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.