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Sri Lanka - To The Cultural Triangle
Embark on a journey of quintessential discovery of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle uncovering the magnificent wonders of Sigiriya, the domains of wild elephants, Buddhist trails and splendors of the shimmering coast.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in luxurious and boutique hotels
Discover the heritage, wildlife and coastal fervor of Sri Lanka
Enjoy insiders' perspectives from our your local expert guide
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE COLOMBO / SIGIRIYA
Arrive into Colombo Bandaranaike Intl Airport where you will be met and greeted by an airport representative who will assist you through immigration clearance, baggage collection. customs and bring you to the Silk Route lounge where you will be served light refreshments. Thereafter, embark on a private helicopter as you transfer into the heart of Sigiriya where on arrival, you will be warmly greeted and given an orientation upon checking in at the stunning Water Garden Sigiriya.
Overnight: Water Garden, Sigiriya
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: SIGIRIYA
This morning, we begin our discovery of Sigiriya with a drive to the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which rose to fame as a capital between the 10th to 12th Century AD. A resemblance to Angkor Wat, the royal palace and audience hall, the quadrangle and spectacular Gal Vihara Complex give clear evidence of Sri Lanka’s past glory. Sightseeing will include visits to – Museum / Thuparama / Gal potha (stone book) / Hatadage / Latha Mandapaya / Sathmal Prashada / Rankoth Vihara / Lankathilaka / Kiri Vehera & The Royal Palace. We will enjoy a lunch arranged by the side of a paddy field located in Polonnaruwa. The restaurant is done by a farmer looking to uplift him and his family from poverty. Since its launch, the restaurant "Priyamali Gedara" has had immense success and was even rated the best restaurant in Polonnaruwa. After lunch, we visit a Rice Mill to witness the process of raw paddy been turned in to finish product. Thereafter we drive to Minneriya/Kaudulla/Eco Park (the 4x4 safari will be at one of these parks located close to one another as it depends on the month and elephant migration patterns) before returning to the Water Garden Sigiriya.
Overnight: Water Garden, Sigiriya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: SIGIRIYA
This morning, we drive to a local monastery where we have the opportunity to meet the local monks at the temple and offer alms. Most Buddhist monks survive on one meal a day. The practice of offering alms is a way of supporting the monks and it also helps teach devotees the value of giving. Return back to the hotel for lunch thereafter and later in the afternoon, we drive to the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built in the 5th Century as a bastion and palace of king Kasyapa. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the geometrically laid water gardens, the frescoes of beautiful maidens, and the mirror wall with ancient graffiti. The lion platform and the summit of 1.6 hectares, was surrounded by buildings during the period of Sigiriya glory.
Overnight: Water Garden, Sigiriya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: SIGIRIYA / DAMBULLA / KANDY
After breakfast, we leave Sigiriya and drive to Kandy with a stop at Dambulla Rock Cave Temple en route.
Like Sigiriya, Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass and it was here that king Valagam Bahu took refuge from invasions in the 1st Century B.C., later turning the caves into a rock temple. Some of its frescoes are over 2000 years old. Another highlight is a colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the living rock, some 15m long. The caves have a mixture of religious and secular paintings and sculptures with ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and Sinhalese history. Thereafter, proceed to Kandy where en route, we may divert for a visit to a spice plantation to learn about the cultivation of Cinnamons, Cardamoms, Pepper plants and its significance to the local cuisine as Sri Lanka is famous for its rice and curries prepared using several spices. We then arrive into Kandy, the last bastion of Buddhist political power against colonial invasion. This hill station is remarkable for the natural beauty of its setting in a peaceful wooded valley overlooking a vast artificial lake. The palace, shrines and British period buildings give it a special character, while the Buddha’s tooth relic lends a religious importance to the historic Highland capital.
Overnight: The Kandy House, Kandy
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: KANDY
We start our exploration of Kandy with a visit to the home of Jacques Soulie, Professor of Psychology and French at the Peradeniya University. Jacques lives in an amazingly restored 18th Century Dutch mansion that belonged to the Village Chief, and has transformed this into a functional art center, along with a vast collection of old books, furniture, manuscripts and photographs. Over lunch, Jacques tells us of his research on the Kandyan and Gampola kingdoms. After lunch we explore Kandy on a brief panoramic tour via the upper lake drive, stopping at the market square, including a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens & The Temple of Tooth Relic. The famous Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic. Kandy is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the the world. Built in the 16th Century, this temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th Century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. Originally the Temple was within the King's palace complex as it was the symbol of Royal Authority.
