Kura’s Culture Tour In Srilanka – 12 Day Detailed Tour Itinerary From 840

Day 1: Arrival at BIA – Negombo (Travel time: 30 minutes)

  • Arrival at BIA: Meet and greet by our representative at the airport.
  • Transfer to Negombo: A short drive to Negombo, a coastal town famous for its historical and cultural attractions.
  • Sightseeing in Negombo:
  • Negombo Fish Market: Witness the bustling local fish trade, a reflection of the fishing culture.
  • St. Mary’s Church: Explore the colonial-era church, showcasing the influence of Christianity in Sri Lanka.
  • Dutch Fort and Canal: A glimpse into the colonial past of Sri Lanka.
  • Overnight Stay in Negombo.

Day 2: Negombo – Anuradhapura (Travel time: 3.5 hours)

  • Drive to Anuradhapura: Start your cultural journey by traveling to Anuradhapura, the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka.
  • Sightseeing in Anuradhapura:
  • Sacred Bodhi Tree: Visit the sacred tree, said to be the oldest historically recorded tree in the world.
  • Ruwanwelisaya Stupa: Explore one of the most important Buddhist stupas in Sri Lanka.
  • Thuparamaya Dagoba: Sri Lanka’s first stupa, housing the Buddha’s relics.
  • Jetavanaramaya: Marvel at one of the tallest brick stupas in the world.
  • Overnight Stay in Anuradhapura.

Day 3: Anuradhapura – Mannar (Travel time: 2.5 hours)

  • Drive to Mannar: Explore this region known for its unique blend of Tamil, Muslim, and Christian cultures.
  • Sightseeing in Mannar:
  • Mannar Fort: Built by the Portuguese and later taken over by the Dutch, showcasing colonial influence.
  • Baobab Tree: A 700-year-old tree brought by Arabian traders.
  • Madhu Church: A Roman Catholic shrine that holds significance for both Tamil and Sinhala communities.
  • Thiruketheeswaram Temple: A revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Overnight Stay in Mannar.

Day 4: Mannar – Trincomalee (Travel Time: 3 hours)

  • Sightseeing in Trincomalee:
  • Koneswaram Temple: A classical-medieval Hindu temple.
  • Nilaveli Beach: Relax on this pristine beach.
  • Pigeon Island, The famous National marine park.
  • Overnight Stay: Trincomalee

Day 5: Trincomalee – Batticaloa (Travel time: 3 hours)

  • Drive to Batticaloa: Continue your cultural immersion in Batticaloa, a coastal town known for its Tamil heritage and scenic lagoons.
  • Sightseeing in Batticaloa:
  • Batticaloa Fort: A remnant of the colonial era, offering stunning lagoon views.
  • Kallady Bridge: Known for the ‘Singing Fish’ phenomenon, a mystical local belief.
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral: Another example of the region’s colonial religious architecture.
  • Overnight Stay in Batticaloa.

Day 6: Batticaloa – Kandy (Travel time: 4 hours)

  • Drive to Kandy: Head to the central hills to the culturally rich city of Kandy.
  • Sightseeing in Kandy:
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Visit Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist temple, housing the tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
  • Kandy Lake: A peaceful stroll around the lake offers picturesque views of the city.
  • Kandyan Cultural Show: Enjoy a traditional dance performance showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.
  • Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Visit one of Asia’s most impressive botanical gardens, showcasing endemic and exotic flora.
  • Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue: A massive Buddha statue offering panoramic views of Kandy.
  • Cultural Exploration: Visit local craft markets to see traditional handicrafts like batik and wood carvings.
  • Overnight Stay in Kandy.

Day 7: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (Travel time: 2.5 hours)

  • Drive to Nuwara Eliya: Travel to the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, a town surrounded by tea plantations.
  • Sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya:
  • Tea Plantation Tour: Visit a working tea estate and factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
  • Gregory Lake: Relax by this serene lake or enjoy a boat ride.
  • Colonial Architecture: Explore the town’s British colonial buildings, including the Grand Hotel and post office.
  • Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya – Ella (Travel time: 2 hours)

  • Drive to Ella: A scenic journey through tea-covered mountains and picturesque waterfalls.
  • Sightseeing in Ella:
  • Nine Arches Bridge: A stunning railway bridge set amidst the lush greenery.
  • Little Adam’s Peak: A short hike offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  • Ravana Falls: One of the most famous waterfalls in Sri Lanka, steeped in legend.
  • Overnight Stay in Ella.

Day 9: Ella – Tissamaharama (Travel time: 3 hours)

  • Drive to Tissamaharama: Head to the gateway of Yala National Park and explore the cultural history of the area.
  • Sightseeing in Tissamaharama:
  • Tissa Wewa: An ancient reservoir built during the Anuradhapura period.
  • Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara: A Buddhist temple complex with a rich history.
  • Optional Safari in Yala National Park: Witness Sri Lanka’s incredible wildlife, including leopards and elephants.
  • Overnight Stay in Tissamaharama.

Day 10: Tissamaharama – Galle (Travel time: 3 hours)

  • Drive to Galle: Explore the Dutch colonial heritage of this coastal city.
  • Sightseeing in Galle:
  • Galle Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its preserved colonial architecture.
  • Dutch Reformed Church: One of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka.
  • Galle Lighthouse: A picturesque lighthouse offering views of the Indian Ocean.
  • Overnight Stay in Galle.

Day 11: Galle – Colombo (Travel time: 2 hours)

  • Drive to Colombo: Head to the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka.
  • Sightseeing in Colombo:
  • Gangaramaya Temple: One of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo.
  • Independence Square: A memorial to Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule.
  • Pettah Market: Explore the lively local market, perfect for picking up souvenirs.
  • Overnight Stay in Colombo.

Day 12: Colombo – BIA (Travel time: 1 hour)

Final Day: Depending on your flight schedule, spend your morning shopping or relaxing before transferring to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.