Culture & History Tour – 8 Days (7 Nights)

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“Ayubowan” Warmly Welcome to Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean! On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted and assisted by a representative of Globeenjoy Tours (your chauffeur guide) who will drive you to the hotel in Negombo. When you arrive at the hotel, check in, relax, and get ready for the tour the next day.

Overview

Day 1 – Arrival Transfer to Colombo

Overnight Stay at Jetwing Sea Negombo .

Day 2 – Colombo to Anuradhapura

Breakfast at the hotel and take a drive to one of the cultural and historical cities in Sri Lanka. “Anuradhapura”.

Overnight Stay at Rajarata Hotel in Anuradhapura.

Day 3 – Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Polonnaruwa, the second kingdom of kings, where you will see ruins from King Vijayabahu’s reign from 1055 to 1110 BC. Visit Ritigala mountain monastery en-route.

Overnight Stay at Hotel Sudu Araliya Polonnaruwa.

Day 4 – Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will be taking a drive to another historical city, Sigiriya, where one of the UNESCO-listed heritage sites is located.

Overnight Stay at Amara Forest Sigiriya.

Day 5 – Sigiriya

Breakfast at the hotel, relax and feel free to explore Sigiriya.

Overnight Stay at Amara Forest Sigiriya.

Day 6 – Dambublla to Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel; today you will be driven to Kandy, the last king’s kingdom. Visit the Dambulla Temple Cave and the spice garden en route.

Overnight Stay at Cinnamon Citadel Kandy.

Day 7 – Kandy to Colombo

Breakfast at the hotel; today you will be driven to Negombo before making the journey to Colombo. You will visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and have an optional visit to the Giragama Tea Factory en route. Optional visits to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Elephant orphanage in Pinnawala.

Overnight Stay at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

Day 8 – Colombo to Airport

Breakfast at the hotel and the last day of your tour. Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Tour Brief

Day 1 - Arrival Transfer to Colombo

“Ayubowan” Warmly Welcome to Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean! On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted and assisted by a representative of Globeenjoy Tours (your chauffeur guide) who will drive you to the hotel in Negombo. When you arrive at the hotel, check in, relax, and get ready for the tour the next day.

Day 1

Negombo City

The name “Negombo” was first used by the Portuguese; the Sinhala name Mīgamuva (මීගමුව) means “Group of Bees.” It was named a few centuries earlier in the ancient kings’ era. The army of King Kavantissa found bee honey in a canoe near the seashore for Viharamahadevi, who was pregnant with the prince Dutugamunu. During the Portuguese occupation, it was known as “Little Rome’ because nearly two-thirds of its population professed the Catholic faith. The legacy of the Dutch colonial era can be seen in the Negombo fort, constructed in 1672. Near the waterfront, the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort now house a prison. Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to Colombo. Neoclassical St. Mary’s Church, completed in the 1920s, features a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings.

Day 2 - Colombo to Anuradhapura

Breakfast at the hotel and take a drive to one of the cultural and historical cities in Sri Lanka. "Anuradhapura".

Day 2

Anuradhapura

Is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka and the capital of Anuradhapura District. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the Centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. Further excavations in Anuradhapura have uncovered information about the existence of a protohistoric habitation of humans in the citadel. The protohistoric Iron Age, which spans from 900 to 600 BC, marked the appearance of iron technology, pottery, the horse, domestic cattle and paddy cultivation.

Day 2

Ruins in Anuradhapura

The ruins consist of three classes of buildings, dagobas, monastic buildings, and pokunas. The dagobas are bell-shaped masses of masonry, varying from a few feet to over 1100 ft (340 m) in circumference. Remains of the monastic buildings are to be found in every direction in the shape of raised stone platforms, foundations and stone pillars. The most famous is the Brazen Palace erected by King Dutugamunu about 164 BC. The pokunas are bathing-tanks or tanks for the supply of drinking water, which are scattered everywhere through the jungle. The city also contains a sacred Bo-Tree, which is said to date back to the year 245 BC. Eight grate places called “Atamasthana” are Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama.

Day 3 - Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Polonnaruwa, the second kingdom of kings, where you will see ruins from King Vijayabahu's reign from 1055 to 1110 BC. Visit Ritigala mountain monastery en-route.

