Highlights
- Go deep inside the Dambulla Cave Temples to see ancient frescoes
- Enjoy a private beach dining experience, tasting traditional Sri Lankan cuisine
- See humpback whales off the coast of Trincomalee
- Witness a thrilling fire walk at a cultural performance in Kandy
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Sigiriya, Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples | Sigiriya |
| Day 2 | Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Transfer to Kalkudah, Beachside Barbeque | Kalkudah |
| Day 3 | Self-Guided Tour of Kalkudah, Whale Watching in Trincomalee | Kalkudah |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Kandy, Historic Tour of Kandy, Traditional Culture Show | Kandy |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Colombo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Sigiriya, Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You'll touch down in the capital city of Colombo, where you'll meet your private driver and have your first taste of Sri Lankan hospitality before making your way to Sigiriya. This Central Province town is centered around the UNESCO World Heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient palace with fortifications nestled atop a granite monolith. Although this is the main draw, you'll have plenty of time to visit tomorrow. Today, you'll explore the Dambulla Cave Temples instead.
This cave temple complex, made up of over 80 caves scattered around the area, dates back to the first century BCE. You'll visit the five main temples, following paths that cut deep into the earth, protecting ancient religious artwork that celebrates the life of Gautama Buddha. Over 153 Buddha statues are tucked inside, with intricately painted frescoes covering the walls. As the main temples are situated beneath a rock overhang, you'll also have time to climb to the top of this geologic wonder for panoramic views of the Golden Buddha statue and glittering pagodas.
Day 2: Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Transfer to Kalkudah, Beachside Barbeque
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today starts with a trip to the famed Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Once a part of the ancient city of Sigiriya, this palace and fortifications are all that's left of this powerful empire. Stroll around the complex to see the moat, monastery, and elaborate terraced gardens, before climbing to the top of Lion's Rock via 1,200 steps. It's here that you'll see the famous frescoes of women, still preserved despite being created in the fifth century, and the mirror wall, polished to a high shine so that King Kasyapa could see his reflection.
In the afternoon, join your driver for a 2.5-hour transfer east to the coast and the sleepy palm-fringed village of Kalkudah. Here you'll settle into your hotel and prepare for an afternoon of pampering. Start with a rejuvenating flower bath in the privacy of your room, sipping tea and enjoying your aromatic soak before getting ready for dinner. Go footwear-free this evening as you sit down to a private barbecue on the beach. Take the opportunity to sample traditional Sri Lankan dishes, made with seafood sourced from local fishermen and produce plucked from nearby gardens.
Day 3: Self-Guided Tour of Kalkudah, Whale Watching in Trincomalee
Start the morning enjoying a leisurely breakfast with oceanfront views. You'll have a few hours free to swim in the pool, stroll the beach, or visit the Coconut Cultural Park, where they create delicious creations like coconut ice cream and coconut honey. After a relaxing morning, you'll head north to the town of Trincomalee for a whale watching excursion. During peak season, there's a good chance you'll see large groups of humpback whales and sperm whales. Keep your eyes peeled for other creatures like spinner dolphins and sea turtles too!
Back at the hotel this afternoon, take part in fun activities like henna painting. This art form, also called mehendi, involves painting the hands and feet with a paste, leaving behind beautiful designs. In the evening, head back to the beach for another private experience: watching a movie under the stars.
Day 4: Transfer to Kandy, Historic Tour of Kandy, Traditional Culture Show
A private driver will be waiting to whisk you off to the hill country town of Kandy this morning. The journey will take four hours, but you'll hit the ground running as you arrive in this UNESCO-listed capital with a local guide. Kick off your tour of the city at the Royal Palace, perched on the banks of Lake Kandy. One of the most sacred Buddhist relics in the world (a tooth of Buddha) is housed here in the Temple of the Tooth.
You'll also visit the Gem Museum, shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs like batik cloth, and end the day with panoramic views of the city and an 82-foot (25 m) tall Buddha at the Bahirawakanda Temple. In the evening, sit down to a cultural performance that includes dance, acrobatics, and traditional costumes. Kandyan dance is an art form, once practiced by Indian shamans that was said to mimic the movement of birds and other animals. The grand finale is a thrilling fire walk.
Day 5: Transfer to Colombo, Depart
Meet your driver and make your way three hours back to Colombo this morning, where you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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