Lanka Travel Gateway
cultural & heritage

Ancient Capitals & Cultural Heritage Tour

Negombo, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy & Colombo
7 Days / 6 Nights
6–8 people

Package Overview

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Group Size

6–8 people

Destinations

7 Cities

Category

Cultural & heritage

Overview

Journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura, wander through the royal ruins of Polonnaruwa, climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock, visit Dambulla’s golden cave temples, immerse yourself in Kandy’s culture, and end your adventure in vibrant Colombo. A perfectly curated heritage circuit for culture lovers.

Elegance

CultureUNESCO SitesHistoryHeritage

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CouplesFamiliesSolo TravelersHistory Enthusiasts

Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Sri Lanka → Transfer to Negombo

Ayubowan! Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, your private chauffeur-guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Negombo — a lively coastal town known for its golden beaches, fresh seafood, Dutch-era canals, and lagoon-side scenery. Unwind after your flight or enjoy a relaxed sunset walk along the beach.

Airport meet & greetNegombo beach sunsetRelax after flight

Accommodation Details

Jetwing Blue

Beach Resort • ⭐ 4

Meals

Dinner

Travel Time

Airport → Negombo – 20 minutes

Transport

Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Activities

  • Private airport pickup
  • Short scenic drive to Negombo hotel
  • Evening walk along Negombo Beach
DAY 2

Negombo → Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour

After breakfast, begin your cultural journey north toward Anuradhapura — Sri Lanka’s first ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among ancient stupas, sacred Bo trees, royal ponds, and the world-renowned Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, believed to be the oldest historically documented tree on earth. A day filled with sacred heritage, archaeology, and timeless Buddhist traditions.

Sacred Jaya Sri Maha BodhiRuwanweliseya StupaAncient monasteries & royal ponds

Accommodation Details

Rajarata Hotel

City Hotel • ⭐ 4

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

Negombo → Anuradhapura – 3.5 hours

Transport

Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Activities

  • Drive from Negombo to Anuradhapura
  • Visit Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya & Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
  • Explore ancient stone carvings & temples

Moments That Define the Journey

Ruwanweliseya

Ruwanweliseya

One of the largest stupas in the Buddhist world.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

The sacred Bo tree visited by thousands of pilgrims.

DAY 3

Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa Royal Ancient City

Travel east to the beautifully preserved ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa — Sri Lanka’s second capital and another UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Explore the Royal Palace complex, Gal Vihara’s iconic Buddha statues carved from granite, the Quadrangle, and the Lotus Pond. End the evening at your spacious resort surrounded by nature.

Gal Vihara granite Buddha statuesRoyal Palace ruinsSacred Quadrangle & Lotus Bath

Accommodation Details

Hotel Sudu Araliya

Lakefront Hotel • ⭐ 4

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa – 2 hours

Transport

Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Activities

  • Depart Anuradhapura for Polonnaruwa
  • Visit Gal Vihara, Lankatilaka & Royal Palace
  • Explore museum & ancient city via vehicle

Moments That Define the Journey

Polonnaruwa Vatadage – Main Stupa Platform

Polonnaruwa Vatadage – Main Stupa Platform

The beautifully circular Vatadage structure featuring a carved moonstone, ornate guardstones, and Buddha statues surrounding the central stupa.

Seated Buddha Statue at Gal Vihara

Seated Buddha Statue at Gal Vihara

The iconic seated Buddha statue at Gal Vihara, carved from a single granite rock and glowing under warm evening lights.

Ruins of the Ancient Royal Palace

Ruins of the Ancient Royal Palace

Weathered brick walls of the ancient Royal Palace complex in Polonnaruwa, showcasing its once-grand multi-storey design.

DAY 4

Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

After breakfast, journey to the Cultural Triangle’s heart — Sigiriya. Climb the world-famous Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, with panoramic views, frescoes, mirror wall, and ancient palace ruins at the summit. The rest of the day is free to relax in your eco-friendly resort.

Sigiriya UNESCO Rock FortressFrescoes & Mirror WallSummit palace ruins

Accommodation Details

Aliya Resort & Spa

Nature Resort • ⭐ 4

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya – 1.5 hours

Transport

Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Activities

  • Drive to Sigiriya
  • Climb Lion Rock Fortress
  • Visit Sigiriya Museum (optional)

Moments That Define the Journey

Lion Rock

Lion Rock

Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmark.

Summit View

Summit View

Panoramic views from the top of Sigiriya.

