Cultural, Heritage & Wildlife Exploration Tour

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Arrival at Colombo airport. Welcome by our local representative and continuation towards Negombo.

If the flight arrives in the morning can do a quick visit to Negombo fishing village. The fishing port of Negombo brings together one of the largest fishing communities on the island which are mostly Catholic. You can visit the churches not far from the shore where the fishermen’s catamarans lined up.

Continue towards your hotel, welcome and check in to the room. Check in time is from 14h00 onwards.

Rest of the time is free for relax to recover form the fatigue of your long journey

Overnight stay is in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel

Thereafter proceed to Anuradhapura through picturesque villages in Sri Lanka surrounded by green hills. You can see the local population at work in their paddy fields, coconut and pineapple plantations and some are in tile and brick manufacturing ….

Along the road, there are many Hindu & Buddhist temples, churches, mosques, etc…

En route visit Hindu Temples in Chilaw, named Murugan Temple, Moneshwarm Temple, and the Kali Temple.

The temples located in Chilaw are dedicated to Hindu deities and both the Tamil Hindus and Sinhalese Buddhists worship these temples in harmony to get the blessings of the God Murugan, Shiva, and the goddess Kali.

A Glimpse of History

Journey to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, where history comes alive. As the day winds down, you’ll be captivated by the city’s rich heritage while settling into your comfortable accommodation.

In the afternoon, explore one part of the archeological site such as Wessagiriya, Isurumuniya Temple, Ranmasu Oyana, and Sacred Bo Tree, which is known as the oldest tree in the world with a recorded history.

Arrive at your hotel for overnight stay

Breakfast at the hotel

Visit the archeological site.

Located north of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Anuradhapura founded in 500 BC—was the island’s first and longest-serving capital. Once a thriving Buddhist and commercial metropolis, it was abandoned in the 10th century AD and reclaimed by the jungle until its rediscovery in 1817. The city flourished under three great monasteries and grew around monumental dagobas built in memory of the Buddha. Today, these vast brick stupas continue to attract Buddhist devotees from around the world. Among the most significant are Thuparama, the island’s earliest dagoba; the immaculate and revered Ruvanveliseya; and the colossal Jetavanarama and Abhayagiriya.

Anuradhapura also guards the sacred Bo Tree, grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and houses remarkable sites such as the Samadhi Buddha statue, Ran Masu Uyana, the Mahasena Palace moonstone, and Isurumuniya Temple. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

Depart for Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, where 1,840 steps lead to a serene Buddha statue and sweeping plains views.

On the way to Sigiriya, visit the magnificent 15-meter Aukana Buddha, carved from living rock.

Arrive in Sigiriya and check in at the hotel.

Then proceed to Sigiriya

Begin your ascent of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an extraordinary masterpiece where history, art, and nature blend seamlessly. Rising 370 metres above the plains, this immense red-rock citadel offers sweeping panoramic views, especially breathtaking at sunrise as the sky transforms into a canvas of warm, radiant colours.

As you climb the famed Lion’s Rock, you will encounter the celebrated frescoes of the “Ladies of Sigiriya,” ethereal figures believed to represent semi-divine princesses or celestial maidens. These masterpieces, created by the finest artists of the 5th century, remain among Sri Lanka’s greatest artistic treasures. The ascent continues through the colossal Lion Gate, where a narrow staircase passes between monumental stone paws, leading to the summit palace. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, Sigiriya is often described as an eagle’s nest an impregnable fortress built atop a single massive rock.

The story of Sigiriya is inseparable from King Kasyapa, who seized the throne from his father, King Dhatusena, and constructed this astonishing stronghold to protect himself from his exiled brother, Mugalan. Eighteen years later, Mugalan returned to reclaim the kingdom, ending Kasyapa’s dramatic reign.

Today, Sigiriya stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most significant archaeological wonders a fortress-palace crowned with gardens, pools, and centuries-old artistry, offering an unforgettable journey through time.

Journey to the Past,

Begin your journey to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of ancient Sri Lanka, where impressive archaeological treasures reveal the island’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Visit the archaeological site and its excellent museum to gain a deeper understanding of this 12th-century royal city, which succeeded Anuradhapura and flourished for nearly two centuries. Spanning over 15 km², Polonnaruwa has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

Explore the remains of the royal palace complex, ancient monasteries, and monumental religious structures. Highlights include the vast Alahana Pirivena monastic area, the exquisite rock-cut Buddha statues of Gal Vihara, and the Tivanka Pilgrimage House with its delicate wall paintings. Polonnaruwa also once safeguarded Buddhism’s most sacred symbol the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha protected within the Vatadage, part of a unique circular ensemble of temples found only in Sri Lanka.

Enjoy a traditional village meal experience, offering an authentic taste of local flavours prepared with age-old culinary techniques.

Later, embark on an exciting 4×4 safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for hosting one of the world’s greatest elephant gatherings. Watch herds congregate around the reservoir, interacting playfully in an unforgettable wildlife spectacle. Alongside elephants, the park shelters toque macaques, spotted and sambar deer, wild boar, buffalo, and even elusive leopards. With over 160 bird species, Minneriya is also a paradise for birdwatchers.

On the way back from safari, you will stop to approach some village people and experience some local activities.

Traditional meal preparation-demonstration, participation & tasting, during the activity you will be served local cocktail and if you are a group of 07 or above you will be having evening with locals followed by local music

We will organize a memorable evening with local experience.

Return to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast in Sigiriya, you will transfer to Kandy.

En route to Kandy, visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured religious landmarks. These ancient rock sanctuaries once sheltered King Valagambahu after he was exiled from Anuradhapura. Upon reclaiming his throne, he transformed the caves into magnificent Buddhist temples. Today, you can admire an extraordinary collection of Buddha statues, murals, and sacred imagery spread across five vast caves that have been used by monks since the 1st century BC.

Continue to Nalanda Gedige, an intriguing archaeological site often considered the geographical center of Sri Lanka. Its unique fusion of architectural styles makes it a fascinating stop.

A visit to a spice garden offers a sensory escape into the world of Sri Lankan spices, where captivating aromas and demonstrations reveal the island’s rich culinary heritage.

In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the revered shrine that houses Buddhism’s most sacred relic.

Kandy, set around a scenic lake, was the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and remains a spiritual stronghold of Buddhism. Before heading to your hotel, enjoy a vibrant Kandyan cultural dance performance, featuring traditional dances such as the harvest dance, fire dance, and ritual offerings.

Arrive at your hotel, check in, and unwind. Overnight stay in Kandy

Breakfast is in the hotel,

then drive to Peradeniya little early. Visit the wonderful Botanical Garden of Peradeniya on the banks of the same river were, on more than 60 hectares, the most beautiful tropical species in the world. Trees, flowers, spices, fruits. The Botanical Garden of Peradeniya is one of the most beautiful in the world, an enchantment. Known for its diverse collection of plants and trees.

Tea route , visit a tea factory to learn its entire process of ‘Ceylon Tea’ from a fresh youngleaf from a tea bush to a delicious cup of ‘Ceylon Tea’

Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England,” due to its colonial architecture and cool climate.

In the evening, enjoy a high tea experience at one of the colonial hotels in Nuwareliya, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes.

Explore Nuwara Eliya, often dubbed “Little England” for its charming British colonial architecture.

In the evening you can do a reposing promenade in the city and around the Grogory Lake area. Nuwaraeliya in the heart of the island. You will cross among the most beautiful landscapes on the island. Nuwara Eliya, “the city above the clouds”, is located at an altitude of 1,900m; It is one of the most famous climatic resorts in Ceylon. In Nuwara Eliya, the appearance of the gardens, the architecture of the houses, and the always green grass give it a very “British colonial” look. The temperature is pleasantly cool, 15 ° on average.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast is in the hotel, then leave for Nanuoya Railway Station to take a local train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. This scenic train journey will take you through picturesque tea plantations, mountains, villages, and waterfalls.

The small village of Ella is beautifully located between the mountain and the waterfalls of pure water. You can see through the gap of Ella, the valley that is at least 1000 meters below. A breathtaking

Your chauffeur will receive you upon arriving to Ella railway station and then proceed to your hotel.

Welcome and check-in to the room.

Overnight stay is in your hotel in Ella

Breakfast in the hotel,

Then you will be starting your tuk- tuk ride towards the Lipton Seat across many villages, tea plantations and vegetable cultivations. Explore people at their day-to-day work and during this ride you will walk across the tea plantations and can have close approach to villages at work.

After enjoying stunning scenic beauty of up country in Sri Lanka you will reach Lipton Seat, the final point of your escapade.

After having a picnic breakfast and enjoying the 360-degree view from return to Ella do a reposing promenade to Little Adams Peak and then towards the historical Nine Arched Bridge where you can spend a moment to capture an unforgettable picture of train passing over the bridge.

If you are interested you can take part in Ravana Pool Club and on Zip lining activities

After enjoying the natural beauty of Sri Lankan hill region now time to relax and experience the savor of Sri Lankan food in street restaurants found in and around Ella, the little city which is animated with the night falling.

Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel,

Thereafter leave for Tissamaharama

Stop at Ravana Waterfall.

Arrive in your hotel, check in to the room.

In the afternoon we will make arrangement for your 4 x 4 safari in Yala National Park

Yala National Park, renowned for its distinction as the world’s highest leopard density area. Keep your camera ready, as the park teems with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Yala National Park is the most beautiful reserve in Sri Lanka. You will meet many elephants, the sacred animal of Ceylon, but also multicolored parrots, buffaloes, monkeys etc. Maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to spot a leopard.

Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel,

Thereafter continue towards beach hotel, stop at the villages where the famous fishermen sit on stilts that are quaint and authentic to the region arrive in Galle, pronounced “Gol” in English, and visit the old town and the historical Dutch fort. Considering the value of colonial architectural structures of this well-planned old city of Galle it was declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. In the good old days, many trading ships used to come to Galle port since it is located on the “silk route”.

Galle was a trading center for spices, gems, and ivory in the good old days. After the Chinese and Arabs, it is especially the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the English, who have made this city a place of strange and unique to Sri Lanka. You will discover the Bastions and ramparts, the Dutch Church, the lighthouse, and the old colonial mansions. And take a leisurely walk on the ramparts of the Galle Fort, enjoying ocean views.

Later, try traditional street food within the fort, providing an authentic local culinary experience.

Enjoy a relaxing promenade on the old rampart, explore the historical Old Dutch Fort

Depending on your desired time, transfer to the Colombo.

Arrive at your beach hotel.

Welcome and check in to the room.

Breakfast is at the hotel,

Entire day is free to relax and recall the cherished memories of your exploration tour in Sri Lanka, ‘The Land Like no other”. Your chauffeur and vehicle are available for you on call if you wish to move around to do last minutes purchases such as souvenirs for your friends & families.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

If your flight departs late in the evening or at night, the morning is free for relaxation. In the afternoon, depart for the airport with a sightseeing tour of Colombo along the way.

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant metropolitan capital, is home to over two million people and beautifully showcases a blend of past and present. The city’s colonial heritage is still visible in landmarks such as the Galle Face Hotel, the Town Hall, and the old Parliamentary Complex. The famous Galle Face Green, once a leisure ground for colonial-era residents, continues to draw locals and visitors who gather to stroll, relax, and enjoy the sea breeze.

As you drive through Colombo’s 15 distinct zones, you will notice contrasts in lifestyle, architecture, and culture. The tour includes stops at a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple, as well as drives through Fort, Pettah, Main Street, and the elegant Cinnamon Gardens one of the city’s most prestigious residential areas.

After the tour, proceed to the airport, ideally three hours before your flight. Horizon Voyages will assist you with all departure formalities.