Dambulla Rock Caves
Safari in Minneriya National Park
Ancient Royal City of Polonnaruwa
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Experience Sri Lanka with a Short Tour

Visit the majestic elephants and King Kassapa I's fortress on the world-famous 'Lion Rock'. For over 2000 years, kings and their sons vied for dominion while the people peacefully followed Buddhist philosophies, and the grey giants roamed the hilly forests. This tour is perfect for travellers who wish to indulge in an extensive Ayurveda therapy or beach days afterwards.

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Sri Lanka - Short Trip - Standard Hotels

3 nights, double room, half-board
from £385

Sri Lanka - Short Trip - Superior Hotels

3 nights, double room, half-board
from £436

Sri Lanka - Short Trip - Deluxe Hotels

3 nights, double room, half-board
from £436

Sri Lanka - Short Journey in Detail

Tour 3 nights / 4 days

Day 1: NEGOMBO – DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA

(approx. 190 km, about 5 hours)

Pick-up from the airport in Negombo (about 40 kilometres north of the capital Colombo) or from your hotel and transfer to Sigiriya. Just before Sigiriya, you will visit the rock caves of Dambulla, which are accessible through a gentle climb at about 160 m height. This former retreat of King Walagama houses countless Buddhist wall paintings and sculptures. Afterwards, proceed to the hotel. Overnight in Sigiriya. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2: SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA – MINNERIYA – SIGIRIYA

Early morning drive to Minneriya National Park. There, you will switch to a Jeep for a safari. Venture on narrow paths into the park to spot not only birds and deer but especially the free-roaming elephant herds, which can number up to 50 animals. In the afternoon, you will reach the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa from the 12th century AD. You will visit the archaeological park with countless remains of residential buildings, palace and park facilities, as well as partially well-preserved stupas, temples, and the four Buddha statues carved into rock at Gal Vihara, including the 'sleeping Buddha'. Overnight in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3: SIGIRIYA – KANDY

(approx. 90 km, about 3 hours)

In the morning, climb the world-famous 'Sigiriya Rock', also known as 'Lion Rock'. Secured steel pathways lead along the rock face past the 'Maidens of the Clouds', colourful wall paintings of female beauties, to the 200 m high plateau, where the remains of King Kassapa's fortress, built in the 5th century AD, are to be explored. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view down into the landscapes of hills and forests. Later departure to Kandy, the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until 1815. On the way, visit the enchanting spice garden of Matale, where there is also the opportunity to purchase local products in a small shop. In the afternoon, you will reach your hotel, followed by a visit to the 'Temple of the Tooth' Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses a tooth of Buddha in a golden shrine. This site is still a pilgrimage site and monastery today. With some luck, you can see the shrine during a ceremony, but the tooth is never visible. In the evening, attend a performance by the Kandy Dancers. Overnight in Kandy. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: KANDY – AIRPORT (NEGOMBO)

(approx.120 km, about 4 hours)

In the morning, stroll through the markets and merchant halls of the city centre. Discover typical colonial-era buildings and winding alleys. Then, visit the Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. This magnificent park, dating back to 1371, houses the world's second-largest tree, a fig covering about 1600 sqm of ground. Besides beautiful tropical trees and flowers, there are also many flying foxes to discover. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel on the west coast or start of the follow-up programme. (Meals: Breakfast)

Programme subject to change.

Getting There

Additional information

Location

Sri Lanka - Short Journey
Sri Lanka, West Coast Sri Lanka, Negombo
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)
approx. 128 km / 154 min

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