DAY 5

Sigiriya → Dambulla Cave Temple → Kandy

Begin the day with a short drive to Dambulla to explore the Golden Cave Temple — Sri Lanka’s largest, most impressive cave temple complex adorned with ancient murals and Buddha statues. Continue to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s hill capital and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Enjoy a relaxed evening by the scenic Kandy Lake.

Dambulla Cave TempleKandy hill-country sceneryEvening lakeside walk

Accommodation Details

Earl’s Regent

Hotel • ⭐ 4

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy – 3 hours

Transport

Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Activities

  • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Drive through spice gardens (optional)
  • Arrive in Kandy and relax

Moments That Define the Journey

Dambulla Caves

Dambulla Caves

Ancient murals and rock-carved statues.

Temple of the Tooth

Temple of the Tooth

Sri Lanka’s sacred Buddhist temple.

DAY 6

Kandy Sightseeing → Colombo

Explore Kandy, beginning with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Enjoy a stroll through the city, visit a viewpoint, or optionally explore the Royal Botanical Gardens. After lunch, continue your journey toward Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial capital.

Temple of the Tooth RelicKandy Lake walkColombo evening views

Accommodation Details

Shangri-La Colombo

City Hotel • ⭐ 5

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

Kandy → Colombo – 3 hours

Transport

Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Activities

  • Morning Temple of the Tooth visit
  • Kandy city walk & markets
  • Drive to Colombo

Moments That Define the Journey

Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

Optional nature experience in Peradeniya.

Colombo City

Colombo City

Modern skyline at night.

DAY 7

Colombo City Tour → Airport Departure

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast followed by a short sightseeing tour of Colombo. Visit highlights such as Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, and the colonial-era Fort district. Afterward, travel to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure — carrying unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s ancient marvels.

Colombo city tourGangaramaya & Independence SquareAirport drop-off

Accommodation Details

Not applicable

Not applicable

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

Colombo → Airport – 45 minutes

Transport

Private Car (Air Conditioned)

Activities

  • Colombo sightseeing drive
  • Visit modern & colonial landmarks
  • Transfer to airport

Moments That Define the Journey

Port City

Port City

New waterfront development.

Old Parliament

Old Parliament

Historic colonial landmark by the sea.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included in the Package

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur-guide
  • 6 nights accommodation in selected 3★ / 4★ hotels
  • Daily breakfast (plus 1 dinner on arrival night)
  • Bottled water during travel
  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • All government taxes

Not Included

  • International flights and visa fees
  • Lunch and dinner unless specified
  • Entrance fees to all historical sites and optional activities
  • Personal expenses, shopping and tips
  • Travel insurance

Travel Map

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Terms & Conditions & Policies

Important information about booking and cancellation policies

Assurance

Your safety, comfort, and trust are our priority. We work with government-licensed travel partners, verified accommodations, and experienced chauffeur-guides to ensure a smooth and reliable travel experience from arrival to departure.

  • Fully government-licensed tour operator with registered travel services.
  • Experienced and vetted chauffeur-guides trained in safe driving and hospitality.
  • Secure bank payment handling with monitored confirmation and verified receipts.
  • Accommodation partners personally inspected and selected for quality and safety.
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
  • 24/7 on-tour support for emergencies, modifications, or assistance.
  • Compliance with all local tourism regulations and safety standards.

Booking Information

Once you submit your booking details, we will begin processing your reservation. A 20% advance payment is required via bank deposit. Your booking confirmation will be sent within 48 hours after we receive the payment.

The remaining 80% of the package cost is payable 30 days prior to the tour start date. Once the final payment is completed, you may proceed with visa arrangements and other travel preparations.

Important Notes

  • The above rates are based on the hotels listed in the program and are subject to change if government taxes are revised.
  • Rooms are subject to availability at the time of reservation. If clients wish to secure rooms in advance, a 50% block-booking payment is required to guarantee availability with the hotels.
  • Rates apply only for this specific itinerary. If you wish to add or remove destinations, we can adjust the pricing accordingly. We also offer customized tailor-made programs upon request.
20%
Initial Bank Deposit
48hrs
Confirmation Time
80%
30 Days Before Tour

Cancellation Policy

All travel offers listed on our website are discounted. As such, all orders are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion.

Cancellations made less than 30 days before the tour start date and no-shows are non-refundable.

Please read our terms carefully before making a booking. Contact us if you have any questions about our policies.

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