Sri Lanka3 days
Sri Lanka: Kandy, Dambulla & Sigiriya — 3 Days
Temple visits, rock fortress climb, and wildlife safari across Sri Lanka's central highlands
This three-day itinerary moves through Sri Lanka's cultural heartland, beginning in Kandy with the Temple of the Tooth Relic and progressing to the cave temples of Dambulla and the fifth-century rock fortress of Sigiriya. The route includes a safari in Minneriya National Park and concludes with a village tour by bullock cart. Transfers between each location cover approximately 3 to 4 hours by road, with accommodation in Kandy and Habarana.
Highlights
- Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site
- Dambulla Cave Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating to the second and third centuries BC
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former palace of King Kassapa
- Evening safari in Minneriya National Park for wildlife viewing
- Village tour and bullock cart ride through rural Sri Lankan countryside
Day by day
1Colombo to Kandy: Temple of the Tooth RelicColombo to Kandy · Temple of the Tooth Relic · Hotel Thilanka
The journey begins with a driver pickup in Colombo for a three-hour transfer northward to Kandy. Upon arrival, a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic takes place — the most venerated religious site in Sri Lanka, where a relic of Buddha's tooth is housed and worshipped. Overnight accommodation is at Hotel Thilanka.
2Dambulla Caves, Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Minneriya SafariSigiriya Rock Fortress · Habarana · Dambulla Cave Temple · Minneriya National Park · Sorowwa Resort & Spa
Following breakfast, a three-hour transfer east to Habarana precedes visits to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Dambulla Cave Temple is a complex of five caves carved into rock, with wall paintings and Buddha statues dating to the second and third centuries BC. Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site, was the palace and pleasure garden of King Kassapa. An evening safari in Minneriya National Park follows, where wildlife including elephants, sambar deer, and crocodiles can be spotted. Overnight stay is at Sorowwa Resort & Spa in Habarana.
3Village Tour and Return to ColomboColombo · rural life in the region
After breakfast, a bullock cart ride and village tour offer views of rural life in the region. The day concludes with a four-hour transfer back to Colombo.
Where you go
- 1Temple of the Tooth Relic
- 2Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- 3Habarana
- 4Dambulla Cave Temple
- 5Minneriya National Park
- 6Colombo
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Prices may vary plus/minus depending on the season
- Accommodation and meals (For 2 Adults)
- 1 night in Hotel Thilanka on Bed and Breakfast basis
- 1 night in Sorowwa Resort & Spa on Bed and Breakfast basis