Four days through the ancient capitals
A concentrated run through the island’s heritage: three ancient capitals, two UNESCO cave and rock sites, and the place Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka.
It is a lot of history for four days, so the route is arranged geographically rather than chronologically, and each site gets a morning rather than an hour.
Best for travellers who already know they came for the archaeology, and for anyone extending a beach holiday inland.
Day 01
Sigiriya
Collected in Colombo or at the airport. The Dambulla Cave Temple, then Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the water gardens. An optional cultural dance show in the evening.
Hotel, Sigiriya or Habarana
Day 02
Polonnaruwa
The medieval capital in full: ruined palaces, temples and the giant standing and reclining Buddhas at Gal Vihara. Back to Sigiriya for the night.
Hotel, Sigiriya or Habarana
Day 03
Anuradhapura
The oldest capital — the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Jetavanaramaya and the monastery ruins. Mihintale in the afternoon.
Hotel, Anuradhapura
Day 04
Kandy
South via Matale and the Aluvihare Rock Temple, where the Tripitaka was first written down. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a short Kandy city tour, then drop-off in Kandy or Colombo.
Hotels in Sigiriya or Habarana and in Anuradhapura, both within easy reach of the sites so the mornings can start early.
Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout.
See more in the full gallery.
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The full anticlockwise loop at a pace that still leaves room to swim: cave temples, the rock fortress, tea country by train, a Yala safari and the Galle coast.
Culture & Heritage
Culture, tea country, the scenic train, safari and the south coast
Everything most first-time visitors come for, in a single week: the rock fortress, the Temple of the Tooth, the tea train, a Yala safari and Galle Fort.
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Culture, wildlife and beach — ten days, nine nights
Two UNESCO cities, the tea estates, the scenic train, a Yala safari, whale season at Mirissa and three days working down the south coast.
