Cultural Heart of Sri Lanka
CulturalHistoricalHeritage

Cultural Heart of Sri Lanka

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's rich history on this one-week journey. You'll explore the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle and the sacred sites of Kandy, balanced with a taste of the hill country. It's a heritage-focused route featuring five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 7 days.

schedule 7 Days payments ~$700/person
Duration7 Days
TravelersAny
BudgetMedium ($60/day)
DifficultyEasy-Moderate
PaceMedium
Best TimeJan - April

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Colombo → Anuradhapura

Colombo • Anuradhapura

Drive to Anuradhapura

Travel ~5 hours north to the ancient capital of Anuradhapura.

directions_bus 5 hours Transfer

Sri Maha Bodhi & Ruvanvelisaya

Visit the sacred Bodhi Tree and the massive white Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, one of Sri Lanka's most revered stupas.

schedule 3 hours Activity
2

Anuradhapura → Sigiriya

Anuradhapura • Sigiriya

Explore Anuradhapura Ruins

Cycle through the ancient city ruins including Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiri, and the Moonstone path.

schedule 3 hours Activity

Drive to Sigiriya

Travel ~2 hours to Sigiriya and check into a jungle lodge.

directions_bus 2 hours Transfer
3

Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Ascend the iconic Lion Rock to explore ancient frescoes, mirror wall, and palace ruins at the summit.

schedule 2.5 hours Activity

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Explore the medieval capital by bicycle - see the Gal Vihara Buddha statues, Royal Palace, and Vatadage.

schedule 4 hours Activity
4

Sigiriya → Kandy

Sigiriya • Dambulla • Kandy

Dambulla Cave Temple

Climb to the Golden Temple complex with five caves filled with Buddha statues and ancient murals.

schedule 1.5 hours Activity

Transfer to Kandy

Scenic 3-hour drive through spice gardens and villages to Kandy.

directions_bus 3 hours Transfer

Temple of the Tooth

Attend the evening puja ceremony at the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.

schedule 1.5 hours Activity
5

Kandy Exploration

Kandy • Peradeniya

Royal Botanical Gardens

Wander through 150 acres of tropical gardens including the orchid house and spice garden.

schedule 2 hours Activity

Kandy Lake & Market

Stroll around Kandy Lake and explore the bustling local market for handicrafts and gems.

schedule 2 hours Activity

Cultural Dance Show

Watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance with fire walking finale.

schedule 1.5 hours Activity

star_border Highlights

  • check_circle_outlineDambulla Cave Temple
  • check_circle_outlineSigiriya Fortress
  • check_circle_outlineAncient City of Polonnaruwa
  • check_circle_outlineTemple of the Tooth
  • check_circle_outlineKandy–Ella Train Ride

lightbulb Customization Tips

  • For a slower pace, skip Nuwara Eliya and spend Day 5–6 in Kandy and surrounds
  • Take a day trip to Anuradhapura or a trek in the Knuckles Range

Ready to go?

Use this itinerary as a template and customize it to fit your dates.

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