Cultural and Central Country

A country filledwith colour and culture, the central parts of the island are filled with manylocations that speak volumes of these traditions. Travelling from the coast, wetake you to the centre of the cultural triangle and explore marvels includingthe Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Dambulla Cave Temple, the Temple of the SacredTooth Relic in Kandy and even the Minneriya National Park. A walk through arustic village will give you a glimpse of the local lifestyles in these ruralareas. A visit to a spice garden will educate you more. A cultural extravaganzawill liven up your spirits while witnessing various local dance forms includingfire dancers and drum beats that have been passed through centuries.

6 Day Tours

1 10

SKU:LK10670011

Cultural and Central Country (6 Days)

$779.00 NZD

~~$839.00 NZD~~ $779.00 NZD

Sale Sold out

Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Vehicle by Standard Car by Standard Van by Large Van by Standard Bus

Date & Time

Explore some of Sri Lanka's most famous and historical, cultural destinations that include UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

View full details

01 Night in Negombo

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). Here you will meet you designated Chauffeur guide from Lakpura. After formalities at the airport, proceed to Negombo, check in to the hotel and relax.

02 Nights in Dambulla

Dambulla and its surroundings offer you a fascinating experience every time you visit Sri Lanka and the activities that we arrange are sure to be memorable. A visit will be made to the Millennium Elephant Foundation which is an NGO that improves the welfare of elephants in Sri Lanka. You can also experience an elephant walk. You can explore the ancient Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla and climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and a more humble and calmer Sigiriya village tour awaits you as well. A three hour safari at the Minneriya National Park will be a fine experience for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Millennium Elephant Foundation

The Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) is a family run non-government organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic elephants throughout Sri Lanka. The Foundation provide and fund the care, medical treatments, food, mahout salaries, the running costs of the charity as well as having an on call Mobile Veterinary Unit which travels around the country treating sick elephants in need. The Elephant Walk Experience is another alternative to elephant riding for tourists, which is an ethical, up close and personal experience for tourists.

Dambulla Cave Temple

The historic Dambulla Cave Temples, date as far back as the 1st Century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Marvel at the hundreds of Buddha figurines and other deities scattered across the five main caves. Visit the Golden Cave Temple, the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex and hear the legendary tales of this ancient kingdom.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The 5th century AD rock fortress Sigiriya, once ruled by the Sri Lankan King Kashyapa, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most historical landmarks. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘The Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns, that are a mind blowing example of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Sigiriya Village Tour

Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride, and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Enjoy a relaxing catamaran safari across a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your taste buds with a home cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day.

Minneriya National Park

This three-hour safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many varieties of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrub lands, forests and other areas of the park.

02 Nights in Kandy

Moving on to the Central Region, a more mellow approach awaits you with a journey to a Spice and Herbal Garden, where you can learn about the various Sri Lankan herbs and spices and their uses. Along with fine and salubrious weather, you can watch a cultural show in Kandy with fire
dances, Kandyan dances and sword play and also visit the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is a place of deep worship by Buddhists all over.

Matale Spice Tour

The Matale Spice Tour gives you a hands on experience of a Spice & Herbal Garden within the Spice capital of Sri Lanka, Matale. Here you will learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and their uses. The garden is enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that heighten the unique aroma of each spice and herb. Apart from gaining knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, this unique tour also let’s you learn about Ayurvedic medicine. The tropical climate in which the plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality.

Kandy Cultural Show

Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music. The Kandy Cultural Show gives you an opportunity to experience some of Sri Lanka’s traditions. Enjoy this hour long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get mesmerized by fire dances, sword dances, and watch the talented Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming, primal beat of the drum

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. This tour is an unforgettable experience of Sri Lankan art and history.

Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed directly to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure from Sri Lanka after spending a memorable time on the island.

Includes: