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The History & Culture of Sri Lanka

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The History & Culture of Sri Lanka
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The History & Culture of Sri Lanka

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Explore the incredibly diverse island of Sri Lanka, taking an in-depth look at its history and culture. We chose boutique hotels which make the most of each place you visit.

Venture north to the tip of the country to Jaffna, an area often overlooked by tourists and home to a compelling history and culture. With a longer-than-usual stay in the Cultural Triangle in two different areas, you’ll get to experience even more fascinating ancient sites, temples and rural life. You’ll get under the surface of Sri Lanka taking in its scenic landscapes as you traverse from north to south enjoying some of our best signature experiences.

Highlights include:

  • Discovering the distinct culture and food scene in the north around the lesser-visited area of Jaffna

  • Take several train rides through the scenic countryside - an exciting way to meet people

  • Spend five days exploring the fascinating ancient cities, temples and rural life around the Cultural Triangle, getting to understand the history of Sri Lanka

  • Exploring Galle Fort with a local historian

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday, talk to us today.

 

DAY 1  DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Colombo.

DAYS 2 & 3  COLOMBO

On arrival at Colombo airport, meet your chauffeur-guide. You will transfer to your boutique hotel in the city center, where you will be for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of your first day relaxing before embarking on a walking and tuk-tuk tour the following morning as your guide reveals the heart of the city to you.

DAYS 4 - 6  JAFFNA

You’ll transfer to Colombo airport, where you’ll board a short domestic flight up to Jaffna on the northern tip of the island. The culture and cuisine are quite different from other parts of Sri Lanka. Your three-night stay here begins with a free afternoon to spend at leisure, exploring your surroundings. The following day, you’ll travel with your local guide through the Jaffna peninsula, past captivating landscapes sprinkled with desert dunes, buried churches, and Hindu temples before heading into the town to explore the area’s beautiful mix of cultures. Spend another day exploring one of the most off-beat and bewitching regions in the country - the string of mostly uninhabited islands off the peninsula.

DAYS 7 - 11 CULTURAL TRIANGLE

Across five days, you’ll get to explore the Cultural Triangle in-depth, staying in two different locations to cover more ground and by visiting an array of fascinating historic sites and rural villages—journey by train into the heart of Anuradhapura. There is a full day here at the temple complex of Mihintale, an important religious site. Hidden in the jungle-clad hills is a selection of beautiful cave monasteries you will explore before visiting Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of the Sinhalese culture.

Transfer about an hour and a half further south into the heart of the Cultural Triangle for a further three nights. Here you will explore the backroads of Polonnaruwa on a cycling tour, beat the crowds with an early climb up the towering Sigiriya rock fortress, and head out into the surrounding countryside to get an insight into how the locals live and farm.

DAYS 12 & 13  KANDY

Travel with your chauffeur-guide to Sri Lanka’s second city, Kandy, stopping at the World Heritage site of Dambulla with its 2,200-year-old cave temples. During your two-night stay here, visit one of the world’s most important Buddhist shrines, the sacred Temple of the Tooth. Discover the contrasts of the city on our signature excursion, from visiting the Botanical Gardens to a charming heritage home to admire traditional Sinhalese artwork.

DAYS 14 & 15  HAPUTALE

Board one of the world’s most scenic train routes through the lush tea country and dramatic mountain peaks as you stroll to Haputale on the edge of the hill country. Take a short and easy walk up to the famous ‘Lipton’s Seat’ view point to appreciate some genuinely spectacular panoramas across the tea estates. A stay amongst the plantations wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to a working tea factory to learn about the growing process before sipping on a cup yourself.

DAYS 16 - 18  GALLE

Your chauffeur-guide will transport you by road to the Galle Coast, where you’ll spend the last three nights of your holiday relaxing in a lovely boutique hotel in the fort itself. Treat your senses to a hands on cooking class using fresh vegetables and spices with clay pots and a fire stove as you learn the local way to prepare lunch. Spend the rest of your time relaxing on the nearby beaches and a walking tour with your local guide around the old Galle Fort.

DAY 19  FLY HOME

Your driver will transport you to Colombo airport to depart on your flight back to the UK.  

 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke itinerary with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation & meals as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers 
  • Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
  • Meals as described
  • 24-hour in-country backup whilst away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy, read here.  

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Arika Boutique Villa

Arika Boutique Villa , Dambulla

Strategically close to the Cultural Triangle, Arika is a peaceful forest villa with good facilities.

Fort Printers

Fort Printers, Galle Fort

A lovely villa hotel in the centre of the glorious old Dutch Fort in Galle: hired by the room or as a private residence

Maniumpathy

Maniumpathy, Colombo

Old world charm and modern comforts in a restored heritage home in Colombo, boasting a relaxing swimming pool.

Melheim Resort

Melheim Resort, Haputale

Small, comfortable and modern resort in a beautiful hillside location south of Haputale.

Sanctuary at Tissawewa

Sanctuary at Tissawewa, Anuradhapura

A simple and charming colonial property set amongst lush gardens in the heart of Anuradhapura Old City.

The Thinnai

The Thinnai, Jaffna Town

Nestled within unspoilt surroundings just 2 km from Jaffna town, suites here are spacious and comfortable.

Villa Rosa

Villa Rosa, Kandy

A villa style, boutique hotel; offering personal comforts, great food and the finest views of any hotel in Kandy

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Anuradhapura Ancient City

Anuradhapura Ancient City, Anuradhapura

The ancient city of Anuradhapura points to a civilisation of great sophistication over 2000 years old.

Colombo City Walk

Colombo City Walk, Colombo

Spend a few hours exploring Colombo's architecture, hidden gems and colonial history with local expert Mark Forbes.

Contrasts of Kandy

Contrasts of Kandy, Kandy

Explore the rich history of Kandy, including the Royal Botanical Garden and Queen's Hotel.

Dambulla Cave Temples

Dambulla Cave Temples, Dambulla

Beautiful and decorative cave temples hidden into rocks and ccaves at Dambulla

Islands of Jaffna

Islands of Jaffna, Nagadeepa Island

Explore the islands of Jaffna - Kayts, Nagadeepa and the remote Delft.

Jaffna Peninsula Day Tour

Jaffna Peninsula Day Tour, Jaffna Town

The sites of Jaffna Peninsular - rather than the town itself or the outlying islands.

Market, cooking and Galle Fort

Market, cooking and Galle Fort, Inland from Galle

A morning market visit and cooking class, followed by a guided walk of Galle Fort.

Polonnaruwa Cycling Tour

Polonnaruwa Cycling Tour, Polonnaruwa

Cycle around the relatively compact and well preserved ruins of Sri Lanka's second great historical capital.

Sigiriya and Village Farm experience

Sigiriya and Village Farm experience, Sigiriya

Visit local farms and learn firsthand about the life and work of the villagers, enjoy a home-cooked lunch and visit the stunning Sigiriya rock fortress

Train through the hill country

Train through the hill country, Kandy

One of Asia's great train journeys, with spectacular views from start to finish.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The History & Culture of Sri Lanka'

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

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