Overnight: The Kandy House, Kandy
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6: KANDY / PERADENIYA / POLGOLLA / CAPE WELIGAMA
After breakfast, we check-out from The Kandy House and leave to visit the Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya - the Royal Botanical Gardens, formerly the pleasure gardens of Kandyan kings. During the visit to Gardens , you will be joined by Famous Botanist Mr Palipana who will guide you through the gardens. Thereafter, we drive to Polgolla where we are escorted to a seaplane taking off to Koggala (south coast), On arrival, you will be met where a pleasant drives takes us to the stunning environments of Cape Weligama for check in. In the late afternoon, set out to to explore the Galle Fort. We explore the fort, overflowing with landmarks, strolling past the Dutch church, the governor’s house, the spice warehouses, court square, the Kacheri or Town Hall, the lighthouse and ramparts. Near the old Arab mosque are streets leading to cricket fields and the district Judge’s house, surrounded by ancient frangipani trees. There’s a variety of exclusive boutique stores to explore.
NOTES:
Flight does not operate during May, June, September & October. Alternatively you could opt to drive for 5 hours or privately charter a plane at a supplement.
Overnight: Cape Weligama
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: CAPE WELIGAMA
After breakfast, we enjoy a tuk tuk tour along Sri Lanka’s countryside roads, passing paddy fields and settlements that offer a glimpse into rural lifestyles. Our ride ends at Kahanda Kanda, a tropical paradise built as a private villa, where we have a traditional ‘Southern’ lunch. In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to visit the Handunugoda Estate - An estate growing spices and producing the award-winning and globally acclaimed Virgin White tea, untouched by hand and deemed the purest of all. The 140 year old eco-friendly estate is rich in flora and fauna. Birds and wildlife, myriad colored reservoirs and fish ponds give it a special atmosphere. Meet with experts here, who takes you around these organic plantations of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves, Turmeric, Vanilla, Rubber, Coconut and other Spices. Alternatively, spend a relaxing day luxuriating in the magnificent Cape Weligama where you may consider a spa experience or chill out.
Overnight: Cape Weligama
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 8: CAPE WELIGAMA / BENTOTA / COLOMBO
We leave Cape Weligama today and then proceed on a pleasant drive to Bentota visiting the Lunuganga Estate - the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa, a lawyer called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka's and one of Asia's most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas. He continued to change and experiment with its spaces and structures throughout his life until his final illness in 1998. Next, we travel on to Colombo - capital of Sri Lanka where on arrival, we drive around the capital and its impressive Parliament House, designed by celebrated architect Geoffrey Bawa. Colombo is fascinating, with a cosy mixture of past and present and is the commercial centre of the country. The original trading settlers - the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food and smatterings of their languages, which have been absorbed into the speech of Sri Lankans. Finally, we arrive at the Galle Face Hotel for check in.
Overnight: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: DEPART COLOMBO
Our journey comes to an end today with a transfer to Colombo Bandaranaike Intl Airport for your onward journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
The design of this unique retreat was modelled on the Sigiriya rock fortress’ ancient water gardens and honours the age-old belief in the healing abilities of water. Each of the 30 slick and super spacious private villas is perched over water. Some have their own plunge pool, a Jacuzzi and sun deck. All are incredibly private with panoramic views of the stunning scene.
The Kandy House, Kandy
The Kandy House is a 9 room ancestral manor house which was built in 1804 and its rich history and exquisite restoration. The building that houses the uniquely designed bedrooms overlooks the large jungle pool with infinity views of the paddy fields and the sprawling tree in the garden is light up in the evening to making it a perfect boutique hotel for honeymoon.
Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Sri Lanka’s iconic landmark, The Galle Face Hotel, is situated in the heart of Colombo, along the seafront and facing the famous Galle Face Green.One of the oldest hotels east of the Suez, The Galle Face Hotel embraces its rich history and legendary traditions, utilizing them to create engaging, immersive experiences that resonate with old and new generations of travelers alike. No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without staying at this majestic hotel, built in 1864 and recently restored back to its former glory.