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Sri Lanka's heritage and culture come alive in this immersive 14-day tour, blending history, spirituality, and natural beauty. ​Our Culture and Heritage Sri Lanka Itinerary tour welcomes Solo and Couple travellers and includes the highlights of this stunning tropical island; vibrant orange sunsets, wildlife safari 4 x 4 jeep.

Visit the Sacred city of Anuradhapura, Ritigala ancient monastery, Ancient city Polonnaruwa, Dumbula cave temples, tea-growing hills, spice markets and curries, abundant wildlife parks, majestic waterfalls and the rocky ruins of Sigiriya, local cooking class, Lush green highlands of Ella, there's something for everyone. Sri Lanka has all the hallmarks of a traveler’s paradise.

Explore the highlights of Sri Lanka - from ancient cities and scenic landscapes to cultural experiences and relaxing beaches. 

Why Sri Lanka Escapes?

We Include Hotel options 

• Comfortable 3-star hotels, double share with private ensuite bathroom

• Elegant 4-star hotels are available on request for a touch of extra luxury

• Single supplement available on request

 We Include Transport & Guide:

• Smooth, hassle-free return airport transfers

• Friendly, professional English-speaking chauffeur/guide to make your journey effortless

• Spacious, air-conditioned vehicle for relaxing travel

• Refreshing bottled water daily

 We Include Meals:

• Delicious daily breakfast and dinner (breakfast  -  beach hotels)

• 4-star upgrade: gourmet daily breakfast included

 We Include Experiences:

• Exciting wildlife elephant safari with park entry, 4x4 jeep adventure, and expert tracker

• Scenic, memorable train ride through lush tea country (subject to class availability)

• Relaxing Ayurvedic massage and vibrant cultural dance performance

• Authentic traditional cooking class in a local home

• Charming visits to local farm villages, rice paddies, with a hands-on lunch experience

• Invigorating spice garden walk with wellness talk

We Include Trip Highlights:

• Explore UNESCO sites Sigiriya Lion Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple

• Temple of the Tooth Relic

• Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Tea plantations & factory to

• Visit Ancient Cities, Negombo Fishing Village

• Royal Botanical Garden, Cultural Show

• Visit the Sacred City of Anuradhapura

• Visit Ritagala Ancient Monastery

• Visit the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa

• Waterfalls viewpoints, Treks & hidden gems

• Gem Museum visit, walk the Local markets & local villages,

• Traditional curd/treacle and exotic fruit tasting on tour

• Tea shops & refreshing King coconut stops

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We are an Australian Boutique agency, happy to customise a Dream itinerary for your family and friends.  With our wealth of experience, our local team in Sri Lanka, we are here to offer a personal and unique unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka. 

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​*Itineraries may vary slightly and are subject to availability. Flights are not included.

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport where you will be welcomed by a representative of Sri Lanka Escapes.

Acclimatize yourself with Sri Lanka in the city of Colombo.  Historically, Colombo was seen as a simple trading port, while today the city of Colombo is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that serves as the island's commercial capital. 

Transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, you will be welcomed by your experienced Chauffeur who will be with you for the duration of the trip.  He is a local with many years of experience and knowledge, and he is very excited to show off his beautiful country.   Let your adventure and journey begin. 

Enjoy tour of Colombo city and continue the drive and viewpoints to Belihuloya. 

This is a four and half hour drive and along the way, we stop on the way to see beautiful temples and spectacular viewpoints on the way.  Belihuloya is a village in the Ratnapura District, of Sri Lanka south-east of Colombo. This hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country. 

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Colombo city tour

Viewpoints

Belihuloya

Belihuloya is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems and is adorned with several unique and unforgettable nearby attractions, making it a hotspot for those who take a keen interest in nature and adventure.

One of the primary nearby attractions when visiting this charming little town is the Bambarakanda Waterfall, the tallest one in Sri Lanka with a height of 263m. Your visit to Belihuloya gives you plenty of options in terms of attractions.  For the adventurer, nature lover, or curious tourist in you, Belihuloya has something for everyone.

We start early in the morning and visit a scenic waterfall and then proceed to see village life around Belihuloya. Walk through rice fields and beautiful nature and meet the locals. End the day with a nice swim in a natural pool.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Bambarakanda Waterfall

Natural pool

This morning,  we will visit Bakers Bend making a few stops on the way and including the beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints.​   

Baker’s Bend is situated in upper side of the Non Pareil Estate bordering famous wildlife reserve Horton plains. Wonderful view of low lands towards Indian Ocean , including the Samanala Wewa Reservoir,  is possible on a clear day from this view point, which is more than 1700m( 5000 feet) above sea level. This picturesque bend is surrounded by some beautiful mountains of the World's End Mountain Range.

