Plan Trip

Tour

7-Day UNESCO Heritage Sites Tour – Sri Lanka

This 7-day UNESCO Heritage Sites Tour is designed for travelers who want to explore Sri Lanka’s most treasured cultural landmarks — from the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred Temple of the Tooth. You’ll journey through peaceful Buddhist sites, climb breathtaking viewpoints, wander through royal ruins, connect with rural communities, and witness the vibrant living culture of the island. It’s the perfect blend of history, spirituality, nature, and authentic local experiences — crafted for curious travelers who want to understand the soul of Sri Lanka, not just see it
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Plan Trip

Duration

Theme

Accommodation for this Tour

Hostel, Homestay, 3 Star Hotels

Price per Person

Starting From 800 USD

Days of this Tour

7 Days

Nights of this Tour

6 Nights

Overview

Tour Overview

This 7-day journey is designed for travellers who want to experience Sri Lanka’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a single, seamless adventure. Each day reveals a new chapter of the island’s ancient civilization—from sacred trees and towering stupas to kings’ palaces, rural villages, and living temples.

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Negombo or Colombo, giving you time to settle in before heading deep into the Cultural Triangle. Explore the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, home to sacred monuments, serene lakes, and the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. The journey continues to Mihintale, the birthplace of Buddhism, followed by the majestic ruins of Polonnaruwa, where stone-carved Buddhas and royal complexes tell stories of a glorious past.

The highlight of your tour is the climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka’s iconic Lion Rock, followed by a peaceful and authentic rural experience in Hiriwadunna—complete with a bullock cart ride, boat ride, and a home-cooked village lunch. You will then explore the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple before arriving in the hill capital, Kandy.

Your final days immerse you in Kandy’s spiritual richness with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a cultural dance show, royal gardens, and time to enjoy lakeside strolls and boutique shopping. The tour concludes with a scenic return to Colombo, offering gentle landscapes and cultural memories you will carry home forever.

Itinerary

Itinerary Snapshot

Day 1
Arrival → Negombo / Colombo
Airport pickup and warm welcome. Transfer to Negombo or Colombo (your choice). Evening free to relax and receive a short introduction to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Overnight in Negombo / Colombo.

Highlights:

Welcome to Sri Lanka
Day 2
Colombo → Anuradhapura
Travel to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital. Visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiriya, and ancient monastic ruins. Enjoy sunset by Tissa Wewa. Overnight in Anuradhapura.

Highlights:

First Ancient Capital (UNESCO)
Day 3
Mihintale → Polonnaruwa
Morning climb of Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Continue to Polonnaruwa to explore Gal Vihara, Royal Palace, Rankoth Vehera, and Parakrama Samudra. Overnight in Polonnaruwa / Habarana.

Highlights:

Birthplace of Buddhism
Day 4
Sigiriya → Village Experience
Early morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Explore frescoes, Lion Gate, and summit palace ruins. Afternoon village experience with bullock cart ride, boat ride, and lunch with a local family. Overnight in Sigiriya / Dambulla / Habarana.

Highlights:

Iconic Lion Rock
Day 5
Dambulla → Spice Garden → Kandy
Visit Dambulla Golden Temple. Drive toward Kandy via countryside roads and visit a local spice garden. Evening cultural dance performance in Kandy. Overnight in Kandy.

Highlights:

Cave Temples & Culture
Day 6
Kandy City & Temple of the Tooth
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Explore Kandy Lake, historic streets, and optional visit to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Free time for art and handicraft shopping. Overnight in Kandy.

Highlights:

Sacred Relic Temple
Day 7
Kandy → Colombo → Departure
Scenic return to Colombo. Optional tea factory visit and a short city drive depending on flight time. Airport drop-off and end of tour.

Highlights:

Scenic Return

Destinations

Destinations Covered in This Tour

Sigiriya – The Majestic Rock Fortress of Kings

Rising dramatically from the plains, Sigiriya is an ancient marvel etched into a monolithic rock. With panoramic views, legendary frescoes, and sky-high gardens, it offers a spellbinding fusion of history, artistry, and natural wonder.

Polonnaruwa – Sri Lanka’s Ancient Royal Capital

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, blends monumental ruins, sacred shrines, and vast reservoirs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the island’s golden age of architecture, irrigation, and spirituality.

Negombo – The Lagoon City by the Sea

Negombo, near Sri Lanka’s main international airport, blends sandy beaches, a historic lagoon, and colonial heritage. Known as “Little Rome,” it’s a vibrant hub of culture, seafood, and coastal charm.

