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5 Days

5 Days
Moderate
$500-800

5-Day Cultural Triangle Tour

Deep dive into Sri Lanka's ancient heritage. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient kingdoms, and sacred Buddhist temples.

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Colombo to Anuradhapura

📍 Anuradhapura

Drive to the ancient capital of Anuradhapura (4 hours), UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activities:
  • Visit Sacred Bodhi Tree (oldest documented tree in the world)
  • Explore ancient stupas
  • Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya dagobas
  • Sunset at Abhayagiri monastery

🛏️ Stay: Anuradhapura

💡 Tip: Hire a guide for deeper historical context. Dress modestly for temple visits.

2

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

📍 Polonnaruwa

Explore the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO site.

Activities:
  • Rent a bicycle to explore the ruins
  • Gal Vihara Buddha statues
  • Royal Palace complex
  • Parakrama Samudra reservoir

🛏️ Stay: Polonnaruwa or Habarana

💡 Tip: Cycling is the best way to see Polonnaruwa. Start early to avoid heat.

3

Sigiriya & Dambulla

📍 Sigiriya

Climb the iconic Lion Rock and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.

Activities:
  • Early morning Sigiriya climb
  • See the famous cloud maidens frescoes
  • Afternoon at Dambulla Cave Temple (5 caves)
  • Optional: Minneriya elephant safari

🛏️ Stay: Sigiriya or Dambulla

4

Journey to Kandy

📍 Kandy

Scenic drive to Kandy through spice gardens and craft villages.

Activities:
  • Matale spice garden visit
  • Batik factory tour
  • Kandy Lake walk
  • Temple of the Tooth evening puja

🛏️ Stay: Kandy

💡 Tip: The 6:30 PM puja ceremony is the most atmospheric.

5

Kandy & Departure

📍 Kandy / Colombo

Morning in Kandy before departing to Colombo or continuing your journey.

Activities:
  • Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya
  • Visit a gem museum
  • Transfer to Colombo airport (3 hours) or train to Ella

Trip Summary

Duration

5 Days

Estimated Cost

$500-800 per person

Best Time to Go

January to April

Route

Colombo → Kandy or Colombo

Best For

History buffs
Cultural travelers
Photographers

Highlights

✓ Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites

✓ Ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

✓ Sigiriya Rock Fortress

✓ Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

← View All Itineraries

Destinations on This Route

Colombo

Sri Lanka's vibrant capital city offering colonial architecture, modern shopping, diverse cuisine, and exciting nightlife. The gateway to exploring the island.

Year-round, but December to March is ideal

Sigiriya

Home to the ancient Lion Rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb 1,200 steps to see stunning frescoes and panoramic views of the jungle.

January to April (dry season)

Kandy

Sri Lanka's cultural capital, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Surrounded by hills, tea estates, and rich Buddhist heritage.

January to April

Anuradhapura

One of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to sacred Buddhist ruins, massive dagobas, and the oldest historically documented tree in the world.

January to April (dry season)

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