Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, city, north-central Sri Lanka. It is situated along the Aruvi Aru River. The old section of Anuradhapura, now preserved as an archaeological park and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, is the best known of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. In the immediate vicinity are huge bell-shaped dagobas (Buddhist commemorative shrines, or stupas) built of small sun-dried bricks as well as temples, sculptures, palaces, and ancient drinking-water reservoirs. The city also contains an ancient pipal tree that is believed to have originally been a branch of the Bo tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar, India), under which Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment. The Bo tree branch was planted at Anuradhapura about 245 bce, and it may be the oldest tree in existence for which there is any historical record.

Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom, Polonnaruwa, became the capital of Sri Lanka following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Built by King Parakramabahu I, this urban green city has seen numerous civilisations journeying through this kingdom including the Cholas, South Indian Hindu and Buddhist Sinhalese, between the 12th and 13th centuries. Brimming with archeologically treasures, the city is dotted with temples, shrines, palaces and ruins. Explore the royal palace from the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186). Once a massive structure with 50 rooms, today impressive walls still stand strong. An impressive collection of ruins forms the sacred quadrangle and in the middle is the vatadage (ancient structure) with four entrances leading to the place where the Sacred Tooth Relic was once housed. Explore the large stupa (hemispherical structure containing relics) Rankot Vihara and the monks’ quarters.

Dambulla

Dambulla is an ancient city that offers many natural and spiritual wonders to be discovered. It is one of the most sought-after attractions in our Sri Lanka tour packages filled with dominance and epic grandeur. With its scenic spots such as the ironwood forest, the breathtaking rose quartz mountain, the world-famous Rangiri International Stadium, and the serene landscape of Na Uyana Aranya, the majestic city of Dambulla is sure to be one of your favorites in an adventurous Sri Lanka trip to explore and enjoy the magnificence of this ancient paradise. As you traverse this fascinating city, you are welcomed by the largest and well-preserved cave complex on the island, filled with rich and colorful paintings and sculptures depicting the bold history Lanka. Yes, you are absolutely right! This is your chance to grab the perfect adventurous and fun getaway on this beautiful tropical island.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka. The palace is located in the heart of the island between the towns of Dambulla and Habarane on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above the sea level. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between the nature and human imagination. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains.

Kandy

The last Sinhalese kingdom, Kandy is central to the history of Sri Lanka and is home to many of the island’s cultural gems. Meaning ‘hill’, Kandy once stood as an impenetrable fortress against invading colonial powers, withstanding all attempts of invasion until the British finally deposed the king in 1815. Kandy houses the world-famous Temple of the Tooth, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, which was built to protect the sacred tooth relic thought to belong to Lord Buddha, which has been enshrined in Sri Lanka for hundreds of years. As well as a host of other temples, visitors to the city can wander along Kandy Lake, stroll through the stunning Botanical Gardens – created by the British in the 19th century and still one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia – and visit Kadungannawa Tea Factory. Kandy is one of the best places to explore the art history of Sri Lanka and travelers should take the time to see a Kandyan cultural show.

Nuwara Eliya

Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, well-tended hedgerows and pretty gardens. Indeed, Nuwara Eliya was once was the favored cool-climate escape for the hard-working and hard-drinking English and Scottish pioneers of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. A recent construction boom has blighted the scene to a degree, and the dusty and bustling centre is a thoroughly Sri Lankan urban tangle, but Nuwara Eliya still makes a fine base for a few days’ relaxation. The verdant surrounding countryside of tea plantations, carefully tended vegetable plots and craggy hills is highly scenic. Treat yourself to a night in one of Nuwara Eliya’s colonial hotels, play a round of golf or a few frames of billiards, and soak up the town’s unique bygone heritage.

Galle is a jewel. A Unesco World Heritage Site, this historic city is a delight to explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Wandering its rambling lanes you’ll pass stylish cafes, quirky boutiques and impeccably restored hotels owned by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers and designers. Built by the Dutch, beginning in 1663, Galle’s core is the Fort, a walled enclave surrounded on three sides by the ocean. A key part of the Fort’s appeal is that it isn’t just a pretty place. Sure, tourism now dominates the local economy, but this unique city remains a working community: there are administrative offices and courts, export companies, schools and colleges. Most travelers are utterly seduced by Galle’s ambience, and it’s undoubtedly southern Sri Lanka’s one unmissable sight.

Colombo City

Situated in the western province of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the island’s capital. Diverse and vibrant, the city is the administrative and economic center of the country. Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city, home to around a million people is also one of the busiest ports in the South Asia. Colombo was the capital for over two hundred years until the capital was shifted to nearby Sri Jayawardenepura, but remains the hub and heart of the city. The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, fine dining, vibrant night life and lots of shopping. Its architecture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization and is very visible in the buildings surrounding the city. The New Parliament is situated at Sri Jayawardenapura on the outskirts of Colombo, while the Old Parliament on Galle Road is now the Presidential Secretariat.

The Galle Face Green promenade is currently a 5 hectare ribbon strip of land between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean, which is now the largest open space in Colombo. There are many large hotels that border the strip and its surroundings have been earmarked for city development including many more 5 start hotels. The city is also cluttered with temples, mosques, and churches catering to the diverse population that enrich the culture of the city. With many boutiques filled with international brands and local art and fabrics Colombo is the best place to do the last minute shopping and then it’s best to retire to Galle face, Colombo’s playground for some Kottu or Wade.

Drop at the airport