Colombo Trip Overview
A small island with beautiful beaches and the lush scenery is truly a traveler’s paradise. But there are others things also apart from the beaches and scenery that attracts people from around the world. The traditional essence of the true Sri Lankan culture can be found in the small towns and villages of Sri Lanka. Let us check out the Places to visit in Sri Lanka that reflects the true Sri Lankan culture and heritage. Anuradhpura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy are all named as UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their importance.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
Additional Info
Duration: 3 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
A small island with beautiful beaches and the lush scenery is truly a traveler’s paradise. But there are others things also apart from the beaches and scenery that attracts people from around the world. The traditional essence of the true Sri Lankan culture can be found in the small towns and villages of Sri Lanka. Let us check out the Places to visit in Sri Lanka that reflects the true Sri Lankan culture and heritage. Anuradhpura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy are all named as UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their importance.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
Itinerary
Day 1: Negombo/Colombo – Anuradhapura
Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most ancient trees which are living even today standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The tree is believed to have sprouted from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya in India, where Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment. The tree is an authentic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is often respected as the oldest tree in history which has a recorded date of the plantation.This ancient Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree has been protected and cared for by many years by the ancient kings and queens as well as the Buddhist monks. Today the tree is surrounded by statues, water canals and golden fences which make the site even more holy and spiritual enhancing its natural beauty. Although the tree is sacred for the Buddhists, many people belonging to other religions also pay a visit to the tree to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty and to get a sense of calm from their day to day life.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Watawandana Road B341, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Jetavanaramaya monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the heritage city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. This magnificent structure was the third-largest structure in the ancient world. Legend has it that a part of Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved here at the Jetavanaramaya monastery.The Jetavanaramaya stupa comes with a fascinating historical significance which depicts the differences going on between the two sects of Buddhism- Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism. Today, the stupa is no longer the tallest, but is one of the largest in the world, with an area of over five hectares and housing over 10,000 monks.The Jetavanaram stupa is a great way to experience the Buddhist culture in its purest form.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Abhayawewa Road, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka.Today the Ruwanweliseya stupa stands tall with a height of 338 feet and a diameter of 951 ft. The stupa is surrounded by large paved courts and platforms which add to the beauty of the place. Initially, on the outer side of the boundary of the wall is a complete circle of elephants, made out of the brickwork. Till today, there are many renovations which have taken place from time which has made the Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the most revered and influential areas of worship for the Buddhists in Anuradhapura.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Abhayawewa Road, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s ancient capital city, Anuradhapura is home to relics, stupas and rocky hills that bring an aura of serenity. Isurumuniya is one of the granite, marble and stone structures located near Tissa Wewa, and this Buddhist temple boasts of architecture and sculptures that showcase the emancipation of the artists.The structure of Isurumuniya is a crossover between a temple and a fortress. It was erected as a dorm for 500 kids and then evolved to becoming a temple owing to its sanctity. Ever since then, Isurumuniya nurtures young minds and leads them along the path of spirituality, wisdom and council. It shelters tourists and serves as an abode that facilitates religious teachings and discipline. The structure evokes decorum and the carvings on stone are beyond thought provoking. This divine structure comes to life with internationally acclaimed inscriptions of the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Lovamahapaya Brazen Palace, End of Trincomalee Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The Brazen Palace or Lovamahapaya is a 2000-year-old palace constructed by King Dutugemunu in 2nd century B.C and had 1600 stone columns that supported nine stories reaching 150 feet and sides of 400 feet length with 1000 rooms. It is known as the Brazen Place because of the bronze tiles that were used on its roof. It was constructed as a residence for Buddhist monks who assembled on “Poya” days (poya means full moon day, in modern-day Sri Lanka poya marks a holiday) to recite the “Pirith” (Buddhist practice of reciting certain verses and scriptures in order to ward off misfortune or danger) and could accommodate 1000 monks.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay in a 3 Star Hotel In Anuradhapura
Day 2: Anuradhapura – Polonnaruwa
Stop At: Vejayanta Pasada, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Hwy, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
On a visit to the Polonnaruwa Heritage City, the Royal Palace is a never miss attraction on the trip. This Royal Palace of the great King Parakumba (1153-1186 ) had been constructed as a seven-story building. It took the construction around seven years and seven months to be completed. Out of the 7 stories having 1000 rooms, only 3 stories with 55 rooms are remaining. The Palace had been destroyed by an invader from south Indian named “Maga’.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kiri Vehera, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Kiri Vihara is a dagoba or stupa in Kataragama region in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, North Central Province, Sri Lanka. This an 80 feet tall, whitewashed, peaceful stupa is the second largest stupa in the town. Kiri Vihara was constructed in the 11th century AD, by King Parakramabahu’s queen, Queen Subhadra. Its original name was Rupavathi Chaitya. Later the name was changed to Kiri Vihara, which means ‘white stupa’, which is because of its limewashed coating.The stupa is within the Alahana complex, which is a well-known training centre for monks and also encompasses a hospital with the latest surgical instruments. The complex also consists of other smaller stupas built around Kiri Vihara which stupas are considered as burial chambers for honorary men and priests. Kiri Vihara is of straightforward and essential design and is yet an architectural marvel due to which it withstood natural disasters and thefts.