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We will visit Haputale, a small town on the southern edge of the Sri Lankan hill country. On a clear day you can see the coastline from the mountain ridge, but on other days thick mist clings onto the deep green mountains, tea fields, we stop at local traditional Markets and feel the real life of Sri Lankan going about their day giving you a surreal experience of being surrounded by clouds. Explore the stunning surroundings of Haputale during your travels

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We continue to Ella and arrive at your hotel late afternoon and relax.   

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Bakers Bend

Haputale

We walk through a beautiful path to see the Nine Arch Bridge, a connection of two mountains also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’.  This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width, and 80-100 feet in height.  It is an amazing example of a colonial-era railway in Sri Lanka and this is located in Demodara and happens to be one of the best places to visit in Ella. 

Little Adam's Peak is an easy walk to reach the viewpoint. Climbing up the Little Adams Peak in Ella is one of the favorite activities of the tourists on their Sri Lankan holiday with majestic views and photo opportunities – it is only a leisurely 2-hour walk. Enjoy the view over the valley. 

The whole journey is very pleasing while passing through the local villages and tea plantations. End the day with a visit to Ravana Waterfalls. 

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Depart on the famous scenic train to Nuwara Eliya.  The train ride to Nuwara Eliya powers down through Sri Lanka's southern hill country, crossing the tea plantations before it winds up and disappears into the clouds, weaving in and out of the many mountain tunnels as it finally descends to Nuwara Eliya.  Allowing you to soak in the mystic vibes and cherish the beauty of slow travel.

Arrive at Nuwara Eliya and take a city tour and experience a few viewpoints before we go to the majestic Grand Hotel and enjoy the grand style and class of hotel and visit the Hill Club known as the Gentleman's club dating back in time with an Optional traditional English High Tea. Transfer to your hotel followed to relax.   

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Majestic Train ride

Nuwara Eliya city tour

During our adventure today we will visit Ramboda known for its marvellous landscapes, comprising highlands, ridges, plains, streams and hilly mountains and see the scenic Ramboda waterfall.  

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Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon is famous for its quality tea.  Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka’s lush tea-growing region, founded by the British explorer Samuel Baker in 1846 continues to give us the experience of the British colonial past with fully operational tea plantations.

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En-route we will see local families of generation to generation working in the fields of rolling hills,  picking the tea leaves by hand.  We will visit a real-time Tea processing factory to see how the tea is produced as there are many still in full operation today giving you an opportunity to taste the delights of fresh tea and the opportunity to buy to take home for family and friends.  Arrive at your hotel and unwind. 

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Ramboda Waterfall

Tea Factory

Tea Plantation

This morning we will visit one of the most stunning gardens, The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. In 1821 the park was under British rule and it then became known as the Botanical Garden. Here exotic crops such as nutmeg, tea, rubber, coffee, and cinchona are all unique and important to the country of Sri Lanka. The gardens also include a beautiful orchid house and a wide variety of plant species from all over the world.

Visit the Town of Kandy and walk among the local streets to experience local shopping.  Visit the Gem Museum to see how the gems are cultivated from beginning to end. Sri Lanka is known as one of the largest gem producers in the world and wonder the streets of Kandy.

Early evening we will attend the Sri Lankan traditional cultural show and watch the beautiful locals dancing in a rainbow of colorful Cultural costumes as they perform their dances in grace and style. 

We will then take a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It was founded back in the 16th century, it housed one of the most sacred relics of Buddhism – a tooth of Buddha collected from his funeral pyre, which is now protected within the gold-roofed Temple of the Tooth. Return to your hotel.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

The Royal Botanical Garden

Kandy city tour

Cultural Show

Temple of the Tooth

As we drive to Sigiriya we will stop at Matale and visit  the unique Spice garden growing a large variety of spices  Enjoy an informative talk about all the spices by a local qualified educational guide who explains all the natural remedies an opportunity to try and take spices and remedies home to enhance your health and wellness regime. 

We will visit Nalanda Gedige is an ancient complete stone temple near Matale and its original site is considered the geographical centre Sri Lanka. The building was constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries 

An Optional visit to Muttuariamman Temple in Matale was built in 1874.  This temple is used by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple was originally a small statue under a tree prayed to by the Hindu people but has been developed by the people in Matale.

Dambulla, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Buddhist caves perched at the top of a hill. An added bonus is the beautiful panoramic view that you get of the surrounding area.  