Day 3

Ritigala Mountain

Ritigala is a mountain in central Sri Lanka that is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to the 1st century BCE. It is located 43 km (27 mi) away from the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura. Legends abound on Ritigala. One of the mysterious aspects is the belief in powerful medicinal herbs found near the crest. A herb called “Sansevi” is believed to have the power of conferring long life and curing all human pain. According to legend, all vegetation on Ritigala is protected by Yakkas, the guardian spirits of the mountain. The legend has it that Prince Pandukhabaya (3rd century BC) was assisted by Yakkas during his battles against his eight uncles at the foot of Ritigala. Another legend refers to a duel between two giants, most possibly Yakkas, named Soma and Jayasena. After Soma was killed in the duel, Jayasena became a legend.

According to popular belief, the non-human Lord Hanuman, who possessed supernatural powers, traveled over Ritigala and, by accident, dropped a chunk off a mountain of the Himalaya range he was carrying from India to Lanka for its medicinal herbs. Lord Rama’s brother, Prince Lakshmana, was mortally wounded in battle, and only a rare herb in the Himalaya could save his life.

Day 3

Polonnaruwa

Poḷonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Kaduruwela area is the Polonnaruwa New Town and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first established by the Chola dynasty as their capital in the 10th century. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site. The name Polonnaruwa is of unknown origin and was adopted by the traveler James Emerson Tennent. Its Tamil form, Pulainari, is mentioned in Tamil inscriptions found at Polonnaruwa of the Chola period.

Polonnaruwa was established by the Cholas as capital city under the name Jananathapuram in the 10th century. However, following the year 1070 AD ended the Chola rule in the island, and Polonnaruwa was captured by Vijayabahu 1. Trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the king, who was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted and each was to be used toward the development of the land. The greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu’s reign. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic cities in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers. Historical places such as Royal Palace, Nissankalatha Mandapaya, Watadageya, Kuttanpokuna, Dalada Maluwa, Gal Potha (Stone Book), Lankatilaka Viharaya, Atadage, Royal Palace of King Maha Parakramabahu can be seen in Polonnaruwa.

Day 4 - Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will be taking a drive to another historical city, Sigiriya, where one of the UNESCO-listed heritage sites is located.

Day 4

Sigiriya

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace were abandoned after the king’s death.

Day 5 - Sigiriya

Breakfast at the hotel, relax and feel free to explore Sigiriya.

Day 5

Hiriwaduna Village Tour

Immersing yourself with the locals many times means getting out of the flashing city lights and exploring small’s towns that are not known to receive hordes of tourists. The tour begins with a beautiful trek to a manmade reservoir. The boats are typically used for cruising between villages, a water taxi of sorts. But it’s more than just a practical mode of transportation, it’s also a peaceful ride through the waters covered with green lily pads. After a boat ride, hop into a bullock cart alongside paddy fields and rural vegetable plantations to a traditional village house, where you will enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch. After an hour or so for lunch, board the Safari Jeep for the return trip to your hotel.

Day 5

Pidurangala Temple & Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pidurangala village of Matale District, Sri Lanka. The temple was constructed on a massive rock called Pidurangala, which is located a few kilometers north of the historical fort Sigiriya. It is believed that the history of Pidurangala Vihara goes back beyond to the first and second century BC. From those days Pidurangala was used as a Buddhist monastery and but became a prominent place during the reign of King Kashyapa (473 – 495 AC). The temple was said to be ‘panchavasa’, consisting of five main ritual buildings. Among the buildings are Ancient Stupa, Chapter House, Image House, Bodhighara, Preaching Hall, Sangharama (Bikku Residence Building) and inscriptions with drip ledged caves can be seen. Pidurangala is also a massive rock formation where you can enjoy the view from top.

Day 5

Minneriya Wild Safari

Minneriya National Park is in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of the Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. Along with Kaudulla and Girithale, Minneriya forms one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka.

Day 6 - Dambublla to Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel; today you will be driven to Kandy, the last king’s kingdom. Visit the Dambulla Temple Cave and the spice garden en route.

Day 6

Dambulla Cave Temple

Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the island. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.

