seven different dance performances, captivating drumming, and the skills of traditional musicians on display, this show will give you great insight into traditional Sri Lankan culture.
Return at the resort in Kandy and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Kandy at Elephant Stables in a Deluxe Room.
Day 6 Kandy
Explore the cultural treasures of Embekka Dewalaya, Gadaladeniya Vihara, and Lanka Thilaka Temple, collectively known as the tri temples, situated approximately 8 km south of Kandy. Dating back to the Gampola Period (1341 – 1410 AD), these temples showcase the architectural mastery of Sri Lanka. Gadaladeniya Temple, located in Pilimathalawa, blends historical significance with unique South Indian architectural influences. Embekka Devalaya, near Kandy, is renowned for intricate woodcarvings depicting dancers, musicians, and more. Together, these temples offer a captivating journey through the island's rich cultural heritage.
Overnight stay in Kandy at Elephant Stables in a Deluxe Room.
Day 7 Kandy Galle
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before traveling to Galle, approximately a 5-hour journey.
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour exploring the rich history and architecture of the Galle Dutch Fort, lasting around 2 hours. Afterward, check in at the hotel and indulge in leisure activities for the remainder of the day.
Overnight stay in Galle at Jetwing Lighthouse in a Luxury Room.
Day 8 Galle
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
Relax at the resort and spend the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Galle at Jetwing Lighthouse in a Luxury Room.
Day 9 Galle Ahungalla
Embark on a journey from breakfast at the hotel to the coastal town of Ahungalla, approximately 1.5 hours away. Explore the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Center, contributing to the preservation of these magnificent creatures. Continue the day with a memorable Madu River Safari, discovering the natural wonders of the region. Check into the architecturally significant Heritance Ahungalla, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, and unwind with an evening of leisure at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Ahungalla at Heritance Ahungalla in a Superior Room.
Day 10 Ahungalla Lunuganga Ahungalla
Commence your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, followed by a short journey to Lunuganga, approximately 30 minutes away. Explore the enchanting Lunuganga Garden Estate, a testament to the visionary work of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. The estate, initially a neglected rubber plantation, has been transformed into a captivating landscape with meticulous attention to detail. After the excursion, return to the hotel and relish the evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Ahungalla at Heritance Ahungalla in a Superior Room.
Day 11 Ahungalla
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
Relax at the resort and spend the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Ahungalla at Heritance Ahungalla in a Superior Room.
Day 12 Ahungalla Colombo
Embark on your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading to Colombo. Immerse yourself in a tour of the Geoffrey Bawa House in Colombo, lasting approximately 2 hours. The house showcases the architectural brilliance of Geoffrey Bawa, a pioneer in Sri Lankan architecture. Later, check in at Uga Residence, a colonial city hotel, and unwind in the evening at your leisure, experiencing the charm of Colombo's colonial ambiance and modern vibrancy.
Overnight stay in Colombo at Uga Residence in a Park Suite.
Day 14 Colombo
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
Embark on a Colombo City and Shopping Tour, exploring landmarks like the iconic Gangaramaya Temple, a significant Buddhist site known for its diverse architectural influences. The temple is not just a place of worship but also a cultural and educational center, featuring intricate carvings and a sacred Bodhi tree. After the tour, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Explore the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Colombo while indulging in some shopping.
Overnight stay in Colombo at Uga Residence in a Park Suite.
Day 14 Colombo Airport
Enjoy breakfast at the resort.
You will then be transferred at the airport for departure.
Accommodation
Uga Riva
Negombo
This 180-year-old manor seamlessly combines historic charm with modern luxuries, promising a unique and lavish experience. Indulge in inventive fusion cuisine and authentic Sri Lankan delicacies crafted from top-notch local ingredients. Its nearness to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport makes it a convenient and opulent first or last destination for your Sri Lankan trip. Set amidst a serene five-acre coconut palm estate, Riva offers a secluded and peaceful environment, perfect for unwinding and relaxation.
Heritance Kandalama
Sigiriya
Perched with a commanding view of the eighth wonder of the world, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, Heritance Kandalama is strategically situated at the core of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. It is in proximity to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it an ideal location for exploring the rich cultural and historical treasures of the region.
Elephant Stables
Dambulla
Ascents over a broad Teak backwoods over the fields giving 360-degree perspectives on the surrounding landscapes with the mist mountains of the Hill Country nearby.
Jetwing Lighthouse
Galle
Nestled on a hillock just beyond the historical city of Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse stands as one of the most iconic hotels in the area. Overlooking the expansive Indian Ocean, this distinctive property is conveniently positioned along the coastal trunk road, providing seamless access from various destinations, including Colombo via the Southern Expressway. Jetwing Lighthouse boasts a range of contemporary amenities and services that align with its legacy of luxury and heritage.
Heritance Ahungalla
Ahungalla
Located on the South Coast of Sri Lanka, Heritance Ahungalla is a five-star resort that presents expansive and tastefully furnished rooms, suites, and villas, all featuring breathtaking views of the ocean and the Indian Ocean. Providing an unparalleled coastal experience in Sri Lanka, the hotel exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere with its generously spacious interiors adorned in shades of sepia and pearly white. The interior color palette harmoniously complements the magnificent balcony views, where the vast blue expanse stretches out into the distance. Your exceptional escape awaits, inviting you to indulge in the luxurious offerings of this splendid resort.
Uga Residence
Colombo
Situated between the leafy Park Street and the serene lakeside Buddhist temple of Gangarama, Uga Residence stands as one of Colombo's most opulent boutique hotels. Constructed in the 19th Century by the affluent barrister Sheikh Salehboy Moosajee, this Victorian townhouse was a haven for governors, maharajas, nobility, and the elite of Ceylon’s colonial society. In the present day, Uga Residence has transformed into an exclusive 11-suite hotel in Colombo, providing guests with an idyllic retreat to discover the vibrant commercial hub of Sri Lanka while maintaining a sense of seclusion.
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