Dambulla Rock Caves
Safari in Minneriya National Park
Ancient Royal City of Polonnaruwa
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Experience Sri Lanka with a Short Tour

Visit the majestic elephants and King Kassapa I's fortress on the world-famous 'Lion Rock'. For over 2000 years, kings and their sons vied for dominion while the people peacefully followed Buddhist philosophies, and the grey giants roamed the hilly forests. This tour is perfect for travellers who wish to indulge in an extensive Ayurveda therapy or beach days afterwards.

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Sri Lanka - Short Trip - Standard Hotels

3 nights, double room, half-board
from $600

Sri Lanka - Short Trip - Superior Hotels

3 nights, double room, half-board
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Sri Lanka - Short Trip - Deluxe Hotels

3 nights, double room, half-board
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Sri Lanka - Kurzreise in Detail

Tour 3 nights / 4 days

Day 1: NEGOMBO – DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA

(approx. 190 km, about 5 hours)

Pick-up from the airport in Negombo (about 40 kilometres north of the capital Colombo) or from your hotel, followed by a journey to Sigiriya. Just before reaching Sigiriya, you will visit the rock caves of Dambulla, accessible via an easy climb at about 160 m elevation. This former retreat of King Walagama houses countless Buddhist wall paintings and sculptures. Afterwards, proceed to the hotel. Overnight stay in Sigiriya. (Meals: Dinner)

Day 2: SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA – MINNERIYA – SIGIRIYA

After breakfast, travel to the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa from the 12th century AD. Visit the archaeological park with its numerous remains of residential buildings, palace and park facilities, as well as partially well-preserved stupas, temples, and the four Buddha statues carved into rock at Gal Vihara, including the 'sleeping Buddha'. In the afternoon, drive to Minneriya National Park. Here, you will switch to a jeep for a safari. Venture on narrow paths into the park to spot not only birds and deer but also the free-roaming herds of up to 50 elephants. Overnight stay in Sigiriya. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3: SIGIRIYA – KANDY

(approx. 90 km, about 3 hours)

In the morning, climb the world-famous 'Sigiriya Rock', also known as 'Lion Rock'. Secured steel pathways lead along the rock face past the 'Maidens of the Clouds', colourful wall paintings of female beauties. You will then reach the 200 m high plateau, where the remains of the fortress built in the 5th century AD by King Kassapa are to be explored. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view down into the hillscapes and forest regions. Later, depart for Kandy, the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until 1815. En route, visit the enchanting spice garden in Matale, where there is also an opportunity to purchase local products in a small shop. In the afternoon, you will reach your hotel, followed by a visit to the 'Temple of the Tooth' Sri Dalada Maligawa, which houses a tooth of Buddha in a golden shrine. This site is still a pilgrimage site and monastery today. With some luck, you may see the shrine during a ceremony, though the tooth itself is never displayed. In the evening, enjoy a performance by the Kandy Dancers. Overnight stay in Kandy. (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4: KANDY – AIRPORT (NEGOMBO)

(approx.120 km, about 4 hours)

In the morning, stroll through the markets and merchant halls of the city centre. Discover typical colonial-era buildings and winding alleys. Then, visit the Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. This magnificent park, dating back to 1371, is home to the world's second-largest tree, a fig covering about 1600 sqm of ground. Besides beautiful tropical trees and flowers, there are also many flying foxes to spot. In the afternoon, drive to your hotel on the west coast or start your extension programme. (Meals: Breakfast)

Programme subject to change.

Getting There

Additional information

Location

Sri Lanka - Kurzreise
Sri Lanka, West Coast Sri Lanka, Negombo
Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB)
approx. 128 km / 154 min

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