Day 6

Spices in Sri Lanka

The spice trade in Asia at the time was a kind of a monopoly. The spice exchange was run by the Arabic and North African dealers who were prepared to pay a great sum of money for a pound of the fascinating thing. By the 1400’s the European sailors had realized that their ships could beat camels, so the European sailors started to sail towards Asia searching for new land and the valuable rare spices. Discovery of Vasco de Gama was a great stride in the expansion and spread of the Sri Lankan spice in the European market. Vasco de Gama’s success as a pilgrim prompted the Portuguese arrival in Sri Lanka in 1536. After sometime a settlement was reached by Portugal and Sri Lanka that incorporated a tribute of 110,000 pounds of cinnamon paid every year to Portugal by the Sinhalese Kings. Ever since Sri Lankan spices especially cinnamon was widely available in the European spice market.

Day 6

Cultural Dance Show

The culture of Sri Lanka mixes modern elements with traditional aspects and is known for its regional diversity. There are three main styles of Sri Lankan classical dance: The Kandyan dances of the Hill Country, known as Uda Rata Natum; The low country dances of the southern plains, known as Pahatha Rata Natum; Sabaragamuwa dances, or Sabaragamuwa Natum. “Ves” dance, the most popular, originated from an ancient purification ritual, the Kohomba Yakuma or Kohomba Kankariya. The dance was propitiatory, never secular, and performed only by males. Dances in low country are highly ritualistic. This form of dance is performed to appease evil spirits which cause sickness and is thus called ‘Devil Dance’. Sabaragamu dances are usually performed in Ratnapura, relating to the worshipping of God Saman much revered by local people. There are 32 main dances in Sabaragamuwa Style.

Day 6

Kandy

Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka located in the Central Province. It was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.

Day 7 - Kandy to Colombo

Breakfast at the hotel; today you will be driven to Negombo before making the journey to Colombo. You will visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and have an optional visit to the Giragama Tea Factory en route. Optional visits to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Elephant orphanage in Pinnawala.

Day 7

Temple of The Tooth Relic

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple.

Day 7

Royal Botanic Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya is about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was formally established in 1843 with plants brought from Kew Garden, Slave Island, Colombo, and the Kalutara Garden in Kalutara. The Royal Botanic Garden, Peradeniya was made more independent and expanded under George Gardner as superintendent in 1844. On Gardner’s death in 1849 George Henry Kendrick Thwaites became superintendent. He served until he resigned in 1879, when he was succeeded by Henry Trimen, who served until 1895. The garden came under the administration of the Department of Agriculture when it was established in 1912.

Day 7

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (PEO), just as the name suggests, holds a unique disposition in ex-situ animal care. Its fame and success have spread not only within the country but around the world, to the point where Pinnawala has become synonymous with the Sri Lankan elephant. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation for the purpose of feeding and providing care and sanctuary to orphaned baby elephants that were found in the wild.

Day 7

Colombo

Colombo is the commercial capital and the largest city of Sri Lanka. It is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (which is the official capital of Sri Lanka) suburb or the parliament capital of Sri Lanka. “Kolamba” (Anglicised “Colombo”) is a Sinhalese word; meaning port, ferry, harbor or haven. Colombo’s cosmopolitan side supports ever-more stylish eateries, galleries and shops. Surprises abound: with a little exploration you’ll find great local food, characterful shops and tiny, convivial cafes. Meanwhile, a building boom like no other is transforming the city’s skyline.

Accommodation

Day 1

Jetwing Sea Negombo

Jetwing Sea, located on the buzzing beach strip of Negombo, is a contemporary coastal respite that blends the finest of tropical luxury with traditional Sri Lankan hospitality. The blue waters of our resident landscape have served as an inspiration to many. Be it as a calming escape, a lively respite, or an unexplored world, the sea is not only an integral element of Sri Lanka’s enchantment but also of our home, filled with coastal charms that extend an invitation to you. Jetwing Sea features three tiers of rooms spread across the four floors that look over the Indian Ocean. 53 Deluxe Rooms enjoy an equal amount of coastal sunshine with expansive private balconies for afternoon lounging at our home of Sri Lankan hospitality. As a unique pleasure of our hospitality, both the suites and the deluxe rooms also offer a magnificent view of the sea from their plush bathtubs.

