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Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle

Ruwanweliseya Temple, Anuradhapura

Discover the history of this fascinating country on a tour of its cultural triangle, from the dominating Sigiriya Rock Fortress to enchanting Gal Vihara.

Itinerary Map

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Colombo - Sigiriya.

On arrival in Colombo you will be met by our representative and transferred to Sigiriya. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town, founded around the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (or Lion Rock). (D)

DAY 3: Sigiriya - Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Sigiriya.

After breakfast, a short journey through lush Sri Lankan countryside takes you to Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. The city is considered sacred to the Buddhist world and is surrounded by monasteries. Your city tour takes in the well-preserved ruins of this area and the Sri Maha Bodhi (or Bo Tree), the oldest tree in the world with a recorded planting date. This remarkable tree was a sapling taken from the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi tree in India, under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. Later visit the pilgrimage site of Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya.

This morning visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a giant magma plug which has served both as a long-standing Buddhist monastery and a fortress. Surrounded by a network of gardens and moats, it is an historical, geological and anthropological landmark. The ancient ruins of the upper palace built by King Kasyapa can also be found on the summit, which at 656 feet above sea level affords magnificent views of the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside. On the way to the top, you will see the famous 'Cloud Maidens' frescoes painted on the rock wall. After lunch visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa, where you will see the remains of the Royal Palace, the statue of King Parakramabahu, the Thuparama Image house, and the captivating Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara - a well-preserved and fine example of ancient rock cut sculpture. Note: This day is of a strenuous nature as a number of steep steps must be climbed in order to reach the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Sigiriya - Beach resort.

Your fascinating cultural tour of Sri Lanka draws to a close today with a visit to the Dambulla Rock Cave Temples - five fantastically preserved caverns containing frescoes and statues of Buddha. Afterwards, transfer to your chosen beach resort. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 to 9: Beach resort.

Relax at your beach resort. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Beach resort - Colombo - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 11: Home landing in the UK.

Accommodation on Tour

Colombo: Ramada Colombo; Sigiriya: Sigiriya Village Hotel.

Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.

Avani Hotel, Bentota
3 plus diamond rating

The Avani is a superb choice for a relaxing and peaceful finale to your tour. Situated on a glorious stretch of beach and encircled by tranquil gardens.

Location: Directly on the beach about 66 kilometres to Colombo and 1 kilometre to the main resort of Bentota.

Facilities: Swimming pool; restaurant serving both Sri Lankan and continental food; 3 bars; spa centre offering a variety of health and beauty treatments; watersports available nearby (separate management) include windsurfing, jetskiing, waterskiing, diving and snorkelling; laundry; lounge area with TV; internet kiosk; 24 hour room service.

Price includes: Bed & breakfast in a twin room with private facilities, air-conditioning; balcony or terrace.

Options: Superior Room.

Official category: 3 star plus.

Things to note...

Guide

As a minimum you will have the services of a driver/guide.

Visa Information

All tourists have to purchase a tourist visa online prior to travel at www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. The cost online is USD$30. There are additional fees for the purchase of a visa on arrival.

Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle 8 nights

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London Heathrow

Departure Times

15:05 Qatar Airways

Departure Times

15:05
(+ £40)
Qatar Airways
21:35 Srilankan Airlines

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15:05
(+ £40)
Qatar Airways
21:35 Srilankan Airlines

Departure Times

15:05
(+ £40)
Qatar Airways
21:35 Srilankan Airlines

Departure Times

15:05
(+ £40)
Qatar Airways
21:35 Srilankan Airlines

Departure Times

15:05
(+ £40)
Qatar Airways
21:15 Srilankan Airlines

Departure Times

14:15
(+ £40)
Qatar Airways
21:15 Srilankan Airlines

Departure Times

14:15
(+ £40)
Qatar Airways
21:15 Srilankan Airlines
 
Manchester  

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14:10 Emirates

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14:10 Emirates

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14:10 Emirates

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14:10 Emirates

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13:20 Emirates

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13:20 Emirates

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13:20 Emirates
 
Birmingham  

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14:15 Emirates

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14:15 Emirates

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14:15 Emirates

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14:15 Emirates

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13:25 Emirates

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13:25 Emirates

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13:25 Emirates
 
Glasgow  

Departure Times

14:15 Emirates

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14:15 Emirates

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14:15 Emirates

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14:15 Emirates

Departure Times

13:05 Emirates
 

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13:05 Emirates
 
London Gatwick  

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14:25 Emirates

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14:25 Emirates

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14:25 Emirates

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14:25 Emirates

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13:35 Emirates

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13:35 Emirates

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13:35 Emirates
 

Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle

Price from £1639

Prices are per person

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What's Included

  • Flights UK - Colombo - UK
  • Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
  • Meals on tour 8 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D)
  • Travel on tour by minibus
  • English speaking guide on tour and local representative in resort
  • Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
  • All local and airport taxes/service charges

Holiday highlights

  • Anuradhapura
  • Mihintale
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Polonnaruwa Gal Vihara
  • Dambulla Rock cave temple

Departures from

  • London Heathrow
  • Manchester
  • Birmingham
  • Glasgow
  • London Gatwick

Departures on:

  • Sundays - 2013
  • Sundays - 2014

Departures between

25 Aug 2013 to 16 Mar 2014

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