Visiting the stunning Cave Temples of  Dambulla, built by King Valagamba back in the 1st century BC.   Dambulla is named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Buddhist caves perched at the top of a hill.  It is worth the climb to see the 5 caves and stunning temples filled with over 150  colourful religious statues and paintings while experiencing the beautiful panoramic views. 

Then we can take a stroll through Dambulla Produce Market and discover new fruits and vegetables. Afternoon.  arrive at your hotel and have time to relax

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Spice Garden

Nalanda Gedige

Muttuariamman Temple 

Cave Temples of Dambulla

Dambulla Market

Adventures begin as we visit a local traditional village and enjoy a tractor or bullock ride through the rice plantation, making our way by boat as we enjoy the live lily pads.  We exit the boat and walk a little way to see a local farm and rice fields. 

Learn the secrets from the locals on how to cook delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry. We also have the opportunity to experience how you can hull the rice as it has been done for generations and enjoy a local traditional lunch of rice and curry, roti, and fruits.

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After lunch, we will join an adventurous Wildlife Elephant Safari 4 x 4 jeep to see the wild elephants.   This is one of the most exciting safari experiences in Sri Lanka and an opportunity to take photos up close and personal to send home and share with family and friends. Early evening return to the hotel.  

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Traditional village tour

Wildlife Elephant Safari

This morning,  after breakfast, the option to climb Pidurangala Rock, at the top, you will enjoy the amazing view of Sigiriya Lion Rock with your group, and at the top, you have candid photo opportunities. Or for those keen on history, Sigiriya is nominated among travel enthusiasts as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient rock fortress with awe-inspiring architecture.

Lion Rock’ is optional for those who wish to climb to see the fortress of Sigiriya Lion Rock’ built by King Kayapa in the 5th century. It is a spectacular 200 meters high natural formation of granite some 750 steps up and at the top, preserves the ruins of an ancient, fortified palace.

This afternoon we have a great opportunity to Cook with a Local, learn the secrets of how to cook traditional Sri Lanka curry and rice with a hands-on cooking class in a local Sri Lankan home, and enjoy the aromatic delights of what you cook.  Return to your hotel and relax.

Includes Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Pidurangala Rock

Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

Cooking class

This morning after a leisurely breakfast,  we drive to Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom, Polonnaruwa, which became Sri Lanka's capital following Anuradhapura's destruction in 993 AD. Built by King Parakramabahu I, this urban green city has seen numerous civilizations journeying through this kingdom including the Cholas, South Indian Hindu and Buddhist Sinhalese, between the 12th and 13th centuries.

Brimming with archeological treasures, the city is dotted with temples, shrines, palaces, and ruins. Explore the royal palace from the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186).

Or just a few miles west of Polonnaruwa we can choose to visit the fascinating Medirigiriya which is a lot quieter and has fewer tourists.   Dating back to the Anuradhapura period, a massive monastery complex Medirigiriya Watadageya stood here and today the main attraction is the Medirigiriya Vatadage (ancient structure). Once a place of worship, this ancient structure with a stupa in the middle was built on a small rock circled by three concentric rings of  pillars and four Buddhist statues that are all still intact.

Meander around the surroundings and see ponds, a cave, an ancient hospital, ruins, and historical artifacts. A fascinating architectural location, Medirigiriya is a fine example of a stone craft. Set in a natural reserve it offers a tranquillity that makes visiting worthwhile return to your hotel.

Time to wind down and enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage, commonly known as "Abhyanga", is a full-body massage performed using warm, medicinal oils, that aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. The idea is to stimulate specific energy points (marmas) in the body, promoting physical healing, improving circulation, and enhancing m

After a leisurely breakfast, an optional visit to the Ritigala Ancient Monastery is an extraordinary and fascinating cultural and eco-tourist site that is home to seventy rock caves that were believed to have been inhabited from the 1st century BC. A mountain range of four peaks that houses an old Buddhist monastery.

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We then continue to Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka that has earned fame for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. Transfer to the hotel and relax.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner

Ritigala Ancient Monastery

Anuradhaphura

After breakfast,  we visit the Sacred city of Anuradhapura, the first kingdom of Sri Lanka that has earned fame for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. Founded in the fourth century B.C.E., Anuradhapura served as the capital of the Anuradhapura Kingdom until the beginning of the eleventh century C.E. During that period, the city enjoyed stability. constituting one of the most durable centres of political power and urban life in South Asia. Considered sacred to the Buddhist world, monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²) surround the ancient city

After lunch, we will travel to the West Coast and we will reach our destination of Negombo fishing village. We arrive at your hotel to relax, freshen up, and after dinner,  transfer to the airport for your outward-bound flight.

Includes Breakfast/Dinner.

Anuradhaphura Ancient City

Negombo Fishing Village