10-Day Cultural Tour

10-Day Cultural Tour Itinerary – Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Transfer to Negombo

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport.
• Transfer to Negombo (30 min).
• Explore colonial Dutch canals, St. Mary's Church, and the Negombo Fish Market.
• Relax on the beach and enjoy a seafood dinner.

Overnight: Negombo

Day 2: Negombo ? Anuradhapura (Ancient Capital)

• Drive to Anuradhapura (approx. 5 hours).
• Afternoon visit to ancient sites:
o Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
o Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
o Jetavanaramaya Stupa
o Isurumuniya Temple

Overnight: Anuradhapura

Day 3: Mihintale and Aukana

• Morning climb to Mihintale – birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
• Visit Aukana Buddha Statue (standing Buddha, 12m high).
• Optional cycling tour through rural village surroundings.

Overnight: Anuradhapura

Day 4: Anuradhapura ? Sigiriya via Dambulla

• Depart for Sigiriya (approx. 3 hours).
• En route, visit Dambulla Cave Temple – UNESCO site with ancient murals and Buddha statues.
• Evening at leisure or visit a spice garden in Matale.

Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 5: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa

• Early morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock).
• Afternoon visit to Polonnaruwa ruins:
o Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas
o Royal Palace ruins
o Parakrama Samudra reservoir

Overnight: Sigiriya

Day 6: Sigiriya ? Kandy

• Head to Kandy (approx. 3 hours).
• En route, stop at Nalanda Gedige and a batik or woodcraft workshop.
• In Kandy:
o Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
o Witness evening cultural dance performance

Overnight: Kandy

Day 7: Kandy City and Peradeniya Gardens

• Visit Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
• Explore Kandy Lake, Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, and Kandy city market.
• Option: Visit a tea museum or gem museum.

Overnight: Kandy

Day 8: Kandy ? Nuwara Eliya (Tea Country)

• Scenic train ride or drive to Nuwara Eliya (Little England).
• En route, stop at tea plantations and a factory.
• Explore colonial-era architecture: Grand Hotel, Victoria Park, Gregory Lake.

Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya ? Colombo via Kitulgala

• Drive to Colombo via Kitulgala (famous for "Bridge on the River Kwai" filming location).
• Optional: Short rainforest trek or visit to a local village.
• Arrive in Colombo. Sunset at Galle Face Green.

Overnight: Colombo

Day 10: Colombo City Tour & Departure

• Morning Colombo city tour:
o Gangaramaya Temple
o Independence Memorial Hall
o Pettah Bazaar
o Dutch Hospital Precinct
• Transfer to airport for departure.