Kandy – The Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka

Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural heart, blends sacred temples, colonial charm, and lush hill-country scenery, crowned by the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Colombo – Sri Lanka’s Vibrant Metropolis

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s beating heart—a coastal city where colonial charm meets modern energy, with buzzing markets, tranquil temples, soaring towers, and a waterfront that never sleeps.

Dambulla – Gateway to Sri Lanka’s Golden Heritage

Dambulla is a cultural heartland where ancient caves, prehistoric burial grounds, rose-quartz hills, and historic stadiums converge—offering insights into Sri Lanka’s past, spirituality, and rural homegrown charm.

Anuradhapura – The Sacred Heart of Sri Lanka’s Past

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its ancient stupas, sacred Bodhi tree, and sprawling ruins that reveal the island’s Buddhist heart.

Experiences

Experiences Included in this Tour

Above the Clouds: Hot Air Balloon Rides over Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
Float silently over the dawn-lit landscapes of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle as ancient ruins, misty forests, and golden lakes stretch beneath your feet. A hot air balloon ride here is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where history, nature, and serenity meet in the skies.
Flavors on the Move: Street Food Tours in Bustling Cities
Navigate the vibrant streets of Sri Lanka’s cities while tasting authentic local delicacies. Street food tours combine the thrill of exploration with the delight of flavors—from sizzling snacks to sweet treats—offering an unforgettable sensory experience.
Heartbeat of the Island: Seasonal Festivals & Cultural Celebrations with Locals
Step into Sri Lanka’s living traditions, where streets glow with lanterns, elephants parade in splendor, and ancient rituals unfold under the stars. Each festival is more than a spectacle—it’s a heartbeat of the island, connecting you directly to its people, beliefs, and timeless heritage.
Through the Lens: Photography Tours for Landscapes, Wildlife & Culture
From misty mountains to golden beaches, from wild leopards to street-side rituals, Sri Lanka is a photographer’s paradise. Guided photography tours take travelers into the heart of the island’s diverse landscapes, wildlife-rich national parks, and vibrant cultural spaces—perfect for both hobbyists and professionals looking to capture authentic stories through their lenses.
Steeped in Time: Colonial Tea Plantation Stays & Tastings in Sri Lanka
Wake up to the mist rolling over emerald hills, sip freshly brewed Ceylon tea as the morning sun warms the slopes, and wander through manicured estates where every leaf tells a story of colonial ambition, local resilience, and timeless flavor. Staying on a tea plantation is not just a holiday—it’s a journey into Sri Lanka’s most iconic legacy.
Trails of Trade: Cinnamon, Spices & Gems of Sri Lanka
Breathe in the fragrance of cinnamon as it curls from a peeled stick, feel the textures of nutmeg, cardamom, and pepper fresh from the earth, and watch as sapphires glint under the jeweler’s light. Sri Lanka’s spice gardens and gem markets offer a journey into the island’s rich trade heritage—an intoxicating blend of aroma, color, and history.
Timeless Echoes of the Cultural Triangle: Exploring Sri Lanka’s Ancient Capitals
Step into a world where stone pillars whisper legends of kings, frescoes glow with celestial maidens, and ancient stupas rise proudly against the tropical sky. Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle—home to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla—is a journey through 2,500 years of history, culture, and spirituality.

Included & Excluded

Included and Excluded in this Tour

Airport pickup & drop-off
Private transportation throughout the tour
English-speaking guide/driver
Hotel accommodation (varies by package)
All listed site visits & experiences
Cultural dance show in Kandy
Village tour with lunch in Hiriwadunna
Bottled water during travel
International airfare
Entrance tickets to UNESCO sites
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
Personal expenses, shopping & tips
Optional experiences (Peradeniya Gardens, tea factory visit, etc.)

Tips & Notes

Tips and Notes for this Tour

Best travel months: December – March (dry season in the Cultural Triangle)
Wear modest clothing when visiting temples and religious sites
Comfortable walking shoes recommended for ruins and climbs
Carry sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent for outdoor days
Tea factory visits and other optional activities can be added on request

Booking

Secure Your Journey – Book This Tour

Ready to explore Sri Lanka’s wonders? Fill out the form below to request your personalized booking. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, we’ll tailor the experience to match your preferences. No payment required at this stage—just tell us when you’d like to go, and we’ll handle the rest.

  • Flexible dates
  • Accommodation options available
  • Local support throughout your journey
Tour Booking Form