Sign up to receive our newsletter, special offers, holiday inspiration and more.
Visit our Contact Us page - we look forward to hearing from you.
Immerse yourself in the ancient traditions and religions whilst exploring the most iconic relics and ruins of Sri Lanka. Throughout the 7-day journey, you will discover wonderful royal treasures, impressive temples, remnants of fortresses and see first-hand, colonial architecture and the colourful chaos of the cities.
DAY 1 Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your tour commences with an arrival transfer to your hotel in the seaside village of Negombo.
Stay at: Goldi Sands Beach Hotel (4 star) or similar
DAY 2 Negombo – Sigiriya
Set out on the road to the Cultural Triangle, a must-see area of Sri Lanka which boasts some of the greatest archaeological and historical sites in South Asia. Stop en route in Kurunegala to visit the factory and weaving workshop of Selyn, Sri Lanka’s only fair-trade guaranteed handloom company. The handloom industry in Sri Lanka is in decline due to the lack of skilled labour and competitive markets for its products. Selyn's mission is to grow a sustainable social business based on the principles of fair trade and creating a sustainable income source for local female artisans by reviving the dying art of handloom weaving. Meet the ladies who work here, browse the beautiful pieces they’ve created and learn about the project’s impact on their lives, their families and the wider community.
This afternoon, take the opportunity to climb to the top of the iconic world heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient city constructed in the 5th century. Stop to admire the colourful frescoes, ascend through the impressive Lion’s Paw and stroll among the atmospheric ruins. The sunset from the summit of Sigiriya, with the stunning view of the surrounding plains dotted by the many emerald lakes of Sri Lanka’s dry-zone is guaranteed to be very special.
Stay at: Jetwing Lake (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 3 Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya
Explore the ancient royal capital of Polonnaruwa, one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Discover on foot, or by bicycle, the wonderful treasures that remain in the archaeological park including the four beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara Temple. This afternoon join a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants.
Stay at: Jetwing Lake (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 4 Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy
Proceed to Kandy, stopping en route to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This Buddhist place of worship is thought to date back to the 1st century, and houses the country’s most sacred Buddha images. On arrival in Kandy enjoy a Kandyan Dance performance, a colourful spectacle including fire-walkers and afterwards visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to witness the evening offering known as “Pooja”.
Stay at: The Thilanka Hotel (4 star) or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 5 Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Further explore Kandy, wander around the city’s lake and streets and explore the local markets. Your tour continues to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya, also known as ‘Little England’. Spend an evening in this tea growing region where the colourful chaos of Sri Lanka meets colonial bungalows, well-tended lawns and red telephone boxes.
Stay at: Jetwing St. Andrews Hotel (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 6 Nuwara Eliya – Colombo
Descend from the high country as you return down the coast to explore the capital city of Colombo, a diverse mix of people, architecture and religion influenced by ancient kingdoms and European settlers. In the evening, a few hours before sunset, drive to the Colombo Fort for a walking tour of this lively area. See the Old Dutch Hospital, now a trendy restaurant and shopping area, continue along the Galle Face Green, where many city dwellers come every evening to walk and relax and street vendors sell local delicacies from tiny kiosks along the green. Lastly, arrive at the Galle Face Hotel, this icon of Colonial Ceylon was built in 1864 and provides a charming window through which to experience Sri Lanka’s past. Enjoy dinner this evening at the Galle Face Hotel.
Stay at: Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel (4 star)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 7 Colombo
Your tour concludes with a departure transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Excursions & Experiences
Traces of an Ancient Culture Daily departures | ||
---|---|---|
Twin/Double Single | ||
6 Dec 2024 - 15 Dec 2024 | $2,270 $3,540 | |
16 Dec 2024 - 17 Dec 2024 | $2,500 $3,920 | |
18 Dec 2024 - 24 Dec 2024 | $2,700 $4,130 | |
25 Dec 2024 | $2,500 $3,920 | |
26 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 | $2,720 $4,150 | |
1 Jan 2025 - 10 Jan 2025 | $2,500 $3,920 | |
11 Jan 2025 - 30 Apr 2025 | $2,360 $3,700 | |
Price per adult in Australian Dollars (AUD) |