A Taste of Central Sri Lanka: Sigiriya & Kandy - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Sigiriya, Explore Dambulla Cave Temple

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, meet your driver outside and transfer 3.5 hours to Sigiriya, a charming village home to the ancient rock fortress of the same name. Check into your hotel and freshen up for a tour of the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, just 30 minutes away in the town of Dambulla. This UNESCO-listed complex comprises five caves carved into a massive rock face.

Follow your private guide through the caves, which date back to the first century BCE, to see the vibrant frescoes depicting Buddha's life and over 153 Buddha statues. Along the way, you may spot monks who still use the caves for meditation. After exploring the different chambers, climb to the top of the rock to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountain ranges before transferring back to your hotel. 

Day 2: Explore the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Safari in Minneriya National Park

Start your day with a 1.5-hour transfer to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. The once thriving city ruled the island from the 11th to 13th centuries, but all that's left is the well-preserved ruins of grand temples, palaces, and statues that highlight the former splendor. Don't miss Gal Vihara, a rock-cut temple complex where you'll find dozens of statues of reclining, sitting, and standing Buddhas carved from a single granite rock face. The highlight of the complex is the 46-foot-long (14 m) reclining Buddha, representing the moment of his attainment of Nirvana.

After exploring the ancient city with your private guide, transfer 30 minutes to Minneriya National Park, where you'll switch to a 4WD vehicle for a three-hour wildlife safari. This 34-square-mile (89 sq km) protected area is the largest gathering place for Asian elephants on Earth. During the dry season (June to September), over 700 elephants congregate around Minneriya Tank Reservoir, a large ancient reservoir. Outside of the dry season, you can still spot elephants, but the park's lush environment supports a variety of other wildlife, such as sambar deer, toque macaques, and water buffalo.

Day 3: Visit Sigiriya Rock, Transfer to Kandy, Tour Spice Garden & Royal Palace 

Before you leave Sigiriya today, you have to visit its UNESCO-listed rock fortress, which dates back to the late fifth century. The ascent to the fortress typically takes 1-1.5 hours, depending on how many stops you make to enjoy the views and historical features along the way. At the summit, explore the remnants of King Kasyapa's palace, complete with royal gardens, water reservoirs, and panoramic views of the lush landscape below. After exploring the fortress, meet your driver for a two-hour transfer to Kandy, a charming city in the Central Highlands considered Sri Lanka's cultural capital.

Check in at your hotel before heading to the National Spice Garden of Sri Lanka for a private tour. As you wander the aromatic pathways, you'll encounter familiar spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg, as well as exotic herbs and plants, then duck into the on-site shop to purchase your own spices and herbal products. Then, return to Kandy for a tour of its historic highlights, including the Royal Palace overlooking Lake Kandy. A highlight of the palace is Sri Dalada Maligawa, a temple housing a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage destination. 

Day 4: Climb Ambuluwawa Tower, Visit the Royal Botanical Garden 

Your penultimate day in Sri Lanka is an action-packed one, starting with a 15-25-minute tuk-tuk ride through the dense evergreen forest to Ambuluwawa, an iconic tower reaching a height of 3,567 feet (1,087 m) above sea level. If you can brave the dizzying heights, the 1-1.5-hour ascent will be worth it as you enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top.

This afternoon, you can choose to spend more time in nature by visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens or learn about Sri Lanka's most famous export at the nearby Giragama Tea Factory, where you can witness the entire tea-making process, from the plucking of fresh tea leaves to the brewing of a perfect cup. You'll also learn about the factory's charming history as you marvel at classic machinery and vintage equipment that reflects the long-standing tea heritage of the region.

Day 5: Transfer to Colombo, Depart

After only five days, your exploration of Northern and Central Sri Lanka is sadly coming to an end today. Check out, meet your driver outside the hotel, and start the 3-4-hour transfer back to the airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling capital. Along the way, you'll pass through picturesque tea plantations, quaint villages, and bustling towns, giving you a glimpse of the day-to-day lives of the locals. Watch the winding roads of the highlands descend to the coastal plains as you approach the capital. When you arrive, head straight to the airport to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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