Uncover Artistic Wonders from Temples to Crafts, a Journey of Inspiration

• Upon your arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport, you'll be greeted with a warm and gracious welcome by our dedicated Travel Arcade representative. From the airport, we'll escort you to the enchanting city of Dambulla, where your memorable journey commences. (Traveling time approximately 3 to 3.5 hours)
• Check in to the hotel and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Dambulla, relishing a moment of relaxation and renewal after your journey.
• Overnight stay in Dambulla.

• After a delightful breakfast, embark on a captivating journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya.
• Explore the captivating museum within Sigiriya's natural fortress, where ancient stories come to life, enhancing your memorable adventure.
• As the sun sets, explore the magnificent Dambulla Rock Cave Temple and its exquisite Wall Paintings.
• Overnight stay in Colombo.

Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress in the heart of Central Province, unveils a captivating history. Rising nearly 200 meters high, it bore King Kashyapa's visionary palace adorned with vibrant frescoes at its summit. The lion-shaped gateway, 'Sinhagiri,' halfway up, adds to its grandeur. Left behind after the king's time, it remained a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century, preserving both its ancient planning and the mesmerizing fresco paintings that adorn its walls, a timeless treasure of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage.

Dambulla Cave Temple, often referred to as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to Sri Lanka's rich heritage. This remarkable temple complex, dating back to the first century BC, graces the landscape with its grandeur. Comprising five caves of varying size and splendor, it houses an array of awe-inspiring statues and intricate paintings that narrate the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Notably, the murals adorn an expansive area of 2,100 square meters (23,000 sq ft), bringing the history and artistry of this sacred site to life.

• Following a delicious breakfast, set out on a journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, where you'll explore its fascinating archaeological sites and immerse yourself in the rich history at the museum. (Traveling time approximately 1.5 hours)
• Upon your arrival, you'll be offered the option of embarking on a leisurely cycling trip or a scenic walking tour through the historic Polonnaruwa ancient city.
• Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Polonnaruwa, a meticulously planned archaeological marvel, stands as a testament to the remarkable discipline and grandeur of the ancient kingdoms that once reigned here. Originally established by the Cholas in the 10th century under the name 'Jananathapuram,' it encompasses not only the Brahmanic structures built by the Cholas but also the awe-inspiring ruins of the enchanting garden city envisioned by Prakramabahu I in the 12th century. This illustrious Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has rightfully earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its pristine beauty and harmonious design, making it one of the most enchanting and immaculate cities in the country.

• After breakfast, continue to discover the historical and cultural wonders of Anuradhapura. (Traveling time approximately 1.5 hours)
• Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Anuradhapura, situated in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, is a venerable city steeped in history, dating back over 2,500 years. As a former capital, it boasts awe-inspiring ancient stupas like Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya, and the sacred Bodhi Tree, revered as a descendant of the Buddha's enlightenment tree. Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its archaeological wonders and profound Buddhist heritage. Today, it continues to draw pilgrims and tourists seeking to explore its spiritual and cultural treasures, making it an essential stop for those eager to uncover the roots of Sri Lanka's civilization.

• Embark on a scenic journey to Kandy after a delightful breakfast, with a captivating detour to explore a wood carving and painting workshop, punctuated by a picturesque pause at a charming Hindu Temple for a photo opportunity. (Traveling time approximately 3 hours)
• Check into your hotel and take a moment to refresh.
• In the evening, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kandy by visiting the esteemed Temple of the Tooth Relic, exploring its accompanying museum, and then delight in the vibrant and rhythmic traditions of the city with an enchanting traditional Kandyan dance performance.
• Overnight stay in Kandy.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, situated in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Buddhism's holiest shrines. It enshrines a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of Lord Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. Encased within an ornate golden casket, the tooth relic is housed in a magnificent temple complex with intricate Kandyan architecture. The temple's serene surroundings and cultural importance make it a mesmerizing and spiritually significant destination in the heart of Sri Lanka.

• After a delightful breakfast, set out on a captivating exploration of the Gladaladenya, Lankatilaka, and Embekka temples, immersing yourself in the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. (Traveling time approximately 30 minutes)
• Overnight stay in Kandy.

