Known as Taprobane, Serendib and Ceylon in times past, Sri Lanka makes a claim to a proud and rich history. Cultural Tour to Sri Lanka will offer a brief look at the rich legacy and help locate the importance behind local customs and fables. Experienced Travel consultants in Tulip Holidays Sri Lanka have planned the perfect getaway for those looking to explore Sri Lanka’s Heritage and Culture.
- Cultural Highlights Tour can be customized according to your preference.
<p>On arrival at the Bandaranayake International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; Representative of Tulip Holidays Sri Lanka will welcome you and transfer to your Hotel in Colombo. Visit The Gangaramaya Temple which is a blend of Sri Lankan proud culture and modern architecture. This is situated by the scenic Beira Lake, not far from Galle Face, is one of the must-visit temples in Sri Lanka. For a chance to learn a bit about Sri Lanka history, pay a visit to the National Museum. It is the island's biggest gallery and is housed in a recorded structure. The ideal spot to end a voyage through Colombo, the huge open spread known as Galle Face Green is directly by the ocean and is a perfect spot to take in a magical sunset while enjoying Sri Lankan street food.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Colombo.</p>
<p>After Breakfast, you will be transferred to Millenium Elephant Foundation Pinnawala (2-3 hour drive).</p><p>At this place, you can enjoy your time with Asian Elephants while Feeding, Bathing and Walking with them. Elephant Riding can also be arranged upon request. do not be surprised when you get the chance to witness baby elephants being bottle-fed or see them walk around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. It is a sincerely moving sight to observe how these orphaned gentle giants are taken care of here. After spending time with elephants you will have a 30 min drive to an Ayurvedic and Herbal Garden (Free Entrance and Guide) to see the organic and endemic Ayurvedic plants and to get some knowledge about The Traditional Ayurveda. While enjoying a complimentary Ceylon Spice Tea session you can request for a complimentary Ayurvedic Head/ Neck or a Shoulder massage. Lunch can be arranged either at the Elephant Foundation or at the Herbal Garden according to your preference.</p><p></p><p>Transfer to Kandalama (3 hour drive) and overnight stay.</p>
<p>After breakfast, Head off on an Indiana Jones-like adventure as you discover the treasures of Sri Lanka’s Dambulla Temple (25 min drive). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the country’s best-preserved and biggest cave temple which has a rich history which runs all the way to the first century BC. This is called the Golden Temple of Dambulla.</p><p>Next, take a 20 min drive to witness the eighth wonder of the world. The Lion Rock which is also called the Sigiriya rock is the most important cultural attraction of Sigiriya. The Rock features the remnants of a royal palace on its summit. While ascending the rock, one will get the chance the take in frescos of lovely maidens, the mirror wall and a series of other features. </p><p>Head back to the hotel and relax your selves by enjoying the facilities provided by the hotel such as the Spa(for extra fee) and the outdoor swimming pool.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Kandalama.</p>
<p>After breakfast, you will take a 1-2 hour drive to another UNESCO World Heritage Site - The ancient city of Polonnaruwa which is the second capital of Sri Lanka. The first group of ruins you meet after entering the ground of the Ancient City is the Royal Palace Group. This group of buildings dates from the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186). The King`s Royal Palace is a massive structure, measuring 31 m by 13 m, once including 50 rooms supported by 30 columns. Even today it is quite an impressive building, but picture it being seven floors tall with 3 m thick walls, as the archaeologists claim it once was!</p><p>Visit The Sacred Quadrangle is a compact group of beautiful and impressive ruins within a raised up platform bounded by a wall. This is the most concentrated collection of buildings in the whole Ancient City, and a must-see for any visitor followed by the Shiva Dewale and Gal Viharaya.</p><p></p><p>Transfer to Kandy in the evening and overnight stay.</p>
<p>After Breakfast, you will be off to see The Ceylon Tea Factory and Plantation in Hanthana (15-30 min drive) where you will learn about Ceylon Tea Plantation and Manufacturing process (FREE). Next, explore the Sri Lankan Gems by stepping into the Sri Lankan Gem Museum (FREE) en route to The Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, a historic temple that houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Enjoy the beauty of the Kandy Lake Round and the city in the evening by wandering around this royal city. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, this city was the final royal capital of Sri Lankan kings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a rich culture, history and heritage and attracts travellers from around the world.</p><p>Kandy city viewpoint is a place where you can see the whole city from one place. You will decide on the place you take your Lunch. Alternatively, take a stroll amidst the vibrant colour of the fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy Market. Fine-tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming amplified by a cultural show that enhances the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Kandy.</p>
<p>You can have a River Bath (Safe for even children) or a Swim in the outdoor swimming pool early morning according to your preference and after breakfast, you will be given a Sri Lankan village tour where you can get a chance to see a trending topic nowadays in social media, Sri Lankan Village Life. You may see the Rubber Cultivations, walk through the Paddy fields. Learn to cook (FREE) exceptionally delicious traditional Sri Lankan food (Rice with 4 Curries) inside a village house and this classic Sri Lankan Meal will be your lunch (FREE). This is your truly Sri Lankan holiday experience.</p><p>After lunch, you may walk (15 - 30 Minutes) to the Shrine in the village which will give you a truly Sri Lankan village life experience. You will spend the whole day in the village with your guide from the same village.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in a Nature Resort inside the same village in Pinnawala</p>
<p>After breakfast, you will be transferred to Colombo in time for your flight back or to a Beach Hotel you prefer, bringing to an end of an unforgettable adventure through Sri Lankan Culture and proud history.</p>