Dambulla is a large town situated in the north central region of Sri Lanka. It is also the known as the Centre of Vegetable Distribution in Sri Lanka due to its location at a major junction. The major attractions in Dambulla include the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, famous for being built in just 167 days. The area also boasts the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron wood forest, or Na Uyana Aranya.
The prehistoric burial site, Ibbankatuwa, near Dambulla cave temple is a significant place containing presence of indigenous civilisations long before the arrival of Indian influence in Sri Lanka.
Overnight at Dambulla
The World Heritage site is situated 148 kilometers (92 mi) east of Colombo and 72 kilometers (45 mi) north of Kandy, and is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains, containing paintings and statues 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. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.
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.
The ancient rock fortress is 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. 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 was abandoned after the king's death, and was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Today it is a UNESCO listed World Heritage site, and is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning.
Overnight at Dambulla
Anuradhapura is the capital city of the North Central Province, and is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was the third capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata, following the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. The city lies 205 km (127 mi) north of the current capital Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²).
Overnight at Anuradhapura
Overnight at Anuradhapura
The second oldest of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader. Also a World Heritage site, Polonnaruwa is currently undergoing a major development project known as the "Awakening of Polonnaruwa" under the concept of President Maithripala Sirisena. It envisions the development of all sectors in Polonnaruwancluding roads, electricity, agriculture, education, health and environment will be developed comprehensively.
Overnight at Polonnaruwa
Overnight at Polonnaruwa
At leisure to relax and enjoy the mountain climate - Kandy, Sri Lanka’s hill capital Explore Kandy at your leisure.
Explore Sri Lanka’s spice growing region to see Sri Lankan spices growing in their natural habitat and to learn about their usage in local cuisine.
Kandy has been named a Heritage City by UNESCO.
Kandy is home to the shrine holding the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. It was here that the Sinhala Kings once ruled majestically. The beautiful Kandy Lake in the center of the city, was built by Sri Wickrama Rajasingha, the last King of Kandy. The Royal Palace Complex, consists of the King and Queens Palace, the Audience Hall, the Royal Bathhouse and Summer House, representing the final flowering of Sinhala architecture and craftsmanship.
Overnight at Kandy
Visit the much-revered Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha. Also make optional trips to the arts and craft workshops located around Kandy, as this city is the heart of Sri Lanka’s handicraft industry.
Overnight at Kandy
A resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, Bentota’s beaches stretch north, where it becomes a sandy strip known as Paradise Island, parallel to Bentota Lagoon, with coral-rich dive sites include Canoe Rock. On the Bentota River, you will find the centuries-old Galapota Temple with a large Buddha statue. Southeast is Lunuganga, the estate and gardens of architect Geoffrey Bawa. To the north is his brother Bevis's Brief Garden.
Overnight at Benthota
Depart to Colombo International Airport