Gadaladeniya Temple, constructed in 1344 by King Buwanekabahu IV, stands apart from traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist temples due to its Dravidian architectural influence and Oriental charm, featuring a unique roofed dagoba on four pillars, a seated Lord Buddha statue, four additional Buddha statues, intricate interior sculptures, frescoes depicting Buddha's stories, a Dragon Arch adorned with Gods Suyama, Sathusta, and Natha, and a shrine room dedicated to God Vishnu, making it a highly frequented attraction in Kandy for its distinctive architecture, ornate frescoes, and scenic location.

Lankatilaka Temple, dating back to the Gampola Kingdom era and constructed in 1344 AD by King Buwanekabahu IV, was designed by South Indian architect Sthapati Rayar, blending Sinhalese, Dravidian, and Indo-Chinese architectural styles according to the late Professor Paranavitana, featuring a Gedige-style Polonnaruwa architecture with a granite-based foundation on uneven rock terrain, and today, only the Ground Floor and part of the First Floor remain of the original four-story structure, adorned with paintings depicting the lives of the twenty-four previous Buddhas in the image house's surrounding walls.

Embekke Devalaya in Kandy, constructed by King Vikramabahu IV in the Gampola Kingdom era, is renowned for its exceptional wood carvings, considered the country's finest, and features three distinct areas: the Hevisi Mandapaya (Drummer’s Hall), Digge (Dancing Hall), and Garagha (sanctum), originally a three-story structure, now showcasing remarkable, intricate carvings that offer a glimpse into the exceptional architecture of that period.

• Following breakfast, continue your journey to Galle, making a stop to visit the Kelaniya Temple en route. (Traveling time approximately 5.5 hours)
• Check into your hotel and take a moment to refresh.
• In the evening, indulge in the charms of Galle with a delightful city tour.
• Overnight stay in Galle.

Kelaniya Temple, situated along the Kelaniya River, holds immense significance as one of Sri Lanka's holiest sites, where it is believed that Buddha, accompanied by 500 Arahats, visited on Wesak day in Buddhist Era 2531, delivering the Dhamma and preventing a war between kings Chulodara and Mahodara over a jewel-encrusted throne; the temple, known as Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, boasts well-preserved Kandyan era paintings and later modern artwork by Soliyas Mendis, depicting essential events in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Galle Fort in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage. Some of the important heritage monuments in the fort are the Dutch Reformed Church, with its historic belfry dated 1707 and cast in 1709, which rang every hour. The old Dutch government house, residence of the Commander, Great Warehouse, Old Dutch Hospital, Clock Tower and the Galle Lighthouse are some other monuments in Galle fort. is this correct

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast, continue your journey to Colombo, making captivating stops along the way to explore the Ambalangoda Mask Factory, where intricate traditional masks come to life, and the iconic Geoffrey Bawa House, a testament to innovative architecture and design. (Traveling time approximately 2.5 hours)
• Overnight stay in Colombo.

Mask making is a popular tradition in Ambalangoda. These masks fall into three categories. They are known as ‘Kolam’, ‘Raksha’ and ‘Sanni’. ‘Kolam’ masks tells the mocking stories of traditional Sri Lankan colonial life. ‘Raksha’ mask is used in festivals and processions. And ‘Sanni’ masks are used to heal people of persisting illnesses believed to be inflicted by demons.

Geoffrey Bawa is Sri Lanka’s most prolific and influential architect. His work has had a tremendous impact upon architecture throughout Asia and is unanimously acclaimed by connoisseurs of architecture worldwide. Every turn and every bend in Bawa’s country home is an interesting experience – with so many exotic plants and trees and views to take in throughout the distinct homes and garden. The house itself is sparse but beautiful, full of impressive paintings and photographs of a bygone age.

• Indulge in a captivating city tour of vibrant Colombo, the modern urban hub of Sri Lanka, and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the Air Gallery, all after a delightful breakfast.
• Overnight stay in Colombo.

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. That heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. Colombo's geography is a mix of land and water. The city has many canals and, in the heart of the city, the 65-hectare Beira Lake. The lake is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Colombo and was used for centuries by colonists to defend the city. The imposing Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history, borders sprawling Viharamahadevi Park and its giant Buddha.

• Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel.
• Depending on your departure time, proceed to the Airport for your onward journey. (Traveling time approximately 1.5 hours)