Day 2

Rajarata Hotel Anuradhapura

Welcomes its guests to experience the grandeur of a bygone era and the mystique that surrounds the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Nestled in the alluring ancient city within close proximity to many religious and historical sites. Here, the guests can experience a truly royal atmosphere that goes hand-in-hand with utmost hospitality. The hotel opens its doors to discerning travelers looking to experience the resplendence of a bygone era while enjoying the most modern luxuries. The majestic entrance to the hotel and the smiling faces of our staff will make you feel welcome and at home from the very moment you step in.

Day 3

Hotel Sudu Araliya

Hotel Sudu Araliya is a premier Polonnaruwa hotel, located on the quaint banks of the Parakrama Reservoir and surrounded by surreal vistas! The preeminent resort establishment seamlessly blends the ancient and rustic charms of traditional Sri Lankan hospitality with modern conveniences to offer our guests an absolute sense of relaxation during their stay. With class-leading services, an exclusive range of accommodation options, and exquisite dining experiences, we curate and craft the idyllic holiday experience that you’ve been yearning for all along! Start your day with immaculate visas from the comfort of your abode—see the majestic Sri Lankan elephants wading across the quaint reservoir—and witness the true beauty of Sri Lanka during your stay at our exclusive accommodation option!

Day 4 & Day 5

Amaara Forest Sigiriya

Located in Sigiriya in the Matale District Region, 5 km from Sigiriya Rock, the Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya features its own unique style. Nestle in a natural setting surrounded by wildlife.All rooms are equipped with LCD TVs, DVD players, and all other modern luxury amenities. It’s a property where you get a little bit of everything. Enjoy a relaxing massage treatment at the Araliya Spa after a safari at one of the national parks or after climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Enjoying a dip in the pool is quite amazing; it gives the feeling that you are having a swim in a luxurious pool in the middle of the jungle. Enjoy your stay at Mamara Forest.

Day 6

Cinnamon Citadel

Surrounded by sweeping green hills and misty mornings, and bordered by the longest river in the country, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy is your ideal retreat for a truly relaxed and carefree getaway. This resort is designed to capture its rich cultural and historical significance with the use of “heritage” red, which represents royalty, and white spaces, which symbolize a modern, chic, and sophisticated ambiance. When you stay at the Cinnamon Citadel in the hills, they ensure that you reach new heights of comfort in our tastefully decorated rooms. Sink into the beautiful ambience and let the calm and peace of the surroundings take over.

Day 7

Cinnamon Grand Colombo

Located 45 minutes from the Bandaranaike International Airport and five minutes from the city’s highlights, the Cinnamon Grand Colombo is a five-star hotel that comes with the additional convenience of being located in the heart of Colombo. housing 501 rooms, 14 restaurants, 10 meeting and event spaces, and multiple outdoor venues designed for the best city moments to happen right at our doorstep. The hotel brings together a curated city experience, from fine dining to seafood markets, old English pubs to a Sri Lankan village—the epitome of exquisite living—creating an eclectic mix for diverse tastes. Rooms are many and varied to suit the needs, moods, and tastes of every visitor.

Gallery

Include

Private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking chauffer guide for tour and transfers including arrival and departure.
Accommodation; double room shearing basis on HB Basis at all hotels except BB at Negombo and Colombo Hotel.
Excursions to Anuradhapura ancient city, Ritigala, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Minnriya, Hiriwaduna Village tour, Spice Garden (FOC), Dambulla Temple caves, Cultural dance (FOC), Temple of the tooth relic Kandy, Royal botanical garden Peradeniya, Kadugannawa (FOC), Pinnawala Elephant orphanage and Gangarama Temple in Colombo.
Optional visits to Giragama Tea factory (Entry fee to be paid by the clients)
City tours in Colombo and Kandy
Two water bottles per person per day during the tour (FOC)
Insurance coverage for each passenger during the tour.

Exclude

Personal Expenses such as telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc.
Tips and Porterage.
Camera Permits for filming.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the ‘inclusions’

Booking

Cost per person on accommodation and transportation would be USD 575/- Cost per person on Excursions would be USD 165/- Cost based on minimum 2 pax traveling

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Last Name

Phone Number

Notes

Road Map

Package Details

Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Max People
15 People
Cost per Person
USD 740/-

Brochure

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Culture & History Tour – 8 Days (7 Nights)

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Road Map

Package Details

Duration

Max People

Cost per Person

Brochure

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