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sacred City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a well-preserved Vatadage in the famous Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of the ancient city of ruins, Polonnaruwa. Vatadages are typical Buddhist structures found in Sri Lanka. These are circular, constructed using stone and brick with intricate stone carvings and a wooden roof. They were built to protect stupas. Currently, there are ten Vatadages in Sri Lanka, and the most popular one is Polonnaruwa Vatadage.This structure is built in Buddulakara or bubble-shaped design and is the perfect example of a typical Sri Lankan Vatadage. The upper part of the structure has been destroyed; only the lower part remains. Many theories revolve around the construction of this monument, but most historians agree to the hypothesis that it was built by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Samudra Parakrama, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Parakrama Samudra is a water reservoir which consists of five different lakes namely Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks. It is also known as King Parakrama’s Sea and is in Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. Topa Wewa is the oldest reservoir here which was built around 386 AD. The middle section has Eramudu Wewa and below you have Dubutula Wewa. The lakes here are separated by a smaller dam to reduce the pressure.Parakrama Samudra (or the Sea of King Parakrama) is a shallow reservoir, consisting of five separate pools (Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks) connected by narrow channels in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It has a storage area of more than 5,000 acres for the irrigation of 18,000 acres. It is one of the most significant ancient Rainwater Reservoir of the island. In the rainy season, the rainwater reservoir is in its full splendour.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gal Vihara, 440/225 Palm Grove State Minuwangoda road, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
This is a group of beautiful Buddha images that probably marks the high point of Sinhalese rock carving. They are part of Parakramabahu I’s northern monastery. The Gal Vihara consists of four separate images, all cut from one long slab of granite. At one time, each was enshrined within a separate enclosure.The standing Buddha is 7m tall and is said to be the finest of the series. The unusual crossed position of the arms and sorrowful facial expression led to the theory that it was an image of the Buddha’s disciple Ananda, grieving for his master’s departure for nirvana, since the reclining image is next to it. The fact that it had its own separate enclosure, along with the discovery of other images with the same arm position, has discredited this theory and it is now accepted that all the images are of the Buddha.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay in a 3 Star Hotel In Polonnaruwa
Day 3: Polonnaruwa – Kandy – Negombo/Colombo
Stop At: Temple of the Tooth, Sangamiththa Mawatha, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, alongside Adam’s Peak, is considered one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka and is an important pilgrimage destination. The golden-roofed temple is supposedly home to a tooth of Buddha and during the puja, the time of offering and prayers, tourists as well as religious followers are able to inspect the gold casket in which it is guarded. The temple itself is located in the royal palace complex, which encompasses several temples and museums. It was originally believed that the holder of the tooth relic would also be the rightful governor of Sri Lanka. Particularly noteworthy is the annual perahera, during which the tooth is paraded around the city accompanied by around 65 colorfully decorated elephants.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kandy Lake, Centre of Kandy City, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Kandy Lake was artificially constructed by the last king of Sri Lanka and Kandy, Wikrama Rajasinhe, as an additional feature for the beautifully laid out Temple of Tooth complex. Also called the Milky Ocean, the lake remains partially incomplete due to the British invasion in 1815. Several legends are connected to Kandy Lake and it is believed that the king installed a secret tunnel from its island to the palace. Nowadays, it remains one of the most highly regarded sights in the country and, despite its location in the center of the bustling city, the lake makes for a wonderful stroll and a respite from the noise of motorbikes and market vendors.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Geragama Tea Factory, Geragama Estate Rd, Pilimathalawa, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka remains one of the world’s most important tea producers and is home to numerous extensive tea plantations. It is worth taking a trip to one of the many tea factories to inspect the process up close and marvel at the beauty of the tea plants, which are usually planted over hilly areas and make for a truly dazzling scenery. Giragama Tea Plantation is located just outside of the city and provides an insight into the refinery of delicious teas, from green to Earl Grey. It is situated around 613 meters above the sea level and it also houses a tea museum. Visitors will not only be able to further their knowledge through a tour but they will also be given a taste of the end products.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Road, Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka
Kandy-Sri Lanka
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden
Due to an ideal climate, Sri Lanka has been a popular destination for merchants trading in spices for more than 2000 years. Visitors can find a wealth of deliciously smelling plants in Kandy’s spice gardens from pepper and nutmeg to cloves, cinnamon and cardamom. The Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya, is located just a few kilometers outside of the city and is home to more than 4000 different plants species including medicinal plants, orchids and palm trees. Travelers are able to enjoy a truly memorable experience here.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Bahirawa Kanda Rd, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Located on a hill, overlooking the city, lies Bahiravokanda Vihara, a giant Buddha statue and one of the city’s most notable religious monuments. Visitors can climb to the top of the hill within an hour, but should be aware of rising temperatures during noon. Once you have reached the peak, bahivara kanda, or devil’s hill, offers panoramic views of Kandy and its surrounding area. The statue itself can be seen from most places throughout the city and is particularly enchanting at night when it is bathed in light. Make sure to remove your shoes before entering the premises or join the devotees, who offer flowers or light oil lamps in reverence to the mighty Buddha.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
