18-Day Historical Sites and Temples Tour

18-Day Historical Sites and Temples Tour in Sri Lanka

Day 1-2: Colombo

• Arrive in Colombo and check into your hotel.
• Explore the city’s historical and cultural sights:
  • Old Colombo: Visit the Dutch Hospital, Galle Face Green, and the National Museum.
  • Gangaramaya Temple: A Buddhist temple with a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque: A beautiful Islamic mosque.
  • Pettah Market: A bustling bazaar for shopping and exploring local culture.

Day 3-4: Anuradhapura

• Drive to Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore the ancient ruins:
  • Ruwanwelisaya: A magnificent stupa.
  • Jetavanarama: Another impressive stupa.
  • Abhayagiri Dagoba: A large Buddhist temple.
  • Sri Maha Bodhi: The oldest known living tree in the world.
  • Thuparamaya: The first Buddhist temple built in Sri Lanka.

Day 5-6: Polonnaruwa

• Continue your journey to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore the ruins of the ancient capital:
  • Gal Viharaya: A rock-cut temple with Buddha statues.
  • Nilakantha Bodhisattva: A statue of a Buddhist deity.
  • Parakramabahu Royal Palace: The ruins of the king’s palace.
  • Hatthigiri Viharaya: A temple with a large Buddha statue.

Day 7-8: Sigiriya

• Visit Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock fortress.
• Climb the Lion Rock for breathtaking views.
• Explore the ancient frescoes and gardens.

Day 9-10: Dambulla

• Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with intricate murals and statues.
• Explore the surrounding countryside and visit a spice garden.

Day 11-12: Kandy

• Arrive in Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
• Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist temple.
• Explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
• Watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

Day 13-14: Nuwara Eliya

• Travel to Nuwara Eliya, a hill station surrounded by tea plantations.
• Visit a tea factory and learn about the tea-making process.
• Explore the city and its colonial architecture.

Day 15-16: Ella

• Continue your journey to Ella, a popular tourist destination.
• Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views.
• Visit the Ella Rock and Ravana Falls.

Day 17-18: Galle

• Travel to Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Dutch fort.
• Explore the fort and its historical buildings.
• Visit the Galle National Museum.
• Relax on the beach or enjoy a sunset cruise.

Note: This is just a suggested itinerary. You can customize it based on your interests and travel style. Consider adding or removing destinations as needed.