Ancient Kingdoms of Sri Lanka

10-night historical tour exploring Sri Lanka's ancient and modern capitals

Ancient Kingdoms of Sri Lanka

Trace the history of Sri Lanka through its ancient and modern capitals on this 10-night historical tour. Discover the origins of Sinhalese culture in ancient Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, before venturing to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s colonial-era capital. The tour ends with a visit to the highland town of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s tea region and a stay in a rainforest eco-lodge.

Outline Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Colombo

    You will be met on arrival into Colombo and transferred to the Ramada Hotel, where you stay one night in a double room (inc. breakfast).

  2. Day 2: Colombo – Anuradhapura

    After breakfast at your hotel, depart Colombo for Anuradhapura in a private vehicle (approx. 5 hours). On arrival, check-in at the Palm Garden Village for two nights (inc. breakfast).

  3. Day 3: Anuradhapura

    Meet with your guide after breakfast and embark on a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura.

  4. Day 4: Anuradhapura – Sigiriya

    Depart Anuradhapura after breakfast and journey south to Sigiriya (approx. 1½ hours). Check-in at Aliya Resort & Spa for two nights (inc. breakfast).

  5. Day 5: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

    An early start today, as you set off for the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Often dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World, this giant rock citadel is Sri Lanka’s most spectacular monument. Built in the 5th-century AD, during the reign of King Kasyapa, it’s an astounding feat of engineering, as well as an example of early Sinhalese art and iconography.

  6. Day 6: Sigiriya – Kandy

    Depart Sigiriya for Kandy (approx. 3½ hrs), travelling via Matale and the Dambulla Cave Temples.

  7. Day 7: Kandy

    This morning, embark on a tour of Kandy accompanied by an experienced guide, continuing your tour of Sri Lanka’s history through its former capitals.

  8. Day 8: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

    Start the day with a tour of the Three Temple Loop of Embekke, Lankathilaka and Gadaladeniya. This trio of temples are among the most impressive examples of religious architecture in the Kandy region.

  9. Day 9: Nuwara Eliya – Sinharaja

    Depart Nuwara Eliya this morning and travel by road to Sinharaja (approx. 4½ hours). On arrival, check-in at the Sinharaja Rainforest Ecolodge for two nights in a chalet (half board basis).

  10. Day 10: Sinharaja Rainforest

    After breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour in the Sinharaja Rainforest accompanied by a naturalist guide.

  11. Day 11: International departure

    You will be collected from the lodge after breakfast and transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) for your international flight home, or to a city hotel in Colombo or nearby Negombo if your flight schedule requires a night at the end of the itinerary (additional hotel night at extra cost).

Price guide

Price based on two travellers in twin/double accommodation. Please see full itinerary (via "download itinerary") for inclusions & exclusions. This is a private itinerary and can be tailored to your interests, and priced for families or larger group sizes.
Pricing

11 days from £1850pp

Pricing

11 